Jersey City, New Jersey: 10 Unmissable Things to Do Nearby

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10 Fun Things To Do Near Jersey City, New Jersey (Hudson County)

Planning a trip to Jersey City, NJ? Or maybe you just moved here and you’re wondering what there is to do nearby? You’re in luck. Jersey City and the rest of Hudson County are packed with parks, food, culture, and some of the best views of New York City you’ll ever see. Below are 10 things to do in and around Jersey City that are perfect for a weekend, a day trip, or even a quick evening out after work.

1. Stroll the Jersey City Waterfront & Enjoy Skyline Views

If you do only one thing in Jersey City, make it a walk along the Hudson River waterfront. From Exchange Place up through Newport and into Hoboken, you’ll find a wide path with:
  • Unbelievable views of the Manhattan skyline
  • Benches and grassy spots for picnics
  • Bike lanes and running paths
On a clear day, you can see everything from the Freedom Tower to the Empire State Building. It’s especially pretty at sunset, when the city lights start to glow. If you like to move, you can walk a couple of miles without even noticing because you’ll be stopping every few minutes to take pictures. It’s that good. Travel tip: Start near Exchange Place, grab a coffee from a local café, and slowly make your way north along the water.

2. Visit Liberty State Park & the Liberty Science Center

Liberty State Park is one of the biggest highlights of Jersey City. It covers over 1,200 acres and is only about a 10–15 minute drive from downtown Jersey City. Here you’ll find:
  • Open fields and picnic areas
  • Walkways along the water with views of the Statue of Liberty
  • Playgrounds and spots to relax
Inside the park, you’ll also find the popular Liberty Science Center, a favorite for families, school trips, and curious adults too. It has:
  • Hands-on science exhibits
  • Interactive displays for kids
  • A giant planetarium, one of the largest in the Western Hemisphere
If you’re traveling with children, this is a must-do. But even if you don’t have kids, walking along the park’s waterfront with the Statue of Liberty in the distance is a very “wow” moment.

3. Take the Ferry to the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island

Many visitors don’t realize this: you don’t have to go to Manhattan to visit the Statue of Liberty. In fact, the Liberty State Park ferry terminal in Jersey City is often less crowded. From here, you can:
  • Take a ferry to Liberty Island to see the Statue up close
  • Continue on to Ellis Island to explore the Immigration Museum
If you have family who came to the U.S. through Ellis Island, walking those same halls can be a powerful experience. Even if you don’t, it’s a moving place to visit and learn about the history of immigration in America. Tip for planning: Book your tickets in advance, especially in summer or on holiday weekends. Morning ferries are usually less crowded and not as hot.

4. Explore Downtown Jersey City: Grove Street & Newark Avenue Pedestrian Plaza

Looking for the heart of local life in Jersey City? Head to the Grove Street PATH station area and the Newark Avenue Pedestrian Plaza. This car-free strip is lined with:
  • Outdoor dining and sidewalk cafés
  • Bars and lounges
  • Ice cream shops and bakeries
  • Street performers and occasional live music
On a warm night, the plaza feels like a big neighborhood block party. People walk around with friends, kids play, and restaurants fill up quickly. It’s one of the best places in Jersey City to feel the local energy. If you like food, you can eat your way down the street: tacos at one spot, pizza next, then maybe dessert and a drink at another.

5. Eat Your Way Through Journal Square & “Little India”

Jersey City is one of the most diverse cities in the U.S., and you can taste that diversity in its food. Head to Journal Square and especially the area along Newark Avenue west of the PATH station, often called “Little India”. Here you’ll find:
  • Incredible Indian, Pakistani, and Bangladeshi restaurants
  • Vegetarian and vegan-friendly spots
  • Colorful sweet shops with desserts you may not have tried before
You can enjoy:
  • Fresh naan right out of the oven
  • Fragrant biryani and curries
  • Mango lassi or masala chai
If you love food adventures, this is a fun and affordable way to spend an afternoon or evening. Don’t be afraid to ask staff for recommendations if you’re new to this cuisine. Most are happy to help you choose.

6. Visit Hoboken: Washington Street, Bars, & the Waterfront

Just north of Jersey City, still in Hudson County, you’ll find Hoboken, a small city with a big personality, only a few minutes away by train, bus, or car. Hoboken is known for:
  • Its lively bar and restaurant scene, especially along Washington Street
  • A beautiful waterfront walkway with views of midtown Manhattan
  • Brownstone-lined side streets that are fun to wander
If you enjoy nightlife, Hoboken is a go-to spot for:
  • Sports bars with big TVs
  • Cozy wine bars
  • Lively pubs and lounges
During the day, it’s also a nice place to grab brunch, shop local boutiques, and then walk along the water. On weekends when the weather is nice, the waterfront is full of joggers, kids, strollers, and people just hanging out.

7. Check Out the Street Art & Murals Around Jersey City

One thing that surprises a lot of visitors: Jersey City has some amazing street art. All around the city—especially downtown and in certain neighborhoods—you’ll find large, colorful murals on the sides of buildings. Some cover entire walls and are several stories tall. A few ways to enjoy the art:
  • Take a casual walk from Grove Street and look for murals along side streets
  • Wander through areas like the Bergen-Lafayette neighborhood, which has growing artsy vibes
  • Search online for “Jersey City mural tour” to find maps and suggested routes
It can feel like an outdoor gallery, and it’s completely free. If you enjoy photography, you’ll have plenty of material here.

8. Relax in Lincoln Park & Other Green Spaces

While Liberty State Park often gets most of the attention, Lincoln Park in Jersey City’s West Side is another peaceful escape within Hudson County. At Lincoln Park, you’ll find:
  • Large open lawns for picnics or tossing a frisbee
  • Walking and jogging paths
  • Lakes, fountains, and a bit of nature in the middle of the city
  • Sports fields and tennis courts
It’s a great place to unwind, especially if you’ve spent a lot of time walking in busier areas. Bring a blanket, a book, and maybe some snacks, and you’ve got yourself a low-cost, relaxing afternoon. You’ll also find other local parks scattered around Jersey City and Hudson County, many with playgrounds and dog runs if you’re traveling with kids or pets.

9. Visit the Historic Downtown & Hamilton Park Neighborhoods

Beyond the main downtown area near Grove Street, Jersey City has charming neighborhoods that are perfect for a casual walk. Hamilton Park is a favorite. It’s a leafy square surrounded by old brownstones, coffee shops, and small restaurants. In and around the park, you’ll find:
  • Playgrounds for kids
  • Dog parks
  • Benches under big shady trees
  • Local cafés and bakeries nearby
The area feels more like a quiet, residential neighborhood than a big city. It’s a good place to grab a coffee, walk a slow loop around the park, and maybe imagine what it would be like to live there. Many visitors never wander this far from the PATH stations, but if you have a little extra time, it’s worth the 10–15 minute walk.

10. Use Jersey City as Your Base for Exploring New York City

One of the best things about staying in Jersey City is how close you are to New York City—without paying typical Manhattan hotel prices. From Jersey City, you can:
  • Take the PATH train from Grove Street, Exchange Place, or Newport straight into Manhattan
  • Ride a ferry across the Hudson River
  • Be in Lower Manhattan in around 10–15 minutes, depending on where you start
This makes Jersey City a smart home base if you want to:
  • Visit the 9/11 Memorial & Museum
  • Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge
  • Explore neighborhoods like SoHo, Chelsea, or the West Village
Then, at the end of the day, you can ride back to Jersey City, enjoy a quieter waterfront, and get a completely different skyline view.

Final Thoughts: Why Jersey City & Hudson County Belong on Your Travel List

Jersey City isn’t just “across the river from New York.” It’s a destination in its own right, with:
  • World-class views of the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan
  • Diverse, delicious food from around the globe
  • Parks and waterfronts that are perfect for families, couples, and solo travelers
  • Easy access to NYC without the stress of staying in the middle of it
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, a family vacation, or a quick day trip, there are plenty of things to do near Jersey City, NJ that fit every style and budget.

Share Your Jersey City Experience

Have you been to Jersey City or elsewhere in Hudson County?
  • Which spot was your favorite?
  • Did you discover any hidden-gem restaurants or parks?
Drop your stories, tips, and questions in the comments—your experience might help someone else plan their perfect trip. If you found this guide helpful, please share it with friends or family who are thinking about visiting the New York City area. Sometimes the best views of NYC are actually from New Jersey.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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