With regulations easing a bit, and the weather warming up, locals are aching to get outside and hang with friends and take some personal time off. If your summer vacation had to be canceled or postponed — or you’re just not comfortable with travel yet, do not fret. Hoboken Girl has compiled a list of socially distant staycation ideas to kick off the summer.
Visit Liberty State Park
Liberty State Park with its 1,212 acres offers plenty of room for social distancing activities. Play a game of catch with family, take a stroll along the water, picnic in the park, or catch some rays with friends. Staycationers can capture gorgeous photos of both the Jersey City and NYC skylines, as well as extreme closeup shots of The Statue of Liberty. These stunning views never get boring, even for locals.
Take a Citi Biking Tour Around Jersey City
A lot of ground can be covered while cycling and it’s great exercise. Luckily, there are 50 Citi Bike stations in Jersey City, and Citi Bike has put together a detailed route on its website that suggests riders begin their journey at the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway in Newport and end at Liberty State Park {for some sweeping views and lounging in the grass}. The route takes riders all around the beautiful neighborhoods in Jersey City, with docking stations along the way.
Read More: 7 Ways to Spend Time with Friends Virtually, Beyond Happy Hour
Have a Picnic on the Pier
Pack a lunch, grab a friend or family member, and head to the pier for a socially distant picnic with a view. If the waterfront is too busy, there are a handful of parks around Hoboken + Jersey City that are open, as long as park-goers abide by social distancing guidelines and wear a mask when possible. {PS: If you’re in need of some food for that picnic, check out our guide to food delivery here}.
Go for a Hike
Hiking is the perfect social distancing activity and there are a handful of beautiful trails on the border of New York and New Jersey to explore. Although these trails are not in Hudson County per se, they are only about an hour’s drive from Hoboken or Jersey City. The Lemon Squeezer on the Appalachian Trail, for example, is a great option for a fun experience that is not too difficult. Surprise Lake Loop near West Milford is great for hikers seeking more of a challenge with stunning views.
Go Golfing
Golfing is a great social distancing-friendly sport and luckily for residents, golf courses such as the Skyway Golf Course at Lincoln Park West have reopened. Back in May, NJ Governor Phil Murphy signed an executive order that permits county parks and golf courses to operate during this time. Clubhouses and restrooms remain closed and strict social distancing guidelines are to be followed.
Play a Game of Tennis at the Park
Jersey officials announced that tennis courts in Lincoln and Braddock Parks would partially reopen back on Saturday, May 23rd. Locals that would like to use the parks for tennis must wear face masks and gloves while playing, and also must schedule a time slot by calling 201-362-8483. The courts are open daily from 8:00AM-8:00PM.
Take a Pier 13 Food Truck Run
Although the pier isn’t open just yet, there are select food trucks such as Gringo’s Tacos available for contactless ordering and pickup. Check out @pier13hoboken on Instagram for the next available food truck and how to order.
See More: 14+ NEW Hoboken + Jersey City Restaurants to Check Out This Summer
Ice Cream Crawl
Unlike many things, ice cream isn’t canceled this summer and Hoboken + Jersey City have plenty of shops to indulge. Although locals can’t spontaneously satisfy their cravings right now, favorite shops such as Milk Sugar Love and Torico are open for pickup and delivery. Order ahead, and enjoy! If you decide to hit up two spots in one day, no judgment here.
Dine at a Local Parklet
Now that outdoor seating is once again allowed after June 15th, take advantage of the many sidewalk parklets that will be popping up locally to dine at this summer.
Take a NYC Harbor Jet Ski Tour
{Photo credit: @nycjetski}
If there’s one thing that’s definitely social distancing-friendly, it’s being out on the water. This summer, take an NYC Harbor Jet Ski tour to explore the Hudson River — it’s a great way to get outside + be active while keeping your distance.
How have you staycationed during quarantine? Tell us in the comments!
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Written by: Alexis
Alexis moved to Hoboken after she graduated college in 2015 and fell in love with the area right away. She currently lives in Jersey City with her boyfriend, Ewan, and works in New York City as a fashion buyer by day and an aspiring entrepreneur by night. In her spare time, when she is not exploring the new, trendy spots around town, you will find her working out at one of her favorite local classes, singing along to the soundtrack of Wicked, or creating macrame wall art and home decor that she sells on Etsy.
