Jersey City was the initial destination for a large group of immigrants who came to this country via Ellis Island, which was in operation nearby from 1892 until 1954. Today, Jersey City is a reflection of the many cultures that call the city home. The city's multicultural influences can be sampled by its varied and storied culinary offerings. There is significant amount of green space, with Liberty State Park covering 1,212 acres. Liberty State Park was my favorite spot to visit to enjoy skyline views while I lived in NYC for 10 years.
Jersey City, NJ Highlights:
- For Adventurous Travelers: Kayak the Hudson from Liberty State Park
- For History Buffs: Visit the Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal
- For Shoppers: Stroll the Grove Street neighborhood
- For Couples: Watch the sunset from the waterfront walkway
- For Families: Explore Liberty Science Center
Best Time to Visit Jersey City, NJ
The best time to visit Jersey City is spring through fall (April through October).
How to Get to Jersey City, NJ
- If you are traveling by car: Jersey City is easily accessible via I-78, the Holland Tunnel, and the New Jersey Turnpike.
- By Train: PATH trains connect Jersey City to NYC (WTC and Midtown), Newark, and Hoboken in minutes.
- By Ferry: NY Waterway ferries run from Jersey City to Manhattan, offering scenic and fast transit.
Where to Stay in Jersey City, NJ
- The Westin Jersey City Newport – Upscale hotel with city views
- Hyatt House Jersey City – Modern hotel on the waterfront
- Canopy by Hilton Jersey City Arts District – Boutique-style stay .
Best Things to Do in Jersey City, NJ
1. Reflect and Remember at the Empty Sky Memorial
Rating: ★★★★★
The Empty Sky Memorial is dedicated to the 749 innocents from New Jersey who were killed on September 11th, 2001 at the Pentagon, the World Trade Center, and in Shanksville, PA. The memorial was dedicated on September 10, 2011, attracting more than 3,000 people. At the memorial, visitors will find two walls of the same measurement transecting a sloped mound anchored by a granite path directed toward Ground Zero. The 749 victims' names face one another on the twin brushed stainless steel walls. The walls direct visitors to the place where the World Trade Center towers stood. Liberty State Park, 1 Audrey Zapp Drive, Jersey City, NJ 07305
2. Spark Curiosity and Innovation at Liberty Science Center
Plan a fun family afternoon at the Liberty Science Center where kids can learn about science through interactive exhibits which change through the seasons. One of the exhibits has included "Honey Bees: The Home is Where the Hive Is," the colony has been moved largely indoors to encourage guests to see workers converting nectar into honey and storing it in the honeycomb cells, bees traveling in and out of the hive, larvae growing and maturing, and the queen laying eggs. At some point, guests may even observe the harvesting of honey by beekeepers. At LSC's IMAX DOME theatre, there are several films playing. Guests will enjoy the domed screen, which is 88 feet in diameter, in a 400-seat theater. At Science Camp at LSC, 2016, sessions are offered throughout the summer to four classes of students. 222 Jersey City Boulevard Jersey City, NJ 07305, Phone: 201-200-1000
3. Stand Face-to-Face with Freedom at the Statue of Liberty
Visiting Liberty Island is truly a rewarding endeavor, but guests wishing to enter the pedestal, the crown, or the museum must secure reservations. A grounds-only ticket is the most widely available ticket, and it provides guests with access to the island. Pedestal tickets, which are limited, let visitors access the museum, the Fort Wood level, and the inside the pedestal. Only a certain number of pedestal tickets are available every morning at ticket offices. Crown tickets let guests access the museum, pedestal, crown, and the Fort Wood level. Advanced reservations for these limited tickets are required. Tickets from Statue Cruises to Liberty Island include access to the Immigration Museum and Ellis Island. Liberty Island, New York, NY 10004, Phone: 212-363-3200
4. Bike, Picnic, and Take in Skyline Views at Liberty State Park
Some 2,000 feet from the Statue of Liberty on the New York Harbor sits Liberty State Park, which has played a central role in developing New Jersey's metro region and, indeed, the country itself. In the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, the area that now comprises Liberty State Park was a premier industrial waterfront area replete with a passenger and freight transportation network, and the Central Railroad of New Jersey (CRRNJ) Terminal was the focus of this transportation network. Indeed, the CRRNJ, coupled with the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, witnessed the vast European immigration into the country. After seeing the Statue of Liberty and getting through processing at Ellis Island, immigrants departed from trains at the CRRNJ Terminal, trains that took them to new venues throughout the country. Liberty State Park opened on June 14, 1976 as a 1,122-acre park. The CRRNJ Terminal unites with Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty to preserve the country's landmark trilogy. Morris Pesin Drive, Jersey City, NJ 07305, Phone: 201-915-3403 or 3404
What to do if you are traveling with kids:
5. Sail to Iconic Landmarks with Statue Cruises
Statue Cruises has several tour options for boats to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. All tickets include the Ellis Island Immigration Museum, Statue of Liberty grounds, and audio tour. A Crown Reserve Ticket includes access to the crown and pedestal of the Statue of Liberty National Monument. These tickets are limited. With a Pedestal Reserve Ticket, visitors can access the statue's pedestal. These tickets are limited. With a Reserve Ticket, guests receive access to grounds of the Statue of Liberty National Monument. For the Hard Hat Tour & JR Exhibit, a guest ticket includes a 90-minute tour of Ellis Island's South Side, where guests will see "Unframed - Ellis Island," an exhibit by the French artist JR. Statue Cruises ferries depart from Battery Park in New York and Liberty State Park in New Jersey. Phone: 877-LADYTIX (877-523-9849)
6. Relax, Play, and Stroll Through Charming Van Vorst Park
Situated in a Jersey City historic district, Van Vorst Park is an elegant 1.8-acre downtown space. Cornelius Van Vorst originally donated the area in 1848, and horticulturist Peter Henderson landscaped the park in 1851. Flanked by a plethora of brownstones from the nineteenth-century, the park was dramatically restored in 1999. The community maintains its gorgeous gardens. Van Vorst Park features two playgrounds for older children and toddlers, dog runs, benches, paved walkways, a plaza, community gardens, a fountain, and a gazebo, plus open green space. Cultural events include a farmers' market, Shakespeare in the Park, films in Van Vorst, and a flea market. Located at the intersection of Montgomery Street and Jersey Avenue across from the Jersey City Free Public Library and a few blocks southeast of the Grove Street PATH Station.
7. If You’re Ready for Water Adventures, Hop on Sea the City Tours
Since New York City is surrounded by water, a great way appreciate the size and beauty of Manhattan and the surrounding boroughs is to explore them via water. Sea the City's guided jet ski tours take guests to the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Brooklyn Bridge, Wall Street, Governors Island, One World Trade Center/Freedom Tower, Brooklyn Bridge Park, and more. Tours are intended for novices as well as experienced riders. Guides stop often to answer questions and allow time for picture taking. Sea the City offers New York City Jet Ski tours from its Jersey City location. The marina is a 10-minute ferry boat ride from the World Financial Center. Sea the City, LLC, 80 Audrey Zapp Drive, Jersey City, NJ 07305, Phone: 917-574-9032 | 866-462-4565
8. Catch Live Music and Performances at White Eagle Hall
Occupying the newly-restored premises of one of Jersey City’s historic theatres, the White Eagle Hall is the place to go for entertainment in Jersey City. Attracting shows of all kinds, the venue hosts musical concerts, comedy shows, movies or live stage shows. In addition, you can enjoy a meal and drinks while you enjoy the entertainment. The hall can accommodate up to 800 standing guests for music concerts or up to 250 for dinner shows. The original building was constructed in 1910, and has been used for various events for more than 100 years. Today it has been restored to its former elegance and is fully updated with excellent sound and lighting equipment. White Eagle Hall, 337 Newark Avenue, Jersey City, NJ 07302, 973 803 8634
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