10 Easy Road Trips From Union City, NJ: Fun Things To Do Just Outside Hudson County
If you live in or near
Union City, New Jersey, you probably already know how easy it is to hop into New York City or head up the Jersey highways. But maybe you’re asking yourself, “What can I do that’s close by, still feels like a getaway, and doesn’t actually stay in Hudson County?”
Let’s fix that.
Below are
10 short out-of-county road trips to some of the best things to do near Union City, NJ. All of these are in nearby counties like
Bergen, Essex, Union, Kings (Brooklyn), New York (Manhattan), and Richmond (Staten Island) — and all are an easy drive or rideshare away.
1. Soak Up Nature at the New Jersey Botanical Garden (Bergen County)
Want a break from city blocks and traffic lights? Head about 35–45 minutes north to the
New Jersey State Botanical Garden at Skylands in Ringwood, Bergen County.
Walk through:
- Beautiful formal gardens and stone terraces
- Shaded woodland trails
- Seasonal blooms that change every month
On my first visit, I remember turning a corner and suddenly seeing this wide lawn framed by tall evergreens. It felt like I had stepped into a movie set, just an hour away from home.
It’s a great spot for:
- Laid-back weekend strolls
- Picnics on the grass
- Casual photo shoots with friends or family
If you’re searching for “
day trips from Union City NJ” that don’t involve city crowds, this is an easy win.
2. Hit the Rides at American Dream Meadowlands (Bergen County)
If you’re in the mood for pure fun, point your car toward
American Dream in East Rutherford, Bergen County — about 20–25 minutes from Union City, depending on traffic.
Inside this massive complex, you’ll find:
- An indoor amusement park with roller coasters
- An indoor water park with big slides and a wave pool
- Indoor skiing and snowboarding
- Mini golf, shopping, and tons of food options
It’s like someone took a whole vacation and stuffed it into one building. If you’ve got kids, this is one of the best
family-friendly day trips near Union City. But honestly, it’s just as fun for adults who want to feel like kids for a day.
3. Explore Art and Food in Montclair (Essex County)
About 30–40 minutes west of Union City, the town of
Montclair in Essex County has a relaxed, artsy vibe that feels very different from the waterfront cities.
Top things to check out:
- Montclair Art Museum – small, friendly, and easy to explore in an afternoon
- Bloomfield Avenue – lined with cafés, boutiques, and restaurants
- Local bakeries – grab coffee and something sweet and just stroll
I like to park once, wander, and see where the day takes me. One time I went just for the museum and ended up hanging out at a sidewalk café for two hours, people-watching and trying new pastries.
If you enjoy discovering new neighborhoods, Montclair is perfect for a simple, walkable
New Jersey day trip.
4. Relax by the Water at the South Mountain Reservation & Reservoir (Essex County)
If you’re looking for green space, drive about 30–35 minutes to the
South Mountain Reservation area near West Orange and Maplewood in Essex County.
Highlights include:
- Scenic walking and jogging paths around the Orange Reservoir
- Pretty views for sunrise or sunset
- Easy trails if you’re not trying to tackle a serious hike
On a quiet Sunday morning, it’s hard to believe this spot is so close to Union City. The loop around the water is especially nice if you just want a simple walk without thinking too much about directions.
This is a great choice if you’re searching for
outdoor things to do near Union City NJ that don’t require long drives or deep-woods hiking skills.
5. Walk the Historic Streets of Westfield (Union County)
About 35–45 minutes southwest, you’ll find
Westfield in Union County, a small town with a classic main street feel.
Here’s what makes it worth the trip:
- A charming downtown with shops and restaurants
- Tree-lined streets that are perfect for a slow walk
- Plenty of cafés where you can sit and hang out
I once stopped in Westfield just to stretch my legs on a longer drive and ended up staying for dinner. It’s one of those towns where you tell yourself, “I’ll just look around for 10 minutes,” and then suddenly it’s two hours later.
If you like low-key exploring and small-town vibes, this is a great
road trip from Union City that doesn’t feel overwhelming.
6. Catch a Staten Island Ferry View & Visit Snug Harbor (Richmond County, NY)
You’ve probably heard about the
Staten Island Ferry, but have you actually gone and done it?
From Union City, you can drive (or take transit) to lower Manhattan, then hop on the
free ferry over to
Staten Island (Richmond County).
Why it’s worth it:
- Unbeatable views of the Statue of Liberty and New York Harbor
- Cool photos of the Manhattan skyline, especially near sunset
- A relaxing 25-minute ride each way that costs nothing
Once you reach Staten Island, make time for
Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden:
- Peaceful gardens and walking paths
- Historic buildings and museums
- Less crowded than Manhattan, with room to breathe
This combo makes a great half- or full-day trip, and it’s one of the easiest
short trips from Union City NJ to pair with great views.
7. Discover Brooklyn Heights & the Promenade (Kings County, NY)
Just over the river in
Kings County (Brooklyn), the neighborhood of
Brooklyn Heights feels cozy, historic, and very walkable.
What to do:
- Stroll the Brooklyn Heights Promenade with sweeping views of Manhattan
- Check out the brownstone-lined side streets
- Grab a slice or a coffee from a neighborhood spot
Standing along the promenade at dusk, watching the city lights come on, you really understand why people fall in love with New York.
This is a great idea if you want a
romantic day trip from Union City or an easy outing with friends. You get big-city energy without staying in the middle of Times Square all day.
8. Have Fun in Coney Island (Kings County, NY)
If you’re in the mood for nostalgia, head to
Coney Island in Brooklyn, also in Kings County. It’s a longer drive (often around an hour or a bit more, depending on traffic), but it’s still an easy day trip from Union City.
You’ll find:
- The classic boardwalk and beach
- Old-school rides and attractions
- Famous hot dogs and carnival-style snacks
There’s something about the mix of ocean air, neon lights, and roller coaster screams that makes you feel like you’ve gone back in time. It’s especially fun on a summer evening.
If you’re searching for
fun places near Union City NJ that feel like a mini-vacation, Coney Island is hard to beat.
9. Explore Central Park & Nearby Museums (New York County, NY)
Yes, everyone talks about
Central Park, but there’s a reason. From Union City, you can be in
New York County (Manhattan) in well under an hour, depending on your route.
Here’s a simple way to plan your day:
- Enter Central Park from the south or along Fifth Avenue
- Walk, bike, or just sit on a bench and people-watch
- Pair your visit with a museum, like the Metropolitan Museum of Art or the American Museum of Natural History
One of my favorite memories was getting lost (in a good way) on the park’s winding paths, then suddenly coming out at a big open field full of people playing frisbee and relaxing in the sun.
If you’re browsing for
things to do near Union City NJ without flying anywhere, a Central Park day is simple, affordable, and always different.
10. Walk the High Line & Hudson Yards (New York County, NY)
For something a bit more modern, aim for Manhattan’s
High Line, an elevated park built on an old rail line on the west side of New York County.
Why it’s cool:
- Urban gardens and public art along a raised walkway
- Unique views of the city streets from above
- Easy access to shops and restaurants at Hudson Yards
Take your time, stop for photos, and enjoy the mix of greenery and city architecture. It’s one of the most popular
NYC day trips for people living in North Jersey because it feels fresh and different every time you go.
Tips for Planning Your Union City Road Trips
To make these
short trips from Union City, NJ easier, keep a few things in mind:
- Check traffic: Rush hour can stretch a 30-minute drive into an hour.
- Look up parking: Especially for New York City and busy downtowns.
- Pack light: A small backpack with water, snacks, and a light jacket usually does the trick.
- Plan a “main event” and a bonus stop: For example, art museum first, café second.
Think of these road trips as little “reset buttons” when life in Union City feels too busy or too routine.
Share Your Favorite Day Trips From Union City
Now it’s your turn.
Which of these
10 out-of-county road trips are you most excited to try first? Have you already visited any of these places around Bergen, Essex, Union, Kings, New York, or Richmond Counties?
- Drop a comment with your favorite nearby getaway.
- Share this post with friends or family in Union City who are always saying, “There’s nothing to do around here.”
You might just inspire someone’s next great weekend adventure.
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