Discover Ridgewood
8 carefully curated photography spots with GPS coordinates, shooting tips, and local insights
Van Neste Square Memorial Park
Small, well-kept village green anchored by a striking veterans monument, flanked by historic churches, cafés and seasonal street fairs. Ideal for intimate civic, architectural and event photography. No entry fee; accessible via Ridgewood Ave and NJ Transit buses with nearby street parking and short walks from downtown. Best at sunrise or golden hour for warm light and soft shadows; visit events (Veterans Day, street fair) for candid community scenes. Paths are wheelchair-friendly.
Irene Habernickel Family Park
Small family park with a short, easy trail into mature tulip poplar and beech woodland leading to Ho-Ho-Kus Brook, playgrounds, ball fields and a community garden. Great for intimate nature details, flowing water shots, candid family/children play and seasonal foliage. Easy access from Hillcrest Rd with on-site parking; free entry. Visit weekday mornings or golden hour for soft light and fewer families; after rain for richer greens and a lively brook.
Ridgewood Outlook
Small roadside outlook with elevated views over Ridgewood and distant skyline glimpses. Good for sweeping landscape compositions, seasonal foliage (notably fall), sunset silhouettes and quiet morning light. Easily accessible from Crest Rd with limited roadside parking and a short walk; no entry fees. Best at golden hour or during autumn for color; weekdays and early mornings minimize visitors. Trail surfaces can be uneven—bring comfortable shoes.
Ridgewood Christmas Tree
Large decorated town Christmas tree in Ridgewood's downtown near Monument Square and shops. Prime subject for festive night shots, candid street scenes with holiday lights, and wide compositions that include historic storefronts. Best visited at blue hour and after dark when lights pop; weekdays or early evenings avoid heavy weekend crowds. Easy access on foot from Ridgewood train station; municipal parking and street parking nearby. No entry fee — respect local events and crowds during tree‑lit
Twinney Pond Park
A tiny, tucked-away overgrown pond with intimate reflections, marsh plants, and resident waterfowl—great for moody-closeups, reflections, and quiet nature scenes. Public but feels communal; arrive respectfully. Best at sunrise or golden hour for warm light and active birds; weekday mornings are quiet. Access from a cul-de-sac with limited street parking; path is short and unpaved, benches available. Note occasional litter and a distant humming utility station that can affect ambience.
Veteran's Park
Compact town greenspace centered on a veterans memorial, flagpoles, and manicured lawns — good for intimate memorial detail shots, flag compositions, seasonal trees and small-event coverage. Best at golden hour or overcast for even light; late morning on weekdays avoids weekend crowds. Easy street parking on Maple Ave, wheelchair-accessible paths, no entry fee. Small scale and civic context make it ideal for respectful documentary and portrait work.
North Road Park
Small neighborhood park with tree-lined paths, open lawns and seasonal foliage—great for intimate landscape, nature and portrait work. Best at golden hour or during fall color; weekday mornings avoid dog-walkers and families. Easy street parking on North Rd, no entry fee; mostly flat, accessible paths. Offers quiet compositions of canopy arches, benches and close-up plant textures rather than dramatic vistas.
Leuning Park
Small community park with tree-lined paths, open lawns, seasonal color and neighborhood street scenes—good for intimate landscape, nature and environmental portraits. Best at golden hour or autumn foliage; weekdays or early mornings avoid locals and dog walkers. Easy access from Northern Pkwy/Meadowbrook Ave with street parking; no entry fees. Offers calm compositions of paths, benches, mature trees and nearby suburban context.