10 Fun Things To Do Near Union City, New Jersey (Hudson County)
If you’re in
Union City, New Jersey and wondering what to do this weekend, you’re in luck. This small city in
Hudson County packs a big punch, and it’s just minutes from some of the best spots in the New York City metro area.
Whether you’re a local, visiting friends, or staying nearby, here are
10 easy, fun, and memorable things to do near Union City—all within a short drive, bus ride, or even a quick walk.
1. Stroll the Skyline at Washington Park & Weehawken Reservoir
Start close to home. Union City is all about views.
Just a few blocks from many Union City neighborhoods, you’ll find
Washington Park and the nearby
Weehawken Reservoir, sitting high above the Hudson River.
- Wide walking paths and open fields
- Basketball and tennis courts
- Playgrounds for kids
- Peaceful spots to sit, relax, and look toward Manhattan
On a clear evening, grab a coffee from a nearby bakery, walk over, and watch the sunset behind the New York City skyline. It’s simple, free, and honestly one of the best views in Hudson County.
2. Take in Jaw-Dropping Views from Weehawken Waterfront & Hamilton Park
If you want that classic postcard-perfect NYC view, head just downhill to the
Weehawken Waterfront and
Hamilton Park.
From this stretch along the Hudson River, you’ll see:
- The Empire State Building and Midtown skyline
- Ferries crossing back and forth to Manhattan
- Peaceful walking paths right along the water
Up on the cliff at
Hamilton Park, you get a higher vantage point. On warm nights, you’ll see photographers, couples, and families just hanging out, taking in the view. It’s an easy Uber or bus ride from Union City, and parking is usually manageable during non-rush hours.
3. Explore Hoboken’s Waterfront, Bars, and Brownstones
Just a few minutes south of Union City is
Hoboken, one of the most walkable little cities in New Jersey.
Down by the water, you’ll find:
- Pier A Park – big grassy lawn with benches and skyline views
- Pier C Park – a kid-friendly pier with a playground and water features
- A wide waterfront walkway perfect for joggers, strollers, and sunset photos
Head a couple blocks inland and you’re in the heart of Hoboken:
- Washington Street’s bars, coffee shops, and restaurants
- Cozy brunch spots and late-night pizza
- Local shops and bakeries
From Union City, you can be in Hoboken in under 15 minutes by bus, car, or rideshare. It’s a great “mini city” to explore without the stress of Manhattan traffic.
4. Ride the Ferry or PATH Train into Manhattan
One of the best things about staying in Union City is how
close you are to New York City—without paying New York City prices.
You can:
- Take a bus down to Hoboken Terminal and hop on the PATH train
- Catch an NY Waterway ferry from Weehawken or Hoboken
From there, in about 10–20 minutes, you’re in:
- Midtown Manhattan for Times Square and Broadway
- Lower Manhattan for the World Trade Center and Wall Street
Many people actually
choose Union City and Hudson County as a home base because it gives you easy access to NYC attractions—museums, shows, shopping—yet you can still return to a quieter neighborhood at night.
5. Eat Your Way Through Union City’s Latin American Food Scene
Union City has a strong
Cuban, Dominican, and broader Latin American community, and the food absolutely reflects that.
Expect to find:
- Cuban bakeries serving strong coffee and fresh pastries
- Dominican spots with big plates of rice, beans, and roast chicken
- Colombian and Peruvian restaurants with grilled meats and seafood
Take a relaxed food walk along Bergenline Avenue or nearby streets and pop into places that smell promising. Try:
- Café con leche with a pastelito for breakfast
- Cuban sandwich or ropa vieja for lunch
- Arroz con pollo or mofongo for dinner
You won’t need to go into Manhattan for great food—much of it is right here in Hudson County.
6. Catch a Show at the Park Performing Arts Center
For local arts and culture, check out the
Park Performing Arts Center in Union City. Housed in a historic building, it hosts:
- Plays and musicals
- Dance performances
- Community and cultural events
Schedules change throughout the year, so it’s worth checking their website or social media before you go.
If you enjoy small theaters where you can really feel close to the stage—rather than huge arenas—this spot offers a more intimate, local vibe you might not see in larger cities.
7. Visit Liberty State Park in Jersey City
About a 20–30 minute drive from Union City,
Liberty State Park in Jersey City is one of the area’s true gems.
Here you’ll find:
- Wide-open green spaces for picnics
- Long walking and biking paths along the water
- Incredible views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the lower Manhattan skyline
You can also catch ferries from Liberty State Park to:
- Statue of Liberty
- Ellis Island Immigration Museum
If you’re traveling with kids, bring a ball, snacks, and maybe a kite. If you’re visiting as a couple, this is a perfect place for a slow walk with jaw-dropping views.
8. Dive Into Science at Liberty Science Center
Right next to Liberty State Park is the
Liberty Science Center, one of the top family attractions in New Jersey.
Inside you’ll find:
- Hands-on science exhibits
- Interactive displays for kids and adults
- An IMAX dome theater with movies about space, nature, and more
If you’re in Union City on a rainy day and don’t feel like going into Manhattan, this is a great indoor option. Plan to spend at least a few hours here—more if you’re traveling with curious kids who want to touch everything (and here, that’s encouraged).
9. Shop, Dine, and People-Watch Around Newport & Downtown Jersey City
Head a bit further south into
Jersey City to explore the fast-growing neighborhoods around
Newport and downtown.
You’ll find:
- Newport Centre Mall – a big indoor mall with major brands
- Downtown Jersey City – walkable streets, coffee shops, and local boutiques
- Waterfront walkways with views of lower Manhattan
The vibe here is a mix of city energy and neighborhood feel. It’s not as intense as Manhattan, but still busy enough to be interesting. From Union City, it’s an easy drive or bus ride down through Hoboken into Jersey City.
10. Join Local Festivals and Cultural Events in Union City & Hudson County
Union City and Hudson County host
year-round cultural events that reflect their diverse communities.
Depending on the time of year, you might find:
- Latin music festivals and cultural parades
- Street fairs with food vendors and live music
- Holiday celebrations and community performances
These events are often family-friendly, free, and full of local flavor. If you like feeling less like a tourist and more like part of the neighborhood, keep an eye on Union City and Hudson County event calendars.
Why Base Yourself in Union City, NJ?
If you’re searching for
things to do near Union City, New Jersey, you’ve probably noticed a pattern:
- You’re minutes from New York City
- You’ve got Hoboken and Jersey City right next door
- You still get a more relaxed, local neighborhood feel
Union City itself offers great food, local parks, and community culture. But its real strength is its location. You can wake up in a small New Jersey city, grab Cuban coffee on the corner, and be in Times Square, Liberty State Park, or the Hoboken waterfront in under an hour, often much less.
It’s an ideal home base if you want to experience the
New York–New Jersey metro area without being locked into one single neighborhood.
Share Your Union City Experience
Have you spent time in
Union City or Hudson County?
- Which spots were your favorite?
- Did you find a hidden gem café, park, or viewpoint?
- Any restaurant you’d recommend others try?
Drop a comment below with your tips, stories, or questions about things to do near Union City, New Jersey. And if you know someone planning a visit to the NYC area,
share this guide with them so they can discover a different side of the Hudson River—right here in Union City and Hudson County.
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