Long Branch, New Jersey: 10 Short Road Trips for Weekend Getaways

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10 Easy Road Trips Near Long Branch, NJ (That Take You Out of Monmouth County)

If you’re based in Long Branch, New Jersey and craving a quick change of scenery, you’re in luck. Within about 30–90 minutes, you can hit beaches, boardwalks, forests, small towns, and even NYC boroughs—without hopping on a plane. Below are 10 short out-of-county road trips from Long Branch, all in nearby counties like Burlington, Mercer, Middlesex, Ocean (NJ), plus Queens and Richmond (NY). Each one includes what to do, why it’s worth the drive, and a few practical tips.

1. Island Beach State Park – Ocean County, NJ

Looking for a quieter alternative to the crowded Jersey Shore hot spots? Island Beach State Park in Ocean County feels like the shore before it got built up. It’s about a 1–1.5 hour drive south of Long Branch, depending on traffic, but it’s usually smooth sailing down the Parkway.
  • Why go: Wild dunes, long stretches of beach, and a more “natural” feel than most boardwalk towns.
  • What to do:
    • Swim and sunbathe on the ocean side.
    • Walk the short nature trails through dunes and maritime forest.
    • Bring binoculars to spot birds and maybe even ospreys.
    • Try surf fishing (with a proper permit).
  • Tip: Pack a cooler, beach chairs, and plenty of water. Amenities are more basic than at a boardwalk beach.
On a weekday morning, you might feel like you have your own private slice of Jersey coast.

2. Point Pleasant Beach & Boardwalk – Ocean County, NJ

If you want that classic New Jersey boardwalk vibe—arcades, rides, pizza, and funnel cake—head to Point Pleasant Beach, also in Ocean County. From Long Branch, it’s usually around a 45-minute drive.
  • Why go: A family-friendly boardwalk that’s fun for everyone from kids to grandparents.
  • What to do:
    • Walk the boardwalk and play classic arcade games.
    • Visit the small but charming aquarium on the boardwalk.
    • Grab boardwalk food: sausage and peppers, fries, ice cream, and more.
    • Hit the beach for a few hours between meals and games.
  • Tip: Summer parking can be tight. Arrive early or consider paid lots near the boardwalk.
If you grew up going to the shore, Point Pleasant has that nostalgic “summer at the beach” feel that never really gets old.

3. Princeton – Mercer County, NJ

Want something a bit more low-key and historic? Princeton in Mercer County is one of the best day trips from Long Branch if you enjoy walkable streets, pretty architecture, and good coffee. Expect about an hour to 1 hour 15 minutes of driving, depending on your route.
  • Why go: A charming college town with tree-lined streets and a relaxed but upscale feel.
  • What to do:
    • Wander through Princeton University’s campus and admire the old stone buildings.
    • Stroll Nassau Street for shops, bookstores, and cafés.
    • Walk or bike along the Delaware & Raritan Canal towpath.
    • Grab lunch or dinner at one of the many restaurants with outdoor seating.
  • Tip: Metered parking near downtown can fill up. Side streets a few blocks away often have better luck.
If you like people-watching and browsing local shops, Princeton is the kind of place where an “hour or two” easily turns into an entire afternoon.

4. Grounds For Sculpture – Hamilton, Mercer County, NJ

Right outside Trenton in Hamilton Township, Grounds For Sculpture is a huge outdoor art space where sculpture and nature blend together. From Long Branch, it’s usually about a 1–1.25 hour drive.
  • Why go: It’s part art museum, part garden, and very photogenic.
  • What to do:
    • Walk the landscaped paths and discover sculptures hidden among trees and ponds.
    • Check out the playful, life-size scenes based on famous paintings.
    • Enjoy lunch on-site if you want to make a whole day of it.
  • Tip: You usually need timed tickets, especially on weekends. Book ahead online.
If you’re the kind of person who loves taking creative photos or just enjoys quiet, artistic spaces, this is a must-do road trip from Long Branch.

5. New Brunswick – Middlesex County, NJ

Looking for a quick city-style outing without heading all the way into New York? New Brunswick in Middlesex County offers a mix of college energy, dining, and entertainment. Drive time from Long Branch is usually about 45 minutes to an hour.
  • Why go: Lively downtown with restaurants, bars, and arts—plus Rutgers University nearby.
  • What to do:
    • Catch a show at one of the local theaters (check listings ahead of time).
    • Explore the Rutgers campus area and nearby parks.
    • Try a different cuisine—New Brunswick has a solid food scene.
  • Tip: Evening parking garages downtown are often your easiest option.
If you want a night out with friends, New Brunswick makes a simple, close-to-home road trip from Long Branch.

6. Rutgers Gardens – North Brunswick, Middlesex County, NJ

Just a bit beyond New Brunswick, Rutgers Gardens offers a peaceful, green escape that feels far from highways and traffic, even though it’s close to everything. You’re looking at around an hour or less from Long Branch.
  • Why go: Free (or low-cost) gardens with walking paths and seasonal flowers—great for a slow-paced afternoon.
  • What to do:
    • Stroll through the themed gardens and tree collections.
    • Pack a simple picnic and find a quiet spot.
    • Check for any seasonal markets or events.
  • Tip: Wear comfortable shoes; some paths can be a bit uneven.
If you’ve had a long week, this is the kind of place where you can just breathe and reset.

7. Historic Burlington & the Delaware Riverfront – Burlington County, NJ

For a small-town feel with a dose of history, drive southwest to Burlington City in Burlington County, right along the Delaware River. From Long Branch, plan on about a 1–1.25 hour drive.
  • Why go: Quiet streets, older architecture, and riverfront views without crowds.
  • What to do:
    • Walk through the historic district and check out the old homes and churches.
    • Stroll along the riverfront and watch boats on the Delaware.
    • Pop into small shops and local cafés.
  • Tip: This is a great “slow travel” stop—no need to rush; just explore at your own pace.
If you enjoy places that feel a bit off the typical tourist path, Burlington is a simple and relaxing road trip from Long Branch.

8. Smithville & the Mt. Holly Area – Burlington County, NJ

Not to be confused with Historic Smithville near Atlantic City, Smithville Mansion and the Mt. Holly area in Burlington County offer a mix of history, nature, and small-town charm. Drive time from Long Branch is about 1–1.25 hours.
  • Why go: A nice blend of hiking, history, and quaint streets.
  • What to do:
    • Walk the grounds of Smithville Mansion and explore the surrounding park trails.
    • Head into downtown Mt. Holly for antique shops and local eateries.
    • Look for seasonal festivals or craft fairs—this area hosts quite a few.
  • Tip: Check park hours and any mansion tour times before you go.
If you like to pair a light hike with a good meal and a bit of history, this makes a well-rounded day trip from Long Branch.

9. Staten Island (Richmond County, NY) – Parks, Views & the Ferry

Yes, Staten Island is often overlooked, but it’s actually one of the easiest ways to get a little taste of New York from Long Branch while still staying somewhat low-key. From Long Branch, it’s usually around 1.5 hours by car, depending on traffic and route.
  • Why go: Skyline views, big parks, and the famous Staten Island Ferry connection to Manhattan.
  • What to do:
    • Explore one of Staten Island’s larger parks for walking or biking.
    • Head toward the northern end and take the Staten Island Ferry (it’s free) for a ride with views of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline.
    • Grab a bite near the ferry terminal and wander the waterfront.
  • Tip: Factor in tolls and NYC-area traffic. Try to avoid rush hour if you can.
If you want to say, “I went to New York today,” without diving into full-on Manhattan chaos, this is your move.

10. Rockaway Beach (Queens County, NY)

For a completely different beach vibe, cross into Queens and head to Rockaway Beach. It’s oceanfront like Long Branch, but the atmosphere feels more urban and artsy. Expect about 1.5–2 hours from Long Branch by car, depending on tolls and traffic.
  • Why go: Surf culture, diverse food options, and a long, wide beach with a boardwalk-style promenade.
  • What to do:
    • Walk or bike along the boardwalk and soak in the city-meets-ocean feel.
    • Try different food stalls—tacos, smoothies, burgers, and more.
    • Watch surfers or take a lesson if you’re feeling adventurous.
  • Tip: Weekend crowds can be intense. Early arrival helps, and check parking rules closely.
If you’re curious how New Yorkers “do the beach,” Rockaway is a fascinating contrast to the Jersey Shore spots closer to Long Branch.

Making the Most of Your Long Branch Road Trips

A few quick tips to keep your Long Branch day trips running smoothly:
  • Check traffic and tolls: Apps can help you avoid major backups, especially heading toward New York.
  • Pack smart: A small cooler, water, sunscreen, and a light jacket go a long way.
  • Plan a loose schedule: Have a general plan, but leave room for detours and surprises.
You don’t have to travel far from Long Branch to feel like you’re in a totally different place—whether it’s an outdoor sculpture park in Mercer County, a quiet river town in Burlington County, or a surfy beach scene in Queens.

Share Your Favorite Spots Near Long Branch

Have you taken any fun out-of-county road trips from Long Branch?
  • Did I miss one of your favorite places in Burlington, Mercer, Middlesex, Ocean, Queens, or Richmond?
  • Do you have a go-to beach, small town, or park for a quick escape?
Drop your suggestions and stories in the comments—I’d love to hear where you like to go for a day away. And if you found this guide helpful, please share it with friends or family planning a trip to or from Long Branch. It might just inspire their next weekend adventure.
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