Discover Paterson's cultural panache
Silk mills and roaring waterfalls, historic industrial depots and one of the most diverse populations in the whole of the United States, all add up to make this small city a great place to base your vacation in The Garden State. Walkable and laden with charming Paterson vacation rentals, it draws visitors with inner-city state parks and some buzzing Arabic bazaars that come packed with falafel, hummus, and shisha. But this isn't the Middle East – you're still only 30 minutes to Jersey City and the great Hudson River…
Wonder at Paterson's industrial past
Perhaps you've been lucky enough to bag one of the elegant Victorian townhouses or Paterson vacation rentals that pepper the designated Eastside Park Historic District, which all showcase the majestic architecture that once made this place such a looker in the 19th and 20th centuries? If so, be sure to wander the streets there before breaking out to see the striking Great Falls Historic District. Those crashing waterfalls carve through the town, giving way to the Paterson Museum and the Rogers Locomotive Works, which both chronicle the industrial past of New Jersey's co-called Silk City.
Sights and shopping in Paterson
As one of the most multicultural cities in the United States, Paterson is a melting pot of people and creeds. One result is the throbbing markets and bazaars that pop up on the south side, where maestros of the Middle Eastern kitchen tout falafel, sesame pastes, and mezze. Once you're done tasting your way through that, there are plenty of pretty parks to explore and picnic in, not to mention the charming architectural wonders of Paterson's former industrial golden age.
Hit Paterson in the summer
Because all of Paterson's main attractions are located out in the open, it's always better to plan your vacation here for the summertime. Search for Paterson vacation rentals between June and July to be in with a chance of long, dry days that are great for wondering at the city's waterfalls and gawping at the elegant Victorian mansions of the East Side. Summer is also the top time to hop into Jersey City, where you'll find the parks on the Hudson buzzing with life.
Exploring the natural landscape of Paterson
Whether you're looking for fun outdoor activities or just want to appreciate the scenery, you'll be sure to find the perfect setting for your vacation in Paterson. Here are some of the area’s most eye-catching sights, all within 30 miles (48.2 km) of the city center:
- Central Park (14.3 mi / 22.9 km)
- Bryant Park (15 mi / 24.1 km)
- Battery Park (16.8 mi / 27.1 km)
- Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park (0.5 mi / 0.8 km)
- Eagle Rock Reservation (8.7 mi / 13.9 km)
- Pleasantdale Chateau (8.8 mi / 14.2 km)
How to get to and around Paterson
Fly into John F. Kennedy Intl. Airport (JFK), the closest airport, located 27.7 mi (44.6 km) from the city center. If you can't find a flight that's convenient for your trip, you might consider flying into Newark Liberty Intl. Airport (EWR), which is 15.6 mi (25.1 km) away.
If you'd rather travel by train, you can make your way to Paterson Station.