Things To Do

Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park

Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park is home to one of the country's most spectacular waterfalls — a 260-foot-wide, 77-foot drop that rushes through the Passaic River Gorge and is recognized as a National Natural Landmark. These astounding falls made Paterson the ideal site for one of America's earliest industrial parks — a thriving manufacturing district developed in part by founding father Alexander Hamilton and run for decades on the area's abundant hydropower.

Liberty State Park

Facing Manhattan, Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty and Brooklyn from its place on the edge of the Upper Bay, Liberty State Park boasts unquestionably one of the top views of any urban green area in the world. Once a sprawling industrial space, the redeveloped area now contains large lawns and a patchwork of tidal marshes, all part of the Communipaw Cove natural preserve. Visitors here can come and walk the so-called Freedom Way, cycle along the winding bike tracks and take stock at the thought-provoking Empty Sky Memorial, built in honour of the September 11 attacks on New York and complete with a remnant of the World Trade Center itself. The park is also the departure point for cruises out into the Upper Bay (Ellis Island, Statue of Liberty et al).

Jersey City

Top 15 things to do in New Jersey City Understand the human history of JC at the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration Check off the Statue of Liberty National Monument Take in the views from Liberty State Park Get hands-on at the Liberty Science Center Have a beer and a meal at the Light Horse Tavern Wander the boardwalks of the J. Owen Grundy Park Dine on the edge of the Hudson at Battello Take stock at the Katyń Memorial Kick-back on the lawns of Lincoln Park Feel the power at the Hudson and Manhattan Railroad Powerhouse See the pretty row houses of Paulus Hook Party the night away in Hoboken Sip award-winning beers at the Departed Soles Brewing Company Drink coffee and eat pizza at Grove Square Get away from the city at Richard W. DeKorte Park

Cape May

Hailed as America’s oldest seaside resort, Cape May has been attracting tourists since the first whalers and fishermen went there in the 1600s. It’s a lovely and lively town filled with beautiful beaches, historic homes, bustling shopping malls and all of the seafood that you can eat. Its attractions aren’t the only things to enjoy about Cape May, however. Its natural beauty includes everything from sandy dunes on the beach to grassy hills overlooking lakes and woodlands. Birdwatchers, whale watchers and butterfly migration enthusiasts all flock to the city each year.

Princeton

Princeton University is a private Ivy League research university in Princeton, New Jersey. Founded in 1746 in Elizabeth as the College of New Jersey, Princeton is the fourth-oldest institution of higher education in the United States and one of the nine colonial colleges chartered before the American Revolution. The institution moved to Newark in 1747, and then to the current site nine years later. It officially became a university in 1896 and was subsequently renamed Princeton University. Centers to check out while on campus include the Princeton University Art Museum and the Princeton University Chapel, which seats nearly 2,000 people, offers religious services, musical performances, and other special events.

Grounds For Sculpture

rounds For Sculpture is the perfect destination for an outing with friends, family, out-of-town guests, or a day just for you. Grounds For Sculpture is a museum, sculpture garden, and arboretum framed by nature on 42 picturesque acres. Wander the grounds and discover hundreds of contemporary sculptures. Explore rotating exhibitions in six indoor galleries. Enjoy performances, lectures from top creative minds, or make an art project in one of our many workshops. More than 270 sculptures by renowned and emerging contemporary artists are thoughtfully positioned on meticulous landscaping complemented by thousands of exotic trees and flowers.

Statue of Liberty

What is it? Since 1886, the most famous copper statue in the world has held her torch high in New York Harbor as the quintessential symbol of American liberty. Why go? The statue’s massive pedestal houses an observation deck as well as exhibits detailing the fascinating history of the 305-foot copper statue gifted to the U.S. from France to celebrate the friendship of the two nations. Check out the original torch and read the bronze plaque with Emma Lazarus’s poem “A New Colossus” (you know, the tired, poor, huddled masses yearning to be free). Don’t miss: Strapped for cash? The Staten Island Ferry is free and sails near the icon so you can get a peek.

Central Park

What is it? The world's most famous green space. Why go? Explore Strawberry Fields, the Sheep Meadow, Cherry Hill, Bow Bridge, the Bethesda Fountain, the Naumburg Bandshell, the Loeb Boathouse, the Hans Christian Andersen Monument, the Alice in Wonderland statue, all in a "New York hour." To get the closest access, take the subway to 72nd Street and Central Park West, then head east. Don’t miss: Head to the shore of the Lake at 72nd Street and rent a rowboat or take a gondola tour.

Empire State Building

What is it? A world-famous landmark that towers above Manhattan. Why go? The main deck on the 86th floor offers stunning 360-degree views of the Hudson and East Rivers, the Brooklyn Bridge, the Statue of Liberty and more. For some fascinating historical background, duck down to the "Dare to Dream" exhibit on the 80th floor, which honors the 3,400 people who built the 1,454-foot skyscraper and features original photographs, architectural sketches and construction notes. Don’t miss: You can now watch sunrise from the open-air observatory, with Starbucks coffee and pastries in hand.

Brooklyn Heights promenade

What is it? A ridiculously photogentic neighborhood teeming with tree-lined streets and Brooklyn brownstones. Why go? Be sure to walk the fruit streets of Brooklyn Heights (Cranberry, Orange and Pineapple) for that "Brooklyn-from-the-movies feel." And there's a nifty backstory: In the mid-1800s, prominent Brooklyn Heights resident Lady Middagh saw the "pretentious" street names in her ’hood—those named after Brooklyn’s wealthy families—and decided to take matters into her own hands by changing the street signs under cover of darkness to Cranberry, Orange and Pineapple. Don’t miss: Head to the water and hit the Brooklyn Promenade, a one-third-mile stretch of pavement along the East River overlooking an unforgettable span of NYC’s skyline.

Brooklyn Bridge

What is it? A true feat of 19th century engineering and arguably the one walk every local and visitor must take. Why go? This essential trek is is truly romantic, whether you're falling in love with yourself, a partner or the city itself. The 1.3-mile-long stunner was the world's largest suspension bridge when it opened in 1883 it has remained an iconic landmark of the city ever since. Don’t miss: The Brooklyn side of the bridge ends in gorgeous Dumbo, where you can explore Brooklyn Bridge Park, gaze at Lady Liberty, visit the Brooklyn Flea on Sundays.

Broadway

The Lion King, Hamilton, Phantom of the Opera, Wicked, or Book of Mormon. You can’t go wrong!

The High Line & Hudson Yards

What is it? Chelsea's above-ground park and garden set on old train tracks offers a natural respite and 1.4 miles of car-free walking space set between the daring skyscrapers of Manhattan's west side. Why go? It's an innovative reclaimed space that inpsires no matter how many times you've walked along it. Don't miss: A rotating display of artworks that fill the space. Plus, there's a beautiful new bridge called the Moynihan Train Hall Connector, which allows pedestrians to walk all the way from the Meatpacking District straight to Penn Station using the elevated park.

American Museum of Natural History

What is it? The architecturally stunning new wing at the American Museum of Natural History officially called the Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education and Innovation. Why go? Scientific wonders—including a butterfly vivarium, an insectarium and a 360-degree immersive experience—fill every inch of the space. Don't miss: With an insectarium and a butterfly vivarium, bugs get center stage at the Gilder Center. Why? Insects are the most diverse group of animals on the planet—and they play a critically important role in our world.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

What is it? The Metropolitan Museum of Art's "Date Nights" gives visitors an opportunity to become acquainted with artwork with informal drop-in gallery chats, the chance to listen in on gorgeous live music and sip on yummy cocktails. Why go? It's pay-what-you-wish! Don't miss: Performances like include the celebrated contemporary string quartet ETHEL in the American Wing Café as well as a special edition of Juilliard’s ChamberFest featuring performances in the European Paintings galleries.

The Museum of Modern Art

New York Botanical Garden

New York Botanical Garden is a feast for the eyes with gorgeous blooms that are bound to inspire any urban gardener. Though it might seem like a summertime excursion, the garden’s annual events such as Boo at the Zoo and the Holiday Train Show make the Bronx attraction a must during the colder months. (Without question it’s a happening spot for the holidays.) Naturally, you’ll want to stick around when spring arrives, as the Orchid Show is one of the most highly-anticipated events in all of NYC. Kids will love getting their hands dirty at the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden and the Edible Academy, which provides a chance for little naturalists to experience nature in the midst of NYC.

Oculus Center

Shopping center designed by a Spanish architect

SeaGlass Carousel

If your kids' (or yours) favorite movies are nautical numbers like Finding Nemo, The Little Mermaid and Shark Tale, then don't waste any time in booking a ride on the SeaGlass Carousel. This shimmering, revolving wonder is housed in a conch-like structure situated in Battery Park. On the approach, you can see the luminescent sealife dancing through the tall windows as if in a fish bowl. Enter, and you can hop on one of the fish for a ride 24/7, 365 days a year. It's eminently Instagrammable too, so cameras at the ready.

Little Island

The park features lots of green space for lounging, beautiful landscaped gardens with more than 350 species of flowers, trees and shrubs, and fantastic views of the NYC skyline and Hudson River. There are also be community spaces and performance venues, offering educational programs, events and cultural experiences. The 687-seat amphitheater (“The Amph”) will have its own slate of free performances starting in June, plus there will be a more intimate stage and lawn space called “The Glade.” There’s also be a central plaza with seating and food and beverage options called “The Play Ground.”

Smorgasburg

What is it? A beloved food bazaar with 100 vendors across its locations. Smorg has three spots in 2023; The World Trade Center outpost runs on Fridays; Williamsburg on Saturdays; and Prospect Park on Sundays. Why go? An ideal opportunity to sample delicacies from vendors like Mao’s Bao, Carlitos Barbecue Taqueria, Bona Bona Ice Cream, Rooster Boy and Dough Doughnuts all in one place.