7 Family Vacation Ideas In Cape Liberty

There are so many fun things to do in Cape Liberty, New Jersey. This cruise port, located in Bayonne, is a fantastic family vacation destination for those who love American history, urban green space and outdoor recreation. Situated just across the river from Manhattan but covered in preserved wetlands, it’s the perfect mix of city-side and natural landscapes. Come for the easy access to major East Coast hubs. Stay for the New York City skyline and Statue of Liberty views, river kayaking adventures and birdwatching.

If you’re wondering, “Where is Cape Liberty cruise port?” or “How can we get the most out of a cruise to New Jersey as a family?” I’ve got you covered. Royal Caribbean sails right into Bayonne, making it a super convenient family cruise vacation. So, here are all of the most kid-friendly and best things to do near Cape Liberty cruise port, how to plan for them and where to stay in between all the fun.

7 Things to Do In Cape Liberty, New Jersey

Taking a cruise to or from Cape Liberty is a really great family vacation idea. There’s something for all ages and interest areas, from bird-obsessed toddlers to American history buff moms to teens who just want to have their Manhattan moment.

Here are the best things to do in Cape Liberty, New Jersey, as a family:

1. Birdwatch at Caven Point

Packed with osprey, snowy owls, peregrine falcons, black-crowned night-herons and American oystercatchers, Caven Point is one of the best bird-watching sites in New Jersey. This is the longest uninterrupted beach in the area, and offers the most striking view of Manhattan (the skyline looks like it rises out of the wetland), making it idyllic for outdoorsy families.

Cost: Free.
Time needed: 30 minutes-3 hours.
Age group: Any (boardwalks are stroller-friendly).
Note: Only accessible via interpretive guided walks from March 1 to September 30.

2. Learn Together at Liberty Science Center

With on-site dining, a gift shop, the biggest planetarium outside of Asia and 12 exhibition halls that explore everything from dinosaurs to trains, this is one of the best things to do near Cape Liberty cruise port on a rainy day.​

Cost: $$.
Time needed: 1-3 hours.
Age group: 12 and under.

3. Pass the Torch at Liberty Island

History fans will love seeing the original torch inside the Statue of Liberty Museum (the rooftop has the best views), the remains of Fort Wood from the War of 1812 and the statues of notable figures like Alexandre-Gustave Eiffel and Joseph Pulitzer in the sculpture garden. However, it’s the Statue of Liberty itself that’s the showstopper — dedicated in 1886 by President Grover Cleveland, visitors can now climb the 10 stories (215 stairs) to the top if they make a reservation.

Cost: $$-$$$ (budget for on-site dining and souvenirs).
Time needed: 3-5 hours.
Age group: 5 and up (strollers aren’t allowed inside the Statue of Liberty).
Note: To get here, ferry from Liberty State Park near the Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal.

4. Take In the Skyline at Liberty State Park

A New Jersey family vacation wouldn’t be complete without a walk in the 1,200-acre Liberty State Park. As the only urban State Park in New Jersey, it’s packed with epic skyline views and natural features like 2 miles of Hudson River shoreline and marshlands. Other highlights include the blossoming trees at Green Ring, the nature center and the picnic spots along the Hudson River Waterfront Walk.

Cost: Free.
Time needed: 30 minutes-3 hours.
Age group: Any.

5. Celebrate the American Dream at Ellis Island

Ellis Island, which historically welcomed over 12 million people to the United States, includes plenty of sites for history-loving families to explore today. Make time for the Ellis Island Hospital (take a hard hat tour if you want to dive deeper into that history), the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration inside the Ellis Island Immigrant Building, the Ellis Island Ferry Building and Fort Gibson.

Cost: $$-$$$ (budget for on-site dining, souvenirs and family history services).
Time needed: 3-5 hours.
Age group: 8 and up.
Note: To get here, take the ferry from Liberty State Park, home to a railway museum, the Empty Sky Memorial for 9/11 and Cherry Tree Grove.

6. Kayak the Hudson as a Family

For the most unique way to see the sites, nature-loving or active families should consider booking a kayaking tour of the Hudson River. Urban Paddle is a great option, as they offer double and single open kayaks, have beginner-friendly tours and have a rental location in Lincoln Park West (complete with storage and changing rooms). Before or after, make sure to enjoy the park and its playgrounds, fountains, recreational facilities and wetland trails.

Cost: $$$.
Time needed: 1-1.5 hours.
Age group: 6 and up.

7. Bonus: Spend the Day In New York City

One of the best things about a Cape Liberty cruise is that it’s right by New York City. There are endless things to do here, but if you’re just spending a day, you’ll want to stick to the popular tourist areas for the sake of time.

Outdoorsy families should wander the High Line, explore Central Park, walk the Brooklyn Bridge (if your kids are younger, picnicking at Brooklyn Bridge Park is a good alternative) and visit the American Museum of Natural History. Families who love history should check out the Tenement Museum, the Fraunces Tavern Museum, Trinity Church and the Museum of the City of New York. Meanwhile, creative bunches should fit in the MET, the MoMA, the Guggenheim and the Whitney. And, if your family just wants to see the most famous sites, add Times Square, Fifth Avenue, Grand Central Station and the Empire State Building to your list.

As for dining, the best place for coffee is by far the Jolly Goat Coffee Bar in Hell’s Kitchen. Head to Amy’s Bread nearby for pastries and breakfast. Ferrara Bakery in Little Italy is a really fun place to come for snacks and treats before Arturo’s Coal Oven Pizza in Greenwich Village for lunch. For dessert, Serendipity 3 on the Upper East Side is completely worth the hype.

Cost: $$-$$$.
Time needed: 5-12 hours.
Age group: Any, but likely best for those 10 and up due to the walking.
Note: If the Empire State Building wait is too long, go to the Top of the Rock for what many consider a better view.

How to Plan a Family Vacation In Cape Liberty Pre- or Post-Cruise

There are a lot of fun things to do in Cape Liberty, New Jersey, in large part due to the location — the port is situated just across the river from New York City. Plus, it’s the official jumping-off point for a plethora of famous American history sites like the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

With just one terminal, the Cape Liberty Bayonne Harbor cruise port is ultra-convenient and easy to navigate, making it a no-brainer for those taking a family cruise. Here’s what else to know:

● Address: 4 Port Terminal Blvd., Bayonne, NJ 07002.

● Closest airport: Newark Liberty International Airport.

● Distance from Manhattan: 7 miles south.

● Getting there: Road (take Exit 14A on the New Jersey Turnpike) or rail (New Jersey Hudson-Bergen Light Rail or the PATH Train).

If you’re eyeing the extensive list of things to do near the Cape Liberty cruise port​, but aren’t sure how to plan for them, fear not. Read on to learn more about the seasons in New Jersey, what to pack for your cruise stop and the best places to stay if you want to take a little longer to soak it all in.

Seaside, Riverside, Cruiseside: Seasons In Cape Liberty

Here’s what each season is like in Cape Liberty Bayonne:

● Icy, cold winters: Festivities, snow, indoor activities.

● Crisp, clear autumns: Foliage, mild temperatures, outdoor activities.

● Humid, hot summers: Peak tourist season, some storms, water-based or indoor activities.

● Flowery, mild springs: Cherry blossoms, cool temperatures, rain-friendly outdoor activities.

Regardless of when you visit, it’s important to have an indoor and outdoor plan at the ready. For example, if you want to wander the Cape Liberty pier, have a nearby museum or library in mind in case it’s just too hot or stormy.

What to Pack for a Cape Liberty Family Vacation

On any family vacation, it’s important to have the right gear, clothing and electronics in tow. Here’s everything to pack for a trip to Cape Liberty with kids:

● Comfortable walking shoes.

● Clothing layers (light for summer, heavy for winter).

● Rain jacket.

● Camera and/or smartphone.

● Chargers (portable is best).

● Travel documents.

● Sunglasses.

● Hat (sunhat in summer, beanie in winter).

● Gloves and scarves (if you’re going during colder months).

● Binoculars for birdwatching and wildlife.

● Sunscreen.

● Bug spray.

● Medications.

● Daypack (just keep in mind that many tourist sites don’t allow backpacks).

● Waterproof bags for electronics (note that many tourist sites don’t allow laptops).

● Snacks.

● Waterbottle.

● Reusable bags.

The Best Cape Liberty Hotels for Pre- or Post-Cruise

If you want to spend more time in Cape Liberty, Bayonne and Jersey City hotels should be on your radar. Here are the most family-friendly stays in town:

● Hyatt Regency Jersey City on the Hudson: River and city views, indoor pool and fitness center, on-site restaurant, laundry, right at the PATH station. 2 Exchange Pl, Jersey City, NJ 07302

● Residence Inn by Marriott Jersey City: Free breakfast buffet, laundry, fitness center, snack options at The Market. 80 Christopher Columbus Dr, Jersey City, NJ 07302

● The Westin Jersey City Newport: Indoor pool and fitness center, early check-in and late check-out available, milk and cookie kids’ gift packages available, sizable kids’ menus for in-room dining. 479 Washington Blvd, Jersey City, NJ 07310

● Canopy by Hilton Jersey City Arts District: Free bikes, military rates, fitness center, cribs available, on-site boutique. 159 Morgan St, Jersey City, NJ 07302

● Holiday Inn Express & Suites Jersey City - Holland Tunnel: Budget-friendly, free breakfast, fitness center, laundry. 180 14th St, Jersey City, NJ 07310

Cape Liberty Calls: Book Your New Jersey Family Vacation