Fair Lawn, New Jersey: 10 Short Road Trips for Easy Getaways

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10 Easy Road Trips Near Fair Lawn, NJ (That Take You Out of Bergen County)

If you live in or near Fair Lawn, New Jersey, you know how easy it is to get stuck in the same weekend routine. Target runs. The same takeout spot. Binge-watching instead of actually going somewhere. But here’s the good news: Fair Lawn is in an amazing spot for quick, out-of-county road trips. In 30–60 minutes, you can be in a totally different world—city views, rivers, mountains, historic towns, and some seriously good food. Below are 10 short road trips from Fair Lawn, all outside of Bergen County, focusing on nearby counties like Essex, Hudson, Passaic, Bronx, New York (Manhattan), Rockland, and Westchester. Each one works for a half-day or full-day escape.

1. Montclair, NJ – Artsy, Walkable, and Full of Food (Essex County)

Montclair is one of those towns that feels a little bit like a city and a little bit like a small town. It’s about a 25–30 minute drive from Fair Lawn, depending on traffic, and it’s perfect for a relaxed Saturday. Things to do in Montclair:
  • Montclair Art Museum – Small, friendly, and easy to explore in a couple of hours. Great if you want culture without feeling overwhelmed.
  • Bloomfield Avenue – Stroll, window-shop, and grab coffee or ice cream. It’s super walkable.
  • Eagle Rock Reservation (technically in West Orange) – Just a short drive from downtown Montclair, with views of the New York City skyline and peaceful walking trails.
If you want a low-stress day trip near Fair Lawn with good food and a little culture, Montclair is a strong first pick.

2. Branch Brook Park & Newark Waterfront – Cherry Blossoms and City Vibes (Essex County)

When people think of Newark, they often think of the airport. But if you skip the terminal and actually go into the city, you’ll find some real gems. Highlights near Newark for a road trip from Fair Lawn:
  • Branch Brook Park – Famous for its cherry blossoms in spring, but worth a visit any time of year. Wide paths, lakes, and open lawns make it great for a stroll or picnic.
  • Newark Riverfront Park – Colorful boardwalk-style paths by the Passaic River, with views of downtown Newark and cool public art.
  • Ironbound District – If you like Portuguese or Brazilian food, this neighborhood is a must. Come hungry.
It’s about a 30–35 minute drive from Fair Lawn, depending on traffic. If you time it right, you can do park time in the afternoon and dinner in the Ironbound afterward.

3. Hoboken – The “Mile Square City” with Big NYC Views (Hudson County)

Hoboken is one of the easiest day trips near Fair Lawn if you want city energy without fully diving into Manhattan. You can usually get there in about 30–40 minutes, depending on the route and traffic. What to do in Hoboken:
  • Hudson River Waterfront Walkway – Walk along the water, sit on a bench, and soak in postcard views of the Manhattan skyline.
  • Pier A Park & Pier C Park – Great for kids, couples, and anyone who wants a chill green space right by the water.
  • Washington Street – Hoboken’s main drag, full of shops, cafes, and bars. Great for an afternoon of wandering and people-watching.
If you’ve got friends visiting from out of town and don’t want to fight midtown traffic, Hoboken is a perfect compromise: New York views, New Jersey parking.

4. Liberty State Park & Jersey City Waterfront (Hudson County)

Just a bit farther south along the Hudson River, Jersey City makes a fantastic short road trip from Fair Lawn, especially if you love history and skyline views. Top stops:
  • Liberty State Park – Wide open spaces, walking and biking paths, and some of the best views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and Lower Manhattan.
  • Empty Sky 9/11 Memorial – A powerful and moving memorial that frames the New York City skyline.
  • Downtown Jersey City – Newark Avenue and Grove Street are packed with restaurants, coffee shops, and bars.
From Fair Lawn, plan on around 40–45 minutes by car. On a nice day, you can bring a picnic, walk the waterfront, and end the trip with dinner downtown.

5. Paterson Great Falls – A National Historical Park Close to Home (Passaic County)

If you want something fast and outdoorsy, this is one of the best quick trips from Fair Lawn. The Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park is usually less than a 20-minute drive away. Why it’s worth going:
  • The Falls – A powerful 77-foot waterfall right in the middle of the city. It’s surprisingly dramatic, especially after heavy rain.
  • Historic Mill Buildings – The area around the falls is full of history about early American industry.
  • Easy Visit – You can see a lot in an hour or two, so it’s perfect for a short afternoon escape.
If you have kids, this is a great spot to mix a little science, a little history, and a lot of “wow” with very little driving.

6. Bear Mountain State Park – Classic Hudson Valley Scenery (Rockland County, NY)

When you’re craving trees, mountains, and fresh air, Bear Mountain State Park is one of the best road trips near Fair Lawn. It’s generally about a 45–60 minute drive, depending on traffic and your route. What you can do there:
  • Hiking – Trails for all levels, from gentle walks to steeper climbs with big views of the Hudson River.
  • Perkins Memorial Tower – A drive-up viewpoint (seasonal) with sweeping views of the valley.
  • Picnics & Lakeside Walks – In warmer months, it’s a great place to bring a cooler and just relax.
If you’ve ever thought, “I wish I could just escape to the mountains for the day,” this is exactly that—without needing an overnight trip.

7. Nyack – Riverfront Village with a Relaxed Vibe (Rockland County, NY)

Nyack sits along the Hudson River, just over the state line in New York, and it’s one of the most charming little towns you can reach quickly from Fair Lawn. Expect about a 35–45 minute drive, depending on traffic. Nyack highlights:
  • Downtown Nyack – Antique shops, bookstores, cafes, and quirky boutiques all packed into a compact, walkable area.
  • Hudson River Views – Stroll down to Memorial Park on the water to watch boats and enjoy the breeze.
  • Events & Markets – On many weekends, you’ll find street fairs, farmers markets, and live music.
If you like small-town charm with a creative edge, Nyack is an easy win for a laid-back day trip from Fair Lawn.

8. Bronx Zoo & New York Botanical Garden (Bronx County, NY)

If you want a day packed with things to do, the Bronx Zoo and New York Botanical Garden make a great combo. They’re right next to each other, and both are world-class attractions. From Fair Lawn, it’s usually a 35–50 minute drive, depending on traffic and your route across the Hudson. Why go:
  • Bronx Zoo – One of the largest zoos in the U.S., with tons of exhibits. You can easily spend a whole day here.
  • New York Botanical Garden – Beautiful gardens, seasonal displays, and peaceful paths. In fall and around the holidays, they often run special shows.
This is a great choice for families, date days, or anyone who wants a New York City day—but with more trees and fewer skyscrapers.

9. A Classic Manhattan Day – Midtown or Lower Manhattan (New York County, NY)

Of course, no list of road trips near Fair Lawn would be complete without Manhattan35–60 minutes depending on traffic and where you’re heading, or drive to a nearby park-and-ride and take public transit in. Ideas for a simple NYC day:
  • Central Park – Walk, rent bikes, or just relax on the grass.
  • High Line – A former elevated rail line turned into a park, with great views and public art.
  • Times Square & Broadway Area – Touristy? Yes. Iconic? Also yes.
  • Lower Manhattan – Visit the 9/11 Memorial, walk around the Oculus, or explore Battery Park.
If you’re planning to drive, check parking garages ahead of time and aim for earlier in the day to make things easier.

10. Hudson River Towns: Tarrytown & Sleepy Hollow (Westchester County, NY)

If you like history, river views, and a slightly spooky twist in the fall, the towns of Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow are a fantastic road trip from Fair Lawn. Expect around a 45–60 minute drive, mostly straight up the Hudson River side of Westchester. What to see:
  • Sleepy Hollow Cemetery – Historic, peaceful, and surprisingly beautiful. In fall, they sometimes do themed tours.
  • Tarrytown’s Main Street – Small-town vibe with shops, restaurants, and cafes.
  • Hudson River Views – Stop at waterfront parks to see the Tappan Zee Bridge (now the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge) and watch the sunset.
In October, this area really leans into the Legend of Sleepy Hollow theme, so it’s a great trip if you enjoy fall festivals and Halloween-season events.

Tips for Planning Your Fair Lawn Road Trips

To make these short road trips from Fair Lawn smoother, here are a few quick tips:
  • Check traffic – Use a map app before you leave; rush hour can add a lot of time, especially going toward NYC.
  • Watch for tolls – Many routes into New York City and parts of New York State include toll bridges or tunnels.
  • Parking – For places like Hoboken, Jersey City, and Manhattan, look up parking lots or garages ahead of time.
  • Pack smart – A small backpack with water, snacks, and a light jacket goes a long way, especially if you’ll be walking or hiking.

Where Will You Go First?

Living in Fair Lawn means you’re surrounded by easy day trips to rivers, mountains, parks, and major cities—all within roughly an hour’s drive. Whether you’re in the mood for Hudson River views, New York City energy, or a simple walk in a new town, you’ve got options. Which of these road trips near Fair Lawn are you most excited to try? Did I miss one of your favorite quick escapes outside Bergen County? Please share your thoughts in the comments — and if you found this list helpful, share it with friends and family who are always asking, “So… what should we do this weekend?”
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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