Things to Do in Jersey City | Top 12 Activities

Originally published in Trip Savvy

Situated on the Hudson River, Jersey City is just across from Manhattan and offers stunning views of the New York City skyline and the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island situated in New York Harbor. At nearly 15 square miles, this bustling city is one of the largest metropolitan areas in the state and has a population of nearly 300,000. Many travelers may know Jersey City as the location of the Holland Tunnel, one of the main access points that takes travelers back and forth from New Jersey into Manhattan…but it’s a great spot to visit as it offers so much to see and do. Located in Hudson County and home to many commuters who work daily in Manhattan, Jersey City is vibrant and filled with historical sights, parks, restaurants, an array of shopping, and many other activities. Here are several fun activities available in Jersey City, New Jersey.

Walk Through Liberty State Park

ADDRESS

200 Morris Pesin Dr, Jersey City, NJ 07305, USA

PHONE +1 201-915-3403 WEB Visit website

Attracting over 4 million visitors each year, Liberty State Park is the most popular destination in Jersey City. Situated on the banks of the Hudson River, this sprawling and well-cared-for park is over 1,200 acres of green space and features a 2-mile-long promenade called Liberty Walk. This area includes a picnic area, music venues, lovely pathways, playgrounds, and nature walks—along with incredible, unobstructed views of the Manhattan skyscrapers. While visiting, you can also pay your respects at the “Empty Sky” 9/11 memorial that honors those who perished on Sept. 11, 2001. The sculpture showcases the names of nearly 800 individuals inscribed on the stainless-steel walls.

Learn at Liberty Science Center

ADDRESS

222 Jersey City Blvd, Jersey City, NJ 07305, USA

PHONE +1 201-200-1000 WEB Visit website

Liberty Science Center is a fascinating and fun state-of-the-art 300,000 square-foot science museum located in Jersey City’s Liberty State Park. This world-class museum attracts over 750,000 visitors each year with several exceptional features, including a live animal collection with over 100 species, twelve exhibit halls, galleries, massive aquariums, a 3D theater, and tornado simulators. Although it’s made for children, visitors of all ages can easily spend an entire day exploring this exceptional museum. And if you get hungry, there is a café on-site, and there’s a gift shop that sells some cool souvenirs. It’s best to book tickets in advance, as this attraction tends to get crowded, especially on weekends and holidays. Family memberships are also available annually.