Are you looking for free things to do in Jersey City? Whether it’s a date, a family outing, or even an adventure by yourself – Jersey City has plenty of fun and interesting activities! There are endless possibilities, from walking along the waterfront to exploring historic sites and checking out public art installations. Let’s explore some of the best places to visit and things to do in Jersey City that won’t cost you a penny!
Liberty State Park
Liberty State Park is the perfect place to spend a day exploring the great outdoors. The park is located in Jersey City and offers stunning views of New York and Ellis Island, as well as plenty of recreational activities. Take a stroll along the boardwalk, bike or hike through nature trails, spot wildlife from fishing points, or relax on one of the sandy beaches. You can also visit Liberty Science Center and explore interactive exhibits about science and technology or take a ferry ride to the Statue of Liberty National Monument and Ellis Island Immigration Museum. With its expansive green spaces, playgrounds for children and picnic areas, Liberty State Park is ideal for families looking to have a fun day together.
New Jersey – Waterfront
The New Jersey waterfront is a great place to explore and have fun for free. Its stunning views of the Manhattan skyline make it easy to see why this area is so popular. Take a walk along the boardwalk or bike along the esplanade and enjoy the sights. You can also tour the historic sites along the waterfront, such as Ellis Island, Liberty State Park, and more. There are plenty of activities to keep you entertained while you’re here; fishing, kayaking, bird watching, and more. The views from this area are breathtaking, so remember to bring your camera!
Downtown Jersey City
Downtown Jersey City is great for exploring and experiencing the city’s culture and heritage. From museums and galleries to parks and historical sites, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant district.
One of the most popular attractions is Liberty State Park, which offers incredible views of the New York City skyline, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. There are plenty of activities here, too, such as bird watching, biking, picnicking and fishing. The park also serves as a great spot for outdoor concerts and festivals throughout the year.
The Waterfront Walkway is perfect for taking a stroll along the Hudson River while admiring the stunning views or enjoying the fresh air. You can also visit Empty Sky – 9/11 Memorial that pays tribute to all those lost in the tragedy of 9/11. It’s an important part of Jersey City’s history that should be noticed.
Owen Grundy Park is another great spot for spending time outdoors. This waterfront park offers beautiful gardens, walking paths, picnic areas, playgrounds and more. There’s a theater where you can watch live performances or movies during the summer.
Newport Centre is a shopping mall near downtown Jersey City that features more than 130 stores with clothing boutiques, jewelry stores, music stores and much more. It’s one of many places in downtown Jersey City where you can find great deals on items you need or want to buy.
Liberty Landing Marina is another gem within downtown Jersey City offering easy access to the Hudson River with plenty of recreational activities like boating, kayaking, canoeing and more. In addition to these activities, there are restaurants with outdoor seating overlooking breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline that cannot be missed when visiting this marina!
The New Jersey Colgate Clock has been around since 1924, standing tall at Exchange Place in Downtown Jersey City, making it one of the oldest working clocks in America today! People come from far away to take pictures of this iconic timepiece, which is said to bring good luck throughout its long history!
Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal has been serving passengers since 1889, making it one of the oldest still operating train stations in the country today! Take some time to explore this historic site with its grandiose Victorian architecture before hopping on board your next train ride!
Departed Soles Brewing Company offers craft beers brewed in Downtown Jersey City, so visit them if you want to sample some delicious local brews! They are open Thursday through Sunday, so plan your visit accordingly to experience a tasting experience!
Finally, Historic Jersey City & Harsimus Cemetery offer insight into past life city’s rich history dating back centuries when Dutch settlers first arrived here, now known as the United States of America! Check out the many events and programs they host annually to appreciate the city’s fascinating past better!
Empty Sky – 9/11 Memorial
Empty Sky – 9/11 Memorial is an open-air memorial in Jersey City dedicated to honoring the victims of the September 11 attacks. The memorial consists of two large granite walls, each facing one of the fallen towers of the World Trade Center. The walls are inscribed with the names of all 2,977 people who perished on September 11, 2001, and February 26, 1993.
The memorial is situated along the Hudson River waterfront in Liberty State Park, giving visitors a stunning view of New York Harbor and Lower Manhattan. You’ll see Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty, and other landmarks like the Freedom Tower in New York City.
It’s free to visit Empty Sky – 9/11 Memorial during daylight hours. This solemn site reminds us of those we lost on that fateful day and pays tribute to their lives and legacies. At any time during your visit, you can pause for a moment to remember those who died.
J. Owen Grundy Park
Owen Grundy Park is great for anyone looking to get outdoors and enjoy all that Jersey City has to offer. Located along the Hudson River, it offers a spectacular view of the New York skyline and provides abundant recreational activities.
The park features a large playground perfect for families with young children, two basketball courts, six tennis courts and two bocce ball courts. There are also multiple picnic tables and benches throughout the park, allowing visitors to relax and enjoy the beautiful views. Visitors can also take advantage of free Wi-Fi.
The park is home to several monuments celebrating a variety of Jersey City’s history, including a monument dedicated to former mayor J. Owen Grundy himself, as well as monuments dedicated to war veterans and prominent figures in the city’s past. Additionally, there is plenty of green space for picnicking or simply laying out in the sun on a nice day.
On weekends, you’ll find several food trucks parked in J. Owen Grundy Park offering delicious varieties of foods from around the globe – perfect for grabbing lunch or dinner while taking in some fresh air! You can also grab some ice cream at one of the vendors or pick up snacks from a local convenience store nearby if you’re feeling peckish.
Overall, J. Owen Grundy Park offers something for everyone who visits – whether you’re looking for some outdoor fun with family and friends or want to take in some stunning views while enjoying a picnic lunch – this park should be on your list when visiting Jersey City!
Newport Centre
Newport Centre is a shopping mall located in Jersey City, New Jersey. It features more than 100 stores and restaurants, including major retailers like JCPenney, Old Navy, Macy’s and H&M. With its convenient location right next to the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail and near the PATH train, it’s easy to access from all over the city. The mall also offers plenty of entertainment opportunities. There are movie theatres with IMAX screens, an indoor ice skating rink, an arcade and a miniature golf course. Newport Centre also regularly hosts fun events throughout the year, such as live music performances and food festivals. Whether you’re looking for a great place to shop or want to find something to do on a weekend afternoon, Newport Centre is sure to have something for everyone!
Liberty Landing Marina
Jersey City’s Liberty Landing Marina is ideal for enjoying sunny days on the water. The marina is located just south of Liberty State Park and offers stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and Ellis Island. Here, you can rent kayaks and paddle boards to explore the Hudson River waterfront or stroll along the marina’s boardwalk. Visitors can also take advantage of various amenities like picnic tables, grills, and restrooms. Moreover, anglers will be pleased to know that fishing is allowed here with a valid NJ Fishing License. Whether you are looking for a place to relax with family or friends or want to spend time in nature, Liberty Landing Marina is sure to deliver an unforgettable experience!
New Jersey Colgate Clock
The iconic New Jersey Colgate Clock stands proudly in the middle of Jersey City, overlooking the Hudson River. With its large red frame and white face, it’s become a landmark for locals and visitors alike. Standing at 60 feet tall and 70 feet wide, it was erected in 1924 as part of a promotional campaign by Colgate-Palmolive to advertise its products. It is also one of only two clocks in North America to have custom-designed chimes.
The clock has been featured in numerous films and television shows over the years due to its unique design and location. As a result, it has become an iconic symbol of Jersey City. It is run by a four-faced mechanism powered by an electric motor behind the clock. The faces feature four sets of chimes that play every 15 minutes: two solemn melodies on the quarter hour; three cheerful chiming bells on the half-hour; five merry ringing bells on the three-quarter hour; then four deep tones at the top of every hour.
Visitors can enjoy this magnificent timepiece from outside as no public tours are available inside the clock tower itself. However, there are plenty of other places to enjoy nearby, such as Liberty State Park, for breathtaking views and waterfront activities; Downtown Jersey City, where you can explore various shops and eateries; or J Owen Grundy Park for some respite from the hustle and bustle of city life. So if you’re ever in town, remember to look at this impressive piece of history!
Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal
The Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Jersey City. Located on the banks of the Hudson River, the terminal was once a bustling hub of transportation, welcoming passengers from all over the country traveling by train. The terminal still stands today, and visitors can take a self-guided tour to explore its impressive architecture and rich history. It’s also home to some interesting exhibits related to the terminal’s past and present, such as photographs taken during its heyday and artifacts from its time as an active railway station. There are also beautiful views of Manhattan that can be seen from the observation deck. The terminal is free to visit and open seven days a week, making it a great way to experience Jersey City without spending any money!
Departed Soles Brewing Company
Departed Soles Brewing Company, located in Jersey City, is the perfect place to go if you’re looking for a unique and fun experience. This brewery offers a wide array of craft beers, from IPAs to lagers and sours. Their taproom is open daily, and they even host special events like beer tastings and live music.
The brewery tour gives visitors a behind-the-scenes look at how their beers are made. You can learn about the different types of hops used for each beer and even sample some of them! The knowledgeable staff can answer any questions about their selection or brewing process.
If you’re looking for something different, Departed Soles also offers non-alcoholic options like root beer and ginger ale that are brewed with natural ingredients for a truly unique taste. They even have vegan-friendly options available as well.
No matter your preference, there’s something for everyone at Departed Soles Brewing Company. So why come down and try it out?
Historic Jersey City & Harsimus Cemetery
Exploring Historic Jersey City & Harsimus Cemetery is an incredible way to experience the past and learn about the culture of Jersey City. The cemetery was established in 1829 and is one of the oldest operating cemeteries in Hudson County. This historic landmark has a vast collection of graves from many different eras, including those of Revolutionary War veterans, African American soldiers who fought in the Civil War, and members of some of Jersey City’s oldest families.
The cemetery has a unique design that includes six-sided mausoleums, crypts, and more traditional tombstones. Visitors can explore these monuments while taking scenic views of Liberty State Park and Ellis Island. Additionally, guided tours are available throughout the year, providing information on the cemetery’s history and occupants.
One of the highlights at Historic Jersey City & Harsimus Cemetery is the memorial for victims of the Katyn Forest Massacre. In 1940, over 22,000 Polish officers were executed by Soviet forces in what became known as one of Europe’s most notorious atrocities during World War II. The memorial at this cemetery pays homage to those individuals with a solemn monument that features a black granite wall bearing their names inscribed in both English and Polish.
Visiting Historic Jersey City & Harsimus Cemetery is worth your time if you’re looking for something off-the-beaten path to do in Jersey City. Not only will you get to explore this beautiful piece of history, but you’ll also be able to pay tribute to those who have gone before us in our nation’s history.
Katyn Forest Massacre Memorial
The Katyn Forest Massacre Memorial in Jersey City pays homage to the thousands of Polish citizens who lost their lives during the 1940 massacre. The memorial was created to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the tragic event and serves as a reminder of the violence inflicted upon innocent people.
At the memorial, visitors can view a stone monument with an inscription in Polish and English that reads: “This Monument is dedicated to all victims of Stalin’s genocide and in memory of those slaughtered at Katyn, April-May 1940”. A Polish eagle is perched atop the monument, while a bronze plaque commemorates the victims and survivors of this terrible event. Additionally, there are 10 trees planted around the perimeter to represent each of the 10,000 Poles killed by Soviet forces.
This solemn memorial reminds us that we must never forget those who have suffered such injustice and brutality. It serves as a reminder that even when faced with tragedy, we should strive to maintain our dignity and respect each other’s differences.
In conclusion, Jersey City is full of fun and free things to do, from exploring Liberty State Park to visiting J. Owen Grundy Park, there are plenty of activities for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or a family outing, Downtown Jersey City has something for everyone. Remember to pay your respects at the Empty Sky – 9/11 Memorial and the Katyn Forest Massacre Memorial while you’re at it. There are also plenty of shopping opportunities at Newport Centre and wonderful views from Liberty Landing Marina. Take advantage of two iconic landmarks: the New Jersey Colgate Clock and the Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal. Finally, cap off your day with a visit to Departed Soles Brewing Company for some delicious craft beer. With so much to do, it’s no wonder why people love coming back to Jersey City time after time!
