With summer on the horizon, it usually means trips planned to the Jersey Shore + beyond for many Hoboken and Jersey City locals (psst follow @thejerseyshoregirl_ on Instagram). But what some locals — as well as resident who are new to the area — may not know is that you don’t need to travel far to enjoy time on the water this summer. In fact, you don’t need to travel — or pay — at all. Thanks to the beloved non-profit, the Hoboken Cove Community Boathouse, locals can enjoy free kayaking and paddleboarding all summer long. Read on to learn about these free water activities available in Hoboken via the Hoboken Cove Community Boathouse — which opens Memorial Day Weekend 2024 on Saturday, May 25th.
Free Boating at Hoboken Cove Community Boathouse
Locals can enjoy free paddleboarding and kayaking right here in Hoboken, thanks to the Hoboken Cove Community Boathouse. This local nonprofit organization is run by volunteers. The Boathouse’s mission is to provide free water sports programs and access to local waterways for all residents. The Boathouse works in conjunction with the City of Hoboken to provide opportunities for locals to explore the water.
View this post on Instagram
More than 6,000 paddlers get out on the Hudson via kayaks and paddle boards thanks to the efforts of Hoboken Boathouse volunteers. The Boathouse first opened back in 2004, making this its 20th year in operation.
Read More: Fun Boating Adventures to Try Along the Hudson River
Since the Boathouse is a non-profit organization, access to the New Jersey waterway is completely free. If you choose to take the Boathouse up on one of the many water-friendly events and activities it provides throughout the summer, you don’t even have to pay to use the equipment. Donations are accepted and widely regarded as the kind thing to do for an organization that gives back to its community so much.
Due to popular demand, donations can also be used to secure a reservation for kayaking and paddleboarding through the Boathouse. The limited reservations can be secured with a ten-dollar donation; however, reservations are not necessary. They are simply helpful on days when there is a long line at the Boathouse. The reservation slots are released four days before each paddle day. If no times are shown when you click on the booking page, that likely means all spots for the day have already been booked.
View this post on Instagram
The Hoboken Boathouse also provides tours for paddlers, known as the Public River Trip. Participants follow a tour guide down the Hudson River, taking in the views of the NYC skyline. The River Trip is generally one to two hours long and is described as a bit of a workout. While no prior paddling experience is required, trip leaders run a short paddle test before leaving to make sure all paddlers are comfortable in their watercraft.
Public River Trips generally run on a lottery due to the program’s popularity, and a reservation is required. According to the website, kayak traffic is generally slower in the morning. Participants must be 18 years of age and up and know how to swim.
See More: Fun Ziplining Spots in New Jersey
To stay up to date on all things Hoboken and Jersey City, follow @thehobokengirl on Instagram and TikTok, and sign up for our newsletter that shares all of the top stories to your inbox here. Follow our other brands @thejerseyshoregirl_, @thecatskillsgirl, @themontclairgirl, @thejerseycitygirl, and @thebergencountygirl on Instagram, too!
The Best Bars to Catch NFL Games in Hoboken, Jersey City, + Beyond
Some enjoy watching their favorite football team from the comfort of their own couch, while others prefer to catch the game at a bar surrounded by other fellow fans. Whether cheering on your favorite team or just waiting for the broadcast team to cut to the celeb suites, there is no shortage of local spots to take in all of the excitement — especially with Super Bowl LIX happening this weekend. Read on to plan a football-centric outing in Hoboken, Jersey City, and beyond.
Hoboken
For Buffalo Bills Fans: The Shannon | 106 First Street
The Shannon is home to the Hoboken Bills Backers and it is the ultimate day party. With bar games like grown-up Connect 4, Giant Jenga, and two pool tables, as well as NFL scattered across various TVs and a live DJ, this bar is sure to get as wild as an actual tailgate in Buffalo.
For Dallas Cowboys Fans: Mike's Wild Moose Saloon | 92 River Street
Hoboken’s only country bar is also home to the Dallas Cowboys and the Sunday Huddle party. As part of the Sunday-only special, visitors to the saloon can enjoy $.50 wings. Locals can also find tailgate fare like burgers, mozzarella sticks, sliders, tacos, and more at this spot.
Read More: A Guide to Sports Bars in Hoboken, New Jersey
For Pittsburgh Steelers Fans: Texas Arizona | 76 River Street
Fans should get in before the game to enjoy all kinds of Sunday food + drink specials. Texas Arizona is known for its corner party scene and Sundays are no different. This bar fills with a sea of black + yellow Pittsburgh Steelers fans by game time.
For Philadelphia Eagles Fans: Mulligan’s | 159 First Street
Mulligan’s is probably best known as the place to catch a European football game, but in the back room on Sundays, Eagles fans fill the scene. The bar opens early on Sundays so wake up, throw on a jersey, and get cheering.
For New England Patriots Fans: McSwiggan’s | 110 First Street
Hoboken keeps the party rolling on First Street with a trip to McSwiggan’s. The Irish pub is home to New England Patriots and the famous Phoenix Shot. Locals can grab a seat on the patio for game time when spring rolls around.
For New York Giants Fans: Black Bear Bar + Grill | 205 Washington Street
That constant buzz, which can erupt into a loud roar at any moment on Sunday afternoons, can be found at Black Bear Bar + Grill on Washington Street. This spot is always overflowing with action and good times. Blackbear is nestled right in the heart of Hoboken and has some of the best burgers in the area, as well as a great atmosphere for watching the G-Men.
For Teams That Don't Have a Bar: Wicked Wolf | 120 Sinatra Drive
Photo Credit: JLlenz Photography
The quintessential sports bar right on the Hoboken waterfront, Wicked Wolf, has plenty of beers on tap and countless televisions to ensure that none of the action is missed. The menu includes the game-day staples like wings and burgers, but the beer batter mozzarella sticks, fried pickles, and cheesesteak egg rolls are delicious options with a tall beer, and football, of course.
Jersey City
For Tennessee Titans Fans: Boots + Bones | 116 Newark Avenue
A quick trip to Nashville for a game may be out of the question, but locals can head to Newark Avenue for a little football and a little honky tonk in the heart of Jersey City. Titans fans can line dance up to the bar, or cozy up in a booth and sip some whiskey while cheering for victory. Boots + Bones is the perfect alternative to taking a flight to Nash Vegas.
For New York Jets Fans: Irving Public | 135 Summit Avenue
View this post on Instagram
It’s hard to go anywhere in the area without finding a place to catch the Jets, but Irving Public is the place to go in Jersey City. The Public House is located in The Heights in the former Blarney Pub spot. The space has a chill vibe with plenty of beers on tap and pool tables to stay entertained at the half.
For Teams That Don't Have a Bar: The Ashford | 145 Newark Avenue
With over 100 TVs mounted on its walls, The Ashford is the place to post up for a full day of football. Jersey City locals can try Sunday Specials like $3 mimosas, $15 select domestic pitchers, $5 green tea + $6 Jameson cold brew shots, $5 select apps + domestic drafts, and more.
See More: The Best Bars to Catch NFL Games in Essex County + Beyond
New York City
For Kansas City Chiefs Fans: John Brown BBQ | 27-20 40th Avenue, Queens
View this post on Instagram
This one is a bit out of the way for us 6th borough folk, but for those who are really stanning Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift, this is the official Kansas City Chiefs bar in NYC. Go hungry because this place serves Kansas City-style BBQ, saving guests an actual trip to the Midwest. There’s also a beer garden and live music.
