10 Easy Road Trips Near Kearny, NJ (That Take You Out of Hudson County)
If you live in or around
Kearny, New Jersey and you’re itching to get out of town for a bit, you’re in a great spot. You’re surrounded by fun day trips in every direction – and the best part is, you don’t even have to drive very far.
Below are
10 short out-of-county road trips from Kearny that take you into nearby counties like Bergen, Essex, Union, plus New York City boroughs like Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Staten Island. No Hudson County stops here – just easy getaways with plenty to do, see, and eat.
1. Montclair, NJ (Essex County) – Artsy Small-Town Vibes With Big Personality
Just about a
20–25 minute drive west from Kearny, Montclair feels like a mini city wrapped in a leafy suburb.
- Montclair Art Museum – A cozy, easy-to-explore museum with American and Native American art. Great for a low-key afternoon.
- Bloomfield Avenue – Lined with coffee shops, boutiques, and restaurants. Perfect for a slow stroll and people-watching.
- Watchung Reservation Area (nearby) – If you don’t mind driving a bit farther, there are plenty of hiking options in the broader area.
I like Montclair when I want the feeling of a city without the stress of city parking. Grab a latte, hit a bookstore, and just wander. It’s that kind of town.
2. Newark’s Branch Brook Park (Essex County) – Cherry Blossoms and Easy Walks
North Newark is just a quick hop from Kearny, often
10–15 minutes by car, depending on traffic. You’re still out of Hudson County and in Essex.
- Branch Brook Park – Famous for its cherry blossoms in spring, but nice year-round for walking, jogging, or just sitting by the lake.
- Historic bridges and paths – The park has a classic, old-school charm. Bring a picnic blanket and relax.
If you’ve ever wanted to see cherry blossoms but don’t feel like flying to D.C., this is your spot. On a sunny day, the park feels like a big backyard for the whole region.
3. South Mountain Reservation & Turtle Back Zoo (Essex County)
About a
25–30 minute drive from Kearny, the South Mountain area near West Orange and Millburn is great when you need nature but don’t want to get lost in the wilderness.
- South Mountain Reservation – Miles of trails, streams, and the popular Hemlock Falls trail. Wear comfy shoes; the terrain is easy to moderate.
- Turtle Back Zoo – Family-friendly, walkable, and not overwhelming. There’s a train ride, animals from around the world, and seasonal events.
- Waterfront Area – The walkway by the reservoir is flat, smooth, and perfect for strollers or just a relaxed walk.
If you’re traveling with kids, this combo is a lifesaver: zoo in the morning, short hike or reservoir walk in the afternoon.
4. Jersey Gardens Mall in Elizabeth (Union County) – Shopping and Rainy-Day Escape
Driving
20–25 minutes south from Kearny brings you to Elizabeth in Union County, home to one of New Jersey’s biggest outlet malls.
- The Mills at Jersey Gardens – An indoor outlet mall with tons of brands, food court options, and movies.
- Tax advantages – Many clothing and shoes are tax-free in NJ, which is a bonus if you’re coming from NYC.
I like this as a
rainy-day road trip. When the weather’s bad and you still want to get out of the house, wandering a huge climate-controlled mall can be oddly relaxing.
5. Summit & Reeves-Reed Arboretum (Union County) – Quiet, Leafy Escape
Head about
30–35 minutes southwest from Kearny and you’ll reach Summit, a charming town that feels a world away from industrial North Jersey.
- Reeves-Reed Arboretum – Free (donations welcome), with walking paths, gardens, and pretty views. Great for a slow morning.
- Downtown Summit – Cute main street, coffee shops, and bakeries. Park once and wander.
If you’ve had a long week and don’t want a packed itinerary, Summit is ideal. Think: stroll, sit, sip coffee, repeat.
6. Fort Lee Historic Park & The Palisades (Bergen County)
Going
25–30 minutes north lands you in Fort Lee, right by the George Washington Bridge in Bergen County.
- Fort Lee Historic Park – Overlooks the Hudson River and the GW Bridge with dramatic cliff views. There’s a visitor center and historic reenactment areas.
- Palisades Interstate Park – Trails along the cliffs and down to the river. Some paths are steep, so check trail info before you go.
On a clear day, the views of Manhattan from here are hard to beat. It’s one of the best “I can’t believe this is so close” spots near Kearny.
7. American Dream & MetLife Stadium (Bergen County)
About a
20–25 minute drive northeast from Kearny puts you in the Meadowlands area of Bergen County.
- American Dream – Massive entertainment and shopping complex with an indoor ski slope, water park, mini-golf, and more.
- MetLife Stadium – Home of the Giants and Jets, plus concerts and big events. Check the schedule before you go.
This is an easy “all-day” trip: hit the indoor attractions if it’s cold or too hot, grab a bite, and hang out. It can be intense on weekends, so aim for earlier in the day if you don’t like crowds.
8. Manhattan (New York County, NY) – Classic NYC in Under an Hour
From Kearny, getting into Manhattan can take about
30–45 minutes by car, depending on traffic and your route. You can also park near a PATH or NJ Transit station and take the train over.
Here are a few easy, first-stop ideas:
- Central Park – Walk, rent bikes, or just people-watch. You can spend hours without even trying.
- Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) – Famous art, plus a nice gift shop and café.
- Times Square – Tourist-y, but if you haven’t been in a while, it’s still fun to see at least once in a while.
- The High Line – Elevated park with city views and public art, great for an easy walk.
When I go into Manhattan from New Jersey, I usually pick one neighborhood or activity, not ten. It keeps the day relaxed instead of rushed.
9. Brooklyn Waterfront (Kings County, NY) – Views, Food, and Hip Neighborhoods
From Kearny, Brooklyn can be around
40–60 minutes by car depending on traffic (and it can get heavy), but it’s worth it if you make a full day of it.
Some fun, easy-to-navigate areas:
- Brooklyn Bridge Park – Amazing skyline views, playgrounds, green spaces, and walking paths right along the East River.
- DUMBO – Cobblestone streets, photo spots under the bridge, coffee shops, and pizza.
- Williamsburg – Trendy, with shops, parks, and waterfront views of Manhattan.
If you love photography or just good views, this is a must-do. The mix of old brick buildings, bridges, and skyline looks great any time of day.
10. Staten Island: Snug Harbor & North Shore (Richmond County, NY)
Staten Island is often overlooked, but from Kearny it’s a pretty simple ride of around
35–45 minutes, usually via the Goethals Bridge.
- Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden – Former sailors’ home turned into museums, gardens, and historic buildings. Peaceful and surprisingly beautiful.
- Staten Island Ferry (from the St. George area) – Free ferry ride with awesome views of the Statue of Liberty and Lower Manhattan.
- Waterfront walks – The North Shore has some nice walks with harbor views.
This is a great option if you want NYC views but not NYC prices or crowds. You get a little bit of everything: history, nature, and water.
Tips for Planning Your Road Trips From Kearny
- Check traffic – North Jersey and NYC can get backed up, especially during rush hour. Try to travel earlier in the day or later in the evening.
- Watch for tolls – Bridges and tunnels into New York usually have tolls. Plan your route and budget ahead.
- Parking – Some spots are easy (like malls and zoos), others (like Brooklyn and Manhattan) may be easier with garages or public transit.
- Pack light – Comfortable shoes, water, and maybe a light jacket can make a big difference on walking-heavy days.
Final Thoughts – So Much to Do Near Kearny, NJ
Living near
Kearny in Hudson County means you’re surrounded by great day-trip options in
Bergen, Essex, Union, and across the river in
New York City. Whether you’re into museums, hiking, shopping, or just grabbing a coffee in a new town, you can find something fun within about an hour’s drive.
Have you tried any of these road trips?
Which one is your favorite, or which would you do first?
Share Your Ideas and Join the Conversation
If you found this guide helpful:
- Share it with friends or family who live near Kearny and are always saying, “There’s nothing to do.”
- Comment below with your own favorite short road trips from Kearny – especially any hidden gems in Bergen, Essex, Union, or the NYC boroughs.
Your tips can help other local travelers plan their next easy getaway!
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