10 Easy Road Trips From Passaic, NJ: Fun Things To Do Just Outside the County
If you live in
Passaic, New Jersey and feel like you’ve already done everything close to home, you’re in luck. Within about an hour’s drive, you can hit mountains, lakes, tiny river towns, big-city museums, and even a zoo on a cliff with skyline views.
The best part? All of these day trips are
outside Passaic County, in nearby spots like
Bergen, Essex, Morris, Sussex, Orange (NY), and Rockland (NY). So if you’re searching for
things to do near Passaic without driving all day, this list is for you.
Let’s jump into 10 short out-of-county road trips that make perfect quick getaways.
1. Explore the Cliffs and Views at Palisades Interstate Park (Bergen County, NJ)
If you’ve ever driven along the Hudson and thought, “Wow, look at those cliffs,” this is your place.
Palisades Interstate Park runs for about 12 miles along the Hudson River in
Bergen County. From Passaic, it’s usually around a 25–35 minute drive, depending on traffic.
Here you’ll find:
- Scenic lookouts with views of the Manhattan skyline
- Easy to moderate hiking trails
- Picnic areas with river breezes
- Historic sites like Fort Lee Historic Park
On a clear day, standing at one of the overlooks feels a bit like you’re watching a movie of New York City from across the river. If you’re not a big hiker, don’t worry—there are plenty of short walks and spots where you can just park, step out, and take in the view.
Tip: Bring a light jacket, even in summer. The river breeze can surprise you.
2. Shop, Dine, and People-Watch in Montclair (Essex County, NJ)
Looking for something a little more laid-back and artsy? Head to
Montclair in
Essex County, about 20–25 minutes from Passaic.
Montclair is one of those towns where you can park your car and just wander. You’ll find:
- Restaurants and coffee shops on Bloomfield Avenue and Church Street
- The Montclair Art Museum (small but well-curated)
- Cute boutiques and bookstores
- Tree-lined streets that are perfect for a casual stroll
One easy way to enjoy Montclair is to grab a coffee, walk around, and stop anywhere that looks interesting. I once spent almost an hour just flipping through vinyl records in a tiny shop there—and I hadn’t even planned to stop in.
Bonus: If you like views, swing by
Eagle Rock Reservation in nearby West Orange afterward for a moving 9/11 memorial and sweeping skyline views.
3. Step Back in Time at Morristown National Historical Park (Morris County, NJ)
If you’re a history buff—or just enjoy a good story—drive about 30–40 minutes to
Morristown in
Morris County, home to
Morristown National Historical Park.
This area played a big role in the American Revolution. You can:
- Visit Washington’s Headquarters Museum
- Walk the grounds where soldiers camped during brutal winters
- Check out historic buildings and informative displays
- Take short, easy walks along the park’s trails
Even if you weren’t a fan of history class in school, it’s different when you’re standing where it all happened. The park has that quiet, peaceful feeling where you can actually picture what life was like back then.
Tip: Pair it with lunch in downtown Morristown—there are tons of restaurants within a few minutes’ drive.
4. Hike and Swim at Lake Hopatcong & Hopatcong State Park (Morris County, NJ)
When it’s hot out and you just want to be near the water, head to
Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey’s largest freshwater lake, in
Morris County. It’s usually around 45–55 minutes from Passaic.
At
Hopatcong State Park, you can:
- Relax on the small lakeside beach area (seasonal)
- Have a picnic near the water
- Launch a boat or kayak (if you have or rent one nearby)
- Walk around and enjoy lakeside views
Some people compare a day here to a “mini lake vacation,” just without the long drive. If you go during the week, it’s often calmer and easier to find parking.
Tip: Bring folding chairs, towels, and a cooler with snacks and drinks. It makes the whole day feel like a small getaway.
5. Escape to the Country at High Point State Park (Sussex County, NJ)
Want to really feel like you’ve left North Jersey behind? Drive about an hour to
High Point State Park in
Sussex County.
This is one of the best
outdoor day trips from Passaic if you like wide open spaces and scenic views. Here’s what you’ll find:
- The High Point Monument, marking the highest point in New Jersey
- Panoramic views of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York
- Wooded hiking trails for all levels
- Picnic areas and small lakes
On a clear day, the view from the top is the kind that makes you stop talking for a minute. You suddenly remember that New Jersey is a lot more than highways and shopping centers.
Tip: This area can be cooler and windier than Passaic, so pack layers, especially in spring and fall.
6. Go Apple Picking and Winery Hopping in Warwick (Orange County, NY)
About 50–60 minutes from Passaic, up in
Orange County, New York, you’ll find the charming town of
Warwick. It’s especially popular in the fall, but worth visiting any time of year.
In and around Warwick you can:
- Go apple picking or pumpkin picking at local farms
- Visit family-friendly wineries and cider houses
- Browse shops and grab a bite in the small downtown
- Enjoy country roads and rolling hills on the drive in
If you’ve ever wanted that classic “fall day” with hayrides, cider donuts, and fresh apples, this is your spot. It does get busy on weekends in September and October, so get an early start if you can.
Tip: Bring cash—some smaller farm stands still prefer it, especially for quick purchases like cider and donuts.
7. Ride Coasters and See Tigers at Turtle Back Zoo & South Mountain (Essex County, NJ)
Looking for something fun and easy with kids—or just a playful day out? Head to the
Turtle Back Zoo in
West Orange, Essex County, about 25–30 minutes from Passaic.
The zoo and its surrounding area offer:
- Animals like giraffes, sea lions, and big cats
- A train ride, carousel, and playgrounds for kids
- Nearby walking paths around the Reservoir
- Mini golf and other seasonal activities
You can easily spend half a day here without feeling rushed. The size is manageable, so you don’t end up totally wiped out from walking miles like at some bigger zoos.
Idea: After the zoo, drive a few minutes up to
Eagle Rock Reservation for sunset views over New York City.
8. Discover Small-Town Charm in Nyack (Rockland County, NY)
If you like river views, cute streets, and good food, drive about 35–45 minutes to
Nyack in
Rockland County, New York.
This artsy Hudson River town offers:
- Shops, restaurants, and cafes along Main Street and Broadway
- Scenic river views and small parks along the water
- Antique stores and local art galleries
- Weekend street fairs and markets at certain times of year
A nice way to spend the day is to park once, explore on foot, grab lunch, and then walk down toward the river. It has that relaxed, “I could stay here all afternoon” kind of vibe.
Tip: Combine Nyack with a drive over the modern Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge (formerly Tappan Zee) for more Hudson River scenery.
9. Go Hiking and Paddling at Harriman State Park (Rockland & Orange Counties, NY)
Just over the New York state line, about 45–60 minutes from Passaic (depending on your entry point), lies
Harriman State Park. It stretches across
Rockland and
Orange Counties and is one of the easiest “big nature” escapes from North Jersey.
In Harriman, you’ll find:
- Miles of hiking trails, from easy loops to longer treks
- Dozens of lakes and ponds
- Picnic areas and scenic drives
- Quieter spots if you’re willing to venture beyond the main parking lots
If you’ve ever wanted a classic forest hike with lakes, rocks, and tall trees, this is perfect. It feels a world away from Route 21 and the Garden State Parkway, but it’s still very doable as a day trip.
Tip: Cell service can be spotty in some parts, so it’s smart to download maps in advance or bring a printed trail map.
10. Shop Big and Dream Bigger at American Dream & the Meadowlands (Bergen County, NJ)
When the weather is bad or you’re just in the mood for over-the-top indoor fun, head about 20–25 minutes to the
American Dream complex in
East Rutherford, Bergen County.
Here’s what you’ll find under one giant roof:
- Huge shopping mall with tons of stores
- Indoor amusement park with rides and coasters
- Indoor water park (no worrying about the weather)
- Indoor ski slope and snow park
- Mini golf, ice skating, and more
Is it a little wild? Yes. Is it a lot of fun for a rainy day or when you just want something different? Also yes.
Tip: Check hours and ticket prices ahead of time if you plan to hit the water park, ski area, or amusement park—they’re usually separate from general mall access.
Making the Most of Your Road Trips From Passaic
You don’t need a long vacation to feel like you’ve gotten away. From
Passaic, NJ, you’re within an hour or so of:
- Mountain and river views
- Historic battlefields and monuments
- Lakes, state parks, and hiking trails
- Small artsy towns and big indoor attractions
One simple way to enjoy all of this is to pick a theme for each weekend:
- Nature day: High Point, Harriman, Palisades
- Family day: Turtle Back Zoo, American Dream
- Food and shopping day: Montclair, Nyack, Warwick
- History day: Morristown National Historical Park
Before you go, check parking rules, opening hours, and any fees—things can change by season. And toss a small “day trip kit” in your car: water, snacks, sunscreen, a light jacket, and maybe a portable phone charger.
What Did We Miss? Share Your Favorite Spots Near Passaic
Now it’s your turn.
Do you have a favorite
day trip from Passaic in Bergen, Essex, Morris, Sussex, Orange (NY), or Rockland (NY) that should be on this list? Maybe a hidden lake, a diner with amazing pancakes, or a tiny town you love to wander?
Drop your suggestions in the comments—locals always know the best spots.
And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends, family, or anyone in North Jersey who’s looking for new things to do near Passaic. A simple share might be the start of someone’s next great mini adventure.
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