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. Here are the best things to do in Jersey City.
Empty Sky Memorial
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
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
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.
Statue of Liberty, Liberty Island, New York, NY 10004, Phone: 212-363-3200
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
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)
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.
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 Tours'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
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
Sail NYC
Sail NYC provides private boat charters for an active sail in stunning New York Harbor. Its yachts are privately owned, and the captain is the owner. Guests can simply enjoy the sail or become a member of the crew and take the helm or hoist the sails as passengers get a glimpse of the Manhattan skyline or the Statue of Liberty. The skippered boat charter includes a USCG-licensed captain for a one-of-a-kind adventure in one of the world's most exciting places.
All tours are for a single party only, including the captain. Tours are ideal for parties, romantic sails, marriage proposals, and fun in the sun. They are suitable for 1-12 passengers and run three to four hours. Guests can arrange to bring their own food and beverages or have Sail NYC handle that. (Phone: 646-665-2022)
Wurstbar
Wurstbar is a lively Jersey City eatery opened in 2016 by Aaron Kahn, known for its delicious sausage sandwiches and craft beer options. The rustic-industrial restaurant showcases vintage decor in its dining room, including elements reclaimed from old butcher shops in the area. Signature wurst sandwiches feature options like bratwurst, kielbasa, and venison, lamb, or duck sausage, stuffed with delicious ingredients like fig mustard, mint cream sauce, masala curry, or Mike's Hot Honey. Gourmet hot dogs are also served up, along with a full menu of brisket blend burgers and clever fried chicken sandwiches. In addition to regional craft beer selections, diners can enjoy a full menu of fine wines, house cocktails, craft ciders, and beer distillate pours.
516 Jersey Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07302, Phone: 201-479-8396
Maritime Parc
Maritime Parc is a unique dining destination within Liberty State Park, offering stunning dining room views of New York City landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the Manhattan skyline. The restaurant, which was founded in 2009 by executive chef Chris Siversen, is known for its sleek, modern New American fare, with an emphasis on coastal fish house selections prepared with local, sustainable ingredients. Excellent land and sea entrees include classics like lobster Thermidor, New York strip steaks, and house burgers prepared with Califon Tomme cheese, special sauce, and duck fat fries. Pasta selections like crab fusilli and Manila clam linguine also take center stage, accompanied by raw bar selections and an extensive wine and liquor menu.
84 Audrey Zapp Dr, Jersey City, NJ 07305, Phone: 201-413-0050
Battello
Battello is an upscale eatery in Jersey City, originally opened to the public in 2014 by restaurateur Cory Checket and executive chef Ryan Depersio. The restaurant and bar offers industrial-chic digs and hosts a variety of regional musical acts throughout the year, along with special events such as guest chef stints, wine tastings, and spectacular holiday celebrations. Diners can enjoy beautiful views of the Hudson River at lunch, brunch, and dinner service throughout the week while enjoying the restaurant's seafood-focused Italian menu and bar selections. Lovely pasta selections such as squid ink torchio, ricotta gnocchi, and smoky prosciutto bucatini are complemented by elegant land and sea fare such as fennel-dusted big eye tuna, pan-roasted day boat scallops, and pancetta-wrapped pork chops. Large-format entrees are also available for the entire table, along with standard and vegetarian tasting menus at dinner. Local and international beers are available on draft or by bottle, along with a clever cocktail menu emphasizing ingredients such as turmeric, hibiscus, and smoked chili bitters.
502 Washington Blvd, Jersey City, NJ 07310, Phone: (201) 798-1798
Ani Ramen
Ani Ramen is a lively Jersey City ramen joint opened in 2017. The restaurant is named for the Japanese word for "big brother," known for its casual interpretations of Tokyo-style favorites. Excellent ramen selections are available at lunch and dinner, ranging from shoyu and miso to yuzu shio and mazemen options. Pork belly buns are also served up, along with donburi bowls and shareables like seven-spice dry-rubbed chicken wings and handmade gyoza. Diners can also enjoy the United States' largest menu of Japanese whiskey selections, cultivated in collaboration with James Beard Award-nominated mixologist Kenta Goto.
218 Newark Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07302, Phone: 201-408-9811
Liberty Landing Marina
Located on the Hudson River across from the lower part of Manhattan, Liberty Landing Marina offers 520 slips, a facility for fueling 24 hours a day, transient dockage, complete maintenance, and a marine store. Because of its location in Liberty State Park, boaters have access to a ferry to Manhattan, two restaurants, the Liberty Science Center, and Statue of Liberty tours.
Liberty Landing Marina boasts the highest standards for services and amenities. All boaters will enjoy all the conveniences of a full-service marina.
80 Audrey Zapp Drive, Liberty State Park, Jersey City, NJ 07305, Phone: 201-985-8000
Pole Position Raceway
Pole Position Raceway Jersey City offers several options for go kart racing. One popular racing option is called Arrive & Drive, which allows individuals or small groups to race. These standard races run about 10 minutes, and drivers are separated into two categories. Adult karts are for those who are 58 inches or taller; junior karts are for those who are at least 48 inches tall and can drive safely.
Group events and party packages provide reserved time slots for private racing. These packages are available in two, three, and four-race formats and include specialty items. Larger groups are also welcome.
99 Caven Point Rd, Jersey City, NJ 07305, Phone: 201-333-7223
The RoofTop
The RoofTop is a multi-level restaurant within Jersey City's Exchange Place, offering stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty and Staten Island from its indoor and outdoor dining and lounge spaces. The restaurant, which is helmed by executive chef Gilberto Feliciano, offers year-round ambiance with a retractable glass roof and walls, serving up brunch, lunch, happy hour, dinner, and late-night service throughout the week. Shareable plates include charcuterie boards and flatbreads, while entrees range from clever burgers and sandwiches to internationally-influenced fare such as poke bowls and creative tacos. In addition to a carefully-selected menu of draft beer, fine wine, and craft cocktails, the restaurant offers bottle service on weekends, when its rooftop space turns into a nightlife hotspot with performances by top DJs.
1 Exchange Place, Jersey City, NJ 07302, Phone: 551-256-7850
Jersey City Theater Center
Jersey City Theater Center's mission is to present progressive and innovative visual and performing arts, plus educational art programs that preserve the rich history of Jersey City and highlight its diverse identity. The theater intends to bring the community closer together and enhance its quality of life. JCTC programing includes music, theater, film, dance, and multi-media.
As the community has welcomed JCTC with their encouragement and patronage, the organization has discovered how significant a thriving arts community can be for a city, and more importantly, that the arts need to be accessible to all people, both in Jersey City and throughout the surrounding region.
JCTC will continue to create programs that embrace Jersey City's diverse population and rich history as well as develop thought-provoking productions that spark conversations and help bond the community together.
As it aims to inspire creativity and enhance the quality of life in the region, JCTC will focus on providing arts to all, thereby making a genuine and lasting vital impact in the area. JCTC Arts-4-All, JCTC-KIDS, & JCTC ArtLab are just some of the new programs that embody the philosophy that art is for all members of the community.
339 Newark Avenue, Jersey City, NJ 07302, Phone: 201-795-5386
Milk Sugar Love
Milk Sugar Love is a charming gourmet ice cream shop in Jersey City, owned and operated by Emma Taylor. The shop produces all of its ice cream in house, using the highest-quality grass-fed organic milk available and crafting flavors with locally-sourced produce and ingredients. Ice cream flavors rotate weekly, ranging from simple but upscale favorites such as snickerdoodle or lemon meringue to globally-inspired varieties like guava cream cheese, Thai tea, mango lassi, and matcha brownie. Non-dairy varieties are also available for diners with dietary concerns. Diners can enjoy their ice cream in decadent presentations such as red velvet ice cream cones and macaron ice cream sandwiches.
19 McWilliams Pl, Jersey City, NJ 07302, Phone: 201-984-0530
Historic Jersey City & Harsimus Cemetery
The Historic Jersey City & Harsimus Cemetery is one of the first garden style landscape cemeteries ever established, a concept that revolutionized cemeteries across the nation. A contingent of leading New York City and Jersey City leaders founded the cemetery, and it is home to many of the city's founders and soldiers from WWII, WWI, the Spanish-American War, the War of 1812, and the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. Prior to 1829 when it became a cemetery, it already had historical significance: there is an ammunition bunker from the War of 1812 that still stands, and the land dates to the 1700's, when it served as the site of several Revolutionary War battles.
435 Newark Avenue, Jersey City, NJ 07308, Phone: 201-653-1360
J. Owen Grundy Park
After exhaustive renovations and reconstruction, Grundy Park was re-opened in July of 2008. It shoots out into the Hudson River, offering excellent views of Liberty State Park, Lower Manhattan, and the Jersey City waterfront.
Named for J. Owen Grundy, the local preservationist, the J. Owen Grundy Park often hosts the City's Tapestry of Nations Festivals and other performances, including Jersey City's Division of Cultural Affairs' Jazz for Lunch Concert Series. The Hudson-Bergen Light Rail and PATH trains take visitors right to the action.
This waterfront pier park features game tables, the waterfront promenade, seating, historic lighting, entertainment pavilion, and shady areas.
Located at the foot of Montgomery Street, in Exchange Place
