10 Easy Road Trips From New Brunswick, NJ (All Outside Middlesex County)
Looking for fun things to do near New Brunswick, New Jersey,
without staying in the same county? You’re in luck. New Brunswick sits in a pretty sweet spot: in under an hour (most of the time), you can hit beaches, boardwalks, historic sites, kid‑friendly farms, and even Staten Island in New York.
All of the ideas below are
outside Middlesex County, in nearby places like Mercer, Monmouth, Somerset, Union, and Richmond County, NY. These are short
out‑of‑county road trips that work great for a half‑day or full‑day adventure.
1. Ride the Coasters at Six Flags Great Adventure (Jackson – Ocean County, NJ)
Yes, it’s a little beyond the list of nearby counties, but it’s such a classic New Jersey day trip that it belongs on any New Brunswick road trip list.
From New Brunswick, it’s about a
45–60 minute drive, depending on traffic.
- Why go: One of the biggest theme parks on the East Coast.
- Highlights: Wild roller coasters, family rides, water rides in season, and the Safari drive-through.
- Perfect for: Families, teens, thrill-seekers.
If you can swing it, try to go on a weekday in spring or fall. The lines are usually shorter, and the weather is more comfortable than mid‑summer.
2. Walk the Boardwalk at Asbury Park (Monmouth County, NJ)
Craving the beach?
Asbury Park is roughly a
40–50 minute drive from New Brunswick and makes an easy day trip.
- Stroll the boardwalk with ice cream in hand.
- Pop into cool little shops and record stores.
- Check out live music venues like the legendary Stone Pony (even just from the outside if you’re short on time).
Beach days from New Brunswick don’t have to be complicated. Pack a cooler, throw some beach chairs in the trunk, and you’re basically set.
3. Explore the Charms of Princeton (Mercer County, NJ)
Princeton is about a
25–35 minute drive from New Brunswick and feels like a mini college town getaway.
- Wander around the Princeton University campus (it looks like something out of a movie).
- Grab coffee or ice cream in town along Nassau Street.
- Visit the Princeton University Art Museum (check current status/hours before you go).
On a cool fall afternoon, walking those leafy streets is hard to beat. If you like photography, you’ll find lots of pretty corners, courtyards, and old stone buildings to shoot.
4. Bike and Hike the Delaware & Raritan Canal Towpath (Mercer & Somerset Counties, NJ)
If you want something relaxed and outdoorsy, the
Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park is a great option. There are access points in both
Mercer and
Somerset counties, and many are only a
20–30 minute drive from New Brunswick.
- Flat, scenic trail along the old canal.
- Ideal for biking, walking, or jogging.
- Plenty of shade in summer and beautiful foliage in fall.
Think of it as a quiet reset button. If your week has been packed, a simple long walk along the water can do wonders.
5. Visit Rutgers Gardens’ Cousins: Duke Farms (Somerset County, NJ)
You can’t stick around New Brunswick’s own parks for this list, but you can head out to
Duke Farms in Hillsborough, about a
25–30 minute drive away in Somerset County.
- Miles of walking and biking paths.
- Gardens, meadows, and quiet spots to sit and relax.
- Environmental and nature-focused exhibits and programs.
Parking and access policies can change, so it’s smart to check their website before you go. Bring a bike if you want to cover more ground, or just enjoy a slow wander.
6. Step Back in Time in Somerville (Somerset County, NJ)
Somerville is a small town with a classic Main Street vibe, about a
25–30 minute drive from New Brunswick.
- Walk along Division Street, a pedestrian-friendly strip with shops and restaurants.
- In warmer months, look out for car shows and outdoor events.
- Easy place to grab dinner, wander a bit, and head home the same night.
If you’re looking for a low‑key date night or a simple weekend outing, Somerville is an easy win: park once, eat, stroll, and you’re done.
7. Take the Kids to a Working Farm in Monmouth County
If you’ve got kids—or you just like animals and fresh air—spending a day at a local farm can be surprisingly fun. In
Monmouth County, there are several farms within about a
30–40 minute drive of New Brunswick that offer:
- Seasonal apple and pumpkin picking.
- Hayrides and corn mazes in the fall.
- Farm stands with fresh fruits, veggies, and baked goods.
Picture this: you’re sipping hot cider while the kids run around a pumpkin patch, and your biggest worry is whether you grabbed enough donuts. Not a bad way to spend a Saturday.
8. Discover Elizabeth and Its Waterfront (Union County, NJ)
Elizabeth is around a
25–35 minute drive from New Brunswick and has more going on than many people realize.
- Explore the waterfront area for views of ships and the Bayway area.
- Head to nearby shopping outlets if you’re in the mood to hunt for deals.
- Try some diverse food options—Latin American, Portuguese, and more.
If you’re flying in or out of Newark Airport with extra time, pairing your trip with a quick stop in Elizabeth can turn an airport run into a mini road trip.
9. Take a Mini “Out-of-State” Escape to Staten Island (Richmond County, NY)
Yes, Staten Island is part of New York City, but it’s still very reachable from New Brunswick—usually about a
45–60 minute drive, depending on traffic and your route.
Once you’re there, you can:
- Visit the Staten Island Zoo for an easy, kid-friendly outing.
- Walk along Staten Island’s waterfront for views across the harbor.
- Explore local parks and neighborhoods that feel more suburban than “big city.”
If you want to stretch the day, you can also connect to the Staten Island Ferry and head into Manhattan, but even just staying on Staten Island can feel like a fun change of scene.
10. Enjoy the Vibes of Long Branch (Monmouth County, NJ)
Another great Monmouth County beach spot,
Long Branch is about a
35–45 minute drive from New Brunswick.
- Relax on the wide sandy beach.
- Walk around the Pier Village area with its restaurants and shops.
- Perfect for a summer evening: beach, dinner, and a sunset stroll.
If you like the ocean but don’t love crowds, try going earlier in the day or later in the season. A September beach day in Long Branch can be just about perfect.
Tips for Easy Road Trips from New Brunswick, NJ
To keep these short drives stress‑free:
- Check traffic on your GPS before leaving—Route 1, the Parkway, and 287 can back up fast.
- Pack light: some water, snacks, sunscreen, and maybe a light jacket, depending on the season.
- Look up parking and opening hours in advance, especially for farms, parks, and attractions with seasonal schedules.
You don’t have to plan a full vacation to feel like you “got away.” A simple 30–45 minute drive from New Brunswick can give you a completely different scene—beach, farms, college town streets, or even a quick hop into New York.
What’s Your Favorite New Brunswick Road Trip?
Have you tried any of these
out‑of‑county day trips from New Brunswick, NJ? Do you have a favorite beach, park, or small town you always recommend to friends?
- Drop a comment and share your go‑to spots.
- Pass this post along to friends or family who live in or near New Brunswick and are always saying, “There’s nothing to do around here.”
Sometimes all you need is a tank of gas, a loose plan, and a willingness to explore what’s just outside your own county.
Comments
Post a Comment