Fort Lee, New Jersey: 10 Short Road Trips for Easy Getaways

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10 Easy Out-of-County Road Trips From Fort Lee, NJ (That Locals Actually Love)

If you live in Fort Lee, New Jersey (in Bergen County) you already know you’re in a great spot: close to New York City, near the Hudson River, and right off major highways. But sometimes you want to get out of the neighborhood without driving for hours, right? This guide shares 10 short out-of-county road trips from Fort Lee that are perfect for a half-day or full-day escape. We’ll explore nearby counties like Essex, Hudson, Passaic in New Jersey and Bronx, New York, New York County (Manhattan), Rockland, and Westchester in New York. All of these trips:
  • Are outside Bergen County (so truly “out-of-county”)
  • Are usually under an hour’s drive in normal traffic
  • Offer fun things to do for couples, families, and solo travelers

1. Explore History & Food in Newark’s Ironbound (Essex County, NJ)

Distance from Fort Lee: about 15–20 miles, roughly 30–45 minutes depending on traffic. Head to Newark’s famous Ironbound neighborhood for a day of culture, food, and city energy without going all the way into Manhattan.
  • Why go: The Ironbound is known for its Portuguese, Brazilian, and Spanish restaurants, bakeries, and cafes. Think grilled seafood, steaks, and strong coffee.
  • What to do:
    • Stroll along Ferry Street and check out the shops and restaurants.
    • Stop into a bakery for pastel de nata (Portuguese custard tart).
    • Time your visit with a soccer match at nearby Red Bull Arena across the river in Harrison.
  • Travel tip: Street parking can fill up fast, especially on weekends. Consider a paid lot if you don’t like circling the block.
If you’re craving city vibes and amazing food, but don’t feel like crossing into New York yet, this is an easy road trip from Fort Lee.

2. Waterfront Views & Skyline Walks in Jersey City (Hudson County, NJ)

Distance from Fort Lee: about 12–18 miles, usually 25–40 minutes. Jersey City gives you those classic Manhattan skyline views without the Manhattan prices or crowds.
  • Liberty State Park:
    • Walk or bike along the paths with sweeping views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and lower Manhattan.
    • Pack a picnic and enjoy the open green spaces.
  • Downtown & Waterfront:
    • Check out the restaurants and cafes around Grove Street and the waterfront.
    • Walk the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway for great photo spots.
  • Good for: Families with strollers, couples looking for a date-day, or anyone who just wants to relax by the water.
If you’re coming from Fort Lee, you’ll notice how different the vibe feels just a short drive away.

3. Street Art, Paterson Great Falls & City Flavor (Passaic County, NJ)

Distance from Fort Lee: about 15–20 miles, roughly 30–40 minutes. Paterson might not be the first place that comes to mind for a road trip, but it actually has one of the most impressive natural sights in New Jersey: the Paterson Great Falls.
  • Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park:
    • See one of the largest waterfalls by volume in the eastern U.S.
    • Walk the viewing platforms and look at the old industrial buildings surrounding the falls.
  • Why it’s worth it: It’s a cool mix of nature and history. You get roaring water, old mills, and a real sense of New Jersey’s industrial past.
  • Bonus: Grab some local eats afterward—Paterson is known for diverse food options, including Middle Eastern and Latin American spots.
It’s an easy day trip that feels like a big change of scenery from suburban Fort Lee.

4. A Day at the Bronx Zoo & New York Botanical Garden (Bronx County, NY)

Distance from Fort Lee: about 12–18 miles, usually 30–50 minutes depending on bridges and traffic. The Bronx is one of the best quick road trips from Fort Lee, especially if you’re traveling with kids or animal and nature lovers.
  • Bronx Zoo:
    • One of the largest zoos in the United States.
    • Plan at least half a day; it’s huge and easy to get happily “lost.”
  • New York Botanical Garden:
    • Right nearby, with seasonal displays, conservatories, and walking paths.
    • Fall foliage, holiday train show, and spring blooms are especially popular.
  • Pro tip: Check for combined tickets or discounted days on their websites before you go.
If you leave Fort Lee early, you can even fit both the zoo and the garden into one long, but fun, day.

5. Classic Manhattan Day: Central Park, Museums & Midtown (New York County, NY)

Distance from Fort Lee: often 6–10 miles by bridge, but plan 30–60 minutes with traffic. You probably see Manhattan’s skyline from Fort Lee all the time—but when was the last time you actually enjoyed it like a tourist?
  • Central Park:
    • Walk the paths, rent a rowboat at the Loeb Boathouse (seasonal), or just relax on the grass.
    • Visit Bethesda Terrace, Bow Bridge, and Sheep Meadow for classic views.
  • Museum options:
    • The Metropolitan Museum of Art (on the east side of the park).
    • The American Museum of Natural History (on the west side).
  • Midtown stops:
    • Times Square, Rockefeller Center, Fifth Avenue, or the Top of the Rock for sunset views.
Even if you’ve done Manhattan a hundred times, going in with a simple plan—like “museum in the morning, Central Park in the afternoon, dinner in Midtown”—keeps the day easy and fun.

6. Lower Manhattan & the 9/11 Memorial (New York County, NY)

Distance from Fort Lee: usually 10–14 miles, about 35–60 minutes. For a deeper, more reflective New York City road trip, head to lower Manhattan.
  • 9/11 Memorial & Museum:
    • The twin reflecting pools are powerful and moving.
    • The museum tells the story of that day and its impact—expect to spend a few hours.
  • One World Observatory:
    • Ride up the tower for sweeping views across New York and New Jersey.
  • Nearby neighborhoods:
    • Walk through the Financial District, Stone Street, or over to Battery Park.
    • On a clear day, you can see the Statue of Liberty from the waterfront.
This is a good trip when you want something meaningful and memorable, not just shopping and snacks.

7. Quiet Riverfront Walks in Tarrytown & Sleepy Hollow (Westchester County, NY)

Distance from Fort Lee: about 25–35 miles, typically 40–60 minutes via the George Washington Bridge and I‑87. If you want a small-town vibe with Hudson River charm, head north to Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow.
  • What to do:
    • Walk the riverfront parks and piers for peaceful water views.
    • Explore the historic streets and local shops in Tarrytown.
    • Visit Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, especially in the fall when the town leans into its spooky reputation.
  • Why it’s great: It feels like a mini getaway from the city noise—cozy, walkable, and scenic.
  • Best time: Fall is especially popular here, but it’s relaxing any time of year.
If you’re burned out from traffic and crowds, this is an easy, low-stress road trip from Fort Lee.

8. Hiking & Views at Bear Mountain (Rockland County, NY)

Distance from Fort Lee: around 30–40 miles, usually 45–70 minutes. Bear Mountain State Park is one of the quickest ways to feel like you’ve escaped to the mountains without driving hours upstate.
  • Things to do:
    • Hike the trails for Hudson River and mountain views.
    • Walk around Hessian Lake, which is flat and good for a relaxed stroll.
    • In season, enjoy the carousel or the small zoo area.
  • Who it’s for: Hikers, families, couples, and anyone who wants fresh air and nature after a busy week.
  • Tip from the road: Weekends in fall can get crowded. If you can, go early in the day or on a weekday.
From Fort Lee, it’s a beautiful drive up the Hudson, and the change from “bridge and highway” to “mountains and trees” is pretty dramatic.

9. Artsy Afternoon in Nyack (Rockland County, NY)

Distance from Fort Lee: roughly 20–30 miles, about 35–50 minutes. Nyack is a small Hudson River town with a laid-back, artsy feel. It’s perfect if you want something casual and walkable.
  • Why people love it:
    • Local cafes and restaurants along Main Street.
    • Little galleries, vintage shops, and bookstores.
    • Riverfront parks with benches and walking paths.
  • Easy plan: Park once, wander the streets, grab lunch or coffee, and take a peaceful walk by the water.
If you like the idea of “small-town meets river views” without driving too far from Fort Lee, Nyack is a smart pick.

10. Montclair’s Cafes, Shops & Views (Essex County, NJ)

Distance from Fort Lee: about 20–25 miles, usually 35–50 minutes. Montclair combines suburban charm with a little city energy, making it one of the best day trips from Fort Lee if you like food, art, and people-watching.
  • What to do:
    • Stroll along Bloomfield Avenue and Church Street for boutiques, record stores, and cafes.
    • Check out local art galleries or small performance spaces.
    • Head up to one of the overlooks (like around Upper Montclair) for views back toward the New York City skyline.
  • Vibe: Young, creative, and relaxed—lots of students, families, and remote workers camped out in coffee shops.
When you want something different from both Fort Lee and Manhattan, Montclair hits a nice middle ground.

Tips for Planning Your Fort Lee Road Trips

  • Watch the bridges: The George Washington Bridge and other crossings can back up fast. If you can travel outside rush hours, do it.
  • Check parking ahead: Especially for Manhattan, Newark, Jersey City, and the Bronx. A little planning saves a lot of stress.
  • Keep it simple: For each trip, pick 1–2 main activities instead of trying to “do it all” in one day.
  • Use your location: Fort Lee is a fantastic base for exploring both New Jersey and New York. Take advantage of that!

Share Your Favorite Fort Lee Day Trips

I’ve shared 10 of the best short out-of-county road trips from Fort Lee—from the city streets of Manhattan and Newark to the quiet river towns of Tarrytown and Nyack. Now it’s your turn:
  • Have you tried any of these spots?
  • Do you have another favorite day trip from Fort Lee in Essex, Hudson, Passaic, Bronx, New York, Rockland, or Westchester?
Drop your tips and experiences in the comments—your ideas can help other locals and visitors plan their next weekend escape. And if you found this guide helpful, share it with a friend or on social media so more people can discover easy, fun road trips from Fort Lee, NJ.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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