NYC Logistics

[BigLou]

Alright, we're leaving from Michigan in the early hours of Thursday, October 6th to begin our trek through the worst state in the country (Ohio), through the land of enablers (Pennsylvania) into New Jersey.

Our current plans include stopping at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, OH and eventually arriving at our hotel is Iselin, NJ around midnight. Then we have tickets to visit and ascend the Statue of Liberty at 11am on Friday. From there (I'm assuming around 1-2pm) we were planning on driving over to Coney Island to hang out a bit and find a place to ditch our car and take a taxi/Uber into NYC and specifically Times Square and basically spend the rest of the day walking around the city.

So, as someone who has never been east of Niagra Falls is this even possible (finding somewhere safe to park in Coney Island for hours) or is there a better way about this in general? We're going to the Statue of Liberty from the NJ side if that helps. Also, what are some must see/do things in the Times Square/NYC area within walking or subway distance? I know there's plenty of threads on things to do around New Brunswick and RU but never really seen anything about NYC. So any help would be appreciated.

As for game day we were wanting to go to a boardwalk in the early afternoon.. Is any worth a visit in early October with enough things to do?) before heading to High Point and RU a few hours before kickoff. As for post game, we're high tailing it to our rest stop for the night near Philly. The Lions coincidentally play in Philadelphia that Sunday but they suck so I'll just take being able to listen on the radio on the way home.

My 2 cents.

Forget about Coney Island - too far from Midtown and Times Square.

After the Statue of Liberty, drive a short distance to the Exchange Place area of Jersey City. There is a parking garage on Christopher Columbus Drive between Green Street and Washington St. I parked thee in the afternoon a couple weeks ago and had no problem finding a spot (Hoboken is further away and more congested than Jersey City). I think it was $16 to park there. Walk 1 block down C Columbus to Exchange Place and take the Path to the World Trade Center.. Check out the newly opened mall, the 9-11 Memorial. Also, if hungry, there is a great food court at Brookfield Place (formerly the World Financial Center) which sits on the river and can be accessed from the WTC.
After that subway, taxi or Uber up to Times Square though Subway will be fastest.
When returning home you can take the path from 33rd St to Hoboken then jump on the WTC line to Exchange Place, or you can go back to the WTC and reverse the trip.

As far as the beach, Long Branch or Asbury Park is your best bet. For a quick visit and lunch overlooking the ocean, Pier Village in Long Branch will suit you fine. If you are a rock and roll fan, you can see some of the sights made famous by Bruce Springsteen in Asbury Park.

If you want to see Coney Island, I suggest watching the 1970's cult classic, "The Warriors" to watch a street gang make it from Van Cortland Park in the Bronx back to Coney Island while every other gang in the City has it out for them.

 

[Plum Street]

Take the train from metropark to NYC . No reason ton drive to Brooklyn or Hoboken . Not sure what some people in this thread are talking about .

 

[OTBOTOR]

Take the train from metropark to NYC . No reason ton drive to Brooklyn or Hoboken . Not sure what some people in this thread are talking about .

They have an appointment to go to the Statue of Liberty from Liberty State Park ferry terminal in Jersey City. You can't take a train from Metropark to the LSP ferry terminal. Best way there is to drive. Once they get back from the statue and to their car at LSP ferry terminal, the best way to the city is to head over to downtown JC and take the PATH. Driving back out to Metropark to take the train back in would eat up a lot of time on a busy day.

 

[RBS05]

I don't know what everyone in here is talking about. You should definitely go to Coney Island. Take Harbaugh with you.

 

[OntheBanks]

If you decide to take the train from Metropark you may not have to drive there. Since you're staying at a hotel in Iselin I'm going to assume it's this one,
http://www.apahotelwoodbridge.com/default-en.html
which is walking distance from Metropark train station.

 

[WhiteBus]

Take the train from metropark to NYC . No reason ton drive to Brooklyn or Hoboken . Not sure what some people in this thread are talking about .

Their best, cheapest, fastest solution is driving to the NJ Ferry to the Statue of Liberty. Go see the Statue and take the Ferry into NYC from the Statue. You do not have to return to NJ from the Statue. Return to Jersey City at the end of the day via PATH.
Taking the train from Metro Park is more expensive and time consuming.
As for driving into NYC. I agree thats a poor option.

 

[BRKnightsFan]

Skip Coney Island. Not worth the effort.

Central Park in Manhattan is worth seeing. While you're up that way, there is also the Museum of Natural History (on the west side of the park) and the Metropolitan Museum of Art (on the east side of the park), if museums interest you. You could then walk down Fifth Avenue and check out the high-end retail shops, Rockefeller Center and St. Patrick's Cathedral along the way.

 

[waretown]

The person I'm going with wanted to check out Coney Island but yeah I'll probably go this route. Thanks!

cropsy ave area not the best for first time tourists, think that one over

 

[Scarlet_Scourge]

DO NOT DRIVE to NYC. Trains and Subways are your friend as well as Uber and Taxi. The last thing you want to do in NYC is drive, it is not for the faint of heart and it takes forever to get anywhere. Parking is also priced for the rich who refuse to take the subway.

There is plenty to do in NJ, btw. You don't need to go to NYC unless you really have your heart set on it and you never been there before.

 

[brgRC90]

If you drive down to Asbury Park make a visit to Ocean Grove, a town of all Victorian homes and inns just next door. Part of the movie Ragtime was filmed there.

 

[cicero grimes]

If you drive down to Asbury Park make a visit to Ocean Grove, a town of all Victorian homes and inns just next door. Part of the movie Ragtime was filmed there.

If you go to Ocean Grove have a meal and some ice cream at Nagel's. It is right out of the early 1900's.

 

[RUJohnny99]

I did the statue with my kids the week before Labor Day. 3 hours is plenty of time to do both the statue & Ellis Island. Be aware, you go through two TSA style checkpoints to get on the boat. Make sure your pockets are empty.

Ellis Island (which I found more meaningful) has a display called "the peopling of America" or something like that. Skip it. Grab the free headphone tour & ask the guide where you start it. It's about a 45 minute tour & walks you through the immigrant experience.


The statue itself you'll spend a half hour plus picture time. There's some great scenic shots you can take, but the tour is just a 200 step climb up an old building to the view with a couple displays afterwards. Something to do just to say you did it.

 

[RUtix4me]

Honestly, how many people here are giving entirely wrong directions based on the fact that they haven't read what he typed regarding going to the statue from the Jersey side? I am waiting for someone to tell him to catch a flight from newark to JFK, with a stop in Philly......

 

[ru66]

the comments about Coney Island really show that many on here don't understand or live the City--Coney Island is now considered a cool place to visit--try getting to the annual mermaid parade and you'll see why

 

[MadRU]

Add the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum. This is on a Navy aircraft carrier docked on the Hudson River and is a must see, especially on a nice Fall day.

http://www.intrepidmuseum.org/The-Intrepid-Experience/Exhibits.aspx


If you drive and park near the ferry to the S of Liberty, when finished there drive North a few miles to Weehawken where you can catch a ferry to NYC. It is called New York Waterways and they have reasonably priced ample parking. The ferry company has free bus service on the NY side to take you to many areas around Times Square.

Agree with the this. Intrepid is a must see. Ship, submarine tour, space shuttle, etc.

 

[WhiteBus]

the comments about Coney Island really show that many on here don't understand or live the City--Coney Island is now considered a cool place to visit--try getting to the annual mermaid parade and you'll see why

Huh what?? You do understand the parade is in the begining of summer.... emphasis on SUMMER and these people are coming in October when 99% of the attractions are closed!

 

[ru66]

I wasn't talking to this guy but making the point how some are so uninformed/misguided about NYC--get a life , I know when the parade takes place

 

[Upstream]

I wasn't talking to this guy but making the point how some are so uninformed/misguided about NYC--get a life , I know when the parade takes place

I think several people have commented that the reason to not go to Coney Island is because he is planning to go on a Friday in early October. The very first "don't go to Coney Island" comment referenced the fact that the boardwalk would be empty. I would expect different responses if he were going in July.

Context is key here.

 

[srru86]

As a member of the "Don't go to Coney Island" mob beyond the seasonal context the other important factor is time and distance. In talking about a one day visit even on a summer weekend that is a long way to go, and a lot of time, for an attraction that retains some interest but is a long way from one of the top ten things to do in NYC.

 

[mildone]

Having taken the train from Metropark for many years (Iselin is my hometown) to commute into NYC I agree with the suggestion above....but if you do decide to park at Metropark make sure you leave early to get a spot in the parking deck....though Friday commuter traffic isn't as bad as midweek. Also agree with the many to-dos already suggested.....in addition if you like Indian food then make sure to drive through downtown Iselin on Oak Tree Rd. and take your pick - many good choices.

Good point. They could maybe take uber to the Metropark.

 

[mildone]

Agree w/the take public transportation crowd. Skip driving/parking in and around NYC. Between trains/subways/uber you can get anywhere you want. Staying in Iselin, with Metropark right here, makes it all that much easier.

 

[ru66]

there are a million things to do in NYC--obviously one day is not sufficient--this guy should pick one and enjoy--cause in reality , if it's the Statue of Liberty he'll be done for the day--stay down at FIDI , have lunch, take a stroll and head out ASAP---most people out of our area can't understand the travel time involved--culture shock

 

[bitnez]

I agree. If staying in Iselin use the Metro park train station so you don't need to drive and park in NYC. Take the train to midtown where you can walk around Times Square / Broadway. Then take a subway to Battery park where you can get one of the boats to the Statue of Liberty. After the Statue you can take a subway to Coney Island. After Coney Island subway back to Penn Station for a train to Metro Park.

This.

 

[HailHailToMichigan]

Far too many replies to respond to individuals but thank you all for the input. Coney Island is a no go.

As for some questions I've seen there's only two of us (23 and 22) but we're not drinkers or anything like that but definitely night owls. We've just been to Las Vegas as well as Chicago, Miami and a couple Hawaiian Islands within the last 2 years so cramming a bunch of stuff to do in one day and walking 30,000 steps in said day is not new to us.

I believe someone asked where I lived in Michigan in relation to my experience with public transport or big cities judging by the follow up. I live about 30 minutes from Detroit and go there semi-frequently but unless you're down there during a game or concert, even downtown is extremely easy to drive through. There's also little public transportation outside of a monorail that doesn't even get near a few key places and taxis. I know NYC is un-drivable.

And yes, we've never been to NYC and outside of this one day I'm not sure when we'd be back. We're trying to knock out all the Big Ten stadiums for Michigan games and all MLB parks for Tigers games (Comerica, Wrigley, Marlins Park and Progressive Field done so far). The Rutgers game obviously being on the list and is actually my first road football game of any kind so we figured we might as well hit NYC for a day and tackle some spots in NJ before the campus and surrounding area in the afternoon since it's a night game.

Thanks again for all the help.

 

[RBS05]

The greatest service this board has ever provided may have just been convincing you not to drive to Coney Island just to leave your car there for hours and then get back to it.

Nice job on the adjustment. My only advice since you have such limited time is not to focus on "seeing" as much as you can but to just try to relax a bit. Walk around, find a cool spot for lunch, another spot for a drink, etc. If you're only going to Times Square so you can say you were there, skip it. Unless your idea of an activity is posing for a picture with a guy wearing a knockoff rented superhero costume, there's nothing to do there. It will be a bunch of tourists taking pictures while everyone else who has to be in the city gets the hell out of the area as quickly as possible.

 

[way2gimpy]

If you're from Michigan, then you probably go to Cedar Point every summer. Those roller coasters are better than Great Adventure.

I haven't been to the Statue of Liberty in a while but if you're going to the city, it all depends on when you go in. If you are able to leave your hotel after 9:30 AM I would just drive into the city and park in a garage near MSG where it is a transit hub and you're fairly centrally located.

Yes parking and toll is expensive (if you go to http://nyc.bestparking.com/ and put in the times you can find a decent rate), but you're paying $10.75 each way to take the train from MetroPark (so $40 for the two of you) and that train leaving Manhattan sucks.

You can find cheaper parking in Jersey City but it can be a bear navigating that town and you would still have to pay for PATH (sort of like the subway but is a separate system from the subway) both ways - $2.75 each way.

 

[RU85inFla]

Hailtomichigan have a great trip. First of all I'm gonna give you advice as somebody that hasn't lived in NJ for 25+ years remembering that you have never been east of Niagra Falls.

1. Leave the car at the hotel. When you make a wrong turn in The parts you will be traveling in it will cost you 30 minutes. You have no clue where your going so just leave the car at the hotel. Any other option will be quicker in reality.

2. Get your ass up early and get to Metropark. Take NJ transit to Newark and then transfer to the Path. Take the Path to the World Trade Center. If you get there early, you can spend a few hours there and then walk over to Battery Park for the ferry to the Statue of Liberty.

3. Take the ferry back to Battery park and if you are into art, make a mad dash to either the Metropoliton or the Museum of Modern Art. If something else interests you, go do it.

4. If you are into going to a play, get day of play tickets. They are half price and you can usually get great shows. Friday would be more difficult but you get something you won't forget. I believe the half price tickets go on sale at noon. There is one place in Times Square and used to be another in the WTC. Might want to check if there is a place downtown if interested when returning from SOL.

5. Hit Times Square at night. So much better.

6. Get some great ethnic food for dinner. Chinatown and Little Italy are always fun. Plenty of options.

7. If you take the train, you don't have a worry in the world. If in midtown, then you take the train back to islin from under Madidon Square Garden. If you are by the WTC then backtrack the route you took in the morning.

Enjoy.

 

[WhiteBus]

Hailtomichigan have a great trip. First of all I'm gonna give you advice as somebody that hasn't lived in NJ for 25+ years remembering that you have never been east of Niagra Falls.

1. Leave the car at the hotel. When you make a wrong turn in The parts you will be traveling in it will cost you 30 minutes. You have no clue where your going so just leave the car at the hotel. Any other option will be quicker in reality.

2. Get your ass up early and get to Metropark. Take NJ transit to Newark and then transfer to the Path. Take the Path to the World Trade Center. If you get there early, you can spend a few hours there and then walk over to Battery Park for the ferry to the Statue of Liberty.

3. Take the ferry back to Battery park and if you are into art, make a mad dash to either the Metropoliton or the Museum of Modern Art. If something else interests you, go do it.

4. If you are into going to a play, get day of play tickets. They are half price and you can usually get great shows. Friday would be more difficult but you get something you won't forget. I believe the half price tickets go on sale at noon. There is one place in Times Square and used to be another in the WTC. Might want to check if there is a place downtown if interested when returning from SOL.

5. Hit Times Square at night. So much better.

6. Get some great ethnic food for dinner. Chinatown and Little Italy are always fun. Plenty of options.

7. If you take the train, you don't have a worry in the world. If in midtown, then you take the train back to islin from under Madidon Square Garden. If you are by the WTC then backtrack the route you took in the morning.

Enjoy.

 

[WhiteBus]

Your advice is 25 years old.

 

[mildone]

As for some questions I've seen there's only two of us (23 and 22) but we're not drinkers or anything like that but definitely night owls.

:eek:

...

...

and

 

[dollarbill]

If you have the energy, I would head up to the TKTS booth at 47th and Broadway around 5 p.m. and pick up some half price tickets to an evening show. Many of the classics, like Cats, Jersey Boys, Phantom, and Chicago are available most nights. Some start at 7 p.m. In any case, just say NO to Coney Island. Good luck. $$$$

 

[CranfordKnight]

Unless you are an avid fan of the movie the Warriors, Coney Island can and should be avoided.

Guessing from his age, it could be a Mr. Robot thing.

 

[buffalochicken21]

Wow, as someone who is 32 and has been here for 5 years, I can tell you it was the right decision to avoid Coney Island.

If you want a purposefully cheesy photo that you can get a kick out of and you and your friend will laugh at, go to Times Square. I can see the novelty value in that. If that's not what you want, I would suggest avoiding it, it is the seventh circle of hell.

You will probably have time to do one thing. It will take you a long time to go anywhere. If you try to do too much, you will fail.

My personal suggestion would be to check out the top of the Empire State Building or the Top of Rockefeller Center. It is the only place you will get to see the entirety of New York City, and give you perspective on just how astonishingly massive it is. Of all the tourist things I've taken people to, this is the one thing I will say is worth it. You can get your photo of you and your friend here, you'll visit a landmark, you can see New York for what it is, and you won't feel taken advantage of or ripped off.

Whatever you do, consider it will take you a long time to get around. Downtown Detroit is probably 1/100th the size of NYC. There is no hopping from the WTC to the Metropolitan Museum of Art as some suggest on here, doesn't work that way.

Bring money.

 

[HailHailToMichigan]

One other thing; Are the upper deck seats at High Point (218) bleachers or seat back? I've read they are seat back but from pictures and looking it up I can't come to a conclusion and don't know if I need my Michigan ass cushions. Thanks!

 

[Scarlet4ever]

One other thing; Are the upper deck seats at High Point (218) bleachers or seat back? I've read they are seat back but from pictures and looking it up I can't come to a conclusion and don't know if I need my Michigan ass cushions. Thanks!

They are bleachers with seat backs. Bring cushions to sit on.

 

[GoodOl'Rutgers]

I don't know if you have kids with you, but the Hayden Planetarium/Natural History Museum is always a slam dunk for them. Took in the space show a couple days ago and it's still awesome.

This is it... Walking the park from 5th ave across to the west side to those museums should be very nice in early October. There are some statues to see.. The zoo.. Get a central park map and plan to your interests. It really doesn't get more new york than central park. And if the kids play Pokemon Go you may never leave the statues area. Just don't play it at night.. while streaming video.



If you really want the ocean and an amusement park, try a long detour on Sunday to Wildwood NJ to Morey's Pier. Open noon to 5pm Sunday. If a boardwalk, some pinball and a peek at the Stone Pony might be enough, try Asbury Park and the Silverball museum.

 

[FanuSanu52]

My 2 cents.

Forget about Coney Island - too far from Midtown and Times Square.

After the Statue of Liberty, drive a short distance to the Exchange Place area of Jersey City. There is a parking garage on Christopher Columbus Drive between Green Street and Washington St. I parked thee in the afternoon a couple weeks ago and had no problem finding a spot (Hoboken is further away and more congested than Jersey City). I think it was $16 to park there. Walk 1 block down C Columbus to Exchange Place and take the Path to the World Trade Center.. Check out the newly opened mall, the 9-11 Memorial. Also, if hungry, there is a great food court at Brookfield Place (formerly the World Financial Center) which sits on the river and can be accessed from the WTC.
After that subway, taxi or Uber up to Times Square though Subway will be fastest.
When returning home you can take the path from 33rd St to Hoboken then jump on the WTC line to Exchange Place, or you can go back to the WTC and reverse the trip.

As far as the beach, Long Branch or Asbury Park is your best bet. For a quick visit and lunch overlooking the ocean, Pier Village in Long Branch will suit you fine. If you are a rock and roll fan, you can see some of the sights made famous by Bruce Springsteen in Asbury Park.

If you want to see Coney Island, I suggest watching the 1970's cult classic, "The Warriors" to watch a street gang make it from Van Cortland Park in the Bronx back to Coney Island while every other gang in the City has it out for them.

All this advice sounds good, but The Warriors is a gap in my movie-watching resume that needs to be fixed.

 

[ashokan]

Statue of liberty looks nice from shore or boat. I found visiting it and climbing up to crown overrated. NYC museums are better. Heck even Central Park is better.

 

[RUDave_01]

I definitely suggest a walk through a section of Central Park. You can make that a long or short, depending on the paths that you take. You can exit and walk down 5th Ave as others have suggested.

If you are into live music, there are plenty of great venues. I used to go in on Friday evenings to see a great jazz band at a place called Birdland, which is just off of Times Square. The price has gone up, but it might be a good pit stop for a couple of hours.

http://www.birdlandjazz.com/event/1270679-birdland-big-band-music-new-york/

Another option is to get a meal at the revolving restaurant at the top of the Marriott Marquis at Times Square; by definition there isn't a bad seat in the house.

The Empire State Building has a great view of the entire city... the only concern I have is that the wait to go up eats into your day.

If you're further south, take a walk on the High Line. This is less touristy and you get to see some regular NYers. You can also go to Washington Square Park, which has an iconic structure and has a neat view of both downtown and midtown.

As others have said, one day is not enough... but you'll have a blast.

 

[RU4Real]

if you are going to the Staue of Liberty from the Jersey side no reason to go to Coney Island (unless you have an overwhelimg desire to see an empty boardwalk). After the Statue of Liberty, drive from Jersey City and park in Hoboken by the PATH station. Take the path in to NYC. Take the WTC line if you would like to visit the WTC, then a subway, cab or uber up to TImes square. By subway the "1" from WTC or 2/3 either from Chambers or transfer when you get to Chambers. When done with Time Sq, walk down Broadway to 34th st (8-blocks) and take the PATH from 33rd street to Hoboken.

Good luck

Why drive from Jersey City to Hoboken to get the WTC PATH? Take the PATH from Jersey City to WTC, saves the drive from Hoboken and 7 useless minutes on the train.

Otherwise, solid plan.