We’ve lived here in Jersey City for two months, and by chance, my Dad was able to announce an event at Citi Field in Queens this weekend.
So, they stopped by!
On Friday, I planned a walk through the city—from Central Park, down the length to the tip of Manhattan, across the Hudson River on the PATH, into Jersey City, and a final walk through Liberty State Park and onward to see our apartment.
It was a heartwarming experience to show my parents our lives and give them a taste of New York City. Their joy was palpable, and it made me appreciate my city even more.
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Taking the PATH From Jersey City to Central Park in New York City
After we settled on our plan of meeting at the E 72nd Street Playground in Manhattan, I was going to arrive via public transit, and they took an Uber from the Flushings area of Queens.
Embarking on a journey from Jersey City to Central Park is an adventure in itself. It’s a mix of anticipation and excitement, knowing that you’re about to explore one of the most vibrant cities in the world.
Here’s a tip for getting from Jersey City to Central Park: take the PATH from Grove St or Exchange Place in Jersey City.
Once you arrive at the World Trade Center Oculus, walk to the other end and follow the R train signs. Look for the train that says ‘Forest Hills-71 Ave’ if you’re heading to Central Park. This train will take you to the 5th Avenue corner, where you can start your Central Park adventure.
While waiting a few moments for my parents to join me at Central Park, I appreciated the fact that I live here. Tourists coming from thousands of miles away, the joy in their faces. I’m grateful this area is my home. It’s still so very surreal.
For a quick bite, I grabbed some chicken nuggets and fries from a stand at E 72nd St, 5th Avenue.
The atmosphere was vibrant, and I enjoyed the sounds and vibes of the area. However, the deep-fried chicken nuggets were not as crispy as I expected, and the fries were a bit underwhelming. I later found a stand with fluffy and delicious fries, which was a pleasant surprise.
But then, later in the day, we had fries from a stand that were fluffy and delicious. So, all in all, it’s a little hit-and-miss with the hot dog food stands and whether or not their oil is fresh or a bit dated.
Central Park (Gaston Bridge/Bethesda Terrace)
Our visit to Central Park was a delightful reunion. We were filled with excitement as we only had a half day to explore this iconic park.
First it was a scuttle over to Conservatory Water which is a little lake beside the larger “The Lake” right to the West. It’s fun to see everyone doing the Central Park Model Boat Sailing, and there was someone playing saxophone in iconic New York style.
I then took them to the Bethesda Terrace and Fountain, where you can get a beautiful view of “The Lake” and the Central Park Boathouse, which was previously known as the Loeb Boathouse.
It shut down in 2022 through the Covid fiasco and now reopened.
After my Mom was able to see the boathouse she’s seen on TV so many times, we were off to the Balto statue, as they fully understand my past and love of dog sledding and mushing with dogs.
If you don’t go inside the Central Park Zoo, a little walk out front of the zoo on Park Rd in Central Park is an excellent way to feel its aura through the trees. It’s gorgeous, with vines and dancing bronze statues of animals dancing, and it is adorned atop the Delacorte Clock.
Our final stops in Central Park were a quick view of the Gapstow Bridge, and of the buildings along W 59th St, with their towering shadows playing out onto the park.
5th Ave to Rockefeller Center
The Grand Army Plaza is currently under construction around The Plaza hotel, but I always love that area.
It’s where you pop up from the MTA at the 5 Av/59 St station.
Apple Fifth Avenue is right there, with its above-ground box, and below-ground store, and then Bergdorf Goodman, and Trump Tower, and many other stores.
At Trump Tower, blocks protect the entrance and building, and there is always high security. An impersonator was also there as Trump, taking pictures with the crowd.
I like to walk down 5th Ave down to St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and then make a right turn into Rockefeller Center to make a stop and then stop by the Radio City Music Hall, and then to on to Times Square.
Times Square & Gift Shops
If you’re looking for your NYC gifts and memorabilia, Times Square will be the place for you!
Remember, the hotter the store, the cheaper the prices.
TKTS Times Square is a ticket booth where you can get discounted daily tickets for Broadway shows at the north end of Times Square, and on top of the booth are red steps to get a great view of the entire landscape before you.
Taxi to Vessel
After seeing Times Square, it’s a good idea to grab a taxi in an open space and drive to the Vessel and Hudson Yards area, which should be around a $20 taxi ride.
It’s a chance to rest your legs!
The Vessel is a beautiful art piece that rises into the sky like a metal beehive of endless staircases but is closed to the public due to unfortunate suicides.
The High Line to Chelsea Market
After you’ve taken a few photos with the Vessel, you can easily walk right on to the High Line.
The High Line is one of my most favorite things to do in New York City—a winding path of railyard ties and plants, flowers, greenery, and art, all amongst gorgeous, renovated, and New York-awesome style.
Pop off the High Line and go down the steps when you see the signs for Chelsea Market.
Chelsea Market is a little hub of eateries and shops on the bottom floor of a building that hosts the Food Network on its top floors. We each grabbed a slice of pizza, stopped at the restroom, enjoyed the people-watching, and headed off on our continued day.
We didn’t have time to stop at Little Island, but that’s another great place to drop by in the Chelsea Market area if you want to end your High Line experience with a bit more nature viewing.
Subway to World Trade Center
To get the subway experience, I took my parents on the subway, heading down at the 23 St/8th Av station.
I don’t think there will ever be a time I visit the 9/11 Memorial without a tear in my eye. It’s a tough area to witness, as your mind goes back to the terror of that day, for so many, and for so many reasons.
From there, we dropped into the World Trade Center Oculus and took the PATH back to Jersey City, where my parents were able to see the sights from Liberty State Park and the Upper Bay.
Want to try this day trip from Central Park to the World Trade Center?
Click here to view the Google Map walking route, replacing the walking portion from Times Square to the Vessel with a taxi ride, and Chelsea Market to the World Trade Center with a subway ride—if you want to walk less.
