10 Fun Things To Do Near Hackensack, New Jersey (Bergen County Guide)
Looking for fun things to do in and around
Hackensack, New Jersey? You’re in a great spot. This Bergen County city sits just across the river from New York City, but you don’t have to hop into Manhattan to have a good time.
Whether you’re planning a weekend trip, visiting family, or just moved to the area, here are
10 things to do near Hackensack that mix local flavor, history, food, and outdoor fun.
1. Stroll the Shops and Restaurants at The Shops at Riverside
If you only have a few hours in Hackensack, spend them at
The Shops at Riverside.
This upscale mall doesn’t feel like your typical crowded shopping center. It has a quieter, more relaxed vibe, and it’s a good place to escape bad weather or just stretch your legs.
- Why go: High-end shops, great dining, and a clean, modern atmosphere.
- What to do: Browse stores like Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., and Williams Sonoma.
- Where to eat: Try a sit-down meal at one of the restaurants or grab a quick bite at the food court.
I’ve used Riverside as a “reset” spot on busy travel days—park once, wander around, grab coffee, and people-watch. It’s also an easy meeting point if you’re meeting friends from other parts of North Jersey.
2. Explore History at the Bergen County Courthouse and Green
Right in downtown Hackensack, the
Bergen County Justice Center and the nearby
Hackensack Green make a surprisingly interesting stop, especially if you enjoy architecture and local history.
The courthouse is known for its
Beaux-Arts style and impressive dome. The area around it has several historic markers that give you a sense of how important Hackensack has been in North Jersey’s story.
- Walk around the courthouse and check out the statues and carvings.
- Relax on a bench at the Green and do some classic small-city people-watching.
- Look for plaques that share bits of Bergen County history.
If you like taking photos, this part of Hackensack has some of the most photogenic buildings in town.
3. Catch a Show at the Hackensack Performing Arts Center (HACPAC)
Love live music, comedy, or local theater? Add the
Hackensack Performing Arts Center to your list.
This cozy venue sits in a former Masonic temple and now hosts:
- Concerts (jazz, rock, classical, and more)
- Comedy nights
- Plays and community performances
- Art exhibits
The vibe here feels very local and welcoming. It’s the kind of place where you might walk in not knowing any performers and walk out with a new favorite band or comedian.
Tip: Check their event calendar before your trip. Tickets are often affordable, and it’s a fun alternative to heading into New York City for a show.
4. Walk or Bike the Hackensack River Greenway
If you’re craving some fresh air without leaving town, try the
Hackensack River Greenway.
This growing trail system runs along the
Hackensack River and offers:
- Paved paths for walking, jogging, or casual biking
- Views of the river and wetlands
- Benches where you can sit and relax
Think of it as Hackensack’s version of a waterfront escape—no long drive required. On a sunny day, it’s a peaceful break from traffic and stores. Early mornings are especially quiet and calm.
If you’re traveling with kids, this is a nice way for them to burn off energy without dealing with big crowds.
5. Spend the Day at Overpeck County Park (Just a Short Drive Away)
Less than 10–15 minutes from Hackensack,
Overpeck County Park in Leonia and nearby towns is one of the best outdoor spots in Bergen County.
At over 800 acres, it’s huge, and you can easily spend a half or full day here.
- Walk, run, or bike miles of waterfront paths.
- Rent a kayak or canoe in season and paddle on Overpeck Creek.
- Let the kids loose on the playgrounds.
- Pack a picnic and find a shady spot with a view.
If you’re used to thinking of North Jersey as all highways and malls, Overpeck will surprise you. It’s a big dose of nature just minutes from Hackensack.
6. Dive Into Local History at the New Bridge Landing Historic Site
History buffs, this one’s for you. About 10 minutes from Hackensack in River Edge, the
Historic New Bridge Landing area sits along the Hackensack River and played an important role in the Revolutionary War.
George Washington and his troops once crossed here while retreating from British forces.
On your visit, you can:
- Walk across the old bridge over the river.
- Tour historic homes when they’re open for events.
- Learn how the site shaped early New Jersey history.
Even if you’re not a huge history fan, the riverside views are pretty, and it’s a quiet spot to step back in time for a bit.
7. Eat Your Way Through Bergen County’s Food Scene
One of the best things to do near Hackensack?
Eat. Bergen County is packed with great food, and Hackensack puts you in the middle of it all.
Here’s how to turn it into an activity:
- Try local diners: Classic New Jersey diners are everywhere. Grab pancakes, burgers, or a late-night snack.
- Explore international flavors: You’ll find amazing Korean, Japanese, Mexican, Middle Eastern, Italian, and more within a 10–20 minute drive.
- Go on a dessert hunt: Bakeries, ice cream shops, and cafes are easy to find around Hackensack and neighboring towns.
If you’re visiting from out of state, New Jersey’s diner culture alone is worth exploring. That giant menu with everything from omelets to steaks at 11 p.m.? That’s very “North Jersey.”
8. Shop and Play at Garden State Plaza and Surrounding Malls
Bergen County is famous for shopping, and Hackensack sits close to some of the area’s biggest malls.
About 15–20 minutes away in Paramus, you’ll find:
- Westfield Garden State Plaza – One of the largest malls in New Jersey, with tons of stores, restaurants, and a movie theater.
- Bergen Town Center – More outlets and big-box stores.
- Paramus Park – A smaller, more low-key mall option.
If you’re visiting with teens or a group of friends, an afternoon of shopping, snacking, and catching a movie is an easy plan. Just remember: many Paramus stores close on Sundays due to local laws, so plan your mall trip for another day of the week.
9. Visit the Aviation Hall of Fame & Museum of New Jersey
Right next to Teterboro Airport, about 15–20 minutes from Hackensack, sits the
Aviation Hall of Fame & Museum of New Jersey.
It’s a small but interesting spot, especially if you’re curious about planes or traveling with kids.
You can:
- See historic aircraft up close.
- Learn about New Jersey’s role in aviation history.
- Check out old engines, cockpit sections, and aviation gear.
Hearing jets take off in the background while you walk through the exhibits adds to the atmosphere. If you’ve ever looked up at a plane and wondered what’s happening inside, this place brings some of that mystery down to earth.
10. Take a Quick Trip into New York City (Easy from Hackensack)
One of the biggest perks of staying in Hackensack is how close you are to
New York City—without having to sleep in the middle of it.
From Hackensack, you can:
- Drive to the George Washington Bridge area in about 15–20 minutes (traffic depending).
- Catch a bus from nearby towns into the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown Manhattan.
Once you’re in the city, the classic options are wide open:
- Walk Times Square or Central Park.
- Visit a museum like the Met or the American Museum of Natural History.
- See a Broadway show or grab a slice of New York pizza.
Think of Hackensack as your comfortable base: explore the bright lights of NYC by day, then come back to a quieter hotel and easier parking at night.
Final Tips for Visiting Hackensack and Bergen County
To make the most of your time near Hackensack, New Jersey:
- Bring comfortable shoes: You’ll be walking a lot—malls, parks, and downtown streets all add up.
- Check hours ahead of time: Some local spots, especially in Paramus, have unique hours or are closed on Sundays.
- Plan for traffic: This is North Jersey. Rush hour around highways like Route 4, Route 17, and I‑80 can get heavy.
- Mix city and nature: Pair a mall or museum visit with time at a park or along the river to balance your day.
Hackensack may not shout the loudest like New York City, but it’s in a sweet spot: close to big attractions, yet full of its own local charm, history, and great food.
What Would You Add to This Hackensack Bucket List?
Have you spent time in
Hackensack or Bergen County?
- What’s your favorite local restaurant?
- Any hidden parks, coffee shops, or small museums you love?
- Do you prefer the malls, the riverfront, or quick trips into NYC?
Share your tips and experiences in the comments so other travelers can discover new things to do near Hackensack, New Jersey.
And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends or family who might be planning a North Jersey visit. Your shares and comments help keep guides like this going!
Comments
Post a Comment