New Jersey Colgate Clock
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Colgate Clock Jersey City

4.6
·1k reviews·Jersey City, United States

A colossal, historic clock on Jersey City's waterfront, offering iconic views of the Manhattan skyline.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Sunset

Golden hour for skyline photos

CrowdMedium
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New Jersey Colgate Clock

Colgate Clock Jersey City

Best Time

Sunset

Golden hour for skyline photos

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A colossal, historic clock on Jersey City's waterfront, offering iconic views of the Manhattan skyline.

4.6
(1k reviews)

"Iconic landmark on the Jersey City waterfront with breathtaking beauty of New York City."

Vertical photo
TIP

🌅 Sunset Spectacle

Catch the Manhattan skyline light up at sunset for unforgettable photos .

🚶‍♀️ Waterfront Stroll

Enjoy a leisurely walk along the path; it's a popular spot for dog owners .

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Iconic Colgate Clock

The Iconic Colgate Clock

Hudson River Waterfront Walkway

A massive, historic clock offering stunning views of the Manhattan skyline across the river.

Manhattan Skyline Views

Manhattan Skyline Views

Hudson River Waterfront Walkway

Breathtaking panoramic vistas of Lower Manhattan, especially magical at sunset.

Hudson River Waterfront Walkway

Hudson River Waterfront Walkway

Jersey City Waterfront

A peaceful promenade perfect for leisurely walks, dog-friendly, and great for people-watching.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

While the Colgate Clock is a constant, the best time to visit is for sunset views of the Manhattan skyline. Be aware that the clock itself has been noted to run a bit fast.Reddit

Waterfront Walkway Access

The clock is best viewed from the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway. This scenic path offers great photo opportunities and a pleasant stroll, often frequented by dog walkers.Reddit

Best Times

When
Sunset
Why
Golden hour for skyline photos
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Peaceful strolls, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Colgate Clock, Jersey City

🌅 Sunset Spectacle

Catch the Manhattan skyline light up at sunset for unforgettable photos.Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Waterfront Stroll

Enjoy a leisurely walk along the path; it's a popular spot for dog owners.Reddit

reddit.com

Anyone know who’s in charge of the Colgate clock? They got the wrong time!

reddit.com

Looking to Shoot Somewhere w/ a Large Digital or Analog Clock (NYC / Long Island)

⏰ Clock Accuracy

Note that the clock has been observed to run a bit fast.Reddit

📸 Photo Ops Galore

Perfect spot for capturing the clock and the NYC skyline.Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🌅 Sunset Spectacle

Catch the Manhattan skyline light up at sunset for unforgettable photos.Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Waterfront Stroll

Enjoy a leisurely walk along the path; it's a popular spot for dog owners.Reddit

⏰ Clock Accuracy

Note that the clock has been observed to run a bit fast.Reddit

📸 Photo Ops Galore

Perfect spot for capturing the clock and the NYC skyline.Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Colgate Clock for its iconic status and the stunning Manhattan skyline views it offers, especially at sunset. The Waterfront Walkway is a highlight for its pleasant atmosphere and suitability for leisurely walks and dog owners. Some note the clock's timekeeping is a bit fast.

"The Colgate Clock is one of Jersey City’s most iconic landmarks! Located right along the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway, it’s a beautiful spot to relax, take photos, or just enjoy the view of the Manhattan skyline"

Gisela

"The clock is a bit fast. I saw the two hands align about 2 minutes before noon.
The view outwards towards the ocean is nice, but lacks any shading. There isn't anything beyond the area, so you'll need to make a U turn back"

Andrew Lam

"This place is absolutely amazing! You can take a walk along the bay and witness the breathtaking beauty of New York City. The views are truly awe-inspiring, and it's a fantastic spot for a leisurely stroll. Highly recommended for anyone looking to escape the city and enjoy a peaceful walk with magnificent views."

Gio

What People Like

Iconic landmark
Stunning skyline views
Peaceful waterfront walk

What People Dislike

Clock runs fast

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Colgate Clock is accessible via the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway. You can reach the walkway by public transport to nearby Jersey City PATH stations or by car, though parking can be limited. Many visitors enjoy walking or biking along the waterfront to reach the clock.Reddit

Parking directly at the clock is very limited. It's recommended to find parking in the surrounding areas of Jersey City's waterfront and walk to the clock. Public transportation is often a more convenient option.Reddit

Yes, the Colgate Clock is a great destination for a walk along the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway. It offers scenic views as you approach.Reddit

The best way is to stroll along the Waterfront Walkway, taking in the views of the clock and the Manhattan skyline. It's a pleasant area for a relaxed visit.Reddit

The Waterfront Walkway is generally well-lit and frequented by people, making it feel safe. However, as with any urban area, it's always wise to be aware of your surroundings, especially late at night.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, there are no tickets required to view the Colgate Clock. It is a public landmark located on the waterfront promenade, accessible to everyone.Reddit

The Colgate Clock is visible at all hours as it's an outdoor landmark. The Waterfront Walkway is also generally accessible from dawn till dusk, though specific park hours might apply.

No, the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway is a public park and is free to access for all visitors.Reddit

The Colgate Clock is a historical landmark and is not open for interior visits. It is meant to be viewed from the exterior along the waterfront.

There are no specific restrictions for visiting the clock itself. However, standard public park rules apply to the Waterfront Walkway, such as leash laws for pets.Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Sunset is highly recommended for capturing the clock with the illuminated Manhattan skyline as a backdrop.Reddit Golden hour offers beautiful light for both the clock and the city views.

You can capture wide shots of the massive clock with the NYC skyline, close-ups of the clock face, and scenic views along the Waterfront Walkway. It's also a popular spot for portraits with the city as a background.Reddit

Drone usage is typically restricted in urban areas and near public parks and waterfronts due to safety and privacy regulations. It's best to check with local authorities or the Jersey City Parks Department for specific drone policies.

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the clock and the expansive skyline. A telephoto lens can be useful for details on the clock face or distant city buildings. A tripod is highly recommended for low-light sunset shots.Reddit

The entire stretch of the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway offers excellent vantage points. Standing directly in front of the clock or slightly to its sides provides classic perspectives.Reddit

ℹ️ ℹ️ General Information

The Colgate Clock was originally installed in 1924 by the Colgate-Palmolive Company as a gift to Jersey City. It was once the largest clock in the world and served as a prominent advertisement for the company's products.Reddit

It's famous for its immense size and its iconic location on the Jersey City waterfront, offering unparalleled views of the Manhattan skyline. It's a beloved local landmark.Reddit

The clock face is approximately 50 feet (15 meters) in diameter, with the hour and minute hands measuring about 25 feet (7.6 meters) and 20 feet (6.1 meters) respectively. It's a truly colossal structure.Reddit

The Colgate Clock is situated on the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway, offering access to parks, seating areas, and stunning views of New York City. The former Colgate-Palmolive headquarters site is also nearby.Reddit

Yes, the Colgate Clock is still operational, though it has been noted by visitors to sometimes run a bit fast.Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Colgate Clock and its surrounding Waterfront Walkway offer a pleasant outing for families. Kids often marvel at the sheer size of the Colgate Clock, making it a fun visual spectacle. The Waterfront Walkway provides ample space for children to walk, run, and enjoy the open air without the confines of busy city streets.Reddit

It's a great spot for a picnic lunch with a view of the Manhattan skyline. The gentle breeze from the river and the open space make it a more relaxed experience than navigating crowded city parks. Remember to bring comfortable shoes for walking and perhaps a frisbee or ball for some outdoor fun on the grassy areas adjacent to the walkway.Reddit

📸 Photographers & Instagrammers

The Colgate Clock is a prime location for capturing iconic shots. The Manhattan skyline serves as a breathtaking backdrop, especially during sunset, when the city lights begin to glow. Wide-angle lenses are perfect for encompassing both the massive clock and the sprawling cityscape.Reddit

Experiment with different angles along the Waterfront Walkway to find unique perspectives. The clock itself offers interesting details for close-up shots, while the panoramic views are ideal for sweeping landscape photography. Don't forget to capture the clock's hands, as they've been noted to have a quirky, fast-paced rhythm.Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Leisurely Strollers & Dog Walkers

For those seeking a peaceful escape, the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway is ideal. It's a well-maintained path perfect for a relaxed stroll, offering beautiful river views and a refreshing atmosphere. The area is known for being dog-friendly, making it a favorite spot for local dog owners to let their pets roam and socialize.Reddit

There are plenty of benches and open spaces to sit, relax, and simply enjoy the scenery. It’s a great place to unwind, listen to the water, and appreciate the urban landscape from a different perspective. The proximity to the Colgate Clock adds a unique historical element to your walk.Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into History

The Colgate Clock stands as a testament to Jersey City's industrial past. Erected in 1924 by the Colgate-Palmolive Company, it was initially intended as a prominent advertisement and a gift to the city. For a time, it held the title of the world's largest clock, a symbol of the company's prominence and Jersey City's industrial might. Its sheer scale, with a face measuring 50 feet in diameter, was designed to be seen from miles around, including across the Hudson River in Manhattan.Reddit

While the Colgate-Palmolive headquarters are no longer at this location, the clock remains a beloved iconic landmark on the Jersey City waterfront. It has transitioned from a commercial advertisement to a cherished piece of local heritage. Visitors often marvel at its size and its enduring presence, a constant reminder of the area's rich history. The clock's enduring appeal lies not just in its size, but in its picturesque setting against the backdrop of the New York City skyline.Reddit

Despite its historical significance, the clock has been noted by some visitors to have a slight inaccuracy in its timekeeping, occasionally running a bit fast. This quirk adds a touch of character to the landmark, reminding visitors that even historical icons have their unique traits. Nevertheless, its visual impact and historical resonance continue to draw visitors to the waterfront.Reddit

Experiencing the Waterfront Walkway

The Hudson River Waterfront Walkway is more than just a path to the Colgate Clock; it's a destination in itself. This scenic promenade stretches for miles, offering unparalleled views of the Manhattan skyline, the Statue of Liberty, and the bustling harbor. It's a popular spot for leisurely strolls, jogging, cycling, and simply enjoying the fresh air and impressive vistas.Reddit

Many visitors highlight the walkway as a fantastic place to relax and escape the city's hustle. It's particularly noted as a dog-friendly area, often filled with local residents and their pets enjoying the open space. The presence of seating areas along the path provides perfect spots to pause, take in the views, and perhaps enjoy a snack. The sound of the water and the expansive sky contribute to a peaceful and rejuvenating atmosphere.Reddit

For photographers, the Waterfront Walkway is a dream. The Manhattan skyline provides a dynamic and ever-changing backdrop, especially during the golden hour of sunset when the city lights begin to twinkle. Whether you're capturing the grandeur of the Colgate Clock or the distant skyscrapers, the walkway offers numerous angles and opportunities for stunning photography.Reddit

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