This post was reviewed for accuracy and revised October 2025.
As shared by the New Jersey Division of Travel & Tourism, in 2024 Smithsonian Magazine named the town of Glassboro, New Jersey one of the best small towns to visit. Whether you’re coming from up the road, down the shore, Central Jersey, or out-of-state, find a way to make the most of your visit to the place we call home. Rowan University is in Glassboro (Gloucester County), located just 30 minutes from Philadelphia, 45 minutes from Jersey beaches, and a train ride from New York City.
If you’ve ever wanted to learn what there is to see, do, eat and experience in and around Glassboro, this is our favorites’ guide for you.
For the Family
- Glassboro Heritage Museum: Ever wonder how Glassboro acquired its name? The Heritage Glass Museum preserves and displays antique glasswork made in Glassboro and surrounding South Jersey towns over the past 200 years. The best part – it’s free admission!
- Town Square: Enjoy the day with your family at our Town Square. Located at the end of Rowan Boulevard is a community place with art, Adirondack chairs, and a fountain display. Throughout the year, Glassboro hosts many seasonal events in this space, including the annual tree lighting, a car show typically held over move-in weekend, an Italian festival and a Summer Fest series.
- Edelman Planetarium: Explore the skies through live stargazing or immersive 360-degree video in our Planetarium, located on campus in Science Hall. All shows are one hour long, with new shows featured every month. Community members are welcome.
Sit Down Meals on Rowan Boulevard
- La Scala’s: This higher end Italian American restaurant offers wood fired pizza and unique Italian cuisines. It’s a rolling kitchen so you get your food as it’s ready and bring your own bottle.
- Mexican Mariachi Grill: A vibrant, family-owned restaurant serving authentic Mexican cuisine. From tacos and burritos to house-made sauces and chips, it’s a flavorful sit-down option with generous portions and friendly service.
- Oishii: If you’re looking to support a local business owned by a Rowan graduate and grab some great ramen, this is your place. This Rowan alumnus’ biggest inspiration for the restaurant was to bring a different culture and cuisine to the Rowan and Gloucester County communities.
Favorite Bites
- Einstein Bagels: Looking to grab a quick bite while touring our campus? This shop in Engineering Hall on Rowan’s campus serves fresh bagels, sandwiches and hot coffee.
- Kung Fu Tea: The best boba tea in our area, located on Rowan Boulevard. Customize your tea selecting every detail from sweetness to the number of bubbles, and take it on the go.
- Playa Bowls: If you’re seeking a quick, healthy meal, Playa Bowls is your spot. Located at the beginning of Rowan Boulevard, it offers fresh fruit bowls, smoothies and treats.
For the Parents
- Axe and Arrow: Located on Rowan Boulevard, this microbrewery and taproom offers a wide variety of craft beer styles and is owned by a Rowan alumnus. Bring your own food!
- Chickie’s & Pete’s: A Philadelphia staple is located right on our campus. Come in to watch the game or get a sweet taste of some Crabfries®.
Around the Corner
- Uptown Pitman is a five-minute drive off campus and is a hot spot for locals and visitors alike. Enjoy quaint shops, historic landmarks and family-owned restaurants. Visit Words Matter Bookstore (the owner attended Rowan!) or paint ceramics at Fahrenheit Ceramic Studio, owned by a retired art teacher.
- Jean and Ric Edelman Fossil Park & Museum of Rowan University in Mantua (a 10 minute drive) opened in 2024, with Smithsonian Magazine calling it in 2023 “one of the most anticipated museum openings in the world.”
Lodging
- Courtyard by Marriott Hotel Glassboro: Located on Rowan Boulevard, the four-story, 129-room hotel features a heated indoor pool and spa, outdoor courtyard and fire pit, and is just a short walk to our campus.
