Hoboken, New Jersey: 10 Unforgettable Things To Do Nearby

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10 Fun Things To Do In And Around Hoboken, New Jersey

If you’re looking for a walkable, waterfront city with amazing views of New York City, Hoboken, New Jersey is a great choice. It’s small, easy to navigate, and packed with great food, bars, parks, and history. Plus, you’re only a quick PATH train or ferry ride from Manhattan. Whether you’re planning a weekend trip, a day visit, or you just moved to Hudson County and want to explore, here are 10 fun things to do in and around Hoboken that locals and visitors both love.

1. Stroll Along the Hoboken Waterfront Walkway

The Hoboken Waterfront Walkway might be the most famous part of town. It runs along the Hudson River and gives you some of the best skyline views of Manhattan you’ll find anywhere. You can:
  • Walk or jog along the paved path
  • Sit on a bench and watch the boats go by
  • Take photos with the Empire State Building and One World Trade behind you
  • Let kids run around the green spaces
On a clear evening, the sunset over the Hudson is hard to beat. If you’re only in Hoboken for a short time, make this your “must-do” stop.

2. Relax at Pier A Park and Pier C Park

Right off the waterfront, you’ll find two of Hoboken’s best green spaces: Pier A Park and Pier C Park. Pier A Park:
  • Large open lawn—perfect for picnics and laying out a blanket
  • Great spot for fireworks on summer holidays
  • Close to the Hoboken Terminal and downtown bars and restaurants
Pier C Park:
  • A smaller, family-friendly pier that actually sits out over the water
  • Modern playground with climbing structures and splash features
  • Nice walking loop with city views all around
If you’re wondering where to hang out on a sunny day in Hoboken, start with these two piers.

3. Explore Washington Street: Hoboken’s Main Strip

Washington Street is Hoboken’s main drag. It runs through the heart of town and is lined with:
  • Bars and pubs
  • Cafés and bakeries
  • Pizza spots and Italian delis
  • Boutique shops and salons
It’s very walkable, and it’s where you’ll feel the everyday energy of Hoboken. A simple way to spend an afternoon:
  • Grab a coffee from a local café
  • Window-shop your way down Washington
  • Stop for a slice of pizza or a sit-down meal
  • End with a drink at a rooftop or neighborhood bar
If you like people-watching, this is your street. On weekends, it can feel like the whole city came out to say hello.

4. Visit Carlo’s Bakery: “The Cake Boss” Spot

If you watched the TV show Cake Boss, you already know about Carlo’s Bakery. The original shop is right in downtown Hoboken, just a short walk from the PATH station. What to expect:
  • Lines out the door on busy weekends (especially in nice weather)
  • Classic Italian pastries like cannoli and lobster tails
  • Colorful cakes and cookies made famous on TV
Is it touristy? Sure. Is it still fun? Absolutely. Even if you just grab one pastry to share, it’s a classic Hoboken experience.

5. Discover Hoboken’s Sinatra Roots

Did you know Frank Sinatra was born in Hoboken? If you’re a music or history fan, you can follow a light “Sinatra trail” around town. A few spots to check out:
  • Frank Sinatra Drive – The waterfront street named in his honor.
  • Sinatra Park – A beautiful park along the river with views of NYC.
  • Historical markers near his old neighborhood (some buildings are gone, but the stories remain).
Walk along Frank Sinatra Drive at night with the city lights shining across the river, and it’s easy to imagine “Ol’ Blue Eyes” walking the same streets decades ago.

6. Eat Your Way Through Hoboken’s Food Scene

Hoboken is small, but its food scene is big. You can find just about everything within a few blocks: Italian, Mexican, Greek, Middle Eastern, sushi, burgers, and more. Some ideas to get you started:
  • Pizza crawl – Try slices from a couple of different spots along Washington Street and pick your favorite.
  • Italian deli run – Grab a fresh mozzarella sandwich from a local deli and head to a park.
  • Brunch – Many Hoboken restaurants do weekend brunch with pancakes, eggs, and strong coffee (or mimosas, if that’s your thing).
If you like exploring through food, Hoboken is easy: almost everything is within a 10–15 minute walk.

7. Go Bar-Hopping and Enjoy Hoboken’s Nightlife

Hoboken has long been known for its nightlife. While it’s calmed down a little over the years, you’ll still find plenty of lively spots for a night out. Typical Hoboken night:
  • Start at a chill bar or pub for a beer or cocktail
  • Move to a spot with live music or a DJ
  • Grab late-night pizza or a quick bite on Washington Street
You’ll find:
  • Sports bars packed on game days
  • Irish pubs with a neighborhood feel
  • Lounges and rooftop bars with skyline views
If you want nightlife near New York City without actually going into Manhattan, Hoboken is an easy, walkable option.

8. Take the PATH or Ferry Into Manhattan for a Quick City Adventure

One of the best things about Hoboken is how close it is to Manhattan. You get the calmer, smaller-city feel on the New Jersey side, but you’re just a quick ride from some of the world’s top attractions. From Hoboken Terminal, you can:
  • Take the PATH train to Midtown or Downtown Manhattan in about 10–20 minutes
  • Hop on a NY Waterway ferry for a scenic ride across the Hudson
Once you’re in Manhattan, you can:
  • Visit Times Square, the High Line, or the 9/11 Memorial
  • See a Broadway show
  • Explore neighborhoods like Chelsea, Greenwich Village, and SoHo
Then, when you’re ready to unwind, you just head back to Hoboken, grab a snack, and enjoy the quieter streets.

9. Explore Nearby Jersey City and Liberty State Park

Just south of Hoboken is Jersey City, another great Hudson County destination. It’s very easy to reach by light rail, Uber, or even a long walk for those who like to explore on foot. Top spot to visit: Liberty State Park.
  • Huge open space with paths and lawns
  • Incredible views of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
  • Perfect for biking, jogging, or a long, peaceful walk
From Liberty State Park, you can also catch ferries to:
  • Statue of Liberty
  • Ellis Island
So if you’re staying in Hoboken and want a classic “New York City trip” experience, this is one of the easiest ways to do it.

10. Join Local Events, Festivals, and Markets

Throughout the year, Hoboken and Hudson County host seasonal events and festivals that bring the community together. Depending on when you visit, you might find:
  • Street fairs along Washington Street
  • Outdoor concerts at Sinatra Park or Pier A
  • Farmers markets with local produce and baked goods
  • Holiday events with lights, decorations, and pop-up vendors
If you’re the type who likes to “live like a local” while traveling, these events are a great way to do it. Check city calendars or local social media pages before your trip to see what’s happening.

Planning Your Visit to Hoboken, New Jersey

A few quick tips for visiting Hoboken in Hudson County:
  • Getting there: Easy access via PATH train, NJ Transit, or ferry from Manhattan.
  • Getting around: Hoboken is very walkable—most things are within a mile or less.
  • Best time to go: Spring, summer, and early fall are ideal for waterfront walks and outdoor dining.
  • Where to base yourself: Near the waterfront or Washington Street puts you close to most attractions.
Whether you’re coming for the food, the views, the nightlife, or just a relaxed day by the water, Hoboken gives you a little bit of everything in a compact, easy-to-enjoy package.

What About You?

Have you been to Hoboken or anywhere else in Hudson County?
  • Which spots did you love the most?
  • Did we miss one of your favorite things to do near Hoboken?
Share your tips and experiences in the comments—your ideas can help other travelers plan their own trip. If you found this guide helpful, please share it with a friend who’s thinking about visiting New Jersey or looking for fun day trips near New York City.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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