Westville New JerseyATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Westville, New Jersey.
1. Westville Brewery
CRAFT BEER EXPERIENCE
Westville Brewery is a popular local craft brewery offering unique beer varieties in a welcoming atmosphere. Visitors can sample freshly brewed beers while learning about the brewing process from knowledgeable staff. The brewery often hosts special events and food trucks to complement their beverage offerings.
2. LOLA's Menagerie
UNIQUE ANIMAL EXPERIENCE
LOLA's Menagerie offers visitors a chance to interact with a variety of exotic and domestic animals in an educational setting. This family-friendly attraction provides guided tours and hands-on experiences with their animal residents. Visitors particularly enjoy the personalized attention and learning about wildlife conservation efforts.
3. Schileens Pub
CLASSIC AMERICAN PUB
Schileens Pub serves as a beloved local gathering spot offering hearty American pub fare and a wide selection of beverages. The establishment features a welcoming atmosphere with friendly service that keeps patrons returning regularly. Their menu includes classic comfort foods alongside daily specials prepared with quality ingredients.
4. Westville Wildlife Refuge
HISTORIC NATURAL SANCTUARY
Westville Wildlife Refuge preserves a serene natural area with historic significance, including land that once held an elaborate amusement park. Visitors can explore peaceful trails while spotting local wildlife such as white-tailed deer and red-tailed hawks in the wetland areas. The refuge contains fascinating ruins and has been the site of archaeological discoveries including Native American artifacts.
5. Speranza Wood-Fired Italian Kitchen
AUTHENTIC ITALIAN DINING
Speranza Wood-Fired Italian Kitchen delights diners with authentic Italian cuisine cooked in traditional wood-fired ovens. The restaurant is known for its expertly crafted pizzas, pasta dishes, and other Italian specialties made with fresh ingredients. Their welcoming atmosphere and attentive service make it a favorite dining destination for both locals and visitors.
6. Timber Creek Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
Timber Creek Park offers extensive outdoor recreational opportunities just a short drive from Westville. The park features hiking trails, fishing spots, and open spaces perfect for picnicking and family gatherings. Visitors appreciate the well-maintained facilities and the chance to connect with nature so close to urban areas.
7. Battleship New Jersey Museum
HISTORIC NAVAL LANDMARK
Battleship New Jersey Museum provides an immersive experience aboard America's most decorated battleship, located just minutes from Westville. Visitors can explore multiple decks of this massive naval vessel and learn about its storied service history through interactive exhibits. The museum offers both self-guided tours and guided experiences led by knowledgeable docents, many of whom are veterans.
8. Eastern State Penitentiary
HISTORIC PRISON TOURS
Eastern State Penitentiary stands as a haunting historic site near Westville where visitors can explore America's most famous abandoned prison. The massive stone structure, once the world's most expensive prison, now offers audio tours narrated by actor Steve Buscemi that guide guests through the crumbling cellblocks and yards. Beyond regular historical tours, the site hosts the popular seasonal attraction 'Terror Behind the Walls' during Halloween season.
9. Grabbe's Seafood Restaurant
FRESH SEAFOOD DINING
Grabbe's Seafood Restaurant specializes in fresh, locally-sourced seafood prepared with traditional and contemporary cooking techniques. The restaurant offers a relaxed dining environment where patrons can enjoy everything from classic fish and chips to elaborate seafood platters. Their dedicated staff ensures each dish highlights the natural flavors of their quality ingredients.
10. Piston Diner
CLASSIC AMERICAN DINER
Piston Diner brings the classic American diner experience to Westville with its comprehensive menu of comfort foods served throughout the day. The establishment features traditional booth seating in a nostalgic atmosphere that appeals to families and individuals alike. Visitors praise their generous portions, reasonable prices, and vegetarian-friendly options that satisfy a variety of dietary preferences.
11. South Jersey Wine And Brew Tours
GUIDED TASTING EXPERIENCES
South Jersey Wine And Brew Tours offers guided excursions to the region's finest wineries and breweries from their Westville base. Each tour provides transportation, expert commentary, and curated tasting experiences at multiple venues throughout Southern New Jersey. Participants enjoy learning about local wine and beer production while sampling a variety of craft beverages in a social atmosphere.
12. Pisker's Bakery
TRADITIONAL BAKED GOODS
Pisker's Bakery delights customers with freshly made pastries, breads, and desserts prepared using time-honored recipes. The family-owned establishment creates everything from simple breakfast items to elaborate custom cakes for special occasions. Their commitment to quality ingredients and traditional baking methods has earned them a loyal following in the Westville community.
13. Independence Hall
AMERICAN HISTORY LANDMARK
Independence Hall stands as one of America's most significant historical buildings just a short drive from Westville, where both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were debated and adopted. Visitors can take guided tours of the Assembly Room where the founding fathers worked to forge the documents that shaped the nation. The UNESCO World Heritage site anchors Independence National Historical Park, which includes numerous other important landmarks from America's founding era.
14. Adventure Aquarium
INTERACTIVE MARINE EXPERIENCE
Adventure Aquarium houses over 15,000 aquatic species in innovative exhibits just minutes from Westville across the Delaware River. Visitors can walk through underwater tunnels, touch stingrays, and even encounter hippos at this world-class aquatic facility. The aquarium's Shark Bridge, the longest V-shaped rope suspension bridge in the world, offers thrill-seekers a unique perspective suspended directly above circling sharks.
15. Red Bank Battlefield Park
HISTORIC RIVERFRONT PARK
Red Bank Battlefield Park preserves the site of an important Revolutionary War battle while offering scenic views of the Delaware River near Westville. The 44-acre park features the historic Whitall House, a restored 18th-century Quaker homestead that served as a field hospital during the Battle of Red Bank. Visitors can enjoy picnic areas, fishing spots, and interpretive trails that highlight both the natural environment and the area's significant military history.