10 Fun Road Trips Near Perth Amboy, NJ (All Outside Middlesex County)
Looking for easy day trips from
Perth Amboy, New Jersey that don’t take all day behind the wheel? You’re in a sweet spot. In under an hour, you can reach beaches, boardwalks, historic towns, and even Staten Island in
Richmond County, NY.
Below are
10 short road trips to nearby counties—Mercer, Monmouth, Somerset, Union, and Richmond—where you’ll find plenty of things to do, see, and eat. All of these are
outside Middlesex County, so you’ll really feel like you “got away” for the day.
1. Princeton, NJ – Ivy League Charm and Walkable Streets (Mercer County)
Princeton is about a 40–50 minute drive from Perth Amboy, and it feels like stepping into a movie set.
Walk down Nassau Street and you’ll see old stone buildings, cute shops, and cozy cafés. The campus of
Princeton University is open to explore, and it’s honestly one of the prettiest spots in New Jersey.
Don’t miss:
- Strolling through the Princeton University campus and chapel
- Grabbing coffee and people-watching along Nassau Street
- Exploring the Princeton University Art Museum (check for current hours)
- Walking or picnicking at nearby parks like Princeton Battlefield State Park
If you like mixing a little history, a little nature, and a lot of good food, Princeton makes a perfect low-stress day trip from Perth Amboy.
2. Asbury Park – Classic Jersey Shore Vibes (Monmouth County)
Asbury Park is roughly 35–45 minutes south of Perth Amboy, depending on traffic, and it’s one of the easiest
Jersey Shore escapes.
You get the beach, sure—but you also get music, murals, and great places to eat. The boardwalk feels both old-school and modern at the same time.
Things to do in Asbury Park:
- Walk the boardwalk and check out local shops
- Relax on the beach (day passes are usually required in season)
- Catch live music at small venues and bars
- Explore the downtown for coffee, craft beer, and unique boutiques
If you’re craving ocean air and boardwalk snacks, this is a quick and easy road trip from Perth Amboy.
3. Sandy Hook – Beaches and Bay Views (Monmouth County)
Looking for more nature and less city?
Sandy Hook, part of the Gateway National Recreation Area, is about a 45–55 minute drive.
Here you get long stretches of beach, bike paths, and historic military buildings. On a clear day, you can see the New York City skyline across the water.
Why locals love Sandy Hook:
- Miles of beach for swimming and sunbathing
- Bike paths and walking trails
- Historic areas like Fort Hancock and the Sandy Hook Lighthouse
- Great spots for fishing, bird-watching, and sunset photos
If you prefer a quieter beach day compared to some of the busier shore towns, Sandy Hook is a solid choice.
4. Somerville – Small-Town Main Street with Big Flavor (Somerset County)
Somerville is about 35–45 minutes northwest of Perth Amboy, and it’s one of those places that surprises people.
Its downtown has that classic American small-town feel, with a main street full of restaurants, bakeries, and shops. On warm evenings, the sidewalks are buzzing with outdoor dining and live events.
What to do in Somerville:
- Walk Main Street and try a new restaurant (plenty of global cuisines)
- Check out seasonal car shows and festivals (especially in summer)
- Grab dessert at one of the ice cream or pastry shops
- Use Somerville as a base to explore nearby parks and trails in Somerset County
If you enjoy trying different foods and just taking a chill walk through town, Somerville makes a relaxing day trip.
5. Watchung Reservation – Woods, Lakes, and Easy Trails (Union County)
When you need trees instead of traffic, head to
Watchung Reservation in Union County, about a 30–40 minute drive from Perth Amboy.
This large park has wooded hiking paths, a small lake, and picnic areas. It’s a simple way to get a dose of nature without driving all the way to North Jersey mountains.
Highlights at Watchung Reservation:
- Easy hiking trails for most fitness levels
- Scenic spots for photos, especially in fall
- Picnic areas for a bring-your-own-lunch kind of day
- Nature center and historic sites in the park area
If you’ve ever said, “I just want to walk in the woods for a bit,” this is the place.
6. Westfield – Charming Downtown Shopping and Dining (Union County)
Westfield is about 30–35 minutes from Perth Amboy and offers a polished but still homey downtown.
It’s the kind of place where you can spend hours just walking, browsing, and eating. Parking is usually manageable, and everything feels close together.
In Westfield, you can:
- Shop along tree-lined streets filled with boutiques and familiar brands
- Enjoy brunch, lunch, or dinner at one of many restaurants
- Grab a coffee and sit on a bench for people-watching
- Visit nearby parks for a short walk after your meal
If you like towns that feel a bit upscale but still welcoming, Westfield is a great fit.
7. Staten Island – Waterfront Views and Historic Forts (Richmond County, NY)
Yes, Staten Island is in New York, but from Perth Amboy it’s surprisingly close—often about a 30–40 minute drive, depending on your route and traffic.
Once you’re there, you can get a different flavor of waterfront and some interesting history.
Ideas for a Staten Island day trip:
- Walk the waterfront areas and enjoy views of the harbor
- Explore historic sites like forts and old military areas
- Check out local parks for a picnic with a view
- Drive around different neighborhoods to get a feel for the island
It can be a fun twist on the usual New Jersey day trip—New York, but not as crowded or intense as Manhattan.
8. Long Branch – Beach Day with a Side of Shopping (Monmouth County)
Long Branch is about 35–45 minutes from Perth Amboy and combines a wide sandy beach with a modern oceanfront shopping and dining area.
If you like your beach days with easy access to restaurants and shops, this one is for you.
What to do in Long Branch:
- Spend time on the beach relaxing or swimming
- Walk the oceanfront promenade
- Enjoy waterfront dining—from casual bites to nicer restaurants
- Browse boutiques and shops near the shore
It’s a straightforward, stress-free beach escape when you don’t want a long drive.
9. Red Bank – Artsy Riverside Town with Nightlife (Monmouth County)
Red Bank is about 30–40 minutes from Perth Amboy and has a fun mix of arts, dining, and nightlife.
The town sits along the Navesink River, so you get pretty views along with a lively downtown.
In Red Bank, consider:
- Wandering through downtown shops and galleries
- Trying one of the many restaurants, from casual to date-night spots
- Catching a show or live music at local venues
- Taking a walk near the river for a quiet moment between activities
If you like an evening out that goes beyond just dinner—maybe a show, maybe a bar—Red Bank is a great pick.
10. Duke Farms – Gardens, Trails, and Eco-Friendly Vibes (Somerset County)
Duke Farms in Somerset County is about 35–45 minutes from Perth Amboy and offers a big, beautiful property full of walking and biking paths, gardens, and wildlife.
It’s peaceful, green, and great for families, couples, or solo explorers.
Why Duke Farms is worth the drive:
- Miles of walking and biking paths
- Greenhouses, gardens, and scenic bridges
- Plenty of spots to sit, relax, and enjoy nature
- Eco-focused programs and seasonal events (check ahead)
If you want a day that leaves you feeling refreshed and unplugged, this is a strong choice.
Tips for Planning Your Road Trips from Perth Amboy
To make the most of these short getaways near Perth Amboy, NJ:
- Check traffic: Jersey roads can back up, especially on summer weekends. Leaving early can save a lot of time.
- Look up parking info: Some beaches and downtowns have meters or paid lots.
- Pack smart: Toss a small cooler, sunscreen, and a light jacket in the car. Weather near the water can change fast.
- Have a backup plan: If one place is too crowded, keep a second destination in the same county in mind.
Where Will You Go First?
Living near
Perth Amboy, New Jersey means you have a lot of
easy road trip options within an hour—beaches in Monmouth County, small towns and nature in Somerset and Union Counties, Ivy League charm in Mercer County, and even a quick hop to Staten Island in Richmond County, NY.
Which of these road trips are you adding to your list?
- Have you visited any of these spots already?
- Do you have your own favorite out-of-county getaway from Perth Amboy?
Share your experiences in the comments—and if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends and family who are also looking for fun, easy day trips near Perth Amboy. Your shares and comments help more people discover new places to explore!
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