Warm weather is finally here, and there’s no better way to enjoy it than by taking a day trip with family, friends or as a solo expedition. With so many wonderful destinations to explore, not far from the Montclair and Northern New Jersey areas, there's something for everyone to enjoy. From picturesque hiking trails and scenic drives to charming towns and historical sites, there's no shortage of options for a fun-filled day trip. So pack a picnic, grab a camera, and check out our road trip round-up for destinations within a few hours’ drive from the Montclair and Essex County area.

Chester, NJ | Via I-80

For those looking for a charming small-town experience, Chester is the place to visit. It’s filled with picturesque scenery and plenty of things to do, like marveling at the natural beauty of the 822-acre Elizabeth D. Kay Environmental Center. From exploring flower fields to trying out delicious food spots, visitors won't run out of options during their visit. It’s about 39 miles from Montclair and should take approximately 50 minutes to get there.

Read More: Montclair + Essex County Summer Bucket List: 50 Must-Try Activities for 2025

Frenchtown, NJ | Via I-78

Locals will love strolling along the Delaware River and exploring this town's unique Victorian architecture. Visitors should remember to check out the shops and restaurants with great river views and walk along the historic Uhlerstown-Frenchtown Bridge. Afterward, grab a drink at Artie's Bar + Grill, a town favorite. The ride will take a little more than an hour, and guests will travel about 60 miles each way.

Paterson Great Falls National Historic Park | 72 McBride Avenue Ext, Paterson, NJ

 

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Paterson Great Falls (@patersongreatfalls)

This majestic waterfall is 77 feet high and 260 feet wide, with over two billion gallons of water rushing over it daily. Guests can learn about its formation by glaciers over 13,000 years ago, its significance to the Lenape Indians and Dutch Settlers, and how it played a major role in the birth of America's Industrial Revolution. It will take visitors about 20 minutes and eight miles to get there from Montclair via the Garden State Parkway.

Grounds for Sculpture | 80 Sculptors Way, Hamilton Township, NJ

Photo Credit: Leonda Finke, Standing Figure from Women in the Sun, 1988, bronze, 70 in x 33 in x 18 in, Grounds For Sculpture, Gift of The Seward Johnson Atelier, © Artist’s Estate and Carlos Dorrien, Nine Muses, 1990- 97, stone: granite, 132 in x 240 in x 360 in, Grounds For Sculpture, Gift of The Seward Johnson Atelier, © Artist or Artist’s Estate

This not-for-profit sculpture park spans 42 acres and features over 270 contemporary sculptures by famous and up-and-coming artists. In addition to the impressive art, it includes indoor galleries with rotating exhibitions, educational opportunities, and plenty of fun family events. It’s about one hour and 15 minutes away when driving on the Garden State Parkway from Montclair. Guests will travel 69 miles.

Holland Ridge Farms | 86 Rues Road, Cream Ridge

The property that is now Holland Ridge Farms was once a dairy farm, owned by generations of the Rue family from 1803 to 2012. When the Jansen family bought the farm in 2012, they planted tulip bulbs around the site. Now, this picturesque spot is an iconic locale for flower enthusiasts, and the farm plants millions of tulips each year. Holland Ridge is the largest U-Pick tulip farm in the United States. And Holland Ridge doesn’t just plant tulip bulbs. As soon as the fields are cleared, the farm begins its next harvest for fall: sunflowers. Holland Ridge Farms is about an hour and 15 minutes away from Montclair.

New Hope, PA + Lambertville, NJ | Via I-78

 

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Lambertville Station (@lambertvillestation)

A stroll across state lines is the only way to fully experience this spot: Lambertville is in New Jersey, while New Hope is a short walk from Pennsylvania. Visitors will find a vibrant array of colorful storefronts, plenty of dining options, and bars that stay open late. This area is an excellent blend of small-town charm and artistic flair that will keep all entertained. Can’t decide where to start? Lambertville is known for its art galleries like Gallery Piquel, while people flock to New Hope for its oddities like the Van Saint Crybaby Bridge, where legend has it, locals can hear ghosts. It takes about an hour and 15 minutes to get to Lambertville, which is about 65 miles from Montclair.

Ocean Grove, NJ | Via Garden State Parkway

 

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Ocean Grove (@visitoceangrovenj)

With one square mile of natural beauty at the Jersey Shore, you locals enjoy pristine beaches, tree-lined streets, a serene boardwalk, and stunning parks. During summertime, the town is bustling with activities like arts and crafts shows, giant flea markets, guided historical walking tours, house tours, and performances by famous artists at the legendary Great Auditorium. Those wanting to make this a summer home, get on the waitlist for one of the dwellings in this famous “Tent City.” This colony of canvas tents is available for rent all summer. It’s located a little more than an hour from Montclair, and visitors will travel about 57 miles to get there.

Stairway to Heaven Trail | 443 Vernon Warwick Road, Vernon

Photo Credit: Jordan Velez

Stairway to Heaven is an eight-mile-long hiking trail located in Vernon, New Jersey. The area boasts mountain views, an easier terrain, and tons of photo opportunities. Locals visiting this spot should head to Heaven Hills Farm (451 NJ-94, Vernon) afterwards, for plant shopping and ice cream. This locale is about an hour and 15 minutes away from Montclair.

Storm King Art Center | 1 Museum Road, New Windsor, NY

As one of the world's top sculpture parks, it's a must-visit spot for art and nature enthusiasts. With over 100 sculptures created by renowned artists in a beautiful 500-acre landscape of fields, hills, and woodlands, guests won't be disappointed with what Storm King has to offer. It will take about an hour to get here on I-87 from Montclair, and visitors should expect to travel about 53 miles.

See More: A Trip to Readington Brewery + Hop Farm in Neshanic Station, NJ

Warwick, NY | Via NJ-208

Warwick is a town in Orange County, New York, known for its abundance of outdoor pursuits and beautiful nature. The area boasts activities like biking, hiking, golfing, swimming, boating, and horseback riding, as well as plenty of boutiques and eateries along its Main Street. The Montclair Girl recommends a visit to Pennings Farm Market (161 NY-94) for live music, ice cream, wings, and a petting zoo, as well as Tokyo Plum House (65 Main Street #196), a hidden Japanese restaurant located in the basement of a historic building. Those looking to venture deeper into the countryside of Warwick can also visit the Warwick Valley Winery + Distillery (114 Little York Road). For an ideal day, locals can head to Pennings and then the Warwick Drive-In Theater (5 Warwick Turnpike), which is located right across the street.