Finnola Gray 
Summer is so close we can almost feel it (minus a random day below 40 degrees every now and then for no reason). And while they may not be making any top destination lists, Hoboken and Jersey City can still be the setting for a great summer day. Plus, there is no traffic involved, which kinda makes up for the lack of swimmable waters. Read on for more about how to have a beach day without leaving Hoboken or Jersey City.
Sand
If you’re looking to get some sand between your toes, the best place to start your day is at Jersey City’s Newport Green Park. There is a sandy section where you’ll find all kinds of beach activities happening: reading, tanning, and snacking. The spot has lots of umbrellas and space to stretch out and lounge. The park offers the coastal feel while still giving stunning views of the Manhattan skyline, a best of both worlds, some may say.
Read More: 16 Beaches Accessible by Public Transit from Hoboken + Jersey City
While it’s ideal for a lounge-style beach day, there’s more happening here than just a possible sunburn. For families, the splash park offers a simple way to cool off, and the carousel adds classic summer charm. On top of that, the park hosts summer events like live music and outdoor movie nights, turning it into a top spot throughout the summer. It’s the kind of place you can easily spend a whole afternoon without much planning.
Water
We get that sometimes, nothing can compete with being out in the water. That’s where the many boating and water sports companies come in. Places like Urban Paaddle offer kayak tours and stand-up paddleboarding. Hoboken Cove Community Boathouse, a non-profit organization run by volunteers, also offers free kayaking and paddleboarding during the summer. Since the Boathouse is a non-profit organization, access to the New Jersey waterway is completely free.
The Hoboken Sailing Club is also available for those who are either interested or experienced in sailing. It offers a membership program to sail without needing to own a boat, with more information here. It also runs the Hoboken Sailing School, which has classes that teach sailing. Private lessons are available as well. There is also a selection of boating tours available for the summer, including Sappho, a private Hoboken sailing tour that lets you customize your itinerary.
You can also check out New Jersey Jet Skis to take a ride on the Hudson. While we don’t recommend going for a swim, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get out there.
Waterfront Dining
If nothing makes you feel more at the shore than a post-beach meal and drinks, then look no further than Hoboken and Jersey City’s waterfront dining spots.
The Ainsworth | 310 Sinatra Drive, Hoboken
The Ainsworth is an American bar + restaurant with an impressive view of Manhattan’s skyline. HG pro tip: If you go on the weekend, request the bottomless mimosas.
Battello | 502 Washington Boulevard, Jersey City
FYI: Battello is home to one of the best skyline views in Jersey City. Its menu includes options like the seafood tower, prime ribeye, and Littleneck clam risotto.
Blue Anchor Bar + Kitchen | 166 River Drive North, Jersey City
Blue Anchor Bar + Kitchen’s menu features locally-sourced seafood, which makes it a great addition to your Hoboken + Jersey City “beach day”. HG recommends the octopus + hamachi crudo, lobster bisque soup, and the lobster vol au vent.
Blue Eyes | 525 Sinatra Drive, Hoboken
Blue Eyes’ menu contains plenty of pasta and wood-fired pizza options. Enjoying the Manhattan view while eating pizza cooked in an oven made from bricks specially flown in from Naples is an experience like no other.
Del Frisco’s Grille | 221 River Street, Hoboken
This steakhouse chain has brunch and dinner menus with a stunning backdrop of the Hoboken waterfront. FYI: The restaurant requires an upscale dress code.
Felina Steak | 2 Chapel Avenue, Unit 2, Jersey City
Felina Steak, alongside its rooftop cocktail bar The Stork Club, offers an incredible view of the NYC skyline. Some of HG’s favorites include the famous Felina meatballs (for your appetizer needs), the baby gem Caesar salad, lobster, and 16-oz ribeye.
Halifax | 225 River Street, Hoboken
For those who love farm-to-table dining, Halifax is a great option. Diners can soak in the Manhattan skyline view. while enjoying an extensive drink menu of wines and craft cocktails.
Hudson + Co. | 3 2nd Street
Hudson + Co. not only has great waterfront views, but a diverse menu for brunches, lunches, and dinners as well. Those with a sweet tooth will also love its dessert options, including the tempting warm cookie skillet.
Liberty House | 76 Audrey Zapp Drive, Jersey City
Liberty State Park’s event venue is not just for celebrations, but it also doubles as an American restaurant. Of course, the skyline views at LSP are incredible, so combining that with Liberty House’s farm-to-table options is a great choice.
Lokal Eatery + Bar | 2 2nd Street, Jersey City
This global eatery is a great option for views by the waterfront, with huge windows and a menu full of shareables. Also look out for Lokal Eatery + Bar’s weekend brunch and happy hour specials from Tuesday to Sunday.
Maritime Parc | 84 Audrey Zapp Drive, Jersey City
Maritime Parc is a great option for fine dining or indulging in some great bar drinks. The view of New York City is perfect, and it’s also a premier spot for a night out or celebration.
The Feathered Fox | 84 Audrey Zapp Drive, Jersey City
The Feathered Fox is located right along the Hudson River, inside of Jersey City’s Maritime Parc. Its outdoor patio provides great coastal-town vibes, and it has a wide range of menu options, including sushi, craft cocktails, and expertly charred steak cuts + chops. Plus, the outdoor patio overlooking the river provides a coastal-town experience.
The LOLA | 102 Sinatra Drive, Hoboken
This cocktail lounge offers a modern + upscale atmosphere and accepts reservations. Visit on the weekend to get a taste of its brunch menu, which is full of group shareables (like the Strawberry Brie Waffle Bites).
RoofTop at Exchange Place | 1 Exchange Place
The RoofTop at Exchange Place provides a rooftop-level view of the Manhattan skyline. Its menu ranges from small plates to a full food menu in its terrace dining room, and there are happy hour specials as well.
Surf City | 1 Marin Boulevard
This waterfront bar is a casual place to grab a bite to eat and sit with friends. As the day goes on, the music gets louder, and the energy goes up to create a fun atmosphere. On the hottest of days, nothing can beat the frozen drinks, and if you are so inclined, you can park your boat right on their dock.
Turning Point | 1420 Sinatra Drive North, Hoboken
Turning Point is a family-friendly brunch spot, known for its pancake stacks with flavors like cinnamon roll and lemon blueberry. If you visit, expect to see a charming view of the Hoboken waterfront and Manhattan skyline while dining.
Bonus Activities
The Honorable William Wall
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The Honorable Willy Wall, a.k.a. the Willy Wall, is Jersey City’s two-story floating clubhouse that features a full bar and scenes along the Hudson River. Built in 2002, the Willy Wall is open from Tuesday to Saturday, with ticket times found here. When booking a spot, you’ll have the option to reserve an upper deck table that can seat 4-6 people. There is also bar seating and a standing room.
FYI: The Willy Wall is also available for event rental, so if you’re celebrating a birthday, engagement, corporate party, or otherwise, learn more here.
Pier Visits
Of course, the trusty Piers in Hoboken also make a great place to wrap up your day and enjoy the sunset. If a golden hour wind-down is what you’re after, head to Pier A with a blanket and book. The park gets pretty busy, but you can usually always find a little patch of green to set up camp. If you’re looking for more of a social scene, head to Pier 13 for the best food trucks, drinks, and energy. Bring your friends and claim a table to spend the evening.
Frozen Treats
As with any beach day, you must end with a frozen sweet treat; it’s only right. Hit up any number of ice cream shops around the area to get your favorite flavor. Personal favorites have to be Torico in Jersey City or Kikilu Gelato in Hoboken.
See More: A Beach Hater’s Guide to the Jersey Shore in the Summer
With all these mini escapes, creating the perfect “beach day” is not as hard as you’d think in Jersey City and Hoboken. You’ve got the sun, sand, and water all in one spot. The best part about this beach day? There’s no bumper-to-bumper drive home on the parkway.
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