Alpine New JerseyATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Alpine, New Jersey.
1. Palisades Interstate Park
SCENIC RIVER VIEWS
Palisades Interstate Park stretches along the top of the New Jersey Palisades and the Hudson River, offering breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline. Visitors can enjoy picnicking, hiking trails, boat launches for canoes and kayaks, and fishing in this natural haven. The park combines outdoor recreation with historical significance, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.
2. Alpine Boat Basin
RIVERSIDE RECREATION AREA
Alpine Boat Basin serves as both a public picnic area and small marina for private boats along the Hudson River. The scenic riverfront location provides facilities for car-top boat launches, fishing access, hiking trails, and amenities including restrooms and vending machines. Its beautiful setting makes it a popular destination for day trips and outdoor activities throughout the warmer months.
3. State Line Lookout
DRAMATIC CLIFFTOP VIEWS
State Line Lookout offers visitors spectacular panoramic views from atop the Palisades cliffs, approximately 520 feet above the Hudson River. The site features the historic Lookout Inn, a stone building that now serves as a snack stand and information center for parkgoers. From this vantage point, visitors can see for miles across the Hudson to New York State and beyond, making it a premier spot for photography.
4. Alpine Pavilion
HISTORIC PICNIC SHELTER
Alpine Pavilion is an open-air stone picnic pavilion built in 1934 by the Civil Works Administration during the Great Depression. The historic structure is available for rental, making it perfect for group gatherings, family reunions, and special events with a scenic backdrop. Its rustic architecture and beautiful setting within Palisades Interstate Park combine to create a charming venue with historical significance.
5. Blackledge-Kearney House
REVOLUTIONARY WAR LANDMARK
The Blackledge-Kearney House is a historic site said to be where Lord Cornwallis and his troops landed in November 1776 during their pursuit of the Continental Army. This preserved structure provides visitors with a glimpse into colonial life and the Revolutionary War period that shaped American history. The house serves as a tangible connection to the area's significant role in the Battle of New York and the American Revolution.
6. Women's Federation Monument
CONSERVATION MOVEMENT TRIBUTE
The Women's Federation Monument stands as a testament to the New Jersey State Federation of Women's Clubs who fought to preserve the Palisades from quarrying and development in the early 20th century. The stone monument, resembling a medieval tower, offers visitors both historical context and beautiful views of the Hudson River. It represents one of the earliest successful environmental conservation movements in American history, led primarily by women activists.
7. Devil's Tower
HAUNTED STONE TOWER
Devil's Tower is a stone water tower located in the upscale Rio Vista neighborhood of Alpine with a fascinating backstory and local legends. Originally designed by Charles Rollinson Lamb for sugar baron Manuel Rionda, the tower was built so his wife could enjoy views of New York from across the Hudson River. Local folklore claims the tower is haunted, adding a mysterious element to this architectural curiosity that draws visitors interested in both history and the supernatural.
8. Kearny House
COLONIAL ERA ARCHITECTURE
Kearny House is a well-preserved historic building that offers visitors insight into early American colonial life along the Hudson River. The structure serves as a museum with period furnishings and educational displays about the region's history and development. Visitors can step back in time while exploring this important piece of Alpine's architectural heritage and learning about the everyday experiences of early settlers in the area.
9. Henry Hudson Drive
SCENIC RIVERSIDE ROAD
Henry Hudson Drive is a picturesque roadway that winds along the base of the Palisades cliffs, offering dramatic views of the Hudson River. The historic road, sometimes called River Road, is popular with cyclists, motorcyclists, and drivers seeking a scenic route with numerous pull-offs for photography and sightseeing. Its location between the towering cliffs and the river creates a unique corridor that showcases the natural beauty of the Palisades region throughout all four seasons.
10. Fort Lee Historic Park
REVOLUTIONARY WAR SITE
Fort Lee Historic Park preserves the site of a pivotal Revolutionary War fort that once guarded the Hudson River alongside Fort Washington across the water. The park features a reconstructed blockhouse, authentic cannons, and interactive exhibits that bring the American Revolution to life for visitors. From its strategic position atop the Palisades, the park also offers spectacular views of the George Washington Bridge, the Hudson River, and the Manhattan skyline.
11. Flat Rock Brook Nature Center
URBAN WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Flat Rock Brook Nature Center encompasses 150 acres of preserved land offering visitors access to forests, streams, wetlands, and hiking trails just minutes from New York City. The educational center provides nature programs, exhibits on local ecology, and guided walks for visitors of all ages throughout the year. This urban oasis serves as both a wildlife sanctuary and an outdoor classroom where people can connect with nature and learn about environmental conservation.
12. Demarest Farm
PICK-YOUR-OWN PRODUCE PARADISE
Demarest Farm is a beloved family-friendly destination offering seasonal pick-your-own fruits, a farm market, and special events throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy apple and pumpkin picking in the fall, peach picking in the summer, and a market stocked with fresh produce and homemade baked goods year-round. The farm's popular cider donuts, festive activities, and picturesque setting make it a cherished tradition for many families in the region.
13. Mitsuwa Marketplace
JAPANESE CULINARY EXPERIENCE
Mitsuwa Marketplace is the largest Japanese supermarket in the United States, offering an authentic shopping and dining experience along the Hudson River. The market features a wide selection of Japanese groceries, fresh seafood, produce, and specialty items alongside a food court with multiple authentic Japanese restaurants and bakeries. Beyond food, visitors can explore books, beauty products, and housewares, making it a comprehensive cultural destination just minutes from Alpine.
14. Bergen County Zoological Park
FAMILY-FRIENDLY ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS
Bergen County Zoological Park houses over 100 species of animals within Van Saun County Park, focusing primarily on North and South American wildlife. The zoo features a carousel, train ride, and numerous interactive educational programs designed to engage visitors of all ages throughout the year. Its well-maintained grounds, accessible exhibits, and conservation message make it a popular destination for families and school groups seeking to learn about wildlife and environmental stewardship.
15. The Shops at Riverside
UPSCALE SHOPPING EXPERIENCE
The Shops at Riverside is a premier luxury shopping destination featuring high-end retailers, fine dining establishments, and elegant interior design. The mall houses exclusive brands like Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., and Burberry alongside upscale restaurants that provide a sophisticated shopping and dining experience. Its convenient location near Alpine makes it a popular choice for those seeking premium retail therapy in a refined atmosphere with exceptional customer service.