Issue 2 | November 2020 |
With 62 square miles of culture, cuisine, and adventure, Hudson County is the perfect destination for a North Jersey road trip. The historically rich county—which also has its own array of walking tours—packs everything from water sports to immersive arts, not to mention top-notch bites, into one easily driveable route. Even better? You’ll enjoy some of the best New York City vantage points in the world from this route, so make sure to charge that camera!
Today, we’re highlighting seven stops to kickstart your Hudson County road trip. Don’t forget to check out our individual neighborhood guides to learn more about each spot you visit.
Road Trip through Hudson County: 7 Stops for a North Jersey Day Trip
1. Broadway Diner | Bayonne
Fuel up for your action-packed Hudson County road trip with a stop at Broadway Diner. This famed New Jersey staple, which made its mark at the Jersey Shore, is a classic 24-hour diner with one particularly important draw: the world’s best pancakes! You can grab takeaway breakfast to enjoy along the waterfront, then walk off those carbs at Bayonne’s Stephen R. Gregg Park for a serene stroll along the waterfront promenade. Or, if you’re in the mood for a particularly scrumptious start to the day, head over to Liberty House, which opens for brunch at noon on the weekends.
2. Liberty State Park and Statue Cruises | Jersey City
With a belly full of pancakes, it’s time to kick off the day at stop number two: Liberty State Park in Jersey City. Here, you can walk the waterfront with views of Battery Park, then hop aboard a cruise to see the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Catching a Statue Cruises tour on the New Jersey side is a great way to see this bucket-list attraction, without the cumbersome and lengthy lines often found when boarding from the NYC side. If you have little ones joining you, stop by the family-friendly Liberty Science Center for a fun-yet-educational experience, too.
3. Jersey City Mural Tour
One of Jersey City’s best-kept secrets is its array of outdoor arts. To appreciate the colors and culture of Jersey City, take a self-guided mural walking tour. The Jersey City Mural Walking Tour includes dozens of must-see murals—so many, in fact, you may just have to visit twice (or more)! Stop in one of Jersey City’s many coffee shops, such as Modcup Coffee Company or Lackawanna Coffee, along the way.
And, if you’re feeling hungry, don’t miss restaurant row, a collection of Jersey City staples along Newark Avenue, between Grove and Coles Streets. To top off your time in Jersey City, check out one of the town’s many skyline-view rooftop venues, including Porta and the RoofTop at Exchange Place.
4. Elysian Café | Hoboken
When it’s time for lunch, head to Hoboken for a bite at the historic Elysian Café. Hoboken’s oldest continually operated bar and restaurant serves upscale-yet-approachable French bistro fare in vintage digs. The space originally opened in 1895, and lasted through prohibition as an ice cream parlor and hair salon. If it’s nice, grab a table outside to watch the hustle and bustle of Washington Street, Hoboken’s charming main road.
5. Hoboken Waterfront | Hoboken
Head to Hoboken’s prized jewel, the waterfront, for a pier-to-pier adventure that showcases some of the best New York City views in the world. The one-mile waterfront includes can’t-miss destinations like Pier A Park. At this scenic local favorite, you can gaze all the way from the Verrazano Bridge to the George Washington Bridge—or simply relax and sunbathe as Hobokenites stroll by.
And don’t miss one of Hoboken’s best piers, Pier 13, a warm-weather favorite among Hudson County residents. In the spring, summer, and early fall, you can visit Pier 13 for drinks, food-truck bites, and water sports like jet skiing, with views of Midtown Manhattan in the background.
6. Hamilton Park | Weehawken
For a dose of history, head to Weehawken’s Hamilton Park. This park was the spot of the historic duel between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr; you can now visit the duel spot, marked with a bust of Alexander Hamilton. For more Hudson County history, try our hand-crafted Weehawken walking tour. Start the tour at Hamilton Park then continue on to historic spots like the library and water tower. Here’s a link to the Weehawken Walking Tour map. And, while you’re here, head up to North Hudson for even more epic views of the Big Apple.
7. Son Cubano | West New York
After all that walking, it’s time for a treat—and the waterfront Son Cubano restaurant in West New York is the best place to do just that. This Cuban restaurant is a favorite among locals; its homemade staples like empanadas and arroz con pollo pair perfectly with NYC views. Dine outside or enjoy the Upper West Side skyline from the massive indoor windows. A sunset-timed dinner at Son Cubano is one of the best ways to end your Hudson County road trip.
For more ideas to round out your day trip through Hudson County, check out our hand-crafted HC Tiny Trips, a collection of half-day adventures in and around Hudson County.