10 Best Picnic Spots in Jersey City
Get your basket and blanket ready!
Summer is here, and picnics are on the very top of our minds. We are lucky to live in a city that offers so many lovely spots making it easy for us to pack up our baskets and soak in the sunshine. Whether you plan to have a family BBQ or spend a lazy day in the park, we’ve got you covered with a list of parks for your ideal picnic.
Canco Park — 47 Dey Street
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As you’re sitting under a white birch tree enjoying your favorite sandwich, it’s hard to imagine this park was once the employee parking lot of The American Can Company, which manufactured tin products. Though smaller in size, Canco Park is an excellent choice to relax and enjoy a picnic. Be sure to check out the upcoming events organized by the Canco Park Conservancy when planning your picnic for some extra fun! Nature lovers will delight in checking out the pollinator garden.
Hamilton Park — McWilliams Pl & 8th Street
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Located in downtown Jersey City, this beautiful five-acre square park surrounded by tall trees and historic houses is a lovely spot for a picnic. This park has something for everybody. There is a sprinkler park, a playground, recreational courts for basketball and tennis, and a dog park. Folks can lay down their blanket anywhere in the grassy fields and relax for hours and hours. If you’re craving something sweet to cool you off Milk Sugar Love is located right across the park.
Leonard J. Gordon Park — 3303 John F Kennedy Blvd
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This 5.7-acre park, also known as Mosquito Park, is in the Heights. If you ever drove past it, the larger-than-life bear and bison statues are hard to miss. You can lay your blanket down on top of the hill and enjoy the unique landscape with sweeping views. This park also has one of the best sunsets in the city if you plan to have a picnic in the evening! A playground and basketball courts are also accessible if you have children coming along.
Newport Green Park — 14th Street
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Are you a beach person? Well, if you want to have a picnic with your toes in the sand, head over to Newport Green Park on Washington Blvd. The park offers four acres of sandy beach, playgrounds including sprinklers, and a large field nearby perfect for playing and lounging around. The park also has accessible lounge chairs and umbrellas. Please keep in mind this park does not allow pets.
Riverview-Fisk Park — 498 Palisade Avenue
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Grab your friends and head over to Riverview-Fisk Park for an incredible city view, located at the edge of the Heights. Lay on your blanket and enjoy breathtaking views of the New York City Skyline, the Hudson River, the Verrazano Bridge, and the George Washington Bridge. Head across the street if you have children and check out the playground to burn off some of their energy. The park was recently renovated with a new ornamental fountain in the center and several monuments were restored.
If you’re there on a Sunday, you can enjoy The Riverview Park Association Farmer’s Market. With over 20 vendors, there is something for everybody to enjoy. Just the cherry on top for your picnic!
Morris Canal Park — 158 Washington Street
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If you’re interested in history, Morris Canal Park does not disappoint. This small grassy park provides views of the Hudson River, New York skyline, and of course, the Statue of Liberty. Lay down in the grassy area and enjoy the cool breeze on a summer day. This spot is also perfect to read that book you’ve been meaning to finish!
Van Vorst Park — 257 thru 287 Montgomery Street
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This two-acre park is full of green with ample seating and a grassy field for families to enjoy some time picnicking. If you’re bringing your children along, there are playgrounds, a splash park, and a small neighborhood garden to enjoy. Van Vorst Park volunteers do an incredible job keeping this park clean and green, which you’ll notice in the beautiful gardening here!
BBQ Friendly Spots
Liberty State Park — 200 Morris Pesin Drive
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If you’re looking for a picnic spot with culture and history, then Liberty State Park is perfect for you. From grassy fields to picnic benches, there’s endless space to spread out a blanket and enjoy some delicious treats as you take in incredible views of the Manhattan skyline, Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
The two-mile riverfront promenade, popular for bikers and joggers, connects to two popular picnic and playground areas, the Nature Center, and the historic Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal. Surrounding the playground area are open fields which include charcoal grills perfect for a summer outing with family and friends. Make sure to arrive early as this area can get crowded quickly. You can also bring your own grill and set it up at one of the park’s picnic tables or on the grass. The area is filled with joy as you see families set up volleyball nets and enjoy the summer days.
Note: Groups that exceed 20 people must make a reservation. Please check out Liberty State Park’s Picnic Rules here.
Lincoln Park — West Side Avenue
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With plenty of shade and open fields to spread a blanket, a picnic at Lincoln Park is a must. This park is a green oasis, and you’ll be sure to spend an entire day exploring before you hunker down to eat.
This 273.4-acre park comprises two sections: Lincoln Park East and Lincoln Park West. Head over to Lincoln Park East if you’re looking to have a picnic with access to athletic facilities, restrooms, picnic tables, and charcoal grills. You can also bring your own grill and set it up at the scenic picnic areas.
If you’re a nature lover, Lincoln Park West is where you’ll want to lay your blanket down. Enjoy snacking while taking in the beauty of preserved natural habitats and explore the nature trails the park has to offer. If you’re into bird watching, make sure you bring your binoculars along! You won’t regret it.
Washington Park — 662 Palisade Avenue
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This 22-acre park nestled in between Union City and Jersey City offers access to green space and numerous recreational activities, making it a great picnic spot for anyone looking to spend a day outdoors. You can lay your blanket down in the designated picnic area, which can be found between the tennis courts and playgrounds near Second Street in Union City or feel free to find a shady spot under a tree anywhere in the park. The picnic area is where folks who are looking to BBQ will want to go. There are no grills provided, but there are designated surfaces to use a BBQ brought from home.
The area also has baseball fields, tennis courts, a children’s playground, and a dog park accessible if you have children or your furry friends joining.
Before you head out for your picnic, keep these rules in mind!
Before you pack your basket and blanket, check the forecast, and always prepare for inclement weather. Bring insect repellent and sunscreen as needed. It is important to obey local ordinances, and don’t forget to keep your park clean and green by leaving with whatever you came with.
We hope we made planning a perfect picnic this summer easier for you with one of these beautiful Jersey City parks!
Author: Arati Patel
Arati is a professional immersed in the environmental and animal welfare field. In her free time, she enjoys walking and spending time with shelter dogs, exploring the outdoors, and always ready to find a new coffee shop. A born and raised Jersey City local, she considers herself a life-long learner who is ready to write and craft inspiring stories to share with everyone!
