L
Lauren Rivera
Guest
Living in Hoboken + Jersey City, we’re lucky enough to have such easy and quick access around Hudson County and to/from NYC, from the PATH train and buses to the ferry and Light Rail. If you feel like venturing outside of your neighborhood to try some new spots, hop on NJ Transit’s Hudson-Bergen Light Rail and find a hidden gem. In this series of Light Rail exploration, we’re showcasing the best places to eat, drink, shop, and explore at every Light Rail stop from Hoboken to Jersey City and back again. Keep reading to find out what to do near the Light Rail stop at Liberty State Park in Jersey City, New Jersey.
We’re starting with Liberty State Park, a quick 15-minute ride from the Hoboken Terminal (note trains run about every 10 minutes or so depending on the time of day, but be sure to check the schedule online or look at the signs on the platform for the next train). If starting at the terminal, take the train for 8th Street.
If you’ve never been on the Light Rail, make sure to buy a ticket at the ticket vending machine (PATH SmartLink card or MetroCards are not accepted) and stamp it with time and date before boarding to make it valid. Adult one-way fares are $2.55 with reduced children, students, military +senior fares, and other options available for frequent riders.
Make sure you have the NJ Transit mobile app to check the schedules in the palm of your hand or buy a monthly ticket on the app for unlimited rides, but unfortunately not single tickets.
Read More: 16 Beaches Accessible by Public Transit from Hoboken + Jersey City
Liberty State Park, a green oasis in the middle of Jersey City with the Manhattan skyline, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island as a spectacular backdrop, is one of the state's most dramatic parks and its 1,212 acres provides a variety of recreational uses. Morris Pesin, known as the “father” of Liberty State Park, spent 18 years spearheading the crusade to create this free and green urban state park for all, which opened in America's Bicentennial year on June 14th, 1976.
Take advantage of the miles of walkways by walking, jogging, biking, or rollerblading. Get fit with the par course that runs along Freedom Way. Bring binoculars and look at the numerous species of birds which frequent the park. Picnic at one of the playgrounds and enjoy the open waters of the New York-New Jersey Harbor Estuary by fishing or crabbing, boating or kayaking. Join the Friends of Liberty State Park volunteer gardening program to beautify Liberty State Park To find out about all the other fun programs, events, festivals and concerts throughout the year be sure to sign up for the newsletter. Liberty State Park is open daily from 6AM-10PM.
Liberty Science Center, the largest interactive science center in the NYC-NJ metropolitan area, is a 300,000-square-foot not-for-profit learning center located in Liberty State Park. Dedicated to inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers to learners of all ages, Liberty Science Center houses the largest planetarium in the Western Hemisphere, 12 museum exhibition halls, a live animal collection with 110 species, giant aquariums, a 3D theater, live simulcast surgeries, a tornado-force wind simulator, K-12 classrooms and labs, and teacher-development programs.
Ticket prices start at $31 for general admission (with child and senior discounts). Memberships are also available. It is open Wednesday through Friday from 10AM-4PM, and weekends from 10AM-5PM. For the 21 and over crowd, head on out to LSC After Dark, an after-hours adventure on the third Thursday of every month from 6PM–10PM, and enjoy an after-hours adventure featuring drinks, food, music, dancing, access to all the exhibits in the Science Center, and more.
The biggest planetarium in the Western Hemisphere (exceeded in size by only four other planetariums in the world: two in Japan, one in China, and one in Russia) with an 89-foot full-dome view of the night sky and distant galaxies, this stunning space (named for a New Jersey philanthropist) boasts a resolution of 88 million pixels, a lighting system that can produce over 281 trillion colors, and speakers capable of producing 30,000 watts of digital sound. Fly through the universe, experience the grand and vast space, roam planetary surfaces, navigate asteroid fields, and watch the latest full-dome movies.
A lot has happened at the animal shelter located at 235 Jersey City Boulevard since the City of Jersey City took over the space previously run by the Liberty Humane Society. Jersey City took over animal care, control services, and shelter management on January 1st, 2024. Since then, the City has increased animal control services to seven days a week. In addition to the expanded services, Jersey City has launched a volunteer program to support quality animal care and fostering. Applications for the volunteer program can be found here. Fostering and adoption applications are also available online. All donation interests can be sent to [email protected]. You can call the shelter at 201-547-5100 and animal control at 201-547-4888.
During the 19th and early 20th centuries, the area that is now Liberty State Park was a major waterfront industrial area with an extensive freight and passenger transportation network. This network became the lifeline of New York City and the harbor area. The heart of this transportation network was the Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal (CRRNJ), located in the northern portion of the park.
Built in 1889, the CRRNJ Terminal stands with the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island to unfold one of this nation's most dramatic stories: the immigration of northern, southern, and eastern Europeans into the United States. After being greeted by the Statue of Liberty and processed at Ellis Island, these immigrants purchased tickets and boarded trains, at the CRRNJ Terminal, that took them to their new homes throughout the United States. The Terminal served these immigrants as the gateway to the realization of their hopes and dreams of a new life in America. Historical walking tours and other events are available to attend — click here for the monthly program schedule.
Step back in time and explore two of the greatest American landmarks without traveling into NYC (Liberty Island is actually closer to the Jersey coastline than it is to New York). Liberty State Park is the only location in New Jersey with ferry service via Statue Cruises to The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island available throughout the year. From the light rail stop, walk or bike one mile on Audrey Zapp Drive to the ticket office area located in the CRRNJ Terminal. From the ticket office, the security facility and ferry gangway are a short walk. For rates and boat schedules, click here or call 877-523-9849.
Pay your respects at the Empty Sky 9/11 Memorial, the official State of New Jersey's memorial that honors the memory of the 749 people that lived in or had ties to New Jersey that lost their lives at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and on Flight 93 in Shanksville, Pennsylvania on September 11th, 2001. Designed by Jessica Jamroz and Frederic Schwartz, it was dedicated on Saturday, September 10th, 2011, a day before the tenth anniversary of the attacks.
Eggs up is a new breakfast spot in Jersey City that serves an exciting array of egg-centric dishes. With everything from egg sandwiches to breakfast burritos, Eggs Up is a great stop for a quick breakfast bite.
Hmmm, doughnuts. This specialty coffee shop proudly serves La Colombe Coffee and is the exclusive Jersey City carriers of Doughnut Plant with the famous square-filled donuts. Try a lavender or matcha latte or an iced mocha made with Ghirardelli chocolate.
GTK aka Ghost Truck Kitchen is a local go-to when it comes to takeout and delivery. The local eatery has an extensive menu with plenty of allergy-friendly options and flavors. The Johnston Avenue location will be located in the new Bergen Hall, and is coming soon.
Enjoy a night in the islands at this Caribbean cocktail bar and gastropub serving classics from jerk chicken and peri-peri shrimp to braised oxtail stew. The spot is open Monday to Friday for dinner with Saturday and Sunday brunch with music.
Maddy Rose is a restaurant and bar providing elevated coastal cuisine, craft beverages, and a vibrant atmosphere. Located inside Landmark Hospitality’s flagship property, Liberty House, this Mediterranean-inspired eatery is a great place to wine and dine with your loved ones.
Founded in 2009 by executive chef-owner Chris Siversen in a grand building in New Jersey’s Liberty State Park, Maritime Parc provides a unique and wholesome dining experience with panoramic views of the Hudson River, the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and the Manhattan skyline. Its design evokes a modern summer seaside pavilion, with elegant spaces that flow seamlessly from indoors to out, creating a welcoming oasis in which to linger and lounge. Maritime Parc is also home to two stunning private event spaces perfect for weddings, social celebrations, and corporate events of all sizes.
Mordi's Sandwich Sandwich shop is a casual eatery known for their Israeli-inspired dishes. The restaurant serves fresh pita sandwiches, falafel, and more.
Nûrish is a cozy cafe with a creative vegan and vegetarian focus. With everything from coffee, juices, and smoothies to veggie burgers and sandwiches, there's a little something for everyone here.
See More: 11 Amtrak Train Trips via Newark Under 4 Hours
Drop by Pinwheel for a taste of the Thai-Japanese-American style bourbon bacon drunken noodle with a medley of veggies and greens, free-roaming egg (or tofu), chewy udon noodles and fresh Thai basil from the garden — topped with a locally-foraged seasonal wild mushroom medley (chanterelles, deer mushroom, chicken of the woods, and more.)
The Roxy is an upscale eatery serving creative takes on classic dishes. It's an ideal date night destination and was even voted Best New Dinner Spot in Jersey City for 2024 by HG readers.
The Stop at Liberty State Park
We’re starting with Liberty State Park, a quick 15-minute ride from the Hoboken Terminal (note trains run about every 10 minutes or so depending on the time of day, but be sure to check the schedule online or look at the signs on the platform for the next train). If starting at the terminal, take the train for 8th Street.
If you’ve never been on the Light Rail, make sure to buy a ticket at the ticket vending machine (PATH SmartLink card or MetroCards are not accepted) and stamp it with time and date before boarding to make it valid. Adult one-way fares are $2.55 with reduced children, students, military +senior fares, and other options available for frequent riders.
Make sure you have the NJ Transit mobile app to check the schedules in the palm of your hand or buy a monthly ticket on the app for unlimited rides, but unfortunately not single tickets.
Read More: 16 Beaches Accessible by Public Transit from Hoboken + Jersey City
Things to Do
Visit Liberty State Park | 200 Morris Pesin Drive
Liberty State Park, a green oasis in the middle of Jersey City with the Manhattan skyline, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island as a spectacular backdrop, is one of the state's most dramatic parks and its 1,212 acres provides a variety of recreational uses. Morris Pesin, known as the “father” of Liberty State Park, spent 18 years spearheading the crusade to create this free and green urban state park for all, which opened in America's Bicentennial year on June 14th, 1976.
Take advantage of the miles of walkways by walking, jogging, biking, or rollerblading. Get fit with the par course that runs along Freedom Way. Bring binoculars and look at the numerous species of birds which frequent the park. Picnic at one of the playgrounds and enjoy the open waters of the New York-New Jersey Harbor Estuary by fishing or crabbing, boating or kayaking. Join the Friends of Liberty State Park volunteer gardening program to beautify Liberty State Park To find out about all the other fun programs, events, festivals and concerts throughout the year be sure to sign up for the newsletter. Liberty State Park is open daily from 6AM-10PM.
Go to the Liberty Science Center | 222 Jersey City Boulevard
Liberty Science Center, the largest interactive science center in the NYC-NJ metropolitan area, is a 300,000-square-foot not-for-profit learning center located in Liberty State Park. Dedicated to inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers to learners of all ages, Liberty Science Center houses the largest planetarium in the Western Hemisphere, 12 museum exhibition halls, a live animal collection with 110 species, giant aquariums, a 3D theater, live simulcast surgeries, a tornado-force wind simulator, K-12 classrooms and labs, and teacher-development programs.
Ticket prices start at $31 for general admission (with child and senior discounts). Memberships are also available. It is open Wednesday through Friday from 10AM-4PM, and weekends from 10AM-5PM. For the 21 and over crowd, head on out to LSC After Dark, an after-hours adventure on the third Thursday of every month from 6PM–10PM, and enjoy an after-hours adventure featuring drinks, food, music, dancing, access to all the exhibits in the Science Center, and more.
Go to the Jennifer Chalsty Planetarium + LSC Giant Dome Theater | 222 Jersey City Boulevard
The biggest planetarium in the Western Hemisphere (exceeded in size by only four other planetariums in the world: two in Japan, one in China, and one in Russia) with an 89-foot full-dome view of the night sky and distant galaxies, this stunning space (named for a New Jersey philanthropist) boasts a resolution of 88 million pixels, a lighting system that can produce over 281 trillion colors, and speakers capable of producing 30,000 watts of digital sound. Fly through the universe, experience the grand and vast space, roam planetary surfaces, navigate asteroid fields, and watch the latest full-dome movies.
Visit the Jersey City Animal Shelter | 235 Jersey City Boulevard
A lot has happened at the animal shelter located at 235 Jersey City Boulevard since the City of Jersey City took over the space previously run by the Liberty Humane Society. Jersey City took over animal care, control services, and shelter management on January 1st, 2024. Since then, the City has increased animal control services to seven days a week. In addition to the expanded services, Jersey City has launched a volunteer program to support quality animal care and fostering. Applications for the volunteer program can be found here. Fostering and adoption applications are also available online. All donation interests can be sent to [email protected]. You can call the shelter at 201-547-5100 and animal control at 201-547-4888.
Visit Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal | 1 Audrey Zapp Drive
During the 19th and early 20th centuries, the area that is now Liberty State Park was a major waterfront industrial area with an extensive freight and passenger transportation network. This network became the lifeline of New York City and the harbor area. The heart of this transportation network was the Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal (CRRNJ), located in the northern portion of the park.
Built in 1889, the CRRNJ Terminal stands with the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island to unfold one of this nation's most dramatic stories: the immigration of northern, southern, and eastern Europeans into the United States. After being greeted by the Statue of Liberty and processed at Ellis Island, these immigrants purchased tickets and boarded trains, at the CRRNJ Terminal, that took them to their new homes throughout the United States. The Terminal served these immigrants as the gateway to the realization of their hopes and dreams of a new life in America. Historical walking tours and other events are available to attend — click here for the monthly program schedule.
Landmarks
Visit the Statue of Liberty + Ellis Island Ferry | Liberty Landing Ferry
Step back in time and explore two of the greatest American landmarks without traveling into NYC (Liberty Island is actually closer to the Jersey coastline than it is to New York). Liberty State Park is the only location in New Jersey with ferry service via Statue Cruises to The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island available throughout the year. From the light rail stop, walk or bike one mile on Audrey Zapp Drive to the ticket office area located in the CRRNJ Terminal. From the ticket office, the security facility and ferry gangway are a short walk. For rates and boat schedules, click here or call 877-523-9849.
Visit the Empty Sky Memorial | 1 Audrey Zapp Drive
Pay your respects at the Empty Sky 9/11 Memorial, the official State of New Jersey's memorial that honors the memory of the 749 people that lived in or had ties to New Jersey that lost their lives at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and on Flight 93 in Shanksville, Pennsylvania on September 11th, 2001. Designed by Jessica Jamroz and Frederic Schwartz, it was dedicated on Saturday, September 10th, 2011, a day before the tenth anniversary of the attacks.
Places to Eat + Drink
Eggs Up | 270 Johnston Avenue
Eggs up is a new breakfast spot in Jersey City that serves an exciting array of egg-centric dishes. With everything from egg sandwiches to breakfast burritos, Eggs Up is a great stop for a quick breakfast bite.
The Grind Shop | 360 Communipaw Avenue
Hmmm, doughnuts. This specialty coffee shop proudly serves La Colombe Coffee and is the exclusive Jersey City carriers of Doughnut Plant with the famous square-filled donuts. Try a lavender or matcha latte or an iced mocha made with Ghirardelli chocolate.
Ghost Truck Kitchen | 295 Johnston Avenue (coming soon)
GTK aka Ghost Truck Kitchen is a local go-to when it comes to takeout and delivery. The local eatery has an extensive menu with plenty of allergy-friendly options and flavors. The Johnston Avenue location will be located in the new Bergen Hall, and is coming soon.
Harry’s Daughter | 339 Communipaw Avenue
Enjoy a night in the islands at this Caribbean cocktail bar and gastropub serving classics from jerk chicken and peri-peri shrimp to braised oxtail stew. The spot is open Monday to Friday for dinner with Saturday and Sunday brunch with music.
Maddy Rose Restaurant at Liberty House | 76 Audrey Zapp Drive
Maddy Rose is a restaurant and bar providing elevated coastal cuisine, craft beverages, and a vibrant atmosphere. Located inside Landmark Hospitality’s flagship property, Liberty House, this Mediterranean-inspired eatery is a great place to wine and dine with your loved ones.
Maritime Parc | 84 Audrey Zapp Drive
Founded in 2009 by executive chef-owner Chris Siversen in a grand building in New Jersey’s Liberty State Park, Maritime Parc provides a unique and wholesome dining experience with panoramic views of the Hudson River, the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and the Manhattan skyline. Its design evokes a modern summer seaside pavilion, with elegant spaces that flow seamlessly from indoors to out, creating a welcoming oasis in which to linger and lounge. Maritime Parc is also home to two stunning private event spaces perfect for weddings, social celebrations, and corporate events of all sizes.
Mordi's Sandwich Shop | 320 Communipaw Avenue
Mordi's Sandwich Sandwich shop is a casual eatery known for their Israeli-inspired dishes. The restaurant serves fresh pita sandwiches, falafel, and more.
Nûrish | 346 Communipaw Avenue
Nûrish is a cozy cafe with a creative vegan and vegetarian focus. With everything from coffee, juices, and smoothies to veggie burgers and sandwiches, there's a little something for everyone here.
See More: 11 Amtrak Train Trips via Newark Under 4 Hours
The Pinwheel Garden Dumpling + Noodle Bar | 318 Communipaw Avenue
Drop by Pinwheel for a taste of the Thai-Japanese-American style bourbon bacon drunken noodle with a medley of veggies and greens, free-roaming egg (or tofu), chewy udon noodles and fresh Thai basil from the garden — topped with a locally-foraged seasonal wild mushroom medley (chanterelles, deer mushroom, chicken of the woods, and more.)
The Roxy | 66 Monitor Street
The Roxy is an upscale eatery serving creative takes on classic dishes. It's an ideal date night destination and was even voted Best New Dinner Spot in Jersey City for 2024 by HG readers.
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