Hudson County is the smallest and most urban county in northeastern New Jersey, and sixth most densely populated in the United States. Located on two peninsulas between the Hudson, Hackensack, and Passaic rivers it has, while being in the midst of the New York City metropolitan area, a distinct history and character from either the city across from which it sits and the rest of the state on the other side of the New Jersey Meadowlands, and is often overlooked by both. The thirteen municipalities which comprise Hudson often share borders that are city streets where the demarcation is barely, if at all noted. Since its beginnings in the 17th century the region has been home to waves of immigrants, making it one of ethnically diverse in America.
Cities
- 1 Bayonne — a typical working class town
- 2 Harrison — Close-knit community, fourth smallest town in Hudson County in terms of area and population density
- 3 Hoboken — Tree-lined streets with well-preserved brownstones typify this former dockworkers' town overlooking the Hudson. Yuppies are taking over Hoboken's old Italian and Irish neighborhoods, but the city still has the highest number of bars per square mile in the country! Birthplace of Frank Sinatra and the location of the world's first baseball game.
- 4 Jersey City — Directly across the Hudson River from downtown Manhattan, New Jersey's second largest city is undergoing a large-scale urban renaissance attracting a large yuppie population. The development of commercial skyscrapers in the Newport and Paulus Hook areas earned the city the nickname of "Wall Street West." Known for its ethnic diversity, Jersey City is becoming an increasingly cosmopolitan area.
- 5 Secaucus
- 6 Union City — The most densely populated city in the United States. A Hispanic district of Hudson county that has wonderful parks and food.
- 7 Weehawken — A hamlet atop the Hudson Palisades offering stunning views of the Hudson River and NY skyline.
- 8 Kearny
— Second smallest town in Hudson County. Named after General Philip Kearny, who died in the Battle of Chantilly. Most of Kearny is industrialized by the two drawbridges at exit 15e on the NJ Turnpike
Other destinations
Understand
Get in
By car: Most people enter Hudson County either through the Bayonne Bridge from Staten Island. The New Jersey Turnpike is another option, as the county is accessible through its Newark Bay Extension (exits 14-14c) from Manhattan, and the Eastern Spur (exits 15e, 15x, 16e, & 18e) from elsewhere across New Jersey. Alternatively, you can arrive via U.S. Route 1 from the Pulaski Skyway in Newark or Tonelle Ave in nearby Bergen County, or NJ-495 from the Meadowlands or the Lincoln Tunnel.
By plane: The closest airport without question is Newark Liberty International Airport. From here, you can either buy a rental and follow the driving directions, or take a PATH train to Jersey City (stop at either Journal Square or Exchange Place).
By transit: The busiest bus terminals in Hudson County, and the one's you most likely will arrive by are Jersey City's Journal Square terminal, Secaucus' Frank Lautenberg Terminal, and Hoboken's Lackawanna Terminal. The Secaucus and Hoboken terminals are serviced by NJ Transit while the Journal Square terminal is owned by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PATH/PAYNJ). Two of the Journal Square terminal's train routes, along with a bus route go to the Lackawanna Terminal. It's important to remember although some of the train routes for Secaucus' terminal go to Hoboken, not all of them will.
Get around
Traversed north and south by both the Eastern and Western spurs of the New Jersey Turnpike (I95), and US routes 1 and 9; and east and west by State Rt 3/ I495 in the North and State Rt 7 and Rt 78 to the south, It is split between adjoined towns east and west of the Meadowlands and Hackensack River. To the east of the Hackensack, Jersey City, Bayonne, Hoboken and several other towns that border the Hudson and connect via tunnels to New York City Lincoln Tunnel on I495, Holland Tunnel feeding from the NJ Turnpike Extension exit 14C and Routes 1 and 9. In the middle, centered in the Meadowlands area is Secaucus, the site of the Meadowlands Entertainment complex including the MetLife Stadium which is home to the New York NFL Giants and Jets teams. To the west of the Hackensack in West Hudson are (from South to North), Harrison, East Newark and Kearny, bordering the Passaic River to the West. Extensive commuter train service via NJ Transit and the PATH system serve most of the county. Closest airport connection is at the Newark-Liberty airport in neighboring Essex county to the South West. Jersey City, Hoboken, Union City, Weehawken and Harrison are among the most "walking" and public transport friendly municipalities in New Jersey, and a wide choice of hotels, motels and other accommodations exist throughout the area.
See
This is a partial list of what Hudson County has to offer. For a full guide go to the county's website which can be translated in 7 languages
- Jersey City
- 1 Lincoln Park (Take exit 15e from the NJ Turnpike to Jersey City, cross the two drawbridges and make a left at the first traffic light. Then, make a right turn on Duncan Ave). Park offers the only public golf course in Hudson County, public Wi-Fi several historic monuments. The park is so big that it's split into two different sections; Lincoln Park East and Lincoln Park West. Lincoln Park West has a lot of nature trails and Lincoln Park East features the older side of the park with the historic structures and monuments.
- 2 Liberty Science Center, 222 Jersey City Blvd (Take exit 14b from the NJ Turnpike, make a left at the stop sign, another left at the traffic circle, and another left at the traffic light. Or take the Light Rail to Liberty State Park, as it's behind the station), ☏ 1 201 200-1000, ✉mailto:[email protected]. Thu-Sun 10AM-4PM. Home to the largest planetarium in the Americas, the Liberty Science Center (LSC) also offers lessons on the biology of the Hudson River Estuary and an exhibit dedicated to skyscrapers.
- 3 Liberty State Park (Take exit 14b from the NJ Turnpike and make a left at the stop sign). Famous for its panoramic vistas of most of the New York City boroughs, and the historic CRRNJ Terminal which houses the ferry to the Statue of Liberty.
- 4 Loews Jersey Theater (Across Kennedy Blvd from the Journal Square Terminal). Only 5 theaters of its kind were built, all but one were built in New York. The one in Jersey City is the only one built outside of New York
- 5 Skyway Memorial Park. Memorial park under construction commemorating COVID-19 victms of New Jersey. Opens in 2023
- 6 RPM Raceway, 99 Caven Point Rd (Take exit 14b from the NJ Turnpike, make a left at the stop sign, then make a right at the first traffic light), ☏ 1 201-333-7223. Formerly the Pole Position Raceway, RPM is an indoor go-kart race track where you can race others at 45 mi/hr.
- 1 Lincoln Park (Take exit 15e from the NJ Turnpike to Jersey City, cross the two drawbridges and make a left at the first traffic light. Then, make a right turn on Duncan Ave). Park offers the only public golf course in Hudson County, public Wi-Fi several historic monuments. The park is so big that it's split into two different sections; Lincoln Park East and Lincoln Park West. Lincoln Park West has a lot of nature trails and Lincoln Park East features the older side of the park with the historic structures and monuments.
- Bayonne
- 7 9/11 Tear Drop Memorial (To The Struggle Against World Terrorism), Port Terminal Blvd. Memorial gift from Russia, dedicated by Russian president Vladimir Putin, New Jersey senator Bob Menendez, and former president Bill Clinton. Budget.
- 8 Bayonne Bridge. The third largest suspension bridge in the world.
- 7 9/11 Tear Drop Memorial (To The Struggle Against World Terrorism), Port Terminal Blvd. Memorial gift from Russia, dedicated by Russian president Vladimir Putin, New Jersey senator Bob Menendez, and former president Bill Clinton. Budget.
- Hoboken
- 9 Erie-Lackawanna Terminal, 1 Hudson Pl. One of the USA's busiest terminals, there are 11 train routes, and 9 bus routes to different areas of Northeast New Jersey, and 3 ferry services to New York City. Budget.
- 10 Hoboken Historical Museum, 1301 Hudson St, ☏ 1 201 656 2240, ✉[email protected]. Learn about the history of Hoboken from Dutch colonization to now. Budget.
- 11 American Expeditionary Forces Memorial Boulder (Within walking distance from Hoboken Terminal).
- 9 Erie-Lackawanna Terminal, 1 Hudson Pl. One of the USA's busiest terminals, there are 11 train routes, and 9 bus routes to different areas of Northeast New Jersey, and 3 ferry services to New York City. Budget.
- Union City
- 12 Bergenline Ave. Accessible through the Light Rail, this area is known for its predominantly Cuban population.
- 12 Bergenline Ave. Accessible through the Light Rail, this area is known for its predominantly Cuban population.
- Weehawken
- 13 Hamilton-Burr Monument, Blvd East. Location of the death of secretary of state Alexander Hamilton, who was the inspiration for the Broadway musical Hamilton. Budget.
- 13 Hamilton-Burr Monument, Blvd East. Location of the death of secretary of state Alexander Hamilton, who was the inspiration for the Broadway musical Hamilton. Budget.
- Secaucus
- 14 Laurel Hill Park.
- 14 Laurel Hill Park.
- North Bergen
- 15 Braddock Park (Take Kennedy Blvd from Jersey City all the way to the end). Marks the border between Hudson and Bergen Counties. Named after James J Braddock whose life was portrayed in the movie "Cinderella Man." The park was also the site of the "Stonehenge Incident," where people reported seeing UFOs from a nearby apartment complex.
- 15 Braddock Park (Take Kennedy Blvd from Jersey City all the way to the end). Marks the border between Hudson and Bergen Counties. Named after James J Braddock whose life was portrayed in the movie "Cinderella Man." The park was also the site of the "Stonehenge Incident," where people reported seeing UFOs from a nearby apartment complex.
- Kearny
- 16 West Hudson Park, Woodland Dr, ☏ 1 201 217 5482.
- 17 General Philip Kearny Statue, 64 Midland Ave (located in front of the post office).
- 16 West Hudson Park, Woodland Dr, ☏ 1 201 217 5482.
Buy
- Bayonne
- 1 South Cove Commons, Lefante Way.
- Jersey City
- 2 Newport Center Mall, 30 Mall Dr West (When leaving the Pulaski Skyway or Newark Bay Extension, make a right turn at the first traffic light and follow the signs. Or take the PATH train from either Journal Square or Midtown Manhattan to Pavonia/Newport). With more than 150 stores split into 4 buildings, Newport Center Mall is the county's largest mall.
- 3 Hudson Mall, 701 NJ-440 (After crossing the two drawbridges from exit 15e, follow the signs to Route 440), ☏ 1 (201) 432-0119.
- 4 Journal Square, 930 Bergen Ave (Take the PATH train from 33rd St (New York) to the end, or the 125 bus from the Port Authority Bus Terminal).
- 2 Newport Center Mall, 30 Mall Dr West (When leaving the Pulaski Skyway or Newark Bay Extension, make a right turn at the first traffic light and follow the signs. Or take the PATH train from either Journal Square or Midtown Manhattan to Pavonia/Newport). With more than 150 stores split into 4 buildings, Newport Center Mall is the county's largest mall.
- Hoboken
- 5 Washington St (Take the NY Waterway from either W 39th St or Battery Park to Hoboken, then walk a few blocks straight).
- Union City
- Weehawken
- 6 Hartz Mountain Lincoln Harbor, Harbor Blvd.
- North Bergen
- 7 Columbia Park, 3129 Kennedy Blvd.
- Secaucus
- 8 Mill Creek Mall.
Eat
- Bayonne
- 1 Cafe Talya, 218 Avenue B (Corner of Ave B & W 49th St), ☏ 1 201 535 5333, ✉[email protected]. Daily 8AM-1:30PM. Small diner with extensive breakfast options and regular lunch options and calm neigborhood vibe. Budget.
- 2 Buon Appetito, 906 Broadway, ☏ 1 201-436-0043. Daily 11AM-9PM. Italian
- 3 [dead link]Da Noi, 1105 Avenue C, Bayonne NJ 07002, ☏ 1 (201) 437-5578. M-F noon–10PM, Sa 3–11PM, Su 1–9PM. Italian
- 4 Broadway Bistro & Diner, 226 Broadway (A short walk from the 8th St LightRail station), ☏ 1 201-455-8239.
- Jersey City
- 5 Razza Pizza, 275 Grove Street (across the street from the city hall), ☏ 1 201 356 9348, ✉[email protected]. M-Sa 5-10PM.
- 6 Laico's, 67 Terhune Ave, ☏ 1 201-434 4115, ✉[email protected]. M-Th 11:30AM-10PM, F 10AM-11:30PM, Sa noon-10:30PM, Su 1-9PM.
- 7 Hard Grove Cafe, 286 1st St (corner of 1st St and Newark Ave), ☏ 1 201-659-6100.
- 8 [dead link]Wild Fusion, 313 Grove Street, ☏ 1 201-333-7020. Su-Th 11AM-10PM, F Sa 11:30AM-10:30PM.
- 9 Honshu Lounge, 95 Greene Street (corner w/ York St) (near Exchange Pl Light Rail, across the street from Iron Monkey), ☏ 1 201-324-2788.
- 10 Hamilton Inn, 708 Jersey Avenue, ☏ 1 201-839-5818. Tu-Th 11:30AM-11PM, F 11:30AM-1AM, Sa 10AM-1AM, Su M 10AM-10PM.
- 11 White Mana, 470 Tonelle Ave, ☏ 1 (201) 963 1441. Historic burger joint from the 1939 World's Fair.
- Hoboken
- 12 Carlo's Bake Shop, 95 Washington Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030Telephone: 1 (201) 659-3671, ☏ 1 (201) 659-3671. Bake shop featured in HBO's "Cake Boss"
- 13 Vito's Italian Deli, 806 Washington Street (corner w/ 8th St) (From the Pulaski Skyway or Newark Bay Extension, turn left on Jersey Ave (first traffic light). Follow Jersey Ave, until it becomes Newark St. Then, make a left on Washington St), ☏ 1-201-792-4944, toll-free: 1 201-659-7222, ✉[email protected]. M 8AM-5PM, Tu-F 8AM-7PM, Sa 8AM-5PM, Su 9AM-3PM. Sandwiches $8-11.
- 14 7 Stars Pizzeria, 342 Garden St (Located across the street from Church Square Park), ☏ 1 (201) 653-7204.
- 15 Leo's Grandevous, 200 Grand St, ☏ 1 201 659 9467. Mon & Tue 2-10PM, Wed-Fri 12-10PM, Weekends 4-10PM.
- Weehawken
- 16 Charritos (El Charro), 974 JFK Boulevard East, ☏ 1-201-330-1130. Moderately priced Mexican restaurant with New York views.
- Union City
- 17 Merge Cafe, 4605 Park Ave, ☏ 1 201 590-9138, ✉[email protected]. Tue-Sa 11:30-8 Mo 4-9 PM.
- Secaucus
- 18 Olive Garden, Mill Creek Mall, ☏ 12018673543.
- 18 Olive Garden, Mill Creek Mall, ☏ 12018673543.
- Harrison
- 19 Tops Diner, 500 Passaic Ave, ☏ 1 973 481 0490.
- North Bergen
- 20 Coach House, 921 Kennedy Blvd, ☏ 1 (201) 864-8600.
Drink
- Bayonne
- 1 Hendrickson's Corner, 671 Broadway.
- Hoboken
- 2 La Isla, 104 Washington St or 25 12th St.
- Jersey City
- 3 The Honorable William Wall (Willy Wall), New York Bay (the restaurant offers a water taxi from the pier at the foot of Warren St and Marin Blvd), ☏ 1 646-787-6726, ✉[email protected]. Tu-F 5:45–9:30PM, Sa 12:15–4:30PM, 5:15-9PM.
- 4 Batello, 502 Washington Blvd, ☏ 1 201 798 1798.
- 5 Vu, 2 Exchange Place (take the PATH train to Exchange Place, it's inside the Hyatt Regency Hotel). Daily 5:30AM-10PM.
- Weehawken
- 6 Chart House, 1700 Harbor Blvd, ☏ 1-201-348-6628. Fancy chain restaurant with New York view.
Stay safe
Go next
Hudson County has several connections to New York City and is a short drive from Newark Liberty International Airport.