Oakland

 

Oakland is a Bergen County borough with about 12,000 residents. It’s known for its great access to outdoor fun, especially thanks to the nearby Ramapo Mountain State Park and the Ramapo River. Summers are full of watersports and swimming on the serene lakes of the region, while fall offers stunning colors throughout the mountains for hikers to enjoy on the miles of multi-use trails. This connection to nature creates a rural, small-town sensibility in the borough that lends a calm and friendly atmosphere. When you’ve had your fill of outdoor fun, you can also try some of the many delicious restaurants in the region or explore one of the area’s numerous well-preserved historic sites.

 

Oakland residents enjoy the borough’s relaxed pace and laid-back lifestyle and tend to be lovers of the outdoors. Families will find no lack of entertainment in the area, with plenty of opportunities to get out and go exploring.

 

Oakland has a variety of great restaurants to explore. Cenzino is an upscale Italian restaurant that serves delicious favorites made with locally-sourced ingredients—perfect for a night out to celebrate with friends and family. Cafe L’Amore serves brick-oven pizzas, authentic Italian dishes, and is a B.Y.O.B establishment where you can take along your favorite bottle of wine to enjoy with dinner. Portobello is a favorite for families thanks to its large and varied menu, which includes everything from classic American meals to sushi, Italian dishes, a raw bar, and more. They also have a spacious and elegant dining hall that’s great for all types of events. One can’t-miss favorite is the Oakland Diner, which has been serving the Oakland community for decades and is known for its vibrant, colorful ambiance as much as its extensive menu of delicious meals and desserts.

 

When you want to craft a great meal at home, one of the must-visit shopping destinations in Oakland to find everything you’ll need is the Giant Farmers Market, a thriving local business that provides fresh local produce and a selection of international grocery items to choose from. It’s a great stop for when you want to pick up some healthy and nutritious ingredients for a family dinner, find specialty items to experiment with in new recipes, or just have a relaxed outing to browse and grab a snack.

 

​​​​​​​There are countless great activities in Oakland to keep everyone entertained. The Van Allen House is a local historic site maintained by the borough and the Oakland Historical Society, which welcomes visitors at certain times throughout the year. While there, you can view exhibits and more that help give a sense of what life was like in the Oakland area during the 18th and early-19th centuries and provide kids with hands-on activities to enjoy.

 

In the summer, the Oakland Carnival is a favorite annual event for the whole family, with an assortment of exciting carnival thrill rides and more. Play games to win prizes, enjoy classic carnival fare like ice cream and funnel cakes, and stay after dark for an exciting fireworks display. This event always brings the community together for a great time.

 

One of Oakland's best features is its proximity to Ramapo Mountain State Park and the many lakes, trails, and other amenities that residents can enjoy. Crystal Lake is a popular spot for residents to spend warm days sunbathing, picnicking on the shoreline, swimming, kayaking, and more. The Ramapo River, which passes through Oakland and other parts of Bergen County, is also a great spot to enjoy fishing and kayaking along the serene riverbanks.

 

Oakland is part of the Oakland Public Schools District, which includes: