Things to Do in Bayonne, NJ: Waterfront, Parks and Local Gems

Bayonne sits on a peninsula at the southern tip of Hudson County, NJ, with water on three sides, and that geography shapes almost everything there is to do in town. Our team put together this guide to Bayonne’s waterfront, parks and local gems, built from the City of Bayonne, Hudson County and Port Authority pages. It is a perfect list for a crisp November weekend.

Visit the Tear Drop Memorial

Bayonne’s most powerful landmark is “To the Struggle Against World Terrorism,” better known as the Tear Drop Memorial. The monument, which stands more than 100 feet tall, was a gift from Russia in 2006 honoring the victims of September 11, 2001. A massive teardrop hangs between two jagged halves, and from the right spot it frames the Manhattan skyline across the harbor.

It stands in the city’s 9/11 Harbor View Memorial Park, which has a walking path, benches and parking. The county tourism office lists the memorial as open to the public 24/7 with free parking.

Walk the Bay at Stephen R. Gregg Park

Stephen R. Gregg Park is one of the county’s great parks: nearly 100 acres on the east bank of Newark Bay. Highlights include:

• A half-mile waterfront promenade and a gazebo fishing pier at the 48th Street bay front
• Walkways and bridges around the pond, cherry trees and an ornamental garden
• Seven baseball and softball fields, eight soccer fields, ten tennis courts and two lighted basketball courts
• A running track, bocce court and horseshoe pit

The park opened in 1916 as Bayonne Park, designed by Charles N. Lowrie. It was later renamed for Stephen R. Gregg, a lifelong Bayonne resident who received the Medal of Honor in World War II.

On Thanksgiving morning, the park hosts the Bayonne Turkey Trot 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run. See our Bayonne Turkey Trot guide.

Cross the Bayonne Bridge on Foot or by Bike

The Bayonne Bridge’s shared-use path is one of the most unusual walks in the county, with big views of the Kill Van Kull and the harbor on the way to Staten Island. The City of Bayonne reports that the Port Authority finished resurfacing the path and that it is back to 24/7 operations. Check the Port Authority’s pedestrian and bicycle page for access points and rules before you go.

Spend a Day at Collins Park

Dennis P. Collins Park is a big one for families. The city’s parks list includes walking paths, playgrounds, basketball courts, ball fields, a bocce court, a fishing pier and veterans memorials. It also has two dog parks, the Sgt. Vincent J. Oliva Mini Dog Park for small dogs and the Sirius Dog Park for large dogs, plus a skate park with rails, ramps, ledges and vertical walls.

Go Birding at Rutkowski Park

For a quieter walk, Richard A. Rutkowski Park offers bird watching, a walking path and a bike path, along with the Boatworks Monument. It is a nice spot to slow down and watch the water.

Explore 16th Street Park

G. Thomas DiDomenico Park, also known as 16th Street Park, is one of Bayonne’s busiest. The city lists playgrounds, a handball court, an amphitheater, a boat launch, walking paths, ball fields and basketball and tennis courts. The municipal pool is a summer-only, residents-only amenity, so save it for next year.

Shop and Eat on Broadway

Bayonne’s main street, Broadway, runs the length of the city and is lined with independent shops, bakeries, cafes and restaurants. Pair a park visit with a stroll and a meal. Our list of the best pizza in Hudson County includes a Bayonne favorite.

Plan Your Bayonne Day

• Morning: Walk the promenade at Stephen R. Gregg Park.
• Midday: Lunch on Broadway.
• Afternoon: Visit the Tear Drop Memorial, then catch sunset over the harbor.

Want more waterfront? See our guide to Hudson County waterfront parks in fall and our weekly things to do in Hudson County this weekend.

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Vote for your favorite Bayonne businesses in the Best of Hudson County 2026 awards before November 30, and subscribe to our newsletter for more local guides every week.

Featured photo: Jim.henderson, via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0).