10 Easy Road Trips From Trenton, NJ: Fun Things To Do Just Outside Mercer County
If you live in or near
Trenton, New Jersey and you’re itching to get out of town for a day, you’re in luck. Within about an hour’s drive, you’ll find beaches, historic towns, boardwalk fun, hiking trails, wineries, and more – all outside Mercer County.
These are simple, low-stress road trips. Think: hop in the car, grab a coffee, and go. No complicated planning, no huge packing list. Just you, the open road, and some classic
New Jersey and
Pennsylvania spots to explore.
Below are
10 short out-of-county road trips from Trenton to help you find fun things to do nearby.
1. New Hope, PA & Lambertville, NJ: Twin River Towns Charm
Just across the Delaware River from each other,
New Hope (Bucks County, PA) and
Lambertville (Hunterdon County, NJ) make a perfect half-day or full-day escape.
From Trenton, it’s about a 30–40 minute drive north along the river.
What you can do:
- Stroll the cute main streets packed with art galleries, antique shops, and cafés.
- Walk across the bridge between New Hope and Lambertville for great river views.
- Enjoy a meal at a riverside restaurant and watch the boats drift by.
- Check out live music in New Hope, especially on weekends.
If you like walkable, artsy towns with a laid-back vibe, this is one of the best quick
day trips from Trenton. It’s also perfect for a date day.
2. Sesame Place, Langhorne, PA: Family Fun in Bucks County
Got kids (or grandkids) who love Elmo and friends?
Sesame Place in Langhorne, in
Bucks County, Pennsylvania, is an easy drive from Trenton, usually around 30–35 minutes.
What to expect:
- Themed rides and shows based on Sesame Street characters.
- Water attractions in warm weather – pack swimsuits and towels.
- Parades, character meet-and-greets, and seasonal events.
It’s a great choice if you want something big enough to feel special, but close enough that you can still be home by bedtime. If you’ve been thinking, “Where can I take the kids near Trenton that isn’t too far?” this one should be on your list.
3. Grounds for Sculpture’s Neighbor: Historic Bordentown, NJ
While Grounds for Sculpture itself is in Mercer County (off-limits for this list), the charming little city of
Bordentown sits just over the line in
Burlington County and makes a simple, low-key outing from Trenton.
Drive time is usually about 15–20 minutes.
Things to do in and around Bordentown:
- Walk Farnsworth Avenue for small shops, bakeries, and restaurants.
- Grab ice cream or coffee and people-watch from a bench.
- Explore local history connected to figures like Joseph Bonaparte (Napoleon’s older brother).
It’s a small place, but that’s part of the charm. If you only have a few hours and you want to get out of Trenton without going far, Bordentown is an easy win.
4. Princeton Battlefield & Institute Woods (Hunterdon & Nearby)
While the town of Princeton is in Mercer County, the surrounding region stretches toward
Hunterdon County and offers plenty of Revolutionary War history and peaceful green space just a short drive away.
What makes this area special:
- Princeton Battlefield area (check boundaries carefully to stay outside Mercer if you’re tracking counties, but the “greater Princeton” region nudges right up toward Hunterdon).
- Institute Woods and nearby nature areas give you long, flat walking trails under tall trees.
- Historical markers that help you picture what happened here back in the 1700s.
If you enjoy easy walks, open fields, and a side of American history, this is a calm, reflective kind of road trip – good for a quiet Sunday.
5. Bucks County’s Covered Bridges Scenic Drive
If you enjoy leisurely drives and pretty backroads,
Bucks County is packed with classic
covered bridges. Many people do a self-guided “covered bridges tour” as a day trip from Trenton.
From Trenton, you can be on those scenic roads in about 25–30 minutes.
How to enjoy it:
- Look up a Bucks County covered bridges driving route before you go.
- Stop for photos at the bridges – they’re especially beautiful in fall.
- Pack snacks or a picnic to enjoy at a park along the way.
It’s the kind of simple day where you roll the windows down, put on some music, and just wander. If you’ve been itching for a “mini road trip” without going too far from Trenton, this is ideal.
6. Asbury Park, NJ: Boardwalk Vibes on the Jersey Shore
When someone says “beach day,”
Asbury Park in
Monmouth County is one of the easiest
Jersey Shore spots to reach from Trenton. Expect about a 55–70 minute drive, depending on traffic.
Here’s what you can do:
- Walk the boardwalk, check out murals, and browse quirky shops.
- Relax on the sandy beach and swim when it’s warm enough.
- Listen to live music – Asbury has a long music history (think Bruce Springsteen roots).
- Try one of the many restaurants or bars along Cookman Avenue.
Asbury Park works for couples, friends, or even a solo day trip from Trenton if you just need some sea air and a different scene.
7. Sandy Hook / Gateway National Recreation Area
Another great
Monmouth County coastal escape is
Sandy Hook, part of Gateway National Recreation Area. From Trenton, you’re looking at around a 1–1.5 hour drive, but it still works well as a day trip.
Why people love Sandy Hook:
- Long stretches of beach with views back toward New York City on clear days.
- Biking paths – pack your bikes or rent nearby and ride along the coast.
- Old military sites and lighthouses to explore.
It has a slightly wilder, more open feel than some of the busier shore towns, so if you like nature and quieter beaches, this is a good pick.
8. Rutgers New Brunswick & the Raritan Riverfront
Looking for a mix of college-town energy, history, and river views? Head to
New Brunswick in Middlesex County, home to Rutgers University. From Trenton, the drive is usually 35–45 minutes.
Things to check out:
- Walk through the Rutgers campus and visit some of the older buildings.
- Stroll along the Raritan River for fresh air and views.
- Explore downtown New Brunswick’s restaurants and cafés.
- Catch a show at a local theater or a university event (many are open to the public).
This is a great choice if you like towns with a mix of history and student life – plus lots of food options.
9. Duke Farms in Hillsborough, Somerset County
If you’ve been craving nature but don’t feel like tackling steep mountain hikes,
Duke Farms in
Somerset County is a wonderful option. It’s usually about a 45–55 minute drive from Trenton.
Why Duke Farms is worth the trip:
- Miles of flat walking and biking paths through meadows, woods, and gardens.
- Peaceful lakes, sculpture, and interesting old stone structures.
- Plenty of spots to sit, relax, and just enjoy being outside.
It’s family-friendly, good for all fitness levels, and a nice change of pace if you’ve been stuck indoors. Just be sure to check their current hours and any reservation rules before you go.
10. Flemington, NJ: Outlets, History, and Hunterdon County Backroads
About 40–50 minutes northwest of Trenton,
Flemington in
Hunterdon County offers a mix of shopping and small-town charm, plus easy access to countryside drives.
What you can do:
- Visit outlet shops for deals on clothes, shoes, and more.
- Explore downtown Flemington’s historic buildings and local eateries.
- Drive the surrounding backroads for rolling hills, farms, and scenic views.
If you want a day that combines errands (like outlet shopping) with a bit of exploring, Flemington is a no-stress choice.
Tips for Easy Day Trips from Trenton
To keep your road trips from Trenton simple and fun:
- Leave with a rough plan, not a strict schedule. Have 2–3 things you’d like to do, then keep the rest flexible.
- Check parking and hours ahead of time, especially for beaches, parks, and attractions.
- Pack a small “day trip kit.” Think water, snacks, a light jacket, phone charger, sunscreen, and maybe a small blanket for picnics.
- Use the back roads when you can. Sometimes the scenic route ends up being the best part of the day.
When I do short trips like these, I usually decide on a simple “theme” for the day: maybe “coffee and bookstores,” “river views and walks,” or “beach and boardwalk.” It makes choices easier and keeps the day from feeling rushed.
Where Will You Go Next?
You don’t have to drive far from
Trenton, NJ to find new things to do. Whether you want:
- a beach day in Monmouth County,
- a scenic drive through Bucks County,
- nature time in Somerset or Hunterdon County, or
- family fun in Middlesex County,
there’s a quick road trip waiting just outside Mercer County.
Now it’s your turn:
Where’s your favorite short road trip from Trenton? Did I miss a spot you love in Burlington, Hunterdon, Middlesex, Monmouth, Somerset, or Bucks County?
Share your go-to destinations in the comments and let’s build a local road trip list together.
If you found this guide helpful, please share it with a friend who’s always saying, “There’s nothing to do around here.” You might just inspire their next adventure.
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