Discover Union
63 carefully curated photography spots with GPS coordinates, shooting tips, and local insights
The Deserted Village
Small abandoned hamlet set in shaded woodland — weathered 19th-century homesteads, stone foundations, and a cemetery offer nostalgic textures and storytelling frames. Easy roadside parking; trails can be steep. Best light at golden hour or overcast for moody detail. Buildings are off-limits inside; respect signage and preservation rules.
Warinanco Park
Warinanco Park offers a photogenic mix of lake reflections, formal gardens, tree-lined trails, playgrounds and seasonal attractions (paddle boats in summer, ice rink in winter). Best at golden hour around the lake and gardens; weekdays and early mornings reduce crowds. Parking available on-site; paths are mostly accessible. No entry fee — bring varied lenses for landscapes, portraits, and detail shots of floral beds and recreational life.
Echo Lake Park
Small lakeside park with reflective water, tree-lined trails, gazebo and a historic water wheel—great for mirror-sunset shots, seasonal events (pumpkin sail) and intimate nature scenes. Easy access with free parking and facilities; best light at sunrise and golden hour. Weekday mornings are quiet; winter offers ice-skating motifs.
Liberty Hall Museum
Liberty Hall Museum is a well-preserved 1772 Victorian/Georgian mansion with period rooms, family portraits, antiques and formal gardens — ideal for architectural detail, interiors and intimate environmental portraits. Visit weekday mornings or late afternoons for softer light; interior photography may be restricted on tours so check photo policy. On-site parking, guided tours, seasonal events and tea service provide varied shooting opportunities. Summer can be warm inside; aim for cooler months
Watchung Reservation
Wooded ridges, Surprise Lake, a forgotten/’deserted’ village and a small cemetery offer diverse subjects — from sweeping ridge vistas to intimate water reflections and decaying architecture. Best at sunrise or golden hour for ridge light and soft lake reflections; fall for foliage, winter for snowy textures. Trails can be poorly marked; wear good shoes, bring a map/GPS. Free entry; parking available at Historic Trail lots. Buildings are exterior-only — respect closures.
Trailside Nature & Science Center
Small interactive nature center overlooking Watchung Reservation with short, stroller-friendly trails, a bird-feeding station, indoor pond, live snakes/fish and hands-on exhibits. Photograph wooded trails, water reflections, feeding birds from the overlook, and textured museum displays. Best visited early morning for bird activity and soft light on the overlook, or late afternoon for warm woodland tones. Weekdays are quieter; center is free but check hours and scheduled programs (toddler time).
Downtown Cranford
Walkable historic downtown with tree-lined Walnut Ave, period storefronts, the restored Cranford Theater marquee, seasonal events (Scarecrow Stroll, Ghostbusters Day) and cafés offering candid street life. Best light: golden hour and blue hour for marquee and storefront reflections. Weekday mornings quieter. On-street parking and municipal lots nearby; accessible sidewalks. Family-friendly, community-focused vibe — great for storytelling and local details.
Nomahegan Park
Small suburban park around Nomahegan Lake and Rahway River with a 2-mile loop trail, ponds, woodlands and sports/play areas. Photographers can capture tranquil waterscapes, filtered woodland light, seasonal wildlife (deer, ducks) and community activity. Best at golden hour or early morning for soft side light and minimal crowds. Accessible paved paths, public restrooms, limited parking—weekdays and sunrise visits are easiest. No entry fee; pet-friendly community vibe makes for candid lifestyle/”
Lenape Park
Small county park featuring a winding mixed-use trail, river/pond waterscapes, wooded corridors and pockets of meadow — ideal for intimate nature, water reflections and wildlife shots. Best at golden hour or early morning for soft light and active birds; weekdays are quieter. Easy roadside parking at Kenilworth Blvd entrance; trails are flat and accessible. No entry fee. Note seasonal insects and occasional clearing of undergrowth affecting compositions.
Fanwood Nature Center
Small township nature preserve with mixed woodlands, ponds, marshy vernal pools and winding boardwalks — great for birding, intimate landscape frames, seasonal wildflowers and reflections. Best in spring for migrating birds & wildflowers, fall for color; golden hour and overcast days for even light. Trails are mostly short and level; small free parking at Cray Terrace and street parking. No entry fee; expect local walkers on weekends.
Brookside Nature Trail
Small, wooded suburban trail along a brook offering intimate landscape and waterscape scenes: stream reflections, wetland plants, seasonal foliage and songbirds. Best at golden hour or after rain for saturated colors and mirrored water. Trail is mostly dirt with some boardwalks; bring waterproof shoes. Street parking near 2310 Elizabeth Ave; no permit required. Weekday mornings are quieter; winter exposes more structure, spring yields wildflowers and migratory birds.
Crane-Phillips House Museum
A Greek Revival cottage (c.1840) on the Rahway River offering classic historic architecture, river reflections, and seasonal foliage. Best for exterior and contextual shots: golden hour for warm facade light and calm reflections, autumn for color, weekday mornings to avoid visitors. Interior photos require museum tour/permission; property has limited on-street parking—plan to walk from nearby lots. Cultural value: a local landmark tied to Cranford’s founding.
Caxton Brown Memorial Azalea- Rhododendron Garden
Small municipal azalea and rhododendron garden best visited in peak bloom (Apr–May). Photograph dense color sweeps, layered shrub textures, winding paths and intimate close-ups of blossoms. Morning golden hour or overcast days give soft, saturated light; weekdays are quieter. Park nearby on residential streets; no fee. Easy paths make it accessible—good for macro, portrait, and wide compositions that isolate color against foliage.
Dr. William Robinson Plantation & Museum
Well-preserved 1690 farmhouse with manicured grounds, period outbuildings and seasonal living-history events — great for architectural details, historical portraiture and landscape compositions. Best at golden hour or overcast for even light; sunrise and weekday mornings minimize visitors. Building access and hours can be intermittent — verify opening before travel. Small on-site parking; interiors may require permission or event-only access.
Ash Brook Reservation Hiking Trail
Small woodland reservation centered on a meandering brook, mossy banks, footbridges and mixed hardwoods — strong for intimate landscape and waterscape shots, seasonal colors and close-up nature details. Best at golden hour or after rain for reflections; spring wildflowers and vivid fall foliage are highlights. Easy access from Raritan Rd with a modest parking area; no fee. Trails are short and can be muddy—wear boots. Weekday mornings offer the fewest people.
Green Forest Park
Small suburban woodland with winding trails, ponds and mixed hardwoods — great for intimate forest scenes, seasonal foliage, pond reflections and local birdlife. Best light is early morning or late afternoon for warm sidelight and long shadows; fall and spring offer peak color. Park has roadside parking and marked trails; no entry fee. Weekday mornings are quieter; expect walkers and dog owners. Trails can be muddy after rain — bring waterproof shoes.
Oak Ridge Park
Small suburban park with wooded trails, a reflective pond/wetland, open meadow and seasonal maples — great for intimate landscape, water reflections, and birdlife. Best at golden hour or overcast for mood; autumn brings strong foliage color, spring has wildflowers and migrating songbirds. Easily accessible with free parking at the lot off Oak Ridge Rd, flat paths suitable for tripods and handheld shooting. Quiet weekdays and early mornings reduce crowds.
Jacksons Pond Dam
Small dam and pond set in wooded suburban park — shoot spillway lines, calm reflections, seasonal foliage and migrating waterfowl. Best at golden hour or after storm for dramatic water; autumn and winter ice offer variety. Easy roadside parking on Union County Pkwy and short accessible paths from the lot; no entry fee. Weekday mornings have fewer visitors.
Ponderosa Farm Park
Ponderosa Farm Park offers open meadows, tree-lined paths and small park structures that work well for pastoral landscapes, seasonal foliage and intimate nature shots. Best light is at sunrise/sunset for warm side-light across fields; fall brings strong color. On-site parking and no fees typical; trails are walkable but expect local walkers and weekend families. Good for quick visits from nearby NYC/New Jersey hubs.
Stanley Park
Small riverside park with winding trails, marshy riverbanks and seasonal foliage — ideal for intimate landscape, waterscape and nature shots. Best at sunrise or golden hour for warm light on the Passaic River and reflections; fall brings strong color. Easy access from River Rd, free entry and street/lot parking. Weekdays are quieter; paths are mostly flat and walkable.
Seeley's Waterfall
Seeley's Waterfall is a modest, secluded cascade on Diamond Hill Creek framed by wooded slopes and boulders—great for intimate nature and slow-shutter scenes. Best at spring runoff or after rain for stronger flow; soft light at sunrise/sunset avoids harsh mid-day contrast. Access via short trail from roadside parking; limited spaces so park responsibly. No fees; wear waterproof shoes and watch for slippery rocks. Quiet suburban spot with seasonal color (spring greens, fall foliage).
Caldwell Parsonage
Caldwell Parsonage is a well-preserved 18th–19th century parsonage offering classic colonial architecture, period gardens and historical details — great for architectural and documentary shots. Visit at golden hour for warm facade light and long shadows; weekdays and early mornings reduce visitors. Site is small with limited museum hours and occasional events—confirm opening times and interior photo permission. Street parking on Caldwell Ave; interiors may restrict tripods and flash.
Brookside Park
Small town park with a pond, tree-lined trails and old stonework—great for reflections, seasonal foliage and intimate landscape frames. Free entry and roadside parking; paths are mostly accessible. Best at golden hour (sunrise or sunset) for warm light and glassy reflections; autumn for color and winter for stark minimalist shots. Weekday mornings are quieter.
Historic Tree Grove & Arboretum
Small arboretum and historic tree grove on the Union County College campus offering mature specimen trees, winding paths and intimate nature scenes. Best at spring leaf-out and autumn color; golden hour adds warm side-light on trunks. Easily accessible from campus parking; no formal entry fee. Weekday mornings are quiet; overcast days bring even light for bark and leaf detail. A compact site ideal for study of textures and seasonal change.
Ursino Park
Small urban park with a tree-lined pond, walking paths, benches and seasonal foliage — good for reflections, intimate landscapes and local birdlife. Best at golden hour or overcast mornings for even light; peak color in spring and fall. Easy street parking on Morris Ave; wheelchair-accessible paths in many areas. No entry fee; expect local families and dog walkers on evenings and weekends.
Black Brook Park
Small suburban greenspace featuring wooded trails, a meandering stream and quaint footbridges — strong for intimate landscape and waterscape shots, seasonal foliage and wildlife. Best at golden hour or overcast for soft light; autumn brings vivid color and winter offers stark silhouettes. Park is free and public with street parking nearby and compact, walkable trails—expect weekend families and dog walkers.
Kawameeh Park
Small community park with a pond, winding paths, mature trees and a riverine corridor — good for intimate landscape, reflections and seasonal foliage. Free public access with street parking on Morris Ave; paved paths are wheelchair-friendly. Visit at golden hour for warm light and reflections, early weekdays to avoid families and dog-walkers. Winters and autumns offer the most dramatic color; compact park size makes it easy to scout multiple angles quickly.
Conant Park
Small suburban park with a looped hiking trail, playground, sports fields and a stream — good for intimate nature and park-scape shots. Best at golden hour or weekday mornings for soft light and few people; afternoons capture active families and sports. Easy street parking on Conant St, free entry, mostly flat and stroller-friendly. Watch for litter in spots and a large snapping turtle in the stream; bring insect repellent. The blocked bridge creates moody compositions of overgrown banks and ob¬
Lion's Park
Small community park with mature trees, open lawns, walking paths and seasonal color—good for intimate landscape, foliage, and candid family shots. Best at golden hour or overcast for even light; autumn brings strong color. Easy access from Constance Rd with on-street or small lot parking, no entry fee, and paved paths suitable for wheelchairs. Weekday mornings are quiet; weekends see families and sports activity.
Joseph Medwick Park
Small riverside park with paved walking paths, restored native-plant shoreline and a pier — strong for bird and waterscape shots against an industrial skyline. Best at sunrise or golden hour for warm light and reflections; weekday mornings for fewer people. Easy access with parking; expect frequent airplane noise, seasonal bugs, and mixed vistas (wildlife + refineries).
Saltbox Museum
Small 18th‑century saltbox house offering classic colonial lines, clapboard textures and period interiors — ideal for architectural detail and intimate historic storytelling. Visit weekday mornings or late afternoon for soft side lighting; golden hour warms the wooden facades. Museum is small with limited hours and parking on Springfield Ave; check opening times and request permission for interior photos. Accessibility may be limited in upstairs areas.
Forest Road Park
A small community green space of mature trees, winding trails and pockets of lawn and wetland near residential Fanwood. Great for intimate woodland compositions, seasonal color (notably fall), close-up nature and reflections after rain. No entry fee; limited street parking on Forest Rd and neighborhood lots—arrive early. Best light at golden hour or overcast for even forest light; weekdays and mornings offer quiet access.
Grove Terrace Park
Small, manicured urban park with mature trees, winding paths, benches and seasonal plantings — good for intimate landscape, portrait and seasonal-color shots. Best at golden hour or soft overcast light; weekdays and early mornings avoid commuters from the nearby Summit train station. Park is public with street parking nearby and easy walk-ins; no entry fee. Accessible paths make it quick to scout multiple compositions in one visit.
Chatfield Garden
A small community garden in Roselle offering compact flower beds, seasonal plantings and intimate paths for close-up botanical and color-focused shots. Best in spring–early fall when flowers peak; golden hour softens highlights and weekday mornings minimize visitors. Easy street access and informal public entry; limited parking on nearby roads. Great for detailed compositions and quiet, low-key shoots.
Harmony Park
Harmony Park is a small town green with mature trees, walking paths, seasonal flowerbeds and a community focal point—good for intimate nature and lifestyle shots, fall color, and quiet landscape compositions. Visit early morning or golden hour for soft light and fewer people; weekdays are least crowded. The park is publicly accessible from South St with street or small lot parking nearby; no entry fee. Expect typical suburban amenities—benches, playgrounds, and occasional community events that增拍
Kramer Manor Park
Small suburban park centered on a historic manor and landscaped grounds — good for architectural details, seasonal foliage, pond reflections and intimate landscape shots. Easy street parking on Evelyn St, no entry fee. Best at golden hour or autumn for color; weekdays and early mornings minimize local crowds. Paths are mostly paved and accessible.
Carriage House Park
Small community park centered on a historic carriage house and surrounding green lawns — ideal for architectural details, seasonal foliage, and intimate environmental portraits. Visit at golden hour for warm light on brickwork; weekdays or early mornings minimize local foot traffic. Easy street parking on Watson Rd; no entry fees. Compact layout makes a short visit rewarding; pair with nearby Fanwood downtown shots.
The Frazee House
Late‑18th/19th‑century Frazee House offers classic American vernacular architecture and period details — good for architectural detail shots, contextual wide angles with mature trees, and historic-street scenes. Best light: golden hour or overcast for even detail. Usually accessible from the roadside; parking on Raritan Rd. Check local historical society for access or interior tours. Weekday mornings have least traffic.
Jaycees Park
Small community park with ponds, walking paths and mature trees — great for seasonal foliage, water reflections, and intimate landscape compositions. Easy street parking on Springfield Ave; free entry and wheelchair-accessible paths in parts of the park. Best visited at golden hour for warm light and mirrored pond reflections; late fall and spring offer strongest color and texture. Weekday mornings are quiet; expect local foot traffic on weekends.
Alan M. Augustine Park
Small community park with tree-lined paths, a reflective pond and open lawns — good for intimate landscape, seasonal foliage and waterscape shots. Easy access from Park Ave with free street parking; no entry fee. Best at golden hour for warm light and reflections, or autumn for color. Weekday mornings are quieter; paths are stroller/handicap friendly. Expect local families and dog walkers on weekends.
Hoover Park
Small suburban park with a pond, mature trees, walking paths and open lawns — good for reflections, seasonal foliage, birdlife and peaceful landscape frames. No entry fee; street parking and a small lot at Savitt Pl. Best at golden hour (sunrise or sunset) for warm light and pond reflections; spring and fall offer blossoms and color. Weekday mornings are quieter. Easy access for tripods and short walks between viewpoints.
Washington Park
Small suburban park with mature trees, walking paths, open lawns and community features — good for seasonal foliage, intimate landscape shots, and quiet portrait sessions. Visit at golden hour or during fall color; weekday mornings have few people. Easy access from street parking, no entry fee; paths are walkable with basic accessibility. Local community events can add candid opportunities.
Jerseyland Park
Jerseyland Park offers wooded trails, open lawns and seasonal tree cover — good for intimate nature scenes, autumn color, and calm waterside reflections after rain. Small, family-oriented park with street parking on Richmond St; no entrance fee. Best light is golden hour and overcast mornings for even foliage tones. Weekday mornings have the fewest visitors; winter reveals bare-branch compositions.
La Grande Park
Small suburban park with mature trees, open lawns, a pond and seasonal plantings—good for intimate landscape and community-day photos. Best at golden hour or in autumn for foliage; weekdays and early mornings have fewer visitors. Easy street parking on La Grande Ave; paths are accessible. No entry fee; occasional community events or concerts add candid opportunities.
Elizabeth River Park
Small riverside park with tree-lined gravel paths, seasonal fall color and occasional river glimpses—good for intimate landscapes, reflections and environmental portraits. No entry fee; small parking likely on-site or street parking. Paths can be muddy after rain and some viewpoints of the water are limited, so waterproof shoes help. Best light: golden hour at sunrise or sunset and overcast for even forest tones. Weekday mornings are quieter.
McCoy Park
Small riverside community park with river views, tree-lined paths, picnic areas and a nearby rail/road bridge — good for intimate landscape, waterscape and seasonal foliage shots. Visit at golden hour for warm light and reflections on the water; fall brings vivid color. Easily accessible with street parking and no entry fee; compact layout makes quick walk-throughs practical. Weekends can be busier with families and dog walkers.
Farley Avenue Park
Small suburban park with mature trees, open lawns and walking paths—good for seasonal foliage, intimate landscapes, and candid community scenes. No entry fee; street parking and small lot usually available. Best visited at golden hour for soft light or in autumn for color. Weekday mornings are quieter; accessible paths for easy gear transport.
Joseph Medwick Memorial Park Wetland Area
Tidal wetland with marsh grasses, winding channels and a boardwalk offering close views of shorebirds, herons and reflective waters. Best at sunrise or golden hour for soft light and reflections; winter offers stark textures and migratory bird concentrations. Small parking lot at Joseph Medwick Park (walkable access); bring insect repellent in warm months. Public, no entry fee.
Zimmerman Park
Small suburban park with mature trees, open lawns, playgrounds and walking paths — good for seasonal foliage, portrait sessions, environmental shots and simple landscape compositions. No entry fee; street parking and small lots nearby. Best at golden hour (sunrise/sunset) for warm light and long shadows. Weekday mornings are quiet. Accessible paved paths make gear transport easy. Great for close-up nature detail and low-contrast overcast portraits.
Sichel Park
Small community park offering open lawns, tree-lined paths and playgrounds — good for capturing everyday life, seasonal foliage and golden-hour landscapes. Visit at sunrise or late afternoon for warm light and long shadows; weekdays and mornings are quieter. Easily accessible with street parking and paved paths; no entry fee. Best in spring and fall for color, or after rain for saturated tones and reflections.
Anthony Terrezza Park
Small community park in Union with lawns, mature trees, playgrounds and sports fields — good for intimate landscape, environmental portraits, and seasonal color. Easy street or small lot parking; wheelchair-accessible paths in parts. Visit early morning or golden hour for soft light and fewer people; weekends host local activity. No entry fee; respect playground areas and local users.
Pleasant Park
Pleasant Park (Jerome Petti Park) is a small neighborhood green space with mature shade trees, walking paths, playground equipment and sports fields — good for intimate landscape, seasonal foliage and community-life shots. Visit golden hour or blue hour for warm side-lighting and long shadows; weekdays or early mornings minimize families and kids. Easy, free access from Bailey Ave with street parking; flat, paved paths make gear transport simple. No entry fees; respect local recreation times and
Charlotte DeFilippo Park
Small community park in Hillside offering mature trees, open lawns, walking paths and playgrounds — good for seasonal foliage, candid community life and intimate landscape studies. Best at golden hour or overcast days for even light; fall brings strong color. Easily accessible with street parking; no entry fee. Weekday mornings are quiet; expect typical suburban surroundings and occasional sports activity.
Roselle Park Historical Society
Small local history museum housed in a historic building near Roselle Park's downtown. Photograph period architecture, storefront facades, museum signage, exterior details and seasonal street scenes. Best at golden hour for warm facade light or after rain for reflections; interiors and exhibits may require permission and low-light handling. On-street parking and nearby municipal lots; check open hours or appointment for interior access. Quiet neighborhood, easy to combine with Main Street shoots
Rabkin Park
Small suburban green space with mature trees, walking paths, open lawns and a playground—good for seasonal foliage, candid community scenes and intimate nature details. Visit early morning or golden hour for soft light and low crowds; weekdays are quieter. Easy street parking and no entry fee; mostly flat and wheelchair-accessible. Best in spring for blooms and fall for colors; occasional local events add candid opportunities.
Rutgers Avenue Park
Small community park with tree-lined paths, open lawns, playground elements and seasonal color — useful for lifestyle, family and neighborhood-documentary shots. Visit at golden hour or after rain for saturated colors. Easy street parking, no fee; accessible paths and quiet weekdays. Great for local candid portraits and low-key landscape frames.
401 Hillside Avenue
A typical suburban/urban streetscape in Hillside, NJ offering candid street and neighborhood-architecture opportunities: older row houses, small commercial storefronts and tree-lined sidewalks. Best at golden hour or blue hour for warm light and color contrast against brick and signage. Public curbside parking and easy sidewalk access; no entry fees. Weekday mornings are quiet; expect local traffic during rush hours. Useful as a study in everyday American suburbia and texture-rich urban details.
Attraction Nails Salon
Small neighborhood nail salon with colorful manicure displays and intimate interior details. Shoot close-ups of hands, polish textures, tool reflections, and candid moments of technicians at work. Best visited weekdays mid-morning for soft window light and low foot traffic; parking on the street or nearby lots. Ask permission before photographing clients; respect privacy and local etiquette. Interior lighting is mixed fluorescent—bring a small LED or use a fast lens for cleaner images.