Jersey City New Jersey
Sunset sailing on the Hudson River
The Statue of Liberty overlooking a cruise ship and the Hudson River
Mumford & Sons rocks the crowd at Pier A Park in Hoboken
Aerial view of Liberty Science Center
Kayaking past the Statue of Liberty in the Hudson River
Outdoor dining on trendy Erie Street
An exciting soccer match at Red Bull Arena in Harrison
Black skimmers taking flight in Lincoln Park
Enjoying go-karts at Pole Position Raceway
The dining room at an innovative bistro in the historic downtown area
- States:
- New Jersey
The cultural hot spot within view of New York City
Singular Landmarks and Parks
Liberty State Park is a breath of fresh air on New York Bay amid the city hustle and bustle. Just across from Liberty Island and Ellis Island, the park’s 405 hectares include a promenade with a Statue of Liberty overlook. See the historic Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal at the park’s north end, bike or hike Freedom Way’s trails, or take a kayak eco-tour on the Hudson River. At the Empty Sky 911 Memorial, a corridor of stainless steel focuses in on the space where the Twin Towers used to be and honors those New Jerseyans lost in the attacks. Don’t miss the Liberty Science Center’s 12 galleries and hundreds of exhibits or its IMAX dome theater, considered the USA’s largest. From here, take a Statue of Liberty Cruise by ferry to get even closer to the NYC skyline.
Big on Culture
Several museums reflect the area’s diverse traditions and cultural influences. Explore the unconventional collection at The Museum of Russian Art, which features the work of rotating artists as well as permanent holdings. Look for seasonal exhibits that expand on the museum’s Avant-Garde and Nonconformist art focus. Take a trip to the Afro-American Historical and Cultural Society Museum, housed on the second floor of a library and filled with memorabilia, artifacts, documents and photographs that explore the area’s African American heritage. Check out downtown Jersey City’s Powerhouse and Riverview art districts to really get a sense of the community’s vision before heading to Mana Contemporary to see cutting-edge art, dance performances and even film screenings. Catch a concert or play at The Landmark Loew’s Jersey Theatre before you go.
Get Out and Go
When you’re not kayaking or sailing on the Hudson River, or jet skiing past the Statue of Liberty on a guided Sea the City tour, carve some time out for Pole Position Raceway. This indoor go kart facility is the place to compete around the track in small or large groups, offering karts for kids of every size – and age. For bigger thrills, get tickets for a soccer match, rugby game or a concert at Red Bull Arena, home of the New York Red Bulls Major League Soccer team. If you want to get out and play yourself, Pershing Field Park offers an ice rink, pool, playground, fields and courts for any sport you can think of.
Fun Fact
In Hoboken, visitors can tour and enjoy treats at the original Carlo’s Bakery of reality television show “Cake Boss” fame.
The Statue of Liberty is actually located in Jersey City, even though New York still has legal jurisdiction.
Photo: Michael Marmora
The Liberty Science Center is home to the nation’s largest IMAX dome theatre.