Things to Do in West New York and Guttenberg, NJ

West New York and Guttenberg sit side by side on top of the Palisades in North Hudson, and together they pack some of the best Manhattan views in Hudson County, NJ into a few square miles. Our team put together this guide to parks, shopping and family programs in both towns, using details from each town’s own pages.

Hungry after your walk? Our list of the best restaurants in Guttenberg covers pizza, Cuban plates, Korean barbecue and more along Park Avenue and Bergenline.

Take In the View at Donnelly Memorial Park

If you only do one thing in West New York, walk the cliffside parks along John F. Kennedy Boulevard East. Donnelly Park runs from 54th to 60th Street and has playgrounds, the Donnelly Dog Park, game tables, a pavilion and the Lady of Justice Fountain, the town’s 9/11 monument. The county tourism office lists it as open 24 hours and calls out the skyline at sunset, and we agree.

Visit the Monuments at Veterans Park

Just south, Veterans Park covers 53rd to 56th Street on Boulevard East. It holds the Veterans Monument, the Cuban Freedom Monument, the Canosa and Monzon Monument, a World War II turret monument and the AMVETS Monument, plus picnic and game tables. It is a quiet, meaningful stop that tells part of the town’s story.

Skate, Play Pickleball or Walk the Dog

Keep heading north on the Boulevard and the parks keep coming:

• Patricia McEldowney Park (61st to 62nd Street) has tennis courts, a skate park, pickleball courts and a racquetball court.
• Verrazano Park (63rd to 67th Street) adds a basketball court, a playground, a dog park and a monument.
• Miller Park (5709 to 5711 Jackson Street) has a splash park, a dog park, a mini soccer field and a community garden, next to Miller Stadium.

All of these are listed by the West New York Parks and Public Property Department, which manages 12 town parks and 3 fields. You can reach the office at 201-295-5178.

Shop the Miracle Mile on Bergenline Avenue

Bergenline Avenue is the commercial heart of North Hudson. The county tourism office calls the West New York stretch the “Miracle Mile” and says it has more than 300 businesses, from apparel and jewelry to electronics, bridal shops and restaurants. The town recently completed its Bergenline Avenue Streetscape Project, so it is a good time to stroll, shop local and grab a cafecito along the way. West New York’s Cuban community is a big part of why the area is known as “Havana on the Hudson.”

Walk the Hudson River Waterfront

Below the cliffs, the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway passes through West New York on its 18.5-mile run from Bayonne toward the George Washington Bridge. It is popular with walkers, runners and cyclists, and the views look completely different from river level than they do from the Boulevard.

Guttenberg: Waterfront Park on River Road

Guttenberg’s riverfront highlight is Waterfront Park at 7200 River Road, which is jointly owned and maintained by the Town of Guttenberg and the Township of North Bergen. It has a playground, open lawns, picnic areas and an amphitheater that faces the Hudson and Manhattan, and the towns have used it for free summer concerts. In the cooler months it is a great place for a sunny afternoon walk.

Guttenberg Recreation Programs for Kids

The Guttenberg Recreation Department runs year-round programs for local families. Its monthly youth calendar has included arts and crafts, open gym basketball and volleyball, cheer, baton twirling and fall soccer and baseball clinics. Registration is online through the town’s CapturePoint page, and the department says in-person registration is available on request.

Plan Your Visit

• Go at golden hour. The Boulevard East parks face Manhattan, so late afternoon light is the best.
• Combine the two towns. Guttenberg’s Waterfront Park is a short trip north of the West New York parks.
• Check town pages first. Parks occasionally close for maintenance, and both towns post notices online.

Love the river views? See our guide to Hudson County waterfront parks in fall, and check things to do in Hudson County this weekend for what is happening right now. Just north in North Bergen, our James J. Braddock Park guide covers the county’s biggest park in North Hudson.

Stay Connected With North Hudson

We will be back soon with more on West New York, including our favorite local restaurants. To get every guide first, subscribe to the Shop Hudson County newsletter, and show your town some love in the Best of Hudson County 2026 awards.

Featured photo: The Hudson River Waterfront Walkway in Guttenberg. Photo: Kidfly182, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0.