United States

Old Tappan

Old Tappan

Old Tappan is a small borough located in Bergen County, New Jersey, United States. It is situated in the northern part of the state and is…

Best for you if…

  • A 4–5 day trip
  • Walkable sightseeing
  • Outdoor activities travelers
  • Historical sites travelers
  • Visiting in Summer
Recommended stay
3-5 days
Best time
Summer
Walkability
Compact
Guide depth
Deep guide
More about this guide

Old Tappan is a strong pick for outdoor activities & historical sites — plan about 3-5 days, with sights close enough to walk between. Peak season: Summer.

Deep guide guide · about 4 min to read · depth score 90/100 (coverage of intro, tips, and mapped places)

Compact density — Walkable and compact — many sights sit close together. (≈6.4 km span)

27 Places to explore
3-5 Recommended days
Summer Best season
8 Nearby places

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When to go

High season: Summer

JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC

Best months for lower-cost travel: January · February · November · December

Weather

Fall

50°F - 70°F

Spring

50°F - 70°F

Summer

70°F - 90°F

Winter

20°F - 40°F

How to get there

How to Reach Old Tappan in the United States

Located in Bergen County, New Jersey, Old Tappan is a charming borough that offers a tranquil escape from the bustling city life. If you are planning a visit to this picturesque town, here are a few ways to reach Old Tappan:

By Air:

The nearest major airport to Old Tappan is Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), which is approximately 30 miles away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or rent a car to reach Old Tappan. Alternatively, you can also take a connecting flight to Teterboro Airport (TEB), which is just 10 miles away from Old Tappan.

By Train:

Old Tappan does not have a train station within its boundaries. However, you can take a train to the nearby towns of Westwood or Montvale, which are both serviced by the New Jersey Transit. From there, you can hire a taxi or use a ridesharing service to reach Old Tappan.

By Car:

If you prefer driving, Old Tappan is easily accessible via major highways. From New York City, you can take the George Washington Bridge and follow the signs for the Palisades Interstate Parkway North. Continue on the parkway until you reach Exit 5, which will lead you to Old Tappan Road.

By Bus:

The Rockland Coaches and Coach USA provide bus services to Old Tappan from various locations in New Jersey and New York. You can check their schedules and routes to find the most convenient option for your journey.

By Bicycle:

If you are an avid cyclist, you can also reach Old Tappan by bicycle. The town is well-connected to the surrounding areas through bike-friendly roads and trails. Just make sure to plan your route in advance and follow all traffic rules for a safe and enjoyable ride.

Regardless of the mode of transportation you choose, reaching Old Tappan is relatively straightforward. Once you arrive, you will be greeted with its serene atmosphere, beautiful parks, and friendly community, making your visit a memorable one.

Getting to know Old Tappan

Old Tappan is a small borough located in Bergen County, New Jersey, United States. It is situated in the northern part of the state and is bordered by the towns of River Vale, Harrington Park, and Emerson. With a population of approximately 5,750 residents, Old Tappan offers a close-knit community feel while still being within commuting distance to the bustling city of New York.

One of the defining features of Old Tappan is its rich history. The borough was originally settled by Dutch colonists in the 17th century and was named after the Tappan Native American tribe that resided in the area. Today, many historic buildings and landmarks can still be found throughout the borough, including the Old Tappan Reformed Church, which dates back to 1724, and the Tappan Historic District, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

In addition to its historical significance, Old Tappan offers a range of recreational activities and amenities for residents and visitors to enjoy. The borough is home to several parks and green spaces, such as the Old Tappan Golf Course and the Old Tappan Swim Club, which provide opportunities for outdoor activities like golfing, swimming, and picnicking. The nearby Harrington Park Reservoir also offers beautiful views and walking trails for nature enthusiasts.

Old Tappan is known for its excellent school system, which is consistently ranked among the top in the state. The Northern Valley Regional High School at Old Tappan, serving students from Old Tappan and neighboring towns, has received numerous accolades for its academic achievements and extracurricular programs. This, along with the borough's safe and family-friendly environment, makes it an attractive place for families to settle down and raise children.

Pre-trip checklist

Compiled from local tips, stay length, and season notes.

Local tips

  • Try hiking in Old Tappan Park for stunning views
  • Visit the Old Tappan Historical Society for a glimpse into the town's past
  • Explore the local boutiques and antique shops for unique finds
  • Don't miss trying the local cuisine at Old Tappan's renowned restaurants

Places worth exploring

27 places mapped for this destination

0–1
1–3
3–8
8–20
20+

Walking loops

Evening strolls, half-days, and fuller day loops — clustered by proximity.

Suggested 3-day outline

Places ordered by proximity into day buckets. Add what you like to your trip.

Frequently asked questions

Answers compiled from stay length, season, and local tips for this guide.

How many days do you need in Old Tappan?

Most travelers spend about 3-5 days in Old Tappan, United States.

When is the best time to visit Old Tappan?

High season is typically Summer.

Which months are more budget-friendly in Old Tappan?

Travelers often find better value in January, February, November, December.

What kind of trip is Old Tappan good for?

Old Tappan suits Outdoor activities, Historical sites, Shopping, Dining.

Is Old Tappan walkable?

Walkable and compact — many sights sit close together.

Any local tips for Old Tappan?

Try hiking in Old Tappan Park for stunning views

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Multi-city ideas

Nearby combinations sharing travel styles. See all routes

  • Old Tappan → Northvale → Tappan · ≈5 km
  • Old Tappan → Northvale → Sparkill · ≈6 km
  • Old Tappan → Harrington Park → Northvale · ≈6 km

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