Empty Sky 9/11 Memorial
1 Audrey Zapp Dr, Jersey City, NJ, 07305
Located in Liberty State Park, the Empty Sky 9/11 Memorial honors the 749 New Jersey residents who died in the September 11 attacks. Featuring two stainless steel walls engraved with the victims' names, this Jersey City memorial looks out to the Manhattan skyline and aligns with the World Trade Center site, creating a poignant visual connection. Visitors come here to reflect, pay their respects, and remember the lives lost.
The basics
Informational plaques at the Empty Sky 9/11 Memorial offer insight into the tragedy and its lasting impact. Guided New York City skyline tours cross over into New Jersey and typically include a visit to Liberty State Park, where you’ll find the memorial.
If you’re visiting on your own, allow some time to stroll the waterfront paths along the Hudson, with views of the Statue of Liberty. Another site that draws many visitors to the park is the Liberty Science Center.
Things to know before you go
The walls of the memorial are 210 feet (64 meters) long, which was the exact width of each side of the Twin Towers.
The memorial is reportedly named after a Bruce Springsteen song of the same name.
Travelers recommend visiting during sunrise or sunset for the best views of the skyline.
How to get there
To visit the Empty Sky 9/11 Memorial, head to Liberty State Park in Jersey City. By car, take Interstate 78 or Interstate 95 and follow signs to the park. Public transit options include NJ Transit trains or the PATH to Exchange Place, then a connecting light rail to Liberty State Park. Ferries from Manhattan also provide access, offering views of the skyline along the way.
When to get there
The best time to visit the memorial is during the spring or fall, when the weather is mild. Early mornings and late afternoons offer a peaceful atmosphere for reflection. On September 11 and Memorial Day, there are opportunities to participate in commemorative events. Avoid peak midday hours in the summer, when there are usually large crowds.
The 9/11 Memorial
The 9/11 Memorial in New York City honors the nearly 3,000 lives lost in the September 11 attacks. Located at the World Trade Center site, it features twin reflecting pools inscribed with the victims' names. Surrounded by trees, it offers a serene space for remembrance, reflection, and paying tribute.
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