The Meadowlands stretch along the banks of the Hackensack and Passaic Rivers to the point where these waterways enter Newark Bay. The Meadowlands encompasses 8,400 acres of undeveloped wetlands, as well as parts of neighboring communities.
When English settlers arrived in the 1700s, the Hackensack Indians lived along the ridge overlooking Overpeck Creek. Towering Atlantic white cedar forests covered the area until Dutch settlers cleared the land and drained the marshes for hay fields.
Over the course of time, the area became a dumping ground for industrial waste and garbage, but in the 1960s, New Jersey legislature started the Hackensack Meadowlands Development Commission to manage developments and landfills, as well as oversee conservation and restoration projects. In 2015, the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority merged with the commission. Today, with help from the Environmental Protection Agency, the Meadowlands is becoming a healthier wetland habitat more like its original state.
The area boasts the Meadowlands Sports Complex which is home to the New York Giants, the New York Jets, concerts, and horseracing events. Shopping options abound with loads of local shops, popular retailers, and shopping malls. The Harmon Meadow mall has large stores like Kohl's, Wal-Mart, and TJ Maxx, alongside smaller stores and restaurants. The Newport Centre, a three-tiered mall, has large stores including Macy's, Sears, and JCPenney. Smaller shops boast services, eats, and products at shops from Adidas to Zumiez, with dozens in between.
Dining options in Meadowlands will please your palette, no matter what you're craving. From fast food and breakfast cafes to chain restaurants and fine restaurants, there's something for every occasion. Indulge your senses with upscale international cuisines including Italian and Mediterranean fare or lighten up your night with a late night meal at a retro diner.
Because the Meadowlands aren't an incorporated city, there aren't hotels with a Meadowlands address. Don't worry; there are ample lodging choices within a quick drive of the Meadowlands. Many of the hotels are well-known chains with great rates. The most luxurious lodging in the area is found in New York City, but that's less than 10 miles away.
When to Visit Meadowlands, NJ
From December to February you'll find the best rates on hotels and attractions since this is the lowest tourist season. If you're traveling for a sports event, be sure to book ahead of time since visitor numbers peak around football games and racing events. High temperatures stay in the 20s and 30s, so be sure to pack layers and a warm coat.
Fiends for the hit show, The Walking Dead, descend on Edison every December for a massive zombie-filled weekend. Many of the show's cast, both past and present, show for talks and photo ops. Peruse the deadly artwork, collectibles, and exhibitors for a thrilling time.
In February, the Great Beer Expo comes to Secaucus bringing hundreds of beer samples from brewers across the globe. You'll sample beers from the world's most popular and award-winning brewers over a full day of fun and entertainment.
From March to May, the Meadowlands comes to life. High temperatures start in the upper 40s and climb to the low 70s by May. Make sure to pack an umbrella because spring showers are common. Expect lows in the 30s in March and lows in the 50s in May.
Take a trip into the Big Apple for The St. Patrick's Day Parade every March or the Ninth Avenue International Food Festival in May. In Somerset, New Jersey, every spring the Sports Memorabilia Show takes place. Fans delight in the massive showing of autographed collectibles and rare items from all sports avenues.
Summertime is a great time to visit Meadowlands, but you will pay more for hotels and fares. Tourism peaks from June to August, so book well ahead for a summer getaway. High temperatures average in the 80s, but the humidity is high, making the days sticky. Lows hover in the 60s and nights are often muggy with the higher humidity.
In June, check out the Hoboken Arts & Music Festival where you'll stroll along Washington Street taking in art and live music. Dozens of vendors selling hand-crafted wares entice you while you dine on delectable street food.
Autumn is a busy time in Meadowlands with the kickoff of football season. Outside of game weekends, you can expect somewhat lower rates. If you're coming to the area for a game, make sure to book far ahead for availability. Temperatures in the fall range from the mid-70s in September to the mid-50s in November. Lows drop from near 60 to around 40 by fall's end.
Embrace your love for all things comic related at the New Jersey Comic Expo in November. This massive gathering brings comic lovers and pop-culture fiends together over a fun-filled weekend. Enjoy artwork, tasty treats, collectibles, and cosplayers.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in East Rutherford, NJ:
East Rutherford, NJ: Prices by Star Rating Class
Below we've posted 3 graphs illustrating avg. nightly cost patterns by star rating class in East Rutherford, NJ. Browse these illustrations to evaluate the most cost effective months to make a reservation in East Rutherford for upcoming travels.
Luxury Hotels Near Meadowlands, NJ
4 Star Average Prices: $147.42
Experience living like royalty at The St. Regis New York. The lavishly decorated rooms start at 430 square feet and top out at 3,600 square feet. The largest, The Presidential Suite, boasts a full kitchen, a separate living room, three bedrooms, and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city. Enjoy free bottled water, a complimentary mini bar, and free bottle of champagne. The master bedroom includes a marble bath and St. Regis bed dressed with luxury sheets and a down comforter. Other perks include shoe shining, garment pressing, fresh fruit at arrival, and 24-hour butler service.
At the Four Seasons New York, indulge in city high life. Room choices range from a studio to a specialty suite. The top-of-the-line suite, the Ty Warner Penthouse, boasts unique furnishings and round-the-clock concierge. All rooms include free Wi-Fi for unlimited devices, housekeeping twice daily, turndown service, and shoe shining. Getting around is easy with the hotel's courtesy car within a certain distance. Enjoy a pampering at the spa or refreshing session in the sauna after working up a sweat in the fitness center. Hire the childcare service and spend the evening at the Ty Bar with your beloved.
Affordable Hotels in Meadowlands, NJ
3 Star Average Prices: $132.31
For a simple room at a great price, check out Rodeway Inn in Belleville. You'll be minutes from the Meadowlands, MetLife Stadium, and the Prudential Center. Every room features a flat-screen TV with cable channels to keep you busy and free Wi-Fi to keep you connected. Family travel costs less since kids under 18 stay free in a parent's room. Sleep a little later with the hotel's 12 p.m. check-out.
At Red Roof Inn PLUS+ Secaucus - Meadowlands - NYC, you'll be close to Meadowlands attractions and the best of New York City. These premium rooms boast modern decor with vibrant red accents, LED lighting, flat-screen TVs with HDTV channels, and wood-like flooring. The kids will love the welcome box with water, orange juice, trail mix, granola bars, and popcorn. Make sure to spend some time relaxing in the waterside gazebo.