Bayonne, New Jersey: 10 Fun Things To Do Nearby

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10 Fun Things To Do In and Around Bayonne, New Jersey (Hudson County)

If you’re looking for a spot that’s close to New York City but still has a real neighborhood feel, Bayonne, New Jersey is a great place to start. This Hudson County town sits right on New York Bay, with easy access to Staten Island, Jersey City, and Manhattan. Whether you’re planning a day trip, visiting friends, or just curious what’s around, here are 10 things to do in and near Bayonne that are worth your time.

1. Stroll the Bayonne Waterfront and Hook Road Walkway

One of the best ways to get to know Bayonne is simply to walk along the water. The Bayonne waterfront offers peaceful views of New York Harbor, Staten Island, and the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge in the distance. You’ll find a mix of paved paths, parks, and benches where you can sit and watch the ships come and go. On a clear day, the sunsets here can be surprisingly beautiful, with the sky turning orange over the bay.
  • Perfect for a slow afternoon walk
  • Great photo spots with the water and bridges
  • Nice place to clear your head after a long week
If you like a little quiet but don’t want to leave the city, this is a simple, low-cost thing to do in Bayonne.

2. Visit the Tear Drop Memorial at the Bayonne Harbor

Right near the cruise port, you’ll find one of Bayonne’s most powerful landmarks: the Tear Drop Memorial (officially called “To the Struggle Against World Terrorism”). This huge 10–story monument was a gift from Russia to the United States in memory of the victims of the September 11 attacks and other acts of terrorism. The center of the sculpture has a long opening with a large bronze “tear” hanging in the middle. Why visit?
  • The memorial has a quiet, reflective atmosphere.
  • You get sweeping views of New York Harbor and lower Manhattan.
  • It’s a meaningful stop for anyone interested in 9/11 history.
If you’re cruising out of Bayonne, try to come early and walk over. Even if you’re just in the area for the day, it’s worth seeing at least once.

3. Enjoy a Day at Stephen R. Gregg Park & Bayonne County Park

When locals say they’re headed to “the park,” they’re often talking about Stephen R. Gregg Park, which connects with Bayonne County Park right along the water. It stretches for about a mile and a half and is one of the nicest green spaces in Hudson County. Here’s what you can do there:
  • Walk or jog along the paved paths
  • Play basketball, tennis, or handball
  • Let kids loose on the playgrounds
  • Relax on the lawns or under the trees
  • Have a picnic with a waterfront breeze
On summer weekends, the park gets busy with families, birthday parties, and pickup games. It feels like a classic neighborhood hangout spot. If you’re traveling with kids, this park is an easy win: plenty of open space, bathrooms, and parking nearby.

4. Wander Broadway: Bayonne’s Main Street

If you want to feel the vibe of Bayonne, head to Broadway, the town’s main commercial strip. It runs nearly the length of the city and is packed with:
  • Local diners and bakeries
  • Pizzerias and delis
  • Small shops and boutiques
  • Old-school bars and neighborhood cafes
Broadway isn’t a super-polished tourist street; it feels like real life. You’ll see local families running errands, teens grabbing snacks after school, and older residents chatting on corners. Try this simple plan:
  • Grab a coffee and a bagel in the morning.
  • Walk a few blocks and peek into the mom-and-pop shops.
  • Stop for a slice of pizza or a sandwich for lunch.
If you enjoy exploring “everyday” New Jersey rather than just tourist centers, Broadway in Bayonne makes a great walking route.

5. Take the Ferry from Bayonne to Manhattan (Seasonal/Commuter Routes)

If you’re staying in Bayonne or nearby and want to head into New York City, consider checking for local ferry services that operate from the Bayonne waterfront or nearby Jersey City and Hoboken. While ferry routes can change over time, the general experience is the same:
  • Short ride across the water into Manhattan
  • Fresh air and skyline views the whole way
  • Less stress than driving and paying bridge tolls
Riding over the bay instead of sitting in tunnel traffic is a lot more relaxing. If you time it for sunset, the ride itself becomes one of the best “things to do” near Bayonne. Tip: Always check current ferry schedules and departure points before you go, since routes can shift.

6. Explore Liberty State Park (Just Up the Road in Jersey City)

Only a short drive from Bayonne, Liberty State Park in Jersey City is one of New Jersey’s top spots, especially if you’re visiting from out of state. From this huge waterfront park, you can see:
  • The Statue of Liberty, up close across the water
  • Ellis Island
  • The Manhattan skyline
Things to do at Liberty State Park:
  • Walk or bike along the 2+ mile waterfront walkway
  • Have a picnic with the NYC skyline as your backdrop
  • Take a ferry to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
  • Visit the Empty Sky 9/11 Memorial
If you’re staying in Bayonne and want a “big” experience without going too far, Liberty State Park is close enough for an easy half-day trip.

7. Take a Cruise from Cape Liberty Cruise Port

Bayonne is home to the Cape Liberty Cruise Port, one of the main cruise terminals for the New York City area. If you’ve ever dreamed of sailing to Bermuda, the Caribbean, or Canada/New England, there’s a good chance your ship might leave right from here. Many people from across the USA fly into Newark Airport, stay in Bayonne or nearby, and then board their cruise the next morning. If you’re in town before or after your cruise, you can:
  • Visit the Tear Drop Memorial near the port
  • Walk the waterfront to stretch your legs after traveling
  • Grab a meal along Broadway or nearby Jersey City
Even if you’re not cruising, it can be fun to drive by the terminal and see the massive ships docked along the bay.

8. Eat Your Way Through Bayonne’s Diverse Food Scene

Bayonne might be small, but it’s packed with different cultures—and you can taste it in the food. Along Broadway and the side streets, you’ll find:
  • Italian pizzerias and bakeries
  • Polish and Eastern European spots
  • Latin American and Mexican restaurants
  • Middle Eastern and Mediterranean eateries
  • Classic New Jersey diners
One of the best “things to do” near Bayonne is actually a DIY food tour. Pick a few places that catch your eye and try:
  • A slice of thin-crust New Jersey pizza
  • A bagel with cream cheese for breakfast
  • A hearty sandwich from a local deli
  • Something new from a cuisine you’ve never tried
If you’re a foodie, Bayonne and the surrounding Hudson County towns give you a lot to explore without breaking your budget.

9. Hop Over to Staten Island via the Bayonne Bridge

Just across the water from Bayonne is Staten Island, New York, connected by the Bayonne Bridge. Crossing the bridge takes only a few minutes by car, and suddenly you’re in another state with new places to explore. Once you’re on Staten Island, you can:
  • Visit the Staten Island waterfront
  • Head to Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden
  • Catch the Staten Island Ferry to lower Manhattan for free
If you like the idea of checking off two states in one day—New Jersey and New York—Bayonne is a great base. You get a calmer, more affordable place to stay, with quick access to NYC attractions.

10. Discover Nearby Jersey City and Hoboken Nightlife

When the sun goes down, Bayonne is pretty quiet. But you’re only a short drive, bus ride, or rideshare away from Jersey City and Hoboken, two of the main nightlife hubs in Hudson County. In Jersey City, especially in areas like the waterfront and Downtown, you’ll find:
  • Trendy bars and lounges
  • Craft beer spots and cocktail bars
  • Live music venues and DJ nights
Hoboken is known for its bar scene along Washington Street, with:
  • Lively pubs and sports bars
  • Rooftop bars with skyline views
  • Late-night pizza and dessert spots
If you like the idea of spending your day walking the Bayonne waterfront and your evening sipping drinks with a view of Manhattan, this area works perfectly.

Is Bayonne, NJ Worth a Visit?

If you’re expecting a big tourist city, Bayonne isn’t that. But that’s part of its charm. It’s:
  • Friendly and walkable
  • Close to major attractions like NYC and Liberty State Park
  • Less expensive than staying in Manhattan
  • Home to real New Jersey neighborhoods and local flavor
If you like exploring places that feel authentic rather than overly polished, Bayonne and Hudson County can be a pleasant surprise.

Plan Your Bayonne Trip

Here’s a simple way to plan a short visit:
  • Morning: Coffee and breakfast on Broadway, then a walk through Stephen R. Gregg Park.
  • Midday: Head to Liberty State Park for Statue of Liberty views or a ferry ride.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Tear Drop Memorial and stroll the Bayonne waterfront.
  • Evening: Dinner in Bayonne, then optional nightlife in Jersey City or Hoboken.
You can easily stretch this into a full weekend by adding a trip into Manhattan, a Staten Island visit, or even a cruise out of Cape Liberty.

Share Your Bayonne Experience

Have you spent time in Bayonne, New Jersey or elsewhere in Hudson County? Did you find a great park, a favorite pizza place, or an unexpected view of the skyline? Share your tips in the comments so other travelers can discover them too. And if you found this guide helpful, please share it with friends or family who are planning a trip near New York City and looking for something a little different. Your share might be exactly what someone needs to discover Bayonne for the first time.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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