10 Easy Out‑of‑County Road Trips From Plainfield, NJ
If you live in
Plainfield, New Jersey and you’re itching to get out of town for a day, you’re in a great spot. In less than an hour, you can reach cool downtowns, waterfront views, hiking trails, and some seriously good food.
The best part? All of the trips below take you
outside Union County to nearby spots in
Essex, Hudson, Middlesex, Morris, Somerset (NJ), and Richmond County, NY (Staten Island).
Whether you’re planning a Saturday road trip, a quick date idea, or something fun to do with the kids, these 10 short drives from Plainfield will keep you busy all year.
1. Montclair, NJ – Artsy Downtown Vibes (Essex County)
If you want a town that feels a little bit city, a little bit suburb,
Montclair is a perfect choice. It’s usually about a 30–40 minute drive from Plainfield, depending on traffic.
Stroll through its walkable downtown and you’ll find:
- Montclair Art Museum – A small, easy-to-enjoy art museum with American and Native American art.
- Dozens of cafés and bakeries – Great for a slow weekend morning coffee.
- Quirky boutiques – Vintage shops, record stores, and local fashion.
I like to park once, then just walk. Grab a latte, pop into a bookstore, then end up at a casual restaurant for lunch. It has that “mini Brooklyn” feel without the long drive.
2. South Mountain Reservation & Turtle Back Zoo (Essex County)
Need a nature break without going too far? Head to
South Mountain Reservation in West Orange and nearby towns, about 30–35 minutes from Plainfield.
You can:
- Walk easy forest trails and see small waterfalls.
- Check out the Essex County Turtle Back Zoo for a family-friendly outing.
- Rent a paddle boat on the reservoir in warmer months.
If you’re not a big hiker, don’t worry. There are short, flat paths with great views. Think of it as a big backyard for the whole area.
3. Jersey City Waterfront & Liberty State Park (Hudson County)
Want that classic
New York City skyline view without actually going into Manhattan? Drive about 45–50 minutes from Plainfield to
Jersey City’s waterfront and
Liberty State Park.
Here you can:
- Walk or bike along the Hudson River with stunning views of the Statue of Liberty and lower Manhattan.
- Visit Liberty Science Center – a hit with kids and curious adults.
- Pack a picnic and relax on wide, open lawns.
On a clear day, the view honestly feels like a movie backdrop. If you time it around sunset, it’s even better. Parking is usually easier here than in NYC, which is a big win.
4. Hoboken, NJ – Small City, Big Personality (Hudson County)
Just north of Jersey City, about 45–55 minutes from Plainfield (traffic will decide!), is
Hoboken. It’s compact, walkable, and full of energy.
Things to do in Hoboken:
- Walk the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway for amazing skyline views.
- Grab a slice of classic New Jersey pizza or hit a popular brunch spot.
- Browse small local shops along Washington Street.
Hoboken is great for a date night or a meet-up with friends. Park in a garage or lot if you can—street parking can be… an adventure.
5. New Brunswick, NJ – College Town Energy (Middlesex County)
About 25–30 minutes south of Plainfield,
New Brunswick is home to
Rutgers University and has a busy, youthful vibe.
You’ll find:
- State Theatre New Jersey – Live shows, concerts, comedy, and more.
- A wide mix of food – from classic diners to international spots and late-night bites.
- Walks along the Raritan River and around the Rutgers campus.
If you like places that feel lively and a bit noisy in a good way, New Brunswick is a fun close-to-home road trip. It’s especially nice in spring and fall when campus is in full swing.
6. Edison, NJ – Menlo Park, Shopping & Food (Middlesex County)
Head about 20–25 minutes from Plainfield to
Edison, a town with a mix of history, shopping, and great food.
Highlights include:
- Thomas Edison Center at Menlo Park – Learn about Edison’s inventions in a small, easy-to-visit museum.
- Shopping at Menlo Park Mall – Perfect for a rainy day or back-to-school runs.
- A wide range of restaurants – especially Indian and Asian food options.
If you’re in the mood for a low-key day, this is a simple trip: museum in the morning, lunch at a local spot, and then some shopping before you head back.
7. Morristown, NJ – Revolutionary War History & Green Spaces (Morris County)
Drive about 35–45 minutes northwest from Plainfield and you’ll reach
Morristown, a town packed with history and charm.
Things to check out:
- Morristown National Historical Park – Learn about George Washington’s winter encampment and walk peaceful grounds.
- Downtown Morristown – Full of restaurants, bars, and shops around the town green.
- Nearby parks and trails – Plenty of room to walk, jog, or just sit on a bench.
If you like American history but don’t want to spend all day in a museum, Morristown is a nice mix of “learn a little” and “eat a lot.”
8. Frelinghuysen Arboretum & Morris County Parks (Morris County)
For a calm, nature-focused escape, head about 40–45 minutes from Plainfield to the
Frelinghuysen Arboretum near Morristown.
At the arboretum and nearby parks you can:
- Walk through beautiful gardens and tree-lined paths.
- Practice photography with flowers, plants, and seasonal colors.
- Enjoy a quiet afternoon that feels much farther from home than it really is.
This is one of those spots where you can slow down, breathe a little deeper, and forget about your email for a couple of hours.
9. Somerville, NJ – Small-Town Main Street Charm (Somerset County)
About 25–30 minutes west of Plainfield,
Somerville offers that classic American main street feel.
Why it’s worth the drive:
- A walkable downtown with locally owned shops and restaurants.
- Outdoor dining in warmer months, often with a friendly, relaxed crowd.
- Seasonal events and car shows that bring the streets to life.
Somerville is great when you just want something simple: park the car, wander around, grab an ice cream or a burger, and sit outside people-watching.
10. Staten Island, NY – Staten Island Greenbelt & Historic Richmond Town (Richmond County, NY)
Yes, you can road trip from Plainfield to
Staten Island without going full “NYC chaos mode.” It’s usually about a 45–60 minute drive, depending on the route and traffic.
Two nice stops:
- Staten Island Greenbelt – Miles of trails, woods, and nature centers. Great for hiking or a peaceful walk.
- Historic Richmond Town – A living history village with old buildings and demonstrations that show how people once lived.
It feels like a mix of country and city. You’ll see New York plates everywhere, but a lot of the spots are calm and family-friendly.
Tips For Planning Your Road Trips From Plainfield
To make the most of these
short road trips from Plainfield, NJ:
- Check traffic – Use a map app before you leave; rush hour can easily add 20–30 minutes.
- Plan parking – Some towns and waterfronts are easier if you head right for a public lot or garage.
- Pack the basics – Water, snacks, phone charger, and a light jacket (even in summer, some places get breezy).
- Have a loose plan – Pick one “main thing” (a museum, a park, a downtown), then stay open to side adventures.
You don’t need a full week off or a big budget to explore. With Plainfield as your home base, you can be in a completely different scene in under an hour—city views one weekend, quiet gardens the next.
Share Your Favorite Day Trips From Plainfield
Have you tried any of these
day trips near Plainfield, New Jersey?
- Which town or park did you like the most?
- Do you have a go-to coffee shop, pizza place, or viewpoint in any of these spots?
Drop your tips and experiences in the comments so other Plainfield locals (and nearby neighbors) can discover new places too.
If you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends, family, or anyone looking for easy road trip ideas from Plainfield—sometimes the best adventures are just 30–40 minutes down the road.
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