Local Attractions in Jersey City and Beyond
Looking for something interesting nearby? Want to relax? Want to see culture? Your student and you might want to check out some local offerings of Jersey City and beyond. Within easy reach of campus are all the culture and attractions of New York City and North Jersey, so take advantage of as much as possible while your student is at Saint Peter’s.
Jersey City
The second largest city in New Jersey, Jersey City has witnessed a large boon to its economic growth. The city also has a lot for visitors to do:
The Liberty Science Center is a large, interactive science museum located just off the Jersey Turnpike at exit 14B. It boasts the largest domed IMAX theater in the world, and recently reopened after major renovations and updates.
Newport Centre Mall is located in the Waterfront district. It is at the center of a large shopping district in the heart of Jersey City. The Waterfront, apart from shopping, also has many cafés and great views of the New York skyline.
Grove St. is home to much of Jersey City’s culture. As the cost of living rose in New York, many artists moved to Jersey City. For those interested in art galleries, cafés, and culture and diversity, this is the place to go.
Lincoln Park is a hop, skip and a jump away from campus, and is a good place for students to relax or retreat from busy college life.
Liberty State Park is where you will find the Liberty Science Center, the ferry to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, and great views of the New York skyline.
The ferry to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty runs daily from Liberty State Park. Check the park website for more details on the ferry to these two very important landmarks in the history of the United States.
New York City
New York has everything you’ve heard about and more. From major sports teams such as the Yankees and the Knicks to performance art, New York has it all:
The Broadway theater district is found near Times Square. Tickets usually must be bought far in advance, but one can find the TKTS kiosk in Times Square where available seats can be purchased for that day’s shows. More information can be found at www.broadway.com.
Yankees Stadium is located in the Bronx with easy access by train, bus or car. The new Yankees Stadium opened in April 2009, and seats are very hard to come by for this season. Learn more about the New York Yankees schedule and other information.
The Yankees weren’t the only New York team with a new ballpark to call home in 2009. The Mets moved into Citi Field in April and said goodbye to Shea Stadium. Learn more about the New York Mets schedule and other information.
Madison Square Garden is the place to go in Manhattan for sports, concerts, and other entertainment. The Knicks, Liberty, and Rangers all call the Garden their home. Learn more about tickets and events at the Garden.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art at 5th Ave. and 82nd St. and the Museum of Modern Art at W 53rd St. between 5th and 6th avenues are just two examples of the wide variety of culture and art one can find in New York.
Like learning about prehistory? The American Museum of Natural History at Central Park West and 79th St. will be the place for you. The famous dinosaur skeletons are a major draw for the museum.
St. Patrick’s Cathedral is the seat of the Archdiocese of New York and a beautiful work of architecture. It is located on Madison Ave. at 51st St.
Ground Zero is still a very powerful place to visit years after the tragedies of 9/11. Although the area is cleaned up, and construction nears completion on the new Freedom Tower, a moving exhibit of the events on 9/11 can be found in nearby St. Paul’s Episcopal Chapel at Broadway and Fulton St.
Central Park is the first planned public park in America. Other than simply a place to relax under the trees, many of the museums line the park, and the Central Park Zoo is located there as well.
The Bronx Zoo is the largest metropolitan zoo in the United States and can be a fun and exciting stop to see some of the creatures our world has to offer.
Lots of examples of great historic arhitecture exits in New York, whether it’s the Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, Trinity Church or other famous buildings. A list of important architecture would be too long to list here.
North Jersey
New Jersey has a lot to offer within a 20-minute drive or short train ride from Jersey City.
The Meadowlands Sports Complex in East Rutherford has a racetrack, Continental Airlines Arena, the home of the New Jersey Nets, and Giants Stadium, the home of the New York Giants, New York Jets, and the New York/New Jersey Red Bulls soccer team. Concerts, shows, and a state fair all take place at the Meadowlands as well.
The Prudential Center in Newark is home to the New Jersey Devils and the New Jersey Ironmen, a professional indoor soccer team. Many concerts and events are held at “The Rock” as well. The arena is easily reached from Newark Penn Station.
The NJ Performing Arts Center in Newark is home to the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, concerts and shows, and other cultural events.
Medieval Times in Lyndhurst places you back in time to an interactive show where six knights fight for victory. Don’t expect to eat with a fork and knife, however!
Monmouth Park Raceway in Oceanport is a great place to relax and place some bets on your favorite horse.
…and beyond
Jersey City is close to other major metro areas. So, if you somehow get bored of New York and North Jersey (although I don’t know how you can), other places are within easy reach for a day trip or a weekend away.
Philadelphia, 1.5 to 2 hrs
The Jersey Shore, 40 mins to 3 hrs (depending on which beach)
Six Flags, Great Adventure and Hurricane Harbor, Jackson, N.J., 1 hour
Atlantic City, 2 hours
The Poconos, Northeast Pennsylvania, 2 hours – Skiing, whitewater rafting, and hiking are all big draws to the Poconos.
Northwest Jersey, 1.5 hours – Camping, skiing, hiking, the largest fair in New Jersey, and Mountain Creek Waterpark are all found here.
Hartford, Conn., 2.5 hours
Boston, Mass., 4 hours
Washington, D.C., 4 hours