Top 8 Things to Do in Collingswood, New Jersey

Located only 5 miles outside of center city Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the cool small town of Collingswood, New Jersey, is a vibrant community filled with much to see and do. Throughout the year, it attracts visitors, as its bustling downtown area is home to a variety of great restaurants, shops, galleries, and over 100 acres of green space if you wish to explore the outdoors. Easy to access by train, there’s a Collingswood stop on the PATCO high-speed line, with a station that’s walkable to the center of town. In Southern New Jersey, Collingswood is also a top place to go for a lot of fun events, as it hosts street fairs during the warmer months and a popular weekly farm market.

01 of 08

Stroll Around Newtown Lake Park

Newton Lake Park in Collingswood, NJ

Marla Cimini

Address
Haddon Township, NJ 08107, USA
Phone +1 866-226-3362

Get a taste of the outdoors at this lovely yet low-key park surrounding Newton Lake is a great place to walk, jog or enjoy nature. This park features a 3-mile loop, with several playgrounds, a few footbridges, a flat paved pathway (around most of the park), and plenty of benches. You’re sure to see some wildlife here, too, as the lake is home to ducks, birds, squirrels, and turtles. There’s not a parking lot, but there is a lot of free parking around the perimeter.

02 of 08

Shop Along the Main Drag

View of Collingswood Commercial Historic District

Saucemaster, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

A unique and laid-back shopping destination, Collingswood is home to many individually-owned shops, and the locals here love to support these small businesses. It’s easy to spend a few hours perusing the wide array of creative retail stores along Haddon Avenue, which is considered the main drag here. You will find everything here—from food products and vinyl records to artwork to custom jewelry. A few favorites include Aenigma Jewelry, All Fired Up (paint your own pottery), Arts Plus Gallery, a fun art studio, and Blue Moon Premium Olive Oils and Vinegar.

03 of 08

See a Concert at a Historical Theater

Scottish Rite auditorium

Courtesy of The Scottish Rite Auditorium

Address
315 White Horse Pike, Collingswood, NJ 08107-1907, USA
Phone +1 856-858-1000

The historic Scottish Rite Theater in Collingswood is a fantastic place to see a show. It usually features a great roster of local and national acts throughout the year. It’s a small theater, so the ambiance is intimate, and the sightlines and acoustics are wonderful. Best of all, every seat here offers a fantastic view of the stage. If you wish to catch a musical event, be sure to book your tickets in advance, as this is a popular venue!

04 of 08

Sip a Cup of Artisanal Coffee

Sign for Revolution Coffee

Courtesy of Revolution Coffee Roasters

Address
809 Haddon Ave, Collingswood, NJ 08108, USA
Phone +1 856-240-0640

Revolution Coffee is a favorite local spot to grab a flavorful cup of coffee made with exceptional beans. The fair-trade beans are roasted on-site, and the café’s rustic ambiance is a relaxing spot to sit and enjoy your beverage. (Outdoor seating available in the warmer months). Bags of coffee are also available for purchase—and keep an eye out for Revolution’s limited-edition varieties, which may feature special beans from a variety of places around the world.

Continue to 5 of 8 below.
05 of 08

Dine in Some Great Restaurants

Plate of Charcuteries from Villa Barome

Courtesy of Villa Barone

Collingswood is the epicenter for fantastic restaurants in Southern New Jersey, and Haddon Avenue is the hub of activity. Featuring various culinary options, you can find Italian, Indian, Thai, Japanese, Chinese, Mexican, fast-casual—and many other dining options, all within a short walk.

Although Collingswood is a “dry” town, you are welcome to “BYOB” or Bring your own bottle of wine, beer, or other spirits when you dine at many of the eateries here. A few local favorites include Sabrina’s Café, Villa Barrone, and the Pop Shop, which is especially popular with families with young children.

06 of 08

Enjoy the Weekly Farmers Market

Heriloom cherry tomatoes at the Collingswood Farmers Market

Courtesy of The Collingswood Farmers Market

Address
713 N Atlantic Ave, Collingswood, NJ 08108, USA

One of the area’s largest and most well-known farmers markets is in Collingswood. Located at the train station (and within walking distance of the center of town), the market features produce and other products from local farmers and regional vendors.

In mid-summer, it’s the best place to get the famous “Jersey tomatoes,” along with sweet corn and blueberries—among other delights. There’s usually live music and some prepared foods as well. The market runs from May through November.

07 of 08

Sip Beer at a Brewery

Address
1 Powell Ln, Collingswood, NJ 08108, USA
Phone +1 856-425-2520

Collingswood is home to Devil’s Creek Brewery that serves up a variety of award-winning beers. Visit their 900-square-foot tasting room that features indoor and outdoor seating on nicer days. Some of Devil’s creek especially creative brews include Sweet Potato Pie (a yam ale); Dunkel Bock; and Crushable (a Belgian pale ale). Although Collingswood is technically a “dry town,” and food is not permitted to be sold here, this brewery is open and operates Wednesday through Sunday. Customers are encouraged to bring their own food or place a delivery from their own phone while here.

08 of 08

Explore Cooper River Park

Cooper River Park

Marla Cimin

Address
N Park Dr, Pennsauken Township, NJ 08109, USA
Phone +1 856-216-2117

Collingswood’s largest park is Cooper River Park, and it’s always a hub of activity. At about 5 miles around, this expansive green space is a great place to walk, bike, or run around the Cooper River any time of day. You’ll also see several statues, sculptures, and historical sites here. If you love the water, you can canoe, kayak, take sailing lessons or perhaps watch a rowing competition on select weekends (but no swimming allowed). Cooper River Park is a family-friendly spot, as well, as there is a playground, a running track, and plenty of benches and picnic tables encircling the water. It’s a great place to watch the sunset over the Philadelphia skyline (at a distance).

Back to List

Top 8 Things to Do in Collingswood, New Jersey