Merchantville New JerseyATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Merchantville, New Jersey.
1. Eclipse Brewing
CRAFT BEER DESTINATION
Eclipse Brewing is a popular craft brewery in Merchantville that offers a variety of unique, locally-made beers. Visitors can enjoy tasting flights in the taproom while learning about the brewing process from knowledgeable staff. The brewery frequently hosts special events and has become a gathering place for both locals and beer enthusiasts traveling through the area.
2. Aunt Charlotte's Candies
HISTORIC SWEET SHOP
Aunt Charlotte's Candies is a beloved local institution specializing in handcrafted chocolates and confections made using time-honored recipes. The shop offers everything from chocolate-covered treats to specialty seasonal items that have delighted customers for generations. Visitors can watch candymaking demonstrations and purchase beautifully packaged gifts for any occasion.
3. Pinsetter Bar and Bowl
UPSCALE BOWLING EXPERIENCE
Pinsetter Bar and Bowl combines classic bowling with an upscale dining and drinking experience in Merchantville. The venue features modern lanes, a full-service bar offering craft cocktails, and a menu of elevated pub fare that goes beyond typical bowling alley food. It's a popular spot for both family outings during the day and adult entertainment in the evenings.
4. Peak Secondhand
VINTAGE TREASURE HUNTING
Peak Secondhand is a curated vintage and secondhand shop offering unique clothing, accessories, and home goods. The store specializes in carefully selected items that combine quality, style, and sustainability for environmentally conscious shoppers. Treasure hunters can find everything from retro fashion pieces to one-of-a-kind home decor that tells a story.
5. Merchantville Historic District
ARCHITECTURAL TIME CAPSULE
The Merchantville Historic District showcases a collection of well-preserved buildings reflecting the architectural styles and historical development of the area. Spanning several blocks, this district serves as a bridge connecting past and present with structures dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Visitors can stroll through the neighborhood to appreciate the diverse architectural heritage that captures the evolution of suburban life in the region.
6. Liberty Bell Center
AMERICAN FREEDOM SYMBOL
The Liberty Bell Center houses the iconic Liberty Bell, one of America's most significant historical artifacts and a symbol of freedom. Visitors can view the famous cracked bell up close and learn about its journey from functional bell to powerful national icon through interactive exhibits. The center offers both self-guided exploration and ranger-led programs that delve into the bell's role in American history.
7. Museum of the American Revolution
REVOLUTIONARY WAR HERITAGE
The Museum of the American Revolution offers an immersive journey through the complete story of America's founding conflict. Though compact in appearance, the museum delivers a powerful exhibition experience with artifacts, interactive displays, and detailed recreations of revolutionary scenes. A visit guides guests chronologically through the history of the American Revolution, bringing to life the struggles and triumphs of those who fought for independence.
8. Love Park
ICONIC URBAN SPACE
Love Park, officially known as JFK Plaza, is famous for its LOVE sculpture that has become an enduring symbol of Philadelphia. The park serves as a central gathering place for residents and visitors alike, featuring a large fountain and renovated public spaces. It's a popular spot for photos, picnics, and special events throughout the year, offering a moment of respite in the midst of the urban landscape.
9. Eastern State Penitentiary
HISTORIC PRISON MUSEUM
Eastern State Penitentiary is a former prison turned museum that operated from 1829 to 1971 and once housed notorious criminals like Al Capone. The imposing facility features seven star-shaped, two-story cell blocks surrounded by a castle-like exterior wall that revolutionized prison design worldwide. Today, visitors can explore the hauntingly beautiful ruins through daytime historic tours or the popular seasonal Halloween attraction that transforms the prison into a terrifying haunted house.
10. Camden Adventure Aquarium
UNDERWATER MARINE EXPERIENCE
Camden Adventure Aquarium offers visitors the chance to explore marine life through immersive exhibits featuring over 15,000 aquatic species. Highlights include a 40-foot shark tunnel, touch tanks where guests can interact with stingrays and sharks, and one of the largest collections of sharks on the East Coast. The aquarium also features penguin encounters, hippo exhibits, and daily shows that educate visitors about ocean conservation and marine biology.
11. Haddonfield Historic District
CHARMING COLONIAL TOWN
Haddonfield Historic District encompasses a well-preserved colonial town center with buildings dating back to the 18th century. The picturesque main street features boutique shops, art galleries, and restaurants housed within historic structures that maintain their original charm. Visitors can enjoy self-guided walking tours to explore the area's rich history, including the site where the Hadrosaurus foulkii dinosaur fossil was discovered in 1858.
12. Cooper River Park
RECREATIONAL WATERFRONT OASIS
Cooper River Park spans 346 acres across multiple towns with a centerpiece 3.7-mile loop trail surrounding the Cooper River. The park is renowned for its Olympic-quality rowing course that hosts prestigious regattas and provides opportunities for kayaking, fishing, and other water activities. Visitors can also enjoy picnic areas, playgrounds, sculpture gardens, and seasonal events like cherry blossom festivals and outdoor concerts.
13. Pennsauken Country Club
PUBLIC GOLF EXPERIENCE
Pennsauken Country Club offers an accessible 18-hole golf experience open to the public with well-maintained fairways and challenging greens. The club features a driving range, practice facilities, and professional instruction for golfers of all skill levels. After a round, visitors can enjoy the clubhouse restaurant and bar that serves casual American fare with views overlooking the course.
14. The Pub
LANDMARK DINING INSTITUTION
The Pub is a legendary local restaurant known for its prime rib, seafood, and classic American fare served in a distinctive Tudor-style building. Established in 1951, this family-owned institution maintains old-world charm with its dark wood paneling, stained glass, and traditional service style. The restaurant features multiple dining rooms, a cocktail lounge, and an extensive salad bar that has made it a go-to destination for special occasions and family gatherings for generations.
15. Cherry Hill Mall
PREMIER SHOPPING DESTINATION
Cherry Hill Mall is a landmark shopping center that opened in 1961 as the first enclosed mall on the East Coast. Today, the upscale shopping destination features over 130 specialty stores, department store anchors, and a diverse selection of dining options ranging from quick-service to full-service restaurants. The mall regularly hosts community events, seasonal displays, and special shopping experiences that attract visitors from throughout the region.