HC Urban Adventures

Visit Hudson

With our array of free self-guided sites to see, you can explore Hudson County’s history, culture, and dining scenes. Exploring the locations in this urban adventure will wind you through some of the best Hudson County sights, with interesting background, photographs, and fun facts that showcase the region.

Tags: Sightseeing, Adventure, Culture

  • Ellis Island, United States

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      Visiting Ellis Island is an immersion in America’s cultural history. A century ago, some 12 million immigrants arrived here to start anew. Their stories span the island, and you can witness it all for yourself. Ellis Island’s most popular attraction is the Immigration Museum. This historical treasure tells the tales of America’s immigrants. Walking the halls, you’ll see artifacts and relics from the 1500’s to present; these pieces bring the nation’s “melting pot” history to life. Open daily from 9:00am-5:00pm from Liberty State Park using Statue Cruises. Ticket booth located in the Central Railroad Terminal.

  • Statue of Liberty in Jersey City, United States

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      Few sights mean more to America than the Statue of Liberty. It was given as a gift by the people of France and became an icon of freedom and of the United States, seen as a symbol of welcome to immigrants arriving by sea. There is lots to do while visiting the Statue of Liberty, from climbing to the Statue’s crown, taking a ranger-guided tour of Liberty Island or checking out the Museum which takes you deep into the iconic statue’s history. Open daily from 9:00am-5:00pm from Liberty State Park using Statue Cruises. Ticket booth located in the Central Railroad Terminal.

  • Colgate Clock in Jersey City, United States

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      The Colgate Clock, the fourth largest clock in the world at 50 feet in diameter. Recreated to imitate the original Colgate Clock, which is now located in Indiana, this clock is all that remains of the Colgate Factory which was in Paulus Hook, Jersey City for over 140 years. Open 24/7, shines with beautiful LED lights at night. Now not far from the original site the clock has become an iconic part of the Hudson County Skyline.

  • Water's Soul by Jaume Plensa in Jersey City, United States

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      Overlooking the Hudson River, this 80-ft. tall installation is artist Jaume Plensa’s tallest public sculpture to date placed on the newly redeveloped historic waterfront pier. It depicts the serene face of a young subject holding a finger to her lips in a state of silent contemplation.

  • White Mana Diner in Jersey City, United States

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      The White Mana Diner is a historical landmark and is the original 1939 World’s Fair building. When originally introduced, it was called the “diner of the future” and an “Introduction to Fast Food.” It is famous for its hamburgers and sells approximately 3,000 a week. In 1997, the Jersey City Historic Preservation Committee declared the diner a local landmark.

  • Loew's Jersey Theatre in Jersey City, United States

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      This show stopping venue with old-fashioned charm, is the gem of Journal Square, opened in 1929 and holds a spot on the National Register of Historic Places. After serving as a cinematic hot spot for 57 years, today, the Theater is maintained entirely by volunteers from “Friends of the Loew’s” in order to protect its history and beauty. Its main purpose will be to serve its community as an arts and entertainment center for the diverse people who live in Jersey City and is currently under a renovation by the city to preserve this historical wonder. The outside is still open to marvel as part of this tour.

  • Weehawken Dueling Grounds, United States

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      Host to at least 18 known duels between 1700 and 1884, but most famously known for being the site of the duel between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr in 1804 where Hamilton was fatally shot by Burr. Behind the base of the Hamilton bust there is a boulder which is the only surviving physical connection to the original dueling grounds. Open 24/7.This park is situated on JFK Blvd East and overlooks the entirety of the NYC Skyline.

  • Sybil's Cave in Hoboken, United States

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      Sybil’s Cave is the oldest manmade structure in Hoboken, created in 1832 by the Stevens Family as a folly on their property that contained a natural spring. By the mid-19th century the cave was a recreational destination within walking distance from downtown Hoboken.

  • Frank Sinatra Statue in Hoboken, United States

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      The statue of Frank Sinatra in Hoboken, his hometown, is located in the Sinatra Park section of the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway. The monument is strategically placed so visitors can see the New York City skyline in the background, reminding them of the Sinatra song “New York, New York”. The statue was dedicated on December 12, 2021, on what would have been his 106th birthday. The statue is meant to honor what an impact Sinatra had on his hometown Hoboken residents. Open 24/7

  • James J. Braddock Memorial Statue, United States

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      Before he was dubbed the “Cinderella Man,” he was the “Bulldog of Bergen.” and a resident of North Bergen. In 1935, James J. Braddock stunned the boxing world when he defeated Max Baer for the heavyweight title and was heavyweight champion from 1935-1937. He was a 10-to-1 underdog entering the ring. Since his famous bout with Baer, Braddock has gone down in history as an inspiration; a man whose unshakable self-determination led him to boxing greatness. His story, which inspired many in the 1930s during The Great Depression, was made into the film “Cinderella Man,” starring Russell Crowe and Paul Giamatti, in 2005.

  • Hoboken Terminal in Hoboken, United States

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      Hoboken Terminal is the last survivor of the great Hudson River (New Jersey) waterfront stations still serving in its original function. More than 50,000 people use the terminal daily, making it the ninth-busiest railroad station in North America. The terminal was a milestone in American transportation development, combining rail, ferry, and pedestrian facilities in one of the most innovatively designed and engineered structures in the nation. Open 24/7 for tourists and commuters alike!

  • Weehawken Water Tower, United States

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      You don’t have to be an architecture buff to enjoy an excursion to Weehawken Water Tower. This notable tower has a long history and was designed after the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence, Italy. Built in 1883, and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.

  • Bayonne Bridge, United States

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      Bayonne Bridge is an arch bridge spanning the Kill Van Kull and connecting Bayonne, New Jersey with Staten Island. It carries New York State Route 440 and New Jersey Route 440. It is the sixth-longest steel arch bridge in the world, and it was the longest in the world at the time of its completion which was newly redone for required clearance. Bayonne Bridge also has a pedestrian and bicyclist walkway open to provide alternative means of transportation for commuters and a unique experience for recreational users. Open 24/7

  • Secaucus Greenway, United States

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      This is a popular trail and nature reserve in the NJ Meadowlands along the Hackensack River for birding, trail running and walking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash. The Secaucus Greenway is a trail that runs 1.6 miles from Mill Ridge Road to Laurel Hill. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 38 minutes to complete. This trail has two playgrounds at the beginning and one at the turnaround point. It’s scenic and tranquil with some trees and wildlife. Open 24/7

  • Pier C Park in Hoboken, United States

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      Pier C Park is located along the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway in Hoboken, NJ, Pier C Park is an active recreation pier for all ages. Enjoy a number of activities in the Promenade, which provides ample space and seating for some family fun and a perfect view of the Manhattan skyline.

  • Clam Broth House Sign in Hoboken, United States

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      The historic Clam Broth House, opened in 1899 on Hoboken’s bustling waterfront, serving food, drinks, and yes—Clam Broth. Anyone who was anyone in Hoboken had spent some time at the Clam Broth House, which attracted attention with several giant hand-shaped signs. There were two giant hand-shaped signs, one hanging on the outside of the Clam Broth House that pointed downward towards the entrance, and one on a neighboring building (which is all that remains of the restaurant today).

  • Tear Drop Memorial, United States

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      One of the memorials honoring the attacks at The World Trade Center on 9/11 “To the Struggle Against World Terrorism” or “Teardrop Memorial” holds a special place in the heart of Hudson County. The massive teardrop hanging between two jagged edges symbolizes both the heartache terrorism causes, while, if you position yourself right, creates the illusion of where the twin towers once stood just across the river in Manhattan. Open 24/7

  • General Pencil Co in Jersey City, United States

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      Founded in 1889, General Pencil Company is a family-owned and operated company that manufactures a range of handcrafted pencils. General Pencil has been operating out of the same factory since 1914 and guests can still visit that factory today. The inside of this location is not open to the public.

  • Lincoln Park Fountain in Jersey City, United States

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      Lincoln Park is home to the world’s largest concrete monument, the 365-ton Lincoln Park Fountain at the center of the park’s traffic circle. The fountain is 53 feet tall and, after recent restorations, the Fountain has returned to its charming exterior, including images of Triton, gargoyle heads, dolphins and an eagle, as well as over 25 waterspouts and beautiful light fixtures. Enjoy its beauty every few Wednesday’s during the summer by attending “Music at the Fountain.” Open 24/7

  • Wishing Well, United States

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      In 1967, to celebrate Kearny’s centennial the Kearny Lions Club erected the Wishing Well. The well was originally designed to allow visitors to make a wish with a coin thrown into the well. The coins were donated by the Lions Club to assist the blind. Open 24/7