10 Fun Things To Do Near Fort Lee, New Jersey (Bergen County Guide)
If you’re looking for a fun day trip near New York City,
Fort Lee, New Jersey is a great place to start. Sitting right at the western end of the George Washington Bridge in
Bergen County, Fort Lee is packed with history, food, and easy access to parks, malls, and river views.
Whether you’re a local, staying nearby, or driving in from another state, this guide covers
10 things to do in and around Fort Lee, NJ that are perfect for couples, families, and solo explorers.
1. Walk the George Washington Bridge & Enjoy the Hudson River Views
One of the most unique things about Fort Lee is that you can literally
walk onto the George Washington Bridge from town.
The pedestrian path (on the south side of the bridge) gives you:
- Amazing views of the Manhattan skyline
- Panoramic sights of the Hudson River
- A fun, slightly windy, urban adventure
The full bridge is about
1 mile across, so you can easily turn it into a 2‑mile round-trip walk. On a clear day, you’ll see boats, skyscrapers, and even the Palisades cliffs.
If you don’t feel like walking the whole thing, you can simply stroll partway across, soak in the view, take a few photos, and head back. It’s especially pretty around sunset.
2. Explore Fort Lee Historic Park & Step Into Revolutionary War History
Right near the bridge,
Fort Lee Historic Park combines
scenic overlooks with
American history.
This 33‑acre clifftop park sits high above the Hudson River on the Palisades. You’ll find:
- Reconstructed Revolutionary War-era fortifications
- Replica cannons and soldiers’ quarters
- Walking paths with benches and river views
- A visitor center with exhibits about the Revolutionary War
Back in 1776, this site was a key defensive position for General Washington’s army. Today, it’s a peaceful spot where you can learn a bit of history and still have space for kids to run around.
If you enjoy quiet places with a view, bring a coffee, sit on one of the stone walls, and just look out over the water. It feels like a small escape from the city, even though you’re only minutes away.
3. Discover Fort Lee’s Silent Film & Movie History
Before Hollywood, there was Fort Lee.
In the early 1900s, Fort Lee was known as the
birthplace of the American film industry. Many silent movies were filmed right on these streets and in the nearby forests and cliffs.
To experience this side of town:
- Stop by any film-related markers and plaques around downtown Fort Lee.
- Look for mentions of studios like Universal and Fox, which once had operations here.
- Stroll around and imagine crews hauling cameras and props up the rocky hills.
If you’re a movie buff, Fort Lee feels like a hidden chapter in film history. It’s not as flashy as Hollywood, but that’s part of the charm. You get a sense that big stories started in this small New Jersey town.
4. Eat Your Way Through Fort Lee’s Fantastic Korean & International Food Scene
One of the
best reasons to visit Fort Lee is the food. The town has a strong Korean community and an amazing range of Asian and international restaurants.
Within just a few blocks, you can find:
- Korean BBQ spots with tabletop grills
- Hot pot and mandu (dumplings)
- Bakeries with fresh pastries, buns, and cakes
- Casual ramen, bubble tea, and dessert cafes
If you’re not sure where to start, a simple strategy is to park near Main Street or Lemoine Avenue and just walk. See which places look busy, peek at a few menus, and follow your nose.
On a recent visit, I ended up in a small Korean restaurant I’d never heard of, ordered a bubbling hot stone bibimbap, and left wondering why I hadn’t been doing this every weekend. Sometimes the best Fort Lee experience is just a slow food crawl.
5. Stroll Around Downtown Fort Lee & The Modern
Fort Lee’s downtown area has changed a lot in recent years. There are new high‑rise buildings, modern apartments, and a growing mix of shops and eateries.
One standout spot is
The Modern towers area, which has:
- Street-level shops and places to grab a bite
- Public areas and small plazas to sit and relax
- A nice, urban feel without the stress of Manhattan
Combine a walk around downtown with coffee, a snack, and a little window shopping. If you enjoy people‑watching, this area is perfect. You’ll see commuters, families, and plenty of locals going about their day.
6. Drive the Palisades Interstate Parkway & Visit the Lookout Points
Just a short drive from Fort Lee, you can hop onto the
Palisades Interstate Parkway, one of the most scenic drives in North Jersey.
Head north from town, and within minutes you’ll find:
- Englewood Cliffs lookout points with sweeping river views
- Pullover spots where you can stretch your legs and take photos
- Peaceful wooded areas that feel far from the city traffic
If you keep going, you can reach the
Palisades Interstate Park trailheads. Here, you can hike down toward the river, walk along the shore, or just sit and relax on a bench near the water.
This is a great option if you want something outdoorsy but don’t want to drive hours to a national park.
7. Shop & Dine at the Shops at Hudson Lights
Right in Fort Lee, near the base of the George Washington Bridge, you’ll find the
Shops at Hudson Lights, a modern mixed-use development.
Here you can:
- Grab a casual lunch or dinner
- Pick up coffee or dessert
- Browse a few stores and services
While it’s not a massive mall, it’s very convenient if you’re already in town visiting the bridge or Fort Lee Historic Park. Think of it as a comfortable, walkable area where you can regroup, refuel, and plan your next stop.
8. Take a Short Ride to the American Dream Mall
If you’re in a shopping or entertainment mood, you’re only a short drive from one of the biggest attractions in the region:
American Dream in East Rutherford, NJ.
From Fort Lee, it’s typically about a
20–30 minute drive, depending on traffic.
Once you arrive, you’ll find:
- A huge indoor amusement park
- An indoor water park
- Indoor skiing and snowboarding
- Mini golf, shops, and tons of places to eat
For families with kids, this can easily fill an entire day. For adults, it’s still a wild experience to ride roller coasters and then grab dinner without ever stepping outside.
Tip: If you’re planning to visit American Dream on a weekend or holiday, consider buying tickets ahead of time for the bigger attractions.
9. Catch a Show or Event in Nearby Englewood
Just a few minutes from Fort Lee, the town of
Englewood adds some arts and culture to your Bergen County outing.
You can:
- Look up events at local performance spaces and theaters
- Explore Englewood’s downtown for more dining and shopping
- Walk around and enjoy the small‑town feel right next to the city
If you like the idea of a full day out, you can start in Fort Lee—walk the bridge, grab lunch—and then head over to Englewood for an evening performance or a relaxed dinner.
10. Visit Overpeck County Park for Trails, Water Views & Open Space
When you need a break from buildings and traffic,
Overpeck County Park is one of Bergen County’s best outdoor escapes, and it’s not far from Fort Lee.
This large park offers:
- Walking and biking paths
- Water views and wetlands
- Playgrounds and open fields
- Picnic areas for families and groups
It’s a great spot to bring a bike, pack a lunch, or just stroll for an hour. If you’re traveling with kids, they’ll have plenty of space to burn off energy.
On a nice fall day, with leaves changing color and cool air off the water, Overpeck feels like a completely different world from the busy George Washington Bridge area—yet it’s only a short drive away.
Planning Your Fort Lee, NJ Visit
Here are a few quick tips to make your trip smoother:
- Getting there: Fort Lee is right off major highways and at the New Jersey end of the George Washington Bridge. It’s an easy drive from many parts of New Jersey and New York.
- Parking: There is street parking and some lots in town, especially near parks and shopping areas. Always check local signs.
- Best time to visit: Spring and fall are especially nice for walking the bridge and parks. Summer evenings are great for outdoor dining. Winter can be chilly and windy on the bridge, so dress warm.
You don’t need a strict plan to enjoy Fort Lee. In fact, some of the best days here start with a simple idea like, “Let’s walk the bridge and grab lunch,” and then just see where the day goes.
Share Your Fort Lee Favorites
Have you spent time in
Fort Lee or Bergen County?
- Did you walk the George Washington Bridge?
- Find an amazing Korean BBQ spot or bakery?
- Discover a park or viewpoint I didn’t mention?
I’d love to hear about it.
Use the comments to share your favorite
things to do in Fort Lee, NJ, or tell us about a great spot you stumbled on. Your tips might help someone else plan their perfect day trip.
And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with a friend or family member who’s looking for new places to explore near New York City. Fort Lee may be small, but once you visit, you’ll see it has a lot more going on than you might expect.
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