Garfield, New Jersey (Bergen County) 10 Best Short Road Trips Nearby

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10 Easy Road Trips Near Garfield, NJ (That Get You Out of Bergen County)

If you live in or around Garfield, New Jersey, you probably love how close you are to everything… yet still feel like there’s “nothing to do” on the weekend. Here’s the good news: you can hop in the car, leave Bergen County behind, and in as little as 20–45 minutes be in a totally different scene. From city energy in Manhattan to quiet river views in the Hudson Valley, there’s a lot waiting just beyond Garfield’s borders. Below are 10 short out‑of‑county road trips from Garfield, focusing on nearby spots in:
  • Essex County, NJ
  • Hudson County, NJ
  • Passaic County, NJ
  • The Bronx, NY
  • New York County (Manhattan), NY
  • Rockland County, NY
  • Westchester County, NY
Each idea is close enough for a half‑day or full‑day trip, perfect for families, couples, or solo explorers.

1. Newark’s Ironbound: Portuguese Food & City Vibes (Essex County, NJ)

If you’re hungry and don’t want to go far, head to the Ironbound neighborhood in Newark, about a 25–30 minute drive from Garfield (traffic depending). This area is famous for its Portuguese, Brazilian, and Spanish restaurants. Picture huge plates of grilled meats, big bowls of seafood, and fresh bread that keeps coming.
  • Walk along Ferry Street for bakeries, cafés, and markets.
  • Try a traditional picanha steak or a seafood paella.
  • Stop at a pastry shop for custard tarts and strong coffee.
I still remember the first time I went to the Ironbound on a rainy Sunday. It felt like stepping into another country without ever getting on a plane. If you’re bored of the same old pizza and burgers near Garfield, this is an easy fix.

2. Branch Brook Park: Cherry Blossoms & Calm Walks (Essex County, NJ)

About 25 minutes from Garfield, Branch Brook Park in Newark and Belleville is a peaceful change of scenery. It’s especially famous for its cherry blossoms in the spring. Some locals say it even has more cherry blossom trees than Washington, D.C. What you can do there:
  • Stroll or jog along the park’s paved paths.
  • Enjoy spring bloom season, usually in April.
  • Have a simple picnic on the grass with takeout from a local deli.
Even if you just want a quiet place to wander and clear your head, this is a quick, low‑effort trip out of Bergen County.

3. Hoboken Waterfront: Skyline Views & Casual Eats (Hudson County, NJ)

From Garfield, drive about 25–35 minutes and you can end up in Hoboken, right along the Hudson River. If you’ve never walked the Hoboken waterfront, you’re missing one of the best New York City skyline views without actually being in NYC. Things to do:
  • Walk the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway from pier to pier.
  • Grab pizza, a burger, or a gelato on Washington Street.
  • Watch the sunset over Manhattan’s skyscrapers.
It’s a great date idea, but also an easy place to bring kids in strollers, out‑of‑town visitors, or just yourself with a coffee in hand. On a clear evening, the lights of Midtown and downtown Manhattan feel close enough to touch.

4. Jersey City: Liberty State Park & Statue of Liberty Views (Hudson County, NJ)

Drive about 35–40 minutes south and you’ll hit Liberty State Park in Jersey City. Here, you get amazing views of:
  • The Statue of Liberty
  • Ellis Island
  • The lower Manhattan skyline
You can:
  • Walk or bike the long waterfront paths.
  • Bring a picnic and relax on the large grassy areas.
  • Catch a ferry (seasonal) to the Statue of Liberty or Ellis Island.
If you’re looking for “big city” sights without the stress of driving and parking in Manhattan, this is a great compromise. It’s like having a front‑row seat to New York Harbor, while still being in New Jersey.

5. Paterson Great Falls: A Powerful Waterfall in the City (Passaic County, NJ)

About 20–25 minutes from Garfield, you’ll find the Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park in Paterson. Yes, there’s a huge waterfall right in the middle of the city. The falls are about 77 feet high, and you can hear the rushing water before you even see it. Here’s what to do:
  • Walk across the bridge that passes near the top of the falls.
  • Check out the viewpoints and take photos.
  • Learn a bit about the area’s industrial history at the visitor center (hours vary).
This is one of those quick trips where you can leave Garfield after lunch, see something impressive, and still be home before dinner.

6. Garret Mountain & Lambert Castle Views (Passaic County, NJ)

Not far from Paterson, about 20–30 minutes from Garfield, Garret Mountain Reservation in Woodland Park gives you a mix of woods, trails, and sweeping views. Highlights:
  • Short hikes and easy walks through the park.
  • Scenic overlooks with views of the New York City skyline on a clear day.
  • Nearby Lambert Castle (check current status and hours), a historic building that looks like something out of a storybook.
If you’ve been craving a little nature without committing to a long drive or a tough hike, this spot checks all the boxes. Pack water, some snacks, and maybe a light jacket—elevation can make it feel a bit cooler than in town.

7. The Bronx Zoo: A Full Day of Animal Adventures (Bronx County, NY)

Head across the river into New York, and in about 35–45 minutes from Garfield (depending on traffic), you can reach the Bronx Zoo, one of the largest zoos in the country. Expect to spend several hours here. It’s easily a full‑day trip. Things to see and do:
  • Visit the World of Birds, tiger exhibits, and gorilla habitats.
  • Ride the zoo shuttle or monorail (seasonal and often extra cost).
  • Let kids burn energy in the children’s zoo areas.
If you’re planning a family day trip from Garfield, this is a classic. Wear comfortable shoes—you’ll do a lot of walking—and bring a small backpack with water and snacks to keep costs down.

8. New York Botanical Garden: Calm, Green & Gorgeous (Bronx County, NY)

Less than 10 minutes from the Bronx Zoo (and about 35–45 minutes from Garfield), the New York Botanical Garden is perfect if you want something quieter and more relaxed. You’ll find:
  • Beautiful themed gardens and seasonal flower displays.
  • A huge glass conservatory with tropical plants.
  • Wooded trails that make you forget you’re in New York City.
This is a great spot for:
  • Slow walks and photography
  • Date days
  • Anyone who just needs a break from traffic, noise, and screens
Some people like to combine the Bronx Zoo and the Botanical Garden in one day, but honestly, each place can easily fill a day on its own.

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

If you’re ready to dive right into Manhattan, you can drive from Garfield to Midtown or the Upper West Side in roughly 40–60 minutes, depending on traffic and the route. Once you’re there, your options explode:
  • Walk through Central Park—visit Bethesda Terrace, Bow Bridge, or the Great Lawn.
  • Explore Times Square and nearby Broadway theaters.
  • Visit a museum like the American Museum of Natural History (great for kids) or the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA).
Driving into Manhattan can be stressful, so you might consider:
  • Parking in New Jersey (like Secaucus or Hoboken) and taking a train or ferry in.
But however you get there, a day in Manhattan is one of the easiest “big adventure” trips from Garfield.

10. Nyack & the Hudson River: Artsy Small Town Escape (Rockland & Westchester Counties, NY)

If you prefer small towns and river views to skyscrapers, point your car north. In about 35–45 minutes from Garfield you can reach Nyack, a charming village along the Hudson River in Rockland County. What to do in and around Nyack:
  • Walk along the waterfront and enjoy views of the Mario Cuomo Bridge.
  • Browse local shops, cafés, and art galleries in town.
  • Drive across the bridge into Westchester County and check out riverside spots like Tarrytown or Sleepy Hollow.
On a sunny day, it feels like a mini vacation. The river breeze, old houses, and relaxed pace are a nice break from highway noise and busy suburban streets.

Tips for Planning Your Road Trips from Garfield, NJ

To make your day trips from Garfield more enjoyable:
  • Check traffic: Use a navigation app to avoid rush hour on major roads.
  • Watch parking rules: Especially in Manhattan, Hoboken, and Jersey City.
  • Pack the basics: Water, light snacks, phone charger, and maybe a small first‑aid kit.
  • Look up hours: Parks, zoos, and museums can have seasonal schedules.
You don’t have to go far to feel like you’ve gone “away.” Within about an hour of Garfield, you can stand under a roaring waterfall, walk along a river, stare up at skyscrapers, or relax in a quiet garden.

Have a Favorite Road Trip from Garfield?

Have you tried any of these short road trips near Garfield, NJ? Do you have a hidden gem in Essex, Hudson, Passaic, the Bronx, Manhattan, Rockland, or Westchester that you think more people should know about? Share your ideas in the comments—your suggestion might be the next weekend adventure for someone else in Garfield. And if you found this guide helpful, please share it with friends and family who are always saying, “There’s nothing to do around here.” Sometimes, the perfect getaway is just 30–40 minutes down the road.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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