Jersey City, New Jersey: 10 Short Road Trips for Easy Getaways

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10 Easy Road Trips From Jersey City, NJ (Out-of-County Adventures You’ll Love)

If you live in Jersey City, New Jersey (Hudson County) and feel like you’ve “done it all” close to home, you’re not alone. The good news? You’re surrounded by some of the most exciting places in the country, all within a short drive. Below are 10 fun, easy road trips from Jersey City that take you out of Hudson County and into nearby spots in:
  • Bergen County, NJ
  • Essex County, NJ
  • Union County, NJ
  • Kings County, NY (Brooklyn)
  • New York County, NY (Manhattan)
  • Richmond County, NY (Staten Island)
Each idea is perfect for a day trip, a date, a family outing, or a solo reset. Gas up, grab some snacks, and let’s hit the road.

1. Explore Nature and Mansions at the New Jersey Botanical Garden (Bergen County)

Want to swap traffic and tall buildings for trees and open sky? Head up to the New Jersey Botanical Garden at Skylands in Ringwood, Bergen County. It’s about an hour’s drive from Jersey City, depending on traffic, but it feels like you’ve gone states away.
  • Walk peaceful garden paths and tree-lined drives.
  • Check out the historic Skylands Manor from the outside.
  • Pack a picnic and spread out on the great lawn.
I remember the first time I went, I brought a folding chair and a book “just in case.” I never opened the book—I spent the whole time wandering and taking pictures of flowers. Road trip tip: Wear comfy shoes. The grounds are big, and you’ll want to explore as much as you can.

2. Art and Foodie Fun in Montclair (Essex County)

If you’re craving a small-town vibe but still want great food and culture, Montclair in Essex County is an easy win, roughly 30–40 minutes from Jersey City. Here’s what to do:
  • Visit the Montclair Art Museum for American and Native American art.
  • Stroll along Bloomfield Avenue and Church Street for shops and cafés.
  • Grab brunch or dinner at one of the many local restaurants.
Montclair feels like a mix of a college town and a mini city. It’s relaxed but still lively, and it’s a great alternative when you don’t feel like going into Manhattan but still want something “cool” to do. Road trip tip: Street parking can be tight on weekends, so keep an eye out for public lots.

3. Historic Downtown and River Views in Newark (Essex County)

Yes, Newark is more than just an airport. Just across the county line in Essex County, downtown Newark has a lot going on and it’s only about 20–30 minutes from Jersey City. You can:
  • Walk around the Newark Riverfront Park and enjoy Passaic River views.
  • Check out the historic architecture near Military Park.
  • Catch a show or game at the Prudential Center (concerts, hockey, and more).
If you’re into history and city exploring, this is a good half-day or evening trip. Grab coffee, walk, people-watch, and see a different side of urban New Jersey. Road trip tip: If you don’t want to deal with parking, you can also combine driving with NJ Transit or the PATH to get close, then walk.

4. Vintage Shopping and Diner Hopping in Summit (Union County)

Looking for a cozy, classic downtown with that “movie set” main street feel? Try Summit in Union County, about a 35–45 minute drive from Jersey City. Things to do in Summit:
  • Browse small boutiques and vintage shops in the walkable downtown.
  • Hit a classic diner or bakery for comfort food.
  • Relax in local parks or just wander the tree-lined streets.
Summit is one of those places where you can slow down a bit. I like to think of it as my “low-stress Saturday” spot—no big sights to rush through, just a chill day out. Road trip tip: Go earlier in the day to grab parking and brunch, then stroll while the sun’s still high.

5. Waterfront Walks and Shopping in Edgewater (Bergen County)

If you want Hudson River views without actually staying in Hudson County, head north to Edgewater in Bergen County. It’s around a 25–35 minute drive from Jersey City, depending on traffic. What you’ll find:
  • Long stretches of waterfront walkways facing Manhattan.
  • Shopping centers with big-box stores and chain restaurants.
  • Plenty of places to grab coffee and just gaze across at the skyline.
On a clear day, the view of Manhattan from Edgewater is hard to beat. It’s like a “reverse” Jersey City waterfront experience from the other side of the river. Road trip tip: Head there near sunset for golden-hour photos of the New York City skyline.

6. A Day in Brooklyn: Parks, Pizza, and Street Art (Kings County, NY)

From Jersey City, you’re surprisingly close to Brooklyn (Kings County). Depending on your route and traffic, you’re looking at roughly 40 minutes to an hour by car. Some classic Brooklyn stops:
  • Brooklyn Bridge Park – amazing views of the Manhattan skyline and the Brooklyn Bridge.
  • DUMBO – cobblestone streets, photo ops, and trendy shops.
  • Williamsburg – street art, coffee shops, rooftop bars, and boutiques.
You could spend a whole day here. I once did a “pizza mission” in Brooklyn—basically just walking, talking, and stopping for slices whenever something looked good. No regrets. Road trip tip: Parking in Brooklyn can be tough. If driving stresses you out, consider driving to a PATH or NJ Transit stop, then taking the subway into Brooklyn.

7. Classic New York City Sights in Manhattan (New York County, NY)

Even though it’s so close, many people in Jersey City think of Manhattan as “too much hassle” for a casual day trip. But it can actually be a simple, fun outing if you plan right. Driving times vary, but plan on 30 minutes to an hour. Once you cross into New York County (Manhattan), you have endless options:
  • Central Park – walk, bike, or just sit on a bench with a coffee.
  • Times Square – bright lights, big crowds, and that classic NYC buzz.
  • Museums – from the Met to smaller galleries, there’s something for every interest.
If you’ve got friends visiting from out of town and they’re staying in Jersey City, this is the easiest “wow” road trip to show them. Road trip tip: Consider parking once and walking or using the subway. Driving block to block in Manhattan can eat up time and patience.

8. Beaches and Boardwalks on Staten Island’s Shoreline (Richmond County, NY)

Want a quick beach feel without heading all the way down the Jersey Shore? Try Staten Island (Richmond County, NY). It’s about a 30–45 minute drive, depending on your route. Check out:
  • Midland Beach and South Beach – boardwalks, ocean views, sea air.
  • Fishing piers and playgrounds.
  • Bike paths and walking paths along the water.
On a sunny day, this is a chill alternative to busier Jersey beaches, especially if you just want a few hours by the water without committing to a full beach day. Road trip tip: Pack light—just a small cooler, towels, and sunscreen—so you can come and go easily.

9. Staten Island Greenbelt: Quiet Hikes Close to Home (Richmond County, NY)

If you love hiking but don’t want to drive deep into North Jersey, the Staten Island Greenbelt is a hidden gem. It’s a short hop from Jersey City—often under an hour, traffic depending. In the Greenbelt, you’ll find:
  • Wooded hiking trails that feel far from the city.
  • Ponds, streams, and lots of birdlife.
  • Easy, moderate, and slightly more challenging routes.
The first time I went, I was surprised how quiet it was. You’d never guess you were so close to New York City and Jersey City. Road trip tip: Check trail maps online before you go, and bring water and snacks. Cell service can be spotty in some areas.

10. Family Fun and Shopping in Paramus (Bergen County)

If your idea of a road trip includes shopping, food, and kids’ activities, head to Paramus in Bergen County, about 30–40 minutes from Jersey City. Paramus is famous for its shopping, but there’s more to do:
  • Hit the big malls for stores you can’t find everywhere.
  • Stop at family-friendly restaurants and dessert spots.
  • Check out nearby parks and mini-golf or arcade spots for the kids.
This is an easy option when the weather’s iffy—malls and indoor spots keep you busy even on rainy or super-hot days. Road trip tip: Be aware that many stores in Paramus follow local “blue laws” and are closed on Sundays, especially big retail shops.

How to Make the Most of These Short Road Trips

A few quick tips to turn these nearby getaways into memorable adventures:
  • Pick a theme: Maybe this weekend is “nature,” next weekend is “food,” and another is “city exploring.”
  • Go early: Beat traffic and crowds by starting your day before late morning.
  • Keep a small “go bag” in the car: Reusable water bottles, a light jacket, sunscreen, and a phone charger.
  • Be flexible: If parking looks rough in one spot, explore a nearby neighborhood instead.
Living in Jersey City

Share Your Favorite Jersey City Road Trips

I’d love to hear from you:
  • Which of these out-of-county road trips are you going to try first?
  • Do you have a favorite spot in Bergen, Essex, Union, Brooklyn, Manhattan, or Staten Island that you think more people should know about?
Drop a comment with your tips, stories, or questions. Your ideas can help other Jersey City locals discover new adventures just a short drive away. If you found this guide helpful, please share it with friends, family, or in your local groups. You never know who’s looking for a simple, fun escape from Jersey City this weekend.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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