A picnic is the original outdoor dining. Now that summer is in full swing, sitting outside with friends — both human and pets, family, a date, or roommates — is a great way to enjoy the local scenery and get fresh air while enjoying a bite to eat. And let’s face it, food tastes better when it’s stored in a picnic basket and eaten on a picnic blanket. We’ve rounded up the best places in Hoboken and Jersey City to have a picnic. Read on to find a new favorite place to have a picnic locally.
Hoboken
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Pier A Park | 100 Sinatra Drive
Situated just steps from the Hoboken PATH, NJTransit, and Light Rail stations, Pier A Park is conveniently located for both locals and visitors. The vast space of grass and incredible views of the entire skyline make a breathtaking backdrop for a picnic. Visitors of Pier A can get food from nearby eateries including Alessio’s, which has a summer pop-up location in the park.
Read More: A Guide to Parks with Splash Pads in Hoboken + Jersey City
Pier C Park | 340 Sinatra Drive
This bean-shaped park has just enough green space for small gatherings for picnics and games. Pier C Park is located just behind Sinatra Drive and has clear views of NYC. The park features a wide walkway great for people watching and waving hello to neighbors as well as multiple play areas for children. An added bonus for this location is the on-site bathroom, making potty breaks a breeze.
Church Square Park | 400 Garden Street
Church Square Park is located on Garden Street between 4th and 5th Streets. This location is one of Hoboken’s more versatile park areas complete with basketball courts, children’s play areas, passive space, and a gazebo. The open grass and turf areas allow for lots of sitting space.
Elysian Park | 1001 Hudson Street
This beautiful, elevated park overlooks the water and the NYC skyline — and it’s only a minute or so away from Elysian Cafe for an easy takeout option. There’s a basketball court, a playground, and an open green space for a leisurely waterside picnic.
Maxwell Park Place | 11th Sinatra Drive North
Though this uptown park is on the smaller side, you really can’t beat the views. Right on the water, this park has a few solid grassy spots for a picnic — and it has a cute playground for the kids as well. If you’re lucky, you may be able to snag a picnic table. It’s also right next to Hobo Cobo if you feel like kayaking after your meal.
Sinatra Park | Sinatra Drive Between 4th + 5th
Known for its big soccer field and, when it’s open, the amphitheater, this park has a spectacular view of the NYC skyline. While it isn’t the grassiest of Hoboken parks, there are still spots to sun and lay out a picnic blanket. There are also restroom facilities as well.
Columbus Park | Clinton Street Between 9th + 10th
This quaint + secluded park has a peaceful grassy space for your meal. After your picnic (or before to work up an appetite), there are basketball courts and tennis courts — along with a playground for the little ones.
Jersey City
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Liberty State Park | 200 Morris Pesin Drive
Perhaps the most well-known park in Jersey City, Liberty State Park hosts hundreds of events a year and boasts some of the largest gatherings in the state. Even with all the foot traffic, there are still quaint and quiet areas to enjoy a picnic. Bring a traditional blanket and basket set up or enjoy park bench seating.
Hamilton Park | 25 West Hamilton Place
Snuggled between Eighth and Ninth Streets in Jersey City, the beautiful Hamilton Park is ideal for an intimate picnic or a full family outing. For those looking for an activity with a picnic, Hamilton Park houses tennis and basketball courts, two dog runs, and a children’s playground. Check the park schedule if a peek of Shakespeare in the Park or a film is of interest.
Van Vorst Park | 257-287 Montgomery Street
If a music-filled picnic is of interest, Van Vorst Park is the ideal location. A gazebo is the main stage for live musical performances, plays, and cultural events. Spread out on a vast area of grass and trees, enjoy the playgrounds, and let the dog get some exercise while visiting this historic area. Be sure to check out the surrounding neighborhood as well where the Jersey City Museum can be found.
Newport Green Park | 14th Street + Washington Boulevard
A beach picnic without sitting in traffic is only found in dreams for most residents of New Jersey. But at Newport Green Park, that dream can almost come true. While it is not an actual beach, Newport Green Park is complete with sand, Adirondack chairs, and umbrellas to give it a beachy feel. Be transported to the beach instantly and enjoy the perks without leaving Hudson County.
Berry Lane Park | 1000 Garfield Avenue
Jersey City is home to many historic parks, but Berry Lane is the new kid on the block. Both the largest municipal park in the city and the youngest, Berry Lane’s features are modern and fun. The park is conveniently located across the street from NJ Transit’s Garfield Avenue Hudson-Bergen Light Rail station. Plenty of opportunity for activity is available and great space for a picnic.
Paulus Hook Park | 226 Washington Street
Paulus Hook Park has been open for picnics since the Revolutionary War. Since its inception in 1804, this park and area of Jersey City has been renovated many times and is even under review to be an official historic site with the state. The park’s glow-up over the last 200+ years has included statues, manicured lawns, new benches, and more.
Dr. Leonard J. Gordon Park | 3303 John F. Kennedy Boulevard
Six acres of land is just enough space for an intimate picnic. Named after the founder of Jersey City’s free public library, this park is great for those who want a quiet afternoon read, a brisk morning walk, or even those who want to take in the huge buffalo statues. Enjoy open space and hilly terrain.
Owen Grundy Park | Exchange Place + Hudson Street
Visiting a park close to any form of public transportation helps take the hassle out of planning a picnic. Not only is Owen Grundy Park conveniently located, but it offers stunning views of the New York City skyline and is situated in the trendy Exchange Place neighborhood.
Dr. Lena Edwards Park | 293 Pine Street
Get competitive or sit on the sidelines and cheer on the players on the basketball courts. Known around the neighborhood as the spot to shoot some hoops, other visitors enjoy pulling up to this location to enjoy the outdoor space.
Lincoln Park | 1 County Road 605
This is a park that can satisfy the needs of any picnic goer. Those looking for a more relaxed and scenic picnic can set up lakeside For the entertainment junkie, a gazebo with live music is set up from time to time, and for the active picnic-er, dozens of sports facilities are available. Get in a bit of history too with memorials and monuments found in the area.
See More: 10 Parks That Allow Grilling in North New Jersey
Riverview-Fisk Park | 498 Palisade Avenue
Just right for a picturesque picnic, Riverview-Fisk Park has views of the NYC Skyline, Hudson River, George Washington Bridge, and Verrazano Bridge. Relax and set up lunch or dinner under the gazebo.
