Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Weehawken, NJ

  • Published 2022/12/25

The historic Weehawken is a township in Hudson County in northeastern New Jersey.

Situated five miles north of Jersey City, Weehawken is most famous for the duel between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr on July 11, 1804.

The town’s name came from the Algonquian language of the Lenape Indian tribe.

The Tappan and Hackensack tribe used to inhabit the land, which they named to signify “maize land,” and others that describe the Palisades.

Weehawken’s current population is 17, 287 according to the United States Census Bureau.

The place offers family-friendly park spaces and is home to extensive Victorian homes, beautiful cobblestone streets, and the century-old Weehawken Public Library.

Discover the best things to do in Weehawken, New Jersey!

Visit the Historic Hamilton Park

Signage of the Historic Hamilton Park

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The 5.4-acre Hamilton Park got its name from Alexander Hamilton, who died after his duel with Aaron Burr in 1804.

In the park is the rock where Hamilton lay his head as he awaited death, according to legend.

A monument featuring Hamilton’s bronze bust and a sequence of plaques sit beside the rock.

Trail at the Historic Hamilton Park

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Located on Boulevard East, Hudson Place, Hamilton Park also offers a scenic view of the Manhattan skyline.

The “residential square” park includes tennis courts, a dog run, a basketball court, a children’s playground, and a gazebo.

Several events occur at the gazebo during the year, including a farmer’s market in the summer months.

Plaza of the Historic Hamilton Park

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See the Manhattan Skyline at Weehawken Recreation Pier

The Weehawken Recreation Pier is an excellent place for the family to visit, stretching more than 400 feet into the Hudson River and offering scenic views.

Located on Harbor Boulevard, it features five piers nestled on 26 concrete pilings, joined by seating and lighting.

There are many things the family can do at the park, such as a playground, a soccer field, a waterfront boardwalk, and a basketball court.

The esplanade offers impressive views of the Hudson River and the Manhattan skyline, making it a perfect place for relaxing and enjoying nature at the same time.

In case you get hungry, there’s always a food truck near the Weehawken Recreation Pier where you can grab a bite.

Learn the History of the Weehawken Public Library

Exterior of the Weehawken Public Library

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Located on Hauxhurst Avenue, the Weehawken Public Library was once the home of German native Wilhelm Joseph Peter.

Known as William Peter, he fled his country during the 1848 German Revolution.

In 1862, he founded the William Peter Brewing Company in Weehawken.

Facade of the Weehawken Public Library

Federico Pizano, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

His success allowed him to build a mansion for his family, which later became the Weehawken Public Library.

The library is currently associated with the library system that serves the city, with a collection of 39,450 volumes.

It serves a population of 12,554 residents.

Take Your Dog to Weehawken Dog Run

Make your best friend happy by taking them to the Weehawken Dog Run.

It’s a “paw-some” recreation area that allows off-leash dogs.

The dog park also provides open spaces for exercise and opportunities to socialize with other dogs.

It’s a clean and fenced park with a gravel area designated for the man’s best friend.

Pet owners will have a spectacular view of the skyline and river at the Weehawken Dog Run.

Bring your Family to the Waterfront Park and Recreation Center

Aerial view of Waterfront Park and Recreation Center

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Located on Port Imperial Blvd., Waterfront Park and Recreation Center features two small playgrounds, the Linear Park and Hudson River Walk.

Exceptional recreation facilities await the entire family, including two softball fields, three tennis courts, a workout area, and a multi-purpose turf soccer field.

The playground has three main areas; the large area is for older children, with a slide, swings, and numerous climbing ways.

Climbing equipments at Waterfront Park and Recreation Center

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The second area is the toddler playground, similar to the large one.

The third area is a climbing playground which consists of ultimate climbing equipment.

Bring your food because there are picnic tables and benches at the Waterfront Park and Recreation Center.

Swing set at Waterfront Park and Recreation Center

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Bring Your Kids to Weehawken Stadium

The Weehawken Stadium, also known as Louis A. Ferullo Field, is a full-sized football and baseball turf field.

It’s nestled on top of the Lincoln Tunnel with no parking lot.

However, you can park on the street parking at Park Avenue.

The large arena also offers other sports and recreation programs.

Don’t forget to bring your kids to the Weehawken Stadium for a baseball game!

Learn the History of the Weehawken World War One Memorial

Daytime view of the Weehawken World War One Memorial

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Also known as the Soldiers and Sailors monument, the Weehawken World War One Memorial is part of the Hamilton Plaza and Park.

In 1930, Weehawken resident John Rapetti designed and sculpted the bronze figures and the bronze Hamilton bust at the Hamilton Monument on Hamilton Avenue.

Each monument represents the 21 young men from Weehawken who paid the ultimate price in World War I.

Likewise, each piece of granite or statue commemorates those involved in the conflict.

Side view of the Weehawken World War One Memorial

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The memorial consists of a pair of Bronze Eagles, a “Doughboy,” and a Sailor.

This historic Weehawken World War One Memorial lies at Hudson Place and Boulevard East.

It watches over Weehawken’s cliffs, with Manhattan as a backdrop.

Climb Aboard the Spirit of New Jersey

Enjoy your food while cruising on the water, whether for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Ride a cruise ship with the Spirit of New Jersey and appreciate the magnificent views of the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Williamsburg Bridges.

You’ll love the music that live DJs play and the live entertainment from the singing wait staff, not to mention the sumptuous buffet meals.

The ship also has a complete outdoor patio and strolling decks with topsides and cafe-style seating.

The ship is even handicap-accessible so that they can enjoy the panoramic New York/New Jersey skyline.

Take a Walk at Old Glory Park

Welcome sign of Old Glory Park

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The Old Glory Park is a small landscaped zone, providing benches and beautiful views of the Hudson River and the Big Apple.

Despite its small size, this fantastic park attracts crowds at any time of the year, especially during spring and summer.

Located at Kennedy Blvd E, Old Glory Park is a family-friendly place with a small playground for children.

Skyline views from Old Glory Park

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Moreover, there’s a pathway for brisk walking to help you burn those calories and fats after eating at nearby restaurants.

This is the perfect spot to take some excellent shots of the New York City skyline photos.

Other Things to Do Nearby

After spending some time with Weehawken, try exploring other places nearby.

You’ll be happy to know that there are other areas you need to visit and learn about.

Explore Madame Tussauds New York Celebrity Wax Museum

Exterior of Madame Tussauds New York Celebrity Wax Museum

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If you can’t see your favorite celebrities in person, you can still see them in their wax figures and take pictures with them at this wax museum in New York City.

Madame Tussauds New York Celebrity Wax Museum is home to numerous celebrities and movie characters.

It features the Warner Bros. Icons of horror, a dark area full of special effects, and see the greatest footballer of all time, Cristiano Ronaldo, as the latest addition to the collection.

Face your fears and prepare to meet Regan MacNeil from “The Exorcist,” Pennywise from “IT,” and Annabelle and the Nun from “The Conjuring Universe.”

Interior of Madame Tussauds New York Celebrity Wax Museum

Anton_Ivanov / Shutterstock.com

Join Angelina Jolie, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande, and others at the Glow Gala that transports you to the top of an exclusive New York City Rooftop.

You can also fight with the Ghostbusters, become a guest at Tonight Show, take the stage on Broadway, or get an appointment from Pres. Joe Biden and Vice Pres. Kamala Harris, and much more!

This Madame Tussauds New York Celebrity Wax Museum is nine minutes from Weehawken.

Michael jackson wax figure in Madame Tussauds New York Celebrity Wax Museum

Anton_Ivanov / Shutterstock.com

Explore Weehawken & Union City Reservoir Park

If you want adventure close to nature, go to Weehawken & Union City Reservoir Park.

This natural 14-acre reservoir resting above the New Jersey access to the Lincoln Tunnel is a true hidden gem.

Walk, jog, or relax along the quarter-mile reservoir loop with your loved one.

See the skyline and watch for wildlife like ducks, turtles, and geese gathering on the reservoir’s tranquil waters.

Located in Union City, New Jersey, Weehawken & Union City Reservoir Park is a place the whole family will cherish.

This park is only three minutes from Weehawken.

Appreciate Various Arts at the Brooklyn Museum

Exterior of the Brooklyn Museum

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The Brooklyn Museum allows you to explore, create, and at the same time, enjoy art from different offered programs and resources.

Located on Eastern Pkwy in Brooklyn, New York City, the museum provides all-year-round programs and other exciting visitor opportunities.

It also caters to visitors with disabilities, offering resources and special programming for people with memory loss, blind or partially sighted, and other people with disabilities.

Interior of the Brooklyn Museum

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You and your family can enroll in art classes and learn the basics of painting and other forms of art making.

Visit different galleries on every floor and see various statues, sculptures, paintings, abstracts, and more from around the world.

You can reach the Brooklyn Museum through a 30-minute drive from Weehawken.

Egyptian exhibit in the Brooklyn Museum

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Explore the SEA LIFE New Jersey Aquarium

Treat your kids to a different experience that they will never forget.

Take them to the SEA LIFE New Jersey Aquarium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, just eight minutes from Weehawken.

The SEA Life New Jersey Aquarium features a mind-blowing underwater ocean tunnel.

Inside the tunnel, you can watch thousands of sharks, sting rays, and tropical fish among “fishified” New York City landmarks.

Discover the astonishing underwater tunnel, nudge a stick anemone, and watch ten sensational exhibits inspired by NYC’s most notable landmarks and experiences.

Celebrate your child’s birthday and identify more than 3,000 creatures in NYC’s themed family-friendly exhibits.

Try Kayak Fishing at Historic Glen Island Park

The waters of Glen Island Park

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Situated on Weyman Ave., New Rochelle, New York, is Glen Island Park, a 105-acre property connected to New Rochelle by a drawbridge built in the 1920s.

This historic park’s original design showcased the five cultures of the western world on each island, joined together with causeways and piers.

It offers visitors different picnic areas (open and reservable), pavilions, boat launching, pathways, a restaurant, and a catering hall.

Castles with coursed rubble stone, sculptures, cannons, round towers, and arched openings remain from the days of John Starin’s resort.

Aerial view of Glen Island Park

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Kayak fishing is popular in the area, and you can try to catch striped bass.

Glen Island Park is 34 minutes from Weehawken.

It welcomes service animals and dogs on leashes.

Visit LEGOLAND Discovery Center

You’re never too old to play with Legos!

The LEGOLAND® Discovery Center is a beautiful creation full of color, imagination, and merriness for kids and kids at heart.

You can find this center in East Rutherford, seven minutes from Weehawken.

You’ll love watching LEGO movies with snow, wind, and rain effects to experience real-life action.

Take the ride of your life, enter the world of LEGO, and wave your wand at the bigger-than-life screens with the kaleidoscopic LEGO animations to obtain the highest score.

Take a peek at the center’s MINILAND, built from 1.5 million bricks, and watch boats race and towers radiate as the small land switches from day to night.

Play with their actions-based models of New Jersey and New York landmarks.

Final Thoughts

After all the grueling work, reward yourself or your loved ones with a nice trip elsewhere.

It’ll be good for the body and mind to relax and try some new things you have never done before in your entire life.

Get out of town and discover the best things to do in Weehawken, New Jersey.

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