The Honorable William Wall: Jersey City's Floating Clubhouse - Hoboken Girl
Memorial Day Weekend will be here in just a few short days (yes, we’re wondering how it’s almost June as well), which means summer plans are full steam ahead. Our team of locals has rounded up 50 summer bucket list activities in Hoboken and Jersey City here, but this week, we’re highlighting an activity that is simply a must-try this summer. Enter the Honorable William Wall — aka the Willy Wall — Jersey City’s two-story floating clubhouse complete with a full bar and good vibes on the Hudson River. The Willy Wall is anchored in New York Harbor, with launches from Jersey City every half hour, and is open Tuesday through Saturday, rain or shine.
The Honorable William Wall, commonly known as the Willy Wall to locals, is a two-story floating barge that is anchored in New York Harbor and launches from Jersey City. It is equipped with a full bar, and visitors can bring their own food for snacking (but all drinks must be purchased on board). The upper deck is covered, and the lower deck is completely enclosed, so you can still enjoy the festivities during rainy or overcast weather. The clubhouse only closes in the event of a hurricane or another major storm.
So, who exactly is the Honorable William Wall, and what is the story behind the clubhouse? According to the Willy Wall website, the Honorable William Wall was an entrepreneur who moved to New York City in the early 1800s. He founded the Wall Rope Works, which became the premium supplier of cordage to the shipping industry. William then went on to serve as Mayor of Williamsburg, head of the Brooklyn Navy Yard, and a United States Congressman during the Civil War.
Michael Wall Fortenbaugh is the Commodore of the Manhattan Yacht Club, which manages the Willy Wall. Commodore Fortenbaugh moved to NYC in 1987 and was inspired by his distant relation to build the Willy Wall in 2002.
The Willy Wall operates Tuesday through Saturday, with two seatings on Saturdays. Patrons board the Admiral’s Launch vessel at the Manhattan Yacht Club clubhouse, located at 140 Dudley Street in Jersey City. Weekday tickets are $20, and weekend tickets are $30. There are also “Special Manhattan Tickets” available on weekdays for those looking to board from NYC’s Brookfield Ferry Terminal.
The ticket times are as follows:
All tickets can be bought on the website here, where you can also choose a launch time. When booking a spot, there is the option to reserve an upper deck table, which can seat four to six people and guarantees a place to sit and enjoy the drinks and views. There is also seating at the bar, as well as standing room. The Willy Wall has a max capacity of 149 people. The Willy Wall is family-friendly, but parents must keep an eye on their children at all times. Life jackets are required for younger children.
Aside from reserving a table, patrons can also rent out the Willy Wall for private events like birthdays, engagements, corporate parties, and more — those interested can learn more here.
From time to time, special events are held on the Honorable William Wall. The clubhouse hosts a Full Moon Party, its signature event, multiple times per year during the Full Moon. The party is rock-n-roll themed, with tunes from the 70s and 80s starting in the early evening. As the night progresses and the moon rises, music from the 80s, 90s, and beyond are played. “If you like to have fun, come out and feel the moon, and feel free to HOWL,” the website reads. Stay tuned on the website for 2025 Full Moon party dates.
Also upcoming on the Willy Wall is a Sofar Boat Show, which will take place on Sunday, June 1st. The event will include live music from 6PM-8PM as well as drinks, and tickets can be purchased here. Those interested can choose between 5:30PM, 6PM, or 6:30PM launch times, and the cost is $50.
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Along with pizza, bagels, diners, and greenery, New Jersey is known for its boardwalks, and when the warmer weather rolls around, we residents get to enjoy the best of the Garden State's summer festivities. Boardwalks have a lot of fun activities for everyone to enjoy, like arcades, food spots, boutiques, and gift shops, especially in places like Asbury Park, Ortley Beach, and Sea Isle City.
With classic New Jersey hotspots like Wonderbar and The Stone Pony, there is something for everyone on the Asbury Park Boardwalk. This four-mile stretch of seaside boardwalk is home to Asbury Park Distilling Co., the Silverball Retro Arcade, Asbury 18 Mini-Golf, glassblowing at Hot Sand, and homemade ice cream at Cookman Creamery, as well as Paranormal Books and Curiosities for those who like some summertime spookiness. After a day of exploring, travelers should stop at Low Dive for some cocktails or AP Rooftop for hearty eats. Be sure to check out the 8th Avenue Dog Beach at the end of the day, and we recommend snapping some pictures by the iconic Asbury Park Convention Hall.
The Atlantic City Boardwalk is a summer staple for funnel cake, Italian ice, and saltwater taffy — and it also happens to be the world’s very first boardwalk. The Ferris wheel at Steel Pier is always a good time, and concerts at Kennedy Plaza are home to wonderful music. There are even free concerts throughout the summer and mini golf at Atlantic City Miniature Golf. There’s no shortage of fun things to do at this boardwalk.
This Monmouth County gem is located in the Central Shore region. On this boardwalk, attractions like The Columns, which is a live music venue as well as a restaurant, are just one of the many things to do in Avon-by-the-Sea. Gazebos and pavilion areas are located along the boardwalk to enjoy lunch from local delis in the area. Almost daily in July and August, the boardwalk features live concerts at 7:30PM located one block North of the Pavilion.
While driving by Ocean Avenue in Belmar, the boardwalk and beach expand from First to 20th Avenues. Besides walking, this boardwalk has lots to see and do. There are attractions, shops, and restaurants to enjoy such as La Dolce Vita, Beckman's On the Beach, Marina Grille, Hazel Boutique, Eastern Lines Surf Shop, and more.
This small beach town shouldn’t be overlooked. With neighboring towns, Asbury Park and Ocean Grove, Bradley Beach is another boardwalk to add to your bucket list. With its quiet and laid-back vibe, catch a glimpse of the sunrise or sunset by the boardwalk while enjoying the ocean breeze and scent.
If looking to get daily steps in, Lavallette is a spot worth checking out. It isn’t a typical boardwalk with games and sounds — it’s a mile-long boardwalk that acts as an entryway to the beach. Besides walking, visitors can bike or run and enjoy the boardwalk. Visitors can admire the beachfront houses along the coast.
Arguably New Jersey’s most Victorian-style oceanside boardwalk, Pier Village in Long Branch is named ‘City by the Sea’ because it is classically cute. The glass-encased Pier Village Carousel is a prime spot for pictures, or if you’re more into gaming and activities, shooting skee ball at Boardwalk Fun n’ Games is the way to go. McLoone’s Pier House hosts live music with cocktails and stunning ocean views. Long Branch is the place to go for a classy visit.
Located in Toms River, this boardwalk is similar to Lavallette. On Ortley’s boardwalk, visitors are free to take a stroll while enjoying the ocean breeze. Ortley Beach is located right by the boardwalk for those wanting to catch some waves after a long walk.
If beachside arcades and amusement parks are a must in your summer plans, Jenkinson’s in Point Pleasant is the spot to go — and it’s a great place to bring some kids along. Leaning on the family-friendly side with the Adventure Lookout Ropes Course, funhouse, aquarium, and tons of boardwalk games, Jenkinson’s is sure to entertain both little ones and adults alike. After the beach day, Jenks Club or the Inlet Bar are great spots to grab a drink and listen to live music while gazing at sunset views.
If visiting Spring Lake, Sea Girt’s boardwalk is just a six-minute drive away. Ocean views are a must-see while checking Sea Girt out. The Historic Sea Girt Lighthouse is a great pit stop after all the walking on the boardwalk.
Casino Pier at Seaside Heights is a must-see Jersey Shore hotspot for amusement park rides, carnival games, go-karts, and mini-golf, with plenty of bars and nightlife after prime beach hours. Berkeley Candy is a Seaside Heights classic for house-made salt water taffy for those with a sweet tooth — or you can post up on the beach and see the local surfers catch the waves from Memorial to Labor Day. Once the sun goes down, the Aztec Bar is a lively scene for drinks and live music with that Atlantic view.
Sea Isle City’s Promenade and Boardwalk expands from 29th to 57th Street. There are breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean while walking, running, or cycling. With the Promenade being next to the boardwalk, there are gift shops, food spots, arcades, and local boutiques worth checking out.
With a length of 2.2 miles, the Spring Lake boardwalk has two neighboring towns and is a perfect spot for a casual stroll without a lot of traffic. The north end of the boardwalk is near two arches that mark the border between Belmar and Spring Lake. As for the south end, visitors will come across the town of Sea Girt. While making your way through the boardwalk, pavilion areas are found to sit down and watch the ocean waves in peace.
Ocean City Boardwalk’s two-and-a-half miles of beachside bliss is the spot for bike rentals by the shore. Bikers can cruise by lines of shops and art vendors, or park on the dunes for some time on the sand. The rides at Playland’s Castaway Cove are a ton of fun, and the pool at Ocean City Waterpark, which opens sometime in June, is also a great spot to cool off after a long day in the sun. Quieter than its shoreside peers, Ocean City Boardwalk does not serve alcohol, but you can stay past sundown for neon carnival rides, live music, and homemade fudge.
Ventnor City is just a quick 10-minute drive (not including traffic!) from nearby Atlantic City. This boardwalk is a quieter, low-key vibe for those wanting to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. It is 1.5 miles long and some highlights of this boardwalk include sightseeing Ventnor City’s fishing pier, tennis courts, library, and houses.
With carnival rides, over 100 shops + snack stalls, and three water parks, Wildwood is a summertime New Jersey staple down the shore. Stretching thirty-eight blocks of shoreline, there’s nothing that can’t be found in Wildwood. From go-kart racing at Morey’s Piers to monster truck rides on the beach and a zip line, there’s plenty to do both on and off the sand. HG pro tip: We recommend getting a reservation at Breakfast in the Sky to jump-start your day on the Ferris wheel, a uniquely Wildwood experience.
