10 Easy Road Trips from East Orange, NJ (That Get You Out of Essex County)
Living in or around
East Orange, New Jersey and itching to get out of town for a bit? The good news is you don’t have to drive far to find new views, good food, or fun things to do.
You’re in a great spot for
short road trips in North Jersey. In less than an hour, you can hit the waterfront, hike a mountain, or wander through small historic towns. And don’t worry—everything here is
outside Essex County but still close enough for a relaxed day trip.
Below are
10 easy out-of-county road trips from East Orange, focusing on nearby spots in:
Bergen, Hudson, Morris, Passaic, and Union counties.
1. Hoboken Waterfront & Pier A Park (Hudson County)
If you want that classic
New York City skyline view without actually going into the city, head to
Hoboken. It’s about a 25–35 minute drive from East Orange, depending on traffic.
Walk along the
Hudson River waterfront and you’ll see sweeping views of Midtown and Lower Manhattan.
Pier A Park is perfect for:
- Picnics on the grass
- Sunset photos of the skyline
- Letting kids run around with plenty of open space
You can grab coffee or pizza on Washington Street and then stroll back toward the water. On warm evenings, it feels a bit like a mini-vacation, even though you never left New Jersey.
Road trip tip: Parking can be tight. Look for garages instead of circling forever on side streets.
2. Liberty State Park & Liberty Science Center (Jersey City, Hudson County)
From East Orange, you can be at
Liberty State Park in about 30–40 minutes, and it’s one of the most iconic places in New Jersey.
At the park, you’ll find:
- Incredible views of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
- Long walking and biking paths along the water
- Plenty of picnic spots and open space
Right next door is the
Liberty Science Center, which is a hit with families and anyone who likes hands-on exhibits. The planetarium is especially fun if you’re into space and stars.
If you’ve ever wanted that classic photo with Lady Liberty in the background—this is your spot.
Road trip tip: Go early on nice weekends. It fills up fast, especially in the spring and summer.
3. The Mills at Jersey Gardens (Elizabeth, Union County)
Need a change of scenery and some shopping therapy? About 20–30 minutes from East Orange is
The Mills at Jersey Gardens in Elizabeth, one of New Jersey’s biggest outlet malls.
You’ll find:
- Outlet versions of major brands
- Indoor walking (great on rainy or cold days)
- Food court and restaurants for a mid-shopping break
If you’re gearing up for a trip, back-to-school season, or just need new sneakers, this is an easy half-day or full-day outing.
Road trip tip: Plan a weekday or early morning visit if you want to avoid the crowds and get easier parking.
4. Branch Brook Park’s Cousin: Warinanco Park (Roselle / Elizabeth, Union County)
You might know Essex County’s Branch Brook Park for cherry blossoms, but if you want something
outside the county lines, try
Warinanco Park in Union County, about 25–30 minutes from East Orange.
This park has:
- Walking paths through wooded areas and open fields
- A beautiful lake with peaceful views
- Playgrounds and sports areas
It’s a quieter alternative to some of the better-known parks and makes for a relaxed afternoon walk or picnic.
Road trip tip: Pack a simple lunch or snacks so you’re not rushing off to eat. There are plenty of benches and grassy spots to spread out.
5. Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park (Passaic County)
About 25–35 minutes from East Orange,
Paterson Great Falls is one of the most surprising sights in North Jersey. You turn a corner in an urban area and suddenly there’s a massive waterfall.
The
Great Falls are about 77 feet high and are part of a
National Historical Park. You can:
- Walk across bridges with great views of the falls
- Learn about Paterson’s industrial history
- Take photos that make it look like you drove hours to see them
Standing close to the falls, you can feel the power of the water and hear the roar. It’s pretty impressive, especially after heavy rain.
Road trip tip: Wear comfortable shoes. There’s some walking and a few uneven paths, depending on which viewing areas you explore.
6. Turtle Back Zoo’s Neighbor: South Mountain Area Alternatives in Morris County
Since Essex County is off-limits for this list, drive just a bit farther to
Morris County for outdoor fun. One great option is heading toward the parks and reservations around
Boonton and
Parsippany, about 30–40 minutes away.
Look for spots like:
- Larger county parks with lakes for walking and fishing
- Wooded trails that feel a world away from city streets
- Picnic areas that are quiet, even on weekends
Think of it as a “lighter” version of going to the mountains—no long drive, but still trees, fresh air, and more nature than you see at home.
Road trip tip: Bring bug spray in the warmer months and a light jacket in spring and fall. Woods can feel cooler than city streets.
7. Morristown Green & Washington’s Headquarters Area (Morristown, Morris County)
If you like small-town charm with a side of history,
Morristown is a solid pick, about 30–40 minutes from East Orange.
Start at the
Morristown Green, a small park in the center of town. From there, you can:
- Walk to cafes and restaurants for brunch or lunch
- Browse local shops along the surrounding streets
- Drive a short distance to Washington’s Headquarters and nearby historic sites
It’s a nice mix of “walkable downtown” and “historic landmark,” all in one outing.
Road trip tip: This makes a great Sunday trip—late breakfast, a walk around town, then some light history to finish the day.
8. Clifton & Woodland Park Area Lookouts (Passaic County)
If you’re in the mood for views but don’t want to hike for hours, head toward the
Clifton and
Woodland Park area, roughly 25–35 minutes from East Orange.
In this part of Passaic County, you’ll find:
- Hilly areas with overlooks toward the New York City skyline
- Local parks where you can sit and take in the scenery
- Plenty of casual restaurants and diners for a meal before or after
On a clear day, the skyline looks almost like a postcard from some of these higher spots.
Road trip tip: Late afternoon into sunset is the best time for skyline views. Bring a light jacket; it can get breezy.
9. Edgewater & the Hudson River Waterfront (Bergen County)
If you love city views but want a quieter, more spread-out experience than Hoboken, check out
Edgewater in Bergen County, about 30–40 minutes from East Orange.
Here you’ll find:
- Hudson River walkways with benches to sit and watch the boats
- Shopping centers with big-name stores
- Lots of restaurants, from casual to more upscale
The combination of water, skyline, and easy parking (usually better than Hoboken) makes it a great low-stress day trip.
Road trip tip: Pair a waterfront walk with dinner overlooking the river for an easy “date night” or relaxed evening out.
10. Ridgewood’s Downtown Charm (Ridgewood, Bergen County)
Looking for a classic small-town feel without driving deep into the countryside?
Ridgewood is about 35–45 minutes from East Orange and has a cozy, walkable downtown.
In Ridgewood, you can:
- Stroll past historic homes and tree-lined streets
- Grab a coffee or ice cream and people-watch
- Check out local boutiques and small shops
It’s the kind of place where you can just wander without a strict plan. Sometimes those are the best kinds of road trips.
Road trip tip: Weekend evenings can be lively, with lots of people out for dinner. If you prefer quiet, go earlier in the day.
Making the Most of Short Road Trips from East Orange
You don’t need a full tank of gas or a week off work to explore. From East Orange, you can:
- Reach the Hudson River in under an hour
- See a national park waterfall the same afternoon
- Shop big outlets, visit small towns, and find quiet parks
Pick one of these
10 easy road trips, grab some snacks, and just go. Even a simple drive can reset your mood.
Share Your Favorite Spots Near East Orange
Now it’s your turn:
- Which of these places have you visited?
- Did I miss one of your favorite Bergen, Hudson, Morris, Passaic, or Union County spots?
Drop your thoughts, tips, and questions in the comments.
And if you know someone in
East Orange who’s always saying, “There’s nothing to do around here,”
share this post with them. They might be one short drive away from their new favorite spot.
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