In Hudson County there are tons opportunities to have fun and explore. From catching a Red Bulls game at the Red Bulls Arena in Harrison to making it to one of Hoboken’s most well-known restaurants, and historical monuments, there are plenty of must-do activities in the area. Keep reading for your ultimate Hudson County bucket list.
Bayonne
Snap a pic of the Bayonne Bridge — it connects Bayonne with Staten Island and is one of the longest-arched steel bridges in the world.
Visit the Robbins Reef Light Station — it is a lighthouse that was built in 1839 and can only be viewed from a distance, as it is not open to the public.
Go see the “Tear of Grief” monument, located in Harbor View Park in Bayonne.
Take a walk along the portion of the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway in Bayonne and snap some great skyline photos.
Shop along Broadway Avenue, the city’s main street, and spot the life-like statues and painted utility boxes.
Read More: 36 Hours in Hoboken: Here’s How to Spend Your Time
Harrison/Kearny
Catch a soccer match at the Red Bull Arena in Harrison, home of the New York Red Bulls of Major League Soccer and NJ/NY Gotham FC of the National Women’s Soccer League.
A neighborhood bar that serves up some seriously delicious Portuguese-meets-American dishes is Vinnie’s in Harrison. A trip there is worth adding to your list in the new year.
For more things to do in Harrison, we have a list here.
Hoboken
Indulge in the roast beef special on Thursdays or Saturdays at the world-famous Fiore’s Italian Deli.
The Annual Hoboken Mutz Fest, which takes place in April, is a must-do to try some of the best mutz in the area.
Indulge in zeppoles and fried Oreos at St. Ann’s Feast in Hoboken, which happens every July.
Celebrate Pride Month during Hoboken’s annual Pride celebrations.
Pay a visit to one of Hoboken’s nationally recognized restaurants: Antique Bar + Bakery, Benny Tudino’s, La Isla, Dino + Harry’s, or Piccolo’s, just to name a few. Here’s a list of nationally recognized restaurants throughout Hudson County.
Visit Elysian Cafe — Hoboken’s oldest continually operated bar/restaurant.
Take a ride on the NY Waterway Ferry to NYC and back to snap some seriously Instagram-worthy photos during the ride (plus, it’s fun to be a tourist in your own neighborhood).
Take a self-guided Frank Sinatra walking tour around Hoboken to see the Mile Square through his eyes — and don’t forget to stop at the statue along the waterfront.
Visit the Hoboken Cove Boathouse in the summer to go kayaking for free on the Hudson River.
Take a walk along the Hoboken waterfront for breathtaking views of NYC (stop at Blue Eyes for equally good food with a view). Or check our list of restaurants located by the waterfront here.
Spend a summer afternoon or evening at Pier 13 (don’t forget to try one of the many delicious food trucks there, too).
Marvel at the gorgeous Gothic-style architecture at the Our Lady of Grace Church at 4th and Willow.
Watch a show at the Mile Square Theatre on Clinton Street, aptly named as it functions as Hoboken’s performing arts center and theatre.
Visit the Hoboken Historical Museum for a chance to dive into the City’s history.
Go indoor rock climbing at Gravity Vault, Hoboken’s 25,000-square-foot rock-climbing center.
Take in the view and sit on the waterfront on Pier C, the manmade pier that juts out over the waterfront. This local spot provides amazing views of the Empire State Building and the Freedom Tower.
Hoboken is home to the most bars and restaurants per capita — so, go on a cocktail tour.
Walk uptown to downtown to experience Hoboken in all its glory.
Pick up a sweet treat from Lepore’s Chocolates in Hoboken.
Visit the Hoboken Terminal and spot the Beaux-Arts architecture style that was part of the building’s original design.
Spend a day perusing the shops and businesses inside the Monroe Center for the Arts.
During the summer, watch your favorite flicks at “Movies Under the Stars” at Pier A.
For lovers of baseball (and history buffs), pay a visit to Elysian Park — this is the spot where the first baseball game was ever played in America.
Take a few “Fitness in the Park” classes in the summer in Hoboken. These are free classes provided by local fitness studios all summer long.
Shop local vendors and listen to live music at the Hoboken Arts + Music Festival — it happens every spring and fall.
Do a food tour of Hoboken. Try out the best chicken parm, eat bagels, indulge in pizza, grab brunch, go for a coffee date, and check out the best Italian restaurants in town.
Take an experimental cooking class at Hudson Table.
Design your own shoes at Hoboken Shoedio.
Take yourself on a self-guided thrifting and vintage tour.
For a more in-depth Hoboken bucket list, see here.
Jersey City
Explore Jersey City’s different neighborhoods — the Heights, Bergen-Lafayette, Journal Square, Paulus Hook, and Hamilton Park.
Go to the HDSID Farmer’s Market in downtown Jersey City.
Pay your respects at the Empty Sky 911 Memorial.
Sunbathe in the grass or have a picnic in Liberty State Park.
Celebrate the LGBTQ+ community during Jersey City’s annual Pride celebrations in August.
Pay a visit to one of Jersey City’s nationally recognized restaurants: Bread + Salt, Battello, Porta, Korai Kitchen, Razza, and Hamilton Pork, to name a few.
Take an unofficial ‘speakeasy’ tour of Jersey City — hitting up all of the local ‘underground’ spots (including dullboy and The Archer, to name a few).
Nerd out at the Liberty Science Center. Plus, be sure to add the LSC After Dark events to your calendar (these events are all 21+ and a guaranteed fun time).
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Hop on one of the NYC Cycleboats that launch out of Jersey City during the warmer months.
Catch a live performance at JC’s well-known White Eagle Hall.
For golf lovers, pay a visit to Skyway Golf Course.
Swing by the Riverview Farmer’s Market on the last Sunday in October for the Dia De Los Muertos festival.
Take an evening in the summer to visit Groove on Grove to catch live music.
Enjoy an authentic + delicious Italian dinner at Laico’s Restaurant. It’s way off the beaten path and almost looks like a house, but trust us, you won’t be disappointed.
Make a reservation at Italian restaurant 15 Fox Place — we promise the years long wait is worth it.
Head to White Mana for an unforgettable burger — the circular building was built as a pavilion for the 1939 World’s Fair.
Take a quick day trip to the Ellis Island Immigration Museum from Liberty State Park. Although not technically Hudson County, it’s a great place to visit to get a glimpse into the rich history of the area and the U.S.
Pretend you’re in Night at the Museum and spend an evening at the Mana Contemporary Art Museum. This local museum has five floors of art exhibitions that are sure to keep you occupied for a few hours, minimum.
Indulge in some more amazing local art during the Jersey City Art + Studio Tour (JCAST), which happens annually in October.
Head to the All About Downtown Street Fair in September — it features tons of local vendors and more.
Visit the MORA Museum in Paulus Hook.
Design your own designer-quality handbag at Youssoufiani.
Explore all of the thrift and vintage stores Jersey City has to offer.
Go ice skating at Newport Skates this winter.
For a more in-depth Jersey City bucket list, see here.
Union City/Weehawken
Head to Charrito’s in Weehawken and enjoy some seriously delicious Mexican food with a great view of the NYC skyline.
Fans of Hamilton, history buffs, and beyond — visit the Dueling Grounds. This historic spot is where Alexander Hamilton met his fate in his infamous duel with Aaron Burr.
In the summer, enjoy a meal on the outdoor deck at Molo’s Restaurant.
Try the top-notch cocktails at the NoHu Bar, located inside the Envue Hotel in Weehawken.
Have a delicious meal at Chart House in Weehawken.
See More: The ULTIMATE Montclair Bucket List
West New York/North Bergen/Secaucus
Take the trip to Snake Hill, an igneous rock intrusion jutting up from the floor of the Meadowlands at a bend in the Hackensack River.
Pay a visit to NJ Beer Co. and sample some local craft-brewed beer, located at 201 Tonnelle Avenue in North Bergen.
Visit Uncle Gordon’s honey farm, a hidden backyard honey farm in North Bergen for some fresh, local honey.
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Visit the nationally-recognized Trattoria La Sorrentina in North Bergen.
Grab a bite to eat at Natoli’s Deli — a long-standing neighborhood deli in Secaucus.
Enjoy Jazz Brunch at Harry’s Food + Drink in North Bergen.
Need a Good Cry? The Best Spots in Hoboken + Jersey City, Rated
We know that the holiday season is over, but we're taking a step back to talk about some of the emotions that come into play during these few months — which can also happen at any time of the year. Maybe it’s nostalgia for a different time, missing far away loved ones, or just feeling overwhelmed in general, the holidays and daily life can bring up a lot of different feelings for people. The Hoboken Girl asked local expert Heather Rafanello of Growing Mindset Therapy to share some ideas about how to work with the big emotions that come into play during the holiday season (bookmark this for later in the year) and all year round. Read on to learn Heather’s best suggestions for coping when you need a good cry.
It might feel like an article highlighting local places to cry is a silly topic, but it’s important to create a safe space and be able to process various emotions.
Here’s what we know about emotions: for many, they feel scary but the reality is, that while these emotions might feel scary, they are incapable of doing any harm. They’re a natural part of our human experience (like it or not). Emotions are not logical, rather they’re a reaction which is how the body teaches the brain that something is off, something feels dangerous, or something is affecting you.
Mental health professionals and advocates are working hard to help communities reframe emotional experiences from negative to natural. Consider this: crying is an act of true strength and courage — and self-care at its finest. Expressing vulnerable emotions, especially in a public setting, can be an incredible form of self-respect and self-love.
While it might feel uncomfortable, and we understand it might not always be the time or place, we’re here to share some safe spaces to feel the feels. Of course, therapy is a great place to cry — but when it comes to being alone and wanting to get all your emotions out in a relatively (Note: Depends on who’s walking by at the moment) judgment-free zone in public, there’s no shortages of spots to cry in Hudson County. We’re rating these by privacy level 1-10 (10 being fully private, no one will ever see you), and this isn’t an exhaustive list — in fact, it’s just the beginning.
Here are some places where you can cry in public in Hoboken and Jersey City, no tissues included:
Sinatra Drive on the Waterfront | Sinatra Drive
Sinatra Drive may be filled with bars and restaurants, but it’s also home to Pier A, the Sinatra monument, and lots of open space to walk and wail. Bonus — if you get hungry, Blue Eyes has some great Italian eats to order to-go and sit on a bench to finish out the moment.
Privacy Level: 3 — there are always going to be people here, but chances are, similar to New York City, it’s not going to be out of the ordinary to see someone crying on the waterfront, and is virtually a judgment-free zone.
Read More: Arriving at Burnout? Here’s How to Cope — From a Local Therapist
Jersey City Reservoir | 119-199 Reservoir Avenue
This spot is a totally isolated and calm environment filled with nature to really let your emotions release. Jersey City Reservoir is a decommissioned reservoir atop Bergen Hill in the Heights, about 13.8 acres and just south of Pershing Field.
Privacy Level: 9 — you may see other people here with their dogs for a walk or a park preservationist making their rounds, but chances are you’ll be in a good place to let your emotions loose in nature.
The Hoboken and Jersey City areas have some incredible walking trails, and parks that can serve as a quiet, scenic place to cry. Whether you’re walking down Sinatra Drive, sitting at a park bench in Hamilton Park, or on the hill at Riverview Park in JC, you’re in a present-focused moment.
Any PATH Station | Multiple Locations
Letting some tears flow is a great way to release any negative or pent-up energy before your trip into the city. Whether heading into work for the day, hitting some of the sights and bites, or just going out on the town, negative emotions are not baggage you want to lug with you along the way.
Privacy Level: 2-10 depending on the time of day — While there may likely be a person or two nearby, at the right time this can be completely private. Even when people are around, everyone has their AirPods in and their heads in their phone, so we’re confident that you might let out a good cry totally unnoticed.
Lincoln Park | 1 County Road 605, Jersey City
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Lincoln Park in Jersey City is a great place to get some fresh air and center yourself. Perhaps you’ll see a turtle or some birds. There is a dog park and a walking path along Edgewood Lake. The sights and sounds of this park are great for connecting with your mind, body, and soul.
Privacy Level: 7 — This is a pretty large park, so there are many places to sneak off and do some heavy emotional lifting. There are park benches, a walking path, and the sound of a waterfall really helps get those tears flowing.
Liberty State Park | 1 Audrey Zapp Drive, Jersey City
Here you’ll find a two-mile promenade, picnic areas, playgrounds, and stunning views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the Manhattan skyline. It’s also home to the historic Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal. If you’re visiting with children, don’t miss visiting the Liberty Science Center.
Privacy Level: 9 — While Liberty State Park is a popular place to visit, we’re confident that you’ll find a quiet and private place to cry on its 1,122 acres of land.
NY Waterway Ferry | Multiple Locations
NY Waterway takes pride in being the fastest and easiest way to and from Manhattan.
Passengers can enjoy some fresh air, get out on the water, and the incredible city views are included with every ticket purchase! The NY Waterway has several routes, allowing convenient access to Midtown, Battery Park, and Pier 11/Wall Street. There are several NJ locations passengers can ferry from, including Edgewater Landing, 2 Weehawken locations, 14th Street and Downtown Hoboken, Paulus Hook, Port Liberte, and Liberty Harbor in Jersey City.
Privacy Level: 7 — The ferries have carried more than 200 million passengers over the years, and while this is a popular commute for many, there is plenty of seating both inside and outside where you can soak in the views, and let out the tears.
Any Sauna | Multiple Locations
Saunas continue to remain popular and has been used for thousands of years. The health benefits may include easing pain, reducing stress, and improving cardiovascular health (Medical News Today). In addition to these health benefits, wellness benefits can also include increasing present-focused awareness, releasing toxins in the body, and reducing stress hormones in the body.
Privacy Level: 8 — We’re giving this an 8 because while there may be people sharing the space with you, the sweat and humidity really hide those teary cheeks. A huff and puff, or a sniffle or two may go totally unnoticed in the heat of this moment.
Riverview-Fisk Park | 498 Palisade Avenue, Jersey City
Riverview-Fisk Park in Jersey City Heights has a beautiful view of the city skyline. In addition to hosting holiday markets, and farmers markets, in warmer weather you’ll see children’s birthday parties, and picnics galore.
Privacy Level: 6 — while the park can get busy around dusk, and during weekend markets, most are so awestruck by the city views that they won’t have time to notice your tears.
The Stevens Campus | 1 Castle Point Terrace, Hoboken
The Stevens Campus is home to college students, but also home to some stunning views of the city, and beautiful historical architecture in our Hoboken community. The campus has seen its fair share of tears, whether from a homesick student, a heartbreak, or the stress of academia, this is a good place to feel the feels.
Privacy Level: 4-10 — During the academic year, the foot traffic on campus is busier than ever, giving this location a low privacy score. However, during breaks, or over the summer, when many students return home, you may be able to walk across campus without passing a soul. Regardless of the time of year, we’re confident that you will be able to find a spot on campus to enjoy some fresh air, see the city views, and let out a good cry.
100 Steps
If the title alone doesn’t make you want to cry, give the 100 Steps a visit and you’ll know why they’re listed here. The steps are located between the Heights and Downtown, and serve as a way to get from Hoboken to the Heights. Don’t worry, if the 100 steps are already making you cry, there’s also an elevator located at the 9th Street Light Rail stop.
Privacy Level: 7 — While there is usually another climber or two on the steps with you, there’s no time or energy available to focus on anyone but yourself.
Pier A or Pier C
There are quite a few Piers in Jersey City and Hoboken, each home to even more stunning views of the water and the city skyline. While this spot is only semi-private, it’s also a great place to curl up with a good book, enjoy a cup of coffee on a park bench, or take a stroll with your human or furry friend.
Privacy Level: 3 — similar to our rating for Sinatra Drive, will always be people here, but chances are, it’s not going to be out of the ordinary to see someone crying on the waterfront. We’re claiming this as a HG judgment-free zone.
Newport Mall | 30 Mall Drive West, Jersey City
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While you don’t want security following you around asking if everything is okay, a good walk + cry is a great combo in none other than the Newport Mall. Get it all out, and then top it off with some retail therapy — and a bonus there is that the AMC theater in the mall has all the latest movies for an additional distraction.
Privacy Level: 2 — you’ll be for sure passing by other humans, but chances are, they’ll be enjoying shopping and won’t give it a second glance.
See More: Neutralizing Negative Thoughts — Body Image Edition From a Local Therapist
Other Places to Cry
Workout classes are another great place to experience emotions as they arise, including frustration, sadness, and even pride. Movement is a great way to reconnect the mind and body and release pent-up emotions, through sweat and tears. Once you’ve gotten your cry out in the great outdoors, yoga is a great form of movement that often invites participants to slow down, release, and surrender.
You can find a list of yoga spots for Hoboken here and Jersey City here.
Research has shown that reading can improve overall wellness by increasing empathy, and understanding, creating space for healthy escapism, and increasing focus. Below are some cozy spots to curl up with a good book and shed some tears.
- bwè kafe is a family-owned coffee shop, passionate about bringing the best out of coffee and people. What better to bring out of people than tears!
- Lil' Dove Cafe is a trendy yet cozy spot in JC Heights serving up delicious drinks and bites.
- Snapdragon Cafe is a local JC gem with lots of comfy couches to snuggle up in with a good book, and a nice warm drink. No matter what your favorite coffee is, they have something that will be right for you.
- Bean Vault Coffee is one of the local businesses to sign up for Hudson County’s Safe Place Program. While they do have limited seating, they have pledged to provide a safe space for members of the community experiencing any type of hate crime.
We’d be remiss not to mention that there’s always the bathroom at your favorite roofttop bar, sports bar, or dive bar. Whether you’re crying over a break-up, some friend drama, or something else, we’ve all been at a bar and found a tearful soul in the restroom. These moments become special when people rally around one another to lift each other up.
No matter the setting, remember that releasing emotions is a part of the human experience. Emotions directly influence a person’s energy, and at times require some form of release, which can be crying, or other cathartic expressions such as creativity, exercise, talking, etc. You never know what another person is going through, perhaps they’re crying over a video on their phone, maybe they’re feeling burnt out, or they could have just gotten some terrible news. Always remember to be kind, feel your feelings, and keep growing.
