10 Fun Things To Do Near West New York, New Jersey (Hudson County)
If you’re in
West New York, NJ and wondering what to do this weekend, you’re in luck. This Hudson County town might look small on the map, but it sits in one of the best spots in the entire New York City area.
You get
jaw‑dropping views of Manhattan, easy access to the city, and a ton of local spots that feel way less crowded than Times Square. Let’s dive into 10 fun, easy day-trip ideas and activities in and around West New York.
1. Walk the Waterfront and Soak in the Manhattan Skyline
One of the absolute
best things to do in West New York is also the simplest: just walk along the Hudson River waterfront.
Head down toward
Port Imperial and the riverside walkways. On a clear day, you’ll see:
- The Empire State Building
- One World Trade Center
- Midtown and Lower Manhattan skyline
It’s an amazing place for:
- A morning jog
- An evening stroll
- Casual photos for social media
If you time it right, sunset over the Hudson with the city lighting up across the water is unforgettable. Bring a light jacket if it’s breezy—winds by the river can feel cooler than inland.
2. Take the Ferry to Midtown or Downtown Manhattan
One huge perk of staying in or near West New York is how fast you can hop into Manhattan—without sitting in tunnel traffic.
From the
NY Waterway ferry terminal at Port Imperial, you can be in:
- Midtown Manhattan in about 8–10 minutes
- Downtown Manhattan in under 20 minutes, depending on route
This is perfect if you:
- Want Broadway or Times Square at night but a quieter place to sleep
- Are traveling with kids and don’t want to do long subway rides
- Love the idea of a “mini cruise” across the river
The ride itself is part of the fun. You’ll glide right past the skyline, often with open-air decks where you can take in the views.
3. Explore Boulevard East – The Iconic View Drive
If you talk to locals about
where to see the best NYC view, they’ll probably say one thing:
Boulevard East.
This scenic road runs along the cliff above the Hudson in West New York and neighboring towns. There are small parks and overlooks where you can stop, sit on a bench, and just take it all in.
It’s great for:
- A slow evening drive
- Photos of the skyline without big crowds
- A quiet spot to drink your coffee and watch the city wake up
On clear nights, the lights of Manhattan look almost unreal from up there.
4. Visit Hamilton Park in Weehawken (Just a Few Minutes Away)
A short drive or bus ride south from West New York brings you to
Hamilton Park in Weehawken, another Hudson County gem.
This small park sits on the cliff and offers:
- Wide-open views of Midtown Manhattan
- Benches and green space to relax
- Monuments to the famous Hamilton–Burr duel
If you’re a fan of the musical
Hamilton, standing near the site of the actual duel feels pretty surreal. It’s a quick, easy stop that pairs well with a walk along Boulevard East.
5. Enjoy Authentic Food Along Bergenline Avenue
If you want
real local flavor near West New York, head to
Bergenline Avenue. This busy main street runs through West New York and neighboring Union City and North Bergen.
You’ll find:
- Latin American restaurants (Cuban, Dominican, Colombian, and more)
- Bakeries with fresh pastries and strong coffee
- Small shops and local markets
Want a simple plan? Walk Bergenline, follow your nose, and step into whichever spot looks lively and smells amazing. It’s a great way to get a taste of Hudson County’s diverse culture without leaving town.
6. Spend the Day in Hoboken – “The Mile Square City”
Just a short bus or light rail ride from West New York,
Hoboken is one of the most popular places to visit in Hudson County.
In Hoboken, you can:
- Walk along the Hoboken Waterfront Walkway
- Visit bars, cafés, and restaurants on Washington Street
- Check out Frank Sinatra’s birthplace and related landmarks
- Relax in Pier A Park with a full-on view of Lower Manhattan
Hoboken is small but packed with energy. It’s perfect if you want a fun night out without the full intensity (and cost) of Manhattan.
7. Walk the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway Through Several Towns
One of the coolest things about this area is that many towns share a continuous path along the river: the
Hudson River Waterfront Walkway.
From West New York, you can follow this path through:
- Weehawken
- Hoboken
- Jersey City (in sections)
It’s ideal if you:
- Like long walks or bike rides
- Want tons of skyline photo angles
- Prefer being outside rather than stuck in traffic
Think of it like a long, scenic “front-row seat” to New York City—without actually being in the city.
8. Day Trip to Liberty State Park in Jersey City
About 20–30 minutes from West New York (depending on traffic) is
Liberty State Park in Jersey City, one of New Jersey’s most famous parks.
Here you can:
- Walk or bike along the waterfront
- Get up-close views of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
- Picnic with plenty of open space
From Liberty State Park, you can also catch ferries to:
- Statue of Liberty
- Ellis Island Immigration Museum
If you’re visiting the area from out of state, this is a must-do. It gives you the classic New York experience—but from the New Jersey side.
9. Shop and Dine at American Dream Mall (Short Drive Away)
If you don’t mind a quick drive out of Hudson County, head to the
American Dream complex near the Meadowlands, roughly 20–30 minutes from West New York.
This massive indoor destination has:
- Huge shopping options
- An indoor water park
- An indoor amusement park
- Mini golf, ice skating, and more
It’s especially good for:
- Rainy or cold days when outdoor plans don’t work
- Families with kids who need to burn off energy
- Travelers who want a “one-stop” entertainment spot
Think of it as your backup plan that often turns into the main attraction.
10. Catch a Game or Event at MetLife Stadium
Sports fan? Concert lover? From West New York, you’re a fairly short drive away from
MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, home of the New York Giants and New York Jets.
Depending on the time of year, you can:
- Watch an NFL game
- See a major concert tour
- Attend special events and festivals
If you’re staying in West New York, this is a great way to combine:
- A quieter, more local home base
- Big-league sports or music events just a short trip away
Why West New York Is a Great Base for Exploring
West New York may not be as famous as Manhattan or Hoboken, but it’s in a sweet spot. You get:
- Incredible skyline views right from town
- Fast access to New York City by ferry or bus
- Easy day trips to Hoboken, Jersey City, and beyond
- Authentic local food and culture along Bergenline Avenue
Whether you’re a local planning a weekend, a visitor staying in Hudson County, or someone looking for new places near NYC to explore, West New York is worth your time.
Share Your Favorite Things to Do Near West New York
Have you spent time in
West New York, NJ or around Hudson County?
- What’s your favorite waterfront spot?
- Do you have a go‑to restaurant along Bergenline?
- Any hidden parks or views most people miss?
Drop your tips and experiences in the comments so other travelers can discover new ideas. And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends or family planning a trip to the New York–New Jersey area.
The next great view, meal, or mini adventure might be just across the river.
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