Linden, New Jersey: 10 Short Road Trips for Easy Weekend Getaways

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10 Easy Road Trips From Linden, NJ: Fun Things To Do Just Outside Union County

If you live in Linden, New Jersey, you already know it’s a great home base. You’re close to everything, but sometimes you just want to hop in the car, get out of Union County, and discover something new. The good news? Within about an hour’s drive, you’ve got beaches, waterfront views, cozy downtowns, and some seriously good food. In this guide, we’ll look at 10 short out-of-county road trips from Linden you can take to nearby spots in:
  • Essex County, NJ
  • Hudson County, NJ
  • Middlesex County, NJ
  • Morris County, NJ
  • Somerset County, NJ
  • Richmond County, NY (Staten Island)
All of these make for easy day trips or relaxed half-day getaways. Just pick a direction, grab some snacks, and hit the road.

1. Jersey City Waterfront & Liberty State Park (Hudson County, NJ)

If you want classic New York City views without the Manhattan traffic, head to Liberty State Park in Jersey City. From Linden, it’s usually about a 25–35 minute drive, depending on traffic. Why go: You get wide-open green space, the Hudson River breeze, and a front-row seat to the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline. On a clear day, it feels like you’re looking at a postcard. Things to do:
  • Walk or bike along the waterfront paths.
  • Take photos of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island from the shore.
  • Visit the historic Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal.
  • Spread out a blanket and enjoy a simple picnic with a view.
If you want to stretch the day, head over to the nearby Jersey City waterfront for restaurants and coffee shops. The mix of modern high-rises and old brick buildings gives the area a cool, urban feel.

2. Hoboken: Small City Vibes & Skyline Views (Hudson County, NJ)

Just up the Hudson from Jersey City is Hoboken, a compact, walkable city that’s perfect for a relaxed afternoon. From Linden, you’re looking at about a 30–40 minute drive. Why go: Hoboken feels like a mini Brooklyn with more room to breathe. It’s packed with bars, restaurants, bakeries, and a long waterfront walkway with one of the best views of Manhattan. Things to do:
  • Stroll along the Hoboken Waterfront Walkway and snap skyline photos.
  • Grab a slice from a local pizzeria or a sub from an old-school deli.
  • Explore Washington Street for shopping, coffee, and people-watching.
  • Visit a waterfront park and just relax by the river.
If you like an easy-going, walk-and-snack type of day trip, Hoboken is hard to beat.

3. Newark’s Branch Brook Park & Cherry Blossoms (Essex County, NJ)

When you hear “Newark,” you might think of the airport or downtown. But just a bit north is Branch Brook Park, famous for its cherry blossoms. It’s roughly a 20–30 minute drive from Linden. Why go: In the spring, the park explodes with pink and white blossoms. Some people say it even rivals the cherry blossoms in Washington, D.C. But even outside of blossom season, it’s a peaceful place to walk, jog, or unwind. Things to do:
  • Walk the park’s paths and enjoy lakes, bridges, and open lawns.
  • Plan a simple picnic near the water.
  • Take photos of the cherry blossoms in April, if you time it right.
  • Combine your visit with a stop in nearby Newark’s Ironbound neighborhood for Portuguese and Spanish food.
If you’re craving nature but don’t want a long drive, this is an easy win.

4. Montclair: Artsy Downtown & Hilltop Views (Essex County, NJ)

About 30–40 minutes from Linden, Montclair offers a mix of arts, food, and charming neighborhoods. Why go: It’s one of those towns where you can park once and wander for hours. The streets are lined with cafes, boutiques, ice cream shops, and historic homes. Things to do:
  • Explore Montclair Center for shopping and dining.
  • Check out local art at the Montclair Art Museum (check hours before you go).
  • Drive or walk up through the hills for pretty residential views, especially in fall.
  • Grab coffee and just people-watch from a sidewalk table.
If you like a “small city meets college town” feel, Montclair makes a great day trip from Linden.

5. Staten Island: Historic Richmond Town & Lighthouse Views (Richmond County, NY)

Yes, Staten Island is technically New York, but it’s an easy hop from Linden. You can usually drive there in about 30–45 minutes via the Goethals Bridge. Why go: It’s quieter than other New York City boroughs and has some surprisingly peaceful spots. Things to do:
  • Visit Historic Richmond Town, a living history village with old homes and costumed guides.
  • Head to the Staten Island Lighthouse area for nice views and a calm atmosphere.
  • Drive along the shoreline for peeks of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge.
  • Stretch your legs on one of the local trails or in the parks.
If you want to say you went to “New York” without dealing with Midtown congestion, this is a simple route.

6. Staten Island’s South Shore & Waterfront Parks (Richmond County, NY)

While you’re on Staten Island, you can also head farther south toward the beaches and waterfront parks. Why go: It feels almost suburban-coastal, with boardwalks, sand, and family-friendly areas. Things to do:
  • Walk the Midland Beach or South Beach boardwalk.
  • Enjoy the sea breeze and views of the Verrazzano and lower New York Bay.
  • Let the kids run around at playgrounds and open spaces by the water.
  • Grab casual food at local spots nearby, from pizza to seafood.
On a warm day, this can feel like a mini beach escape without committing to the Jersey Shore.

7. New Brunswick: College Town Energy & River Views (Middlesex County, NJ)

About 25–35 minutes southwest of Linden, New Brunswick is home to Rutgers University and a lively downtown. Why go: It has that classic college-town buzz: restaurants, bars, theaters, and students everywhere. Things to do:
  • Walk around the Rutgers campus and check out the mix of old and new buildings.
  • Grab a bite on George Street — you’ll find everything from burgers to global cuisine.
  • Stroll along the Raritan River for a little fresh air.
  • Check what’s playing at local theaters or performance spaces if you like shows.
If you want a short road trip from Linden with plenty of food options and energy, New Brunswick is a smart pick.

8. The Edison Area: Menlo Park Mall & Local History (Middlesex County, NJ)

Just a bit south of Linden, within roughly 20–30 minutes, you’ll find the Edison and Woodbridge area. Why go: This is an easy “low-planning” day trip: shop, eat, stroll, repeat. Things to do:
  • Shop or window-shop at Menlo Park Mall or nearby plazas.
  • Visit local parks for a walk if you want some greenery between stores.
  • Check out the area’s connection to Thomas Edison history sites (verify what’s open before you go).
  • Try some of the diverse restaurants in the broader Edison/Iselin area, including great Indian and Asian food.
If you just feel like driving a little, grabbing a good meal, and doing some casual shopping, this area works well.

9. Morristown: Revolutionary War History & Charming Streets (Morris County, NJ)

Head northwest for about 35–45 minutes and you’ll reach Morristown, a mix of history and small-city charm. Why go: It played a big role in the Revolutionary War, and you can still feel that history as you walk around town. Things to do:
  • Visit the area around Morristown National Historical Park (check specific sites and hours ahead of time).
  • Stroll the downtown area for shops, bakeries, and coffee spots.
  • Enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants around the main square.
  • Drive around the surrounding neighborhoods to see historic homes and tree-lined streets.
Morristown is especially nice in fall, when the leaves turn and the air gets crisp.

10. Somerville & Duke Farms: Small-Town Main Street & Big Garden Escape (Somerset County, NJ)

About 35–45 minutes from Linden, you can pair the town of Somerville with a visit to nearby Duke Farms in Hillsborough. Why go: You get a cozy downtown plus a huge outdoor space — perfect if you want both coffee and nature in the same day. Things to do:
  • Walk along Main Street Somerville and explore its shops and restaurants.
  • Enjoy an outdoor table if the weather’s nice and just watch the world go by.
  • Head to Duke Farms for walking and biking paths, gardens, and quiet spots. (Check their website for hours and any entry rules.)
  • Pack snacks or a light lunch to enjoy at one of the outdoor areas there.
It’s a great option when you want to feel like you’ve really “gotten away” from the city for a few hours.

Tips For Planning Your Linden Road Trips

Before you jump in the car, a few simple tips can make your day trips from Linden smoother:
  • Check traffic on your GPS app — routes around the Turnpike, Parkway, and bridges can change fast.
  • Watch for tolls, especially heading to Hudson County or Staten Island.
  • Look up hours for museums, parks, or historic sites so you’re not surprised.
  • Pack basics like water, snacks, and maybe a hoodie — waterfront spots can get breezy.
Road trips don’t have to be long or expensive. Even a simple 30-minute drive from Linden can feel like a mini vacation if you pick the right spot.

Where Will You Go Next From Linden?

From Linden, NJ, you’re in a sweet spot: close to Hudson River views, college towns, historic villages, suburban downtowns, and even New York’s Staten Island — all without an epic drive. So, what sounds best for your next free afternoon?
  • A skyline walk in Hoboken?
  • Cherry blossoms in Newark’s Branch Brook Park?
  • History in Morristown or Staten Island?
  • Food and shopping in Montclair or New Brunswick?
Now it’s your turn: Have you tried any of these short road trips from Linden? Which one is your favorite, or which spot are you planning to visit next? Share your thoughts in the comments, and if you found this guide helpful, please share it with friends or family who are also looking for easy day trips near Linden, NJ. The more ideas we trade, the better our weekend adventures get.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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