The Westfield center is around 5 miles south of The Mall at Short Hills and 6 miles north of Metropark Amtrak Station.
Westfield experiences warm, humid summers and extremely cold winters. Typically, the temperature varies from 25 degrees to 87 degrees over the course of a year and seldom dips below 11 degrees or exceeds 95 degrees. If you're planning to spend a lot of time outdoors during your trip, the best time to visit Westfield is from late May to late September, when average temperatures range from the mid-60s to high-70s.
It's important to note that Westfield receives an especially large influx of tourists from July to September. During peak season, most hotels in the area charge higher rates, which can significantly bump up your travel costs. However, you can save money by making reservations at least several weeks in advance. If you want to keep your travel costs low and avoid the crowds, consider visiting Westfield in May or June.
If you're an AAA member, you can get lower rates at Best Western Plus Murray Hill Hotel and Suites. This hotel is about 4 miles northwest of Westfield in New Providence, 3 miles from The Mall at Short Hills, and 7 miles from Morris Museum. All its 76 rooms are equipped with complimentary Wi-Fi, cable programming, 42-inch flat-screen televisions, refrigerators, microwaves, safes, and hair dryers. On-site amenities include a sauna, fitness center, restaurant, business center, and free area shuttle.
Hilton Garden Inn Springfield, New Jersey offers discounted rates to government employees and military personnel. Situated 2 miles northeast of Westfield in Springfield, this hotel is a mile from Echo Lake Park, 2 miles from Watchung Reservation, and 4 miles from The Mall at Short Hills. It has 170 rooms with complimentary wired and wireless internet connection, LCD televisions, premium television channels, iPod docking stations, refrigerators, and safes. Additionally, it offers amenities such as an indoor pool, fitness center, barbecue grills, on-site restaurant, business center, and conference facilities.
If you want to stay at a quality hotel that offers reasonable rates, check out Holiday Inn Clark - Newark Area. Located about 3 miles southeast of Westfield in Clark, this contemporary hotel is a mile from Rahway River Park, 3 miles from Ash Brook Golf Club, and 5 miles from Thomas Edison Center at Menlo Park. It features 192 air-conditioned rooms with free wired and wireless internet connection, satellite programming, flat-screen televisions, video-game consoles, refrigerators, and safes. Available amenities include an outdoor pool, fitness center, newsstand, on-site restaurant, business center, and conference facilities.
Homewood Suites Newark-Cranford is another great option for value seekers. This three-star suburban hotel is situated 3 miles east of Westfield in Cranford, 2 miles from Crane-Phillips House Museum, 3 miles from Shackamaxon Country Club, and 5 miles from Ponderosa Farm Park. All its 108 rooms come with free wired and wireless internet connection, cable programming, MP3 docking stations, fully equipped kitchens, sofa beds, safes, and premium bedding. You can make use of amenities such as an outdoor pool, fitness center, business center, and free area shuttle.
If you're a history buff, you'll have a field day in Westfield. The town has many historic sites and museums that collectively provide a comprehensive insight into its colorful past. You can start with a visit to Westfield Historical Society, which is located in the well-preserved 19th-century Reeve House. During your tour, you can view a wide range of interesting exhibits that transport you back to the town's past, from merchandise in by-gone stores to tales related to the Westfield airport, racetrack, casino, and even unsolved murders.
The Westfield Historical Society also owns and manages the Miller-Cory House Museum. Housed in a farmhouse built in 1740, this living history museum is carefully furnished and decorated to present an accurate portrayal of farm life in Westfield during the 18th century. The museum grounds also contain an outhouse, corncrib, cookhouse, and several gardens with early American plantings.
The Presbyterian Church is another must-visit attraction for history enthusiasts. Built in 1728, this building was the site of many important activities during the American Revolutionary War. Many of the members of the church fought in the war, and more than 70 veterans of the war were buried in its historic cemetery.
Westfield is also a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Just west of the town, you'll find a beautiful natural retreat called Watchung Reservation. Encompassing an area of 1,945 acres, this park is one of the largest nature reserves in Union County. It features many trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, as well as several lakes and ponds for fishing, boating, and kayaking. Besides outdoor activities, this preserve also has a number of interesting historic sites, including Native American campsites, deserted village, and the stunning Murals de la Selva.
If you're an avid bird-watcher, consider going on a day trip to Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. Located about 10 miles west of Westfield, this 7,800 acre park serves as a permanent habitat and migration stopover for over 240 species of birds. Depending on the time of your visit, you may catch sight of bird species such as the American black duck, American wigeon, green-winged teal, northern pintail, and bufflehead.
If you want to thoroughly explore Westfield and its surrounding area, you'll probably have to stay there for at least two or three days. Finding the right accommodation is the key to a cost-effective, hassle-free, and enjoyable vacation. Make sure you pick a hotel that offers convenient access to the attractions you want to visit and adequate amenities for a pleasant stay.
Below are reviews of the city of Westfield, NJ from an actual visitor's perspective.
Very nice town!