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Day trips from Jersey City

19 nearby parks, towns and places to explore, ordered by straight-line distance.

Clay Pit Ponds State Park PreserveState park

Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve

16 miles southwest · straight-line distance

State park in Staten Island, New York.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

City IslandOutdoors

City Island

16 miles northeast · straight-line distance

Island and neighborhood of the Bronx in New York City.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

State park

Valley Stream State Park

18 miles east · straight-line distance

State park in Nassau County, New York.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

National park site

Gateway National Recreation Area

18 miles south · straight-line distance

Parks and beaches in New York City and New Jersey.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

Tallman Mountain State ParkState park

Tallman Mountain State Park

23 miles north · straight-line distance

State park in New York, United States.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

Campgaw Mountain ReservationSki area

Campgaw Mountain Reservation

25 miles north · straight-line distanceAbout 1 hr 10 min by car (56 road miles, typical traffic, checked October 2026)

County park in Bergen County.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

New BrunswickTown

New Brunswick

26 miles southwest · straight-line distanceAbout 40 min by car (32 road miles, typical traffic, checked October 2026)

City in and county seat of Middlesex County, New Jersey, United States.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

Town

White Plains

26 miles northeast · straight-line distanceAbout 50 min by car (35 road miles, typical traffic, checked October 2026)

City in and seat of Westchester County, New York, United States.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

Oheka CastleThings to do

Oheka Castle

32 miles east · straight-line distanceAbout 55 min by car (36 road miles, typical traffic, checked October 2026)

Mansion in Huntington, New York, USA.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

StamfordTown

Stamford

37 miles northeast · straight-line distanceAbout 1 hr 5 min by car (50 road miles, typical traffic, checked October 2026)

City in Fairfield County, Connecticut, United States.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

Things to do

Glass House

40 miles northeast · straight-line distanceAbout 1 hr 15 min by car (52 road miles, typical traffic, checked October 2026)

House in New Canaan, Connecticut designed by Philip Johnson.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

Outdoors

Long Island

43 miles east · straight-line distance

Island in New York, United States of America.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

Things to do

Six Flags Great Adventure

45 miles southwest · straight-line distanceAbout 1 hr 15 min by car (66 road miles, typical traffic, checked October 2026)

Amusement park in Jackson Township, New Jersey.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

TrentonTown

Trenton

51 miles southwest · straight-line distanceAbout 1 hr 10 min by car (58 road miles, typical traffic, checked October 2026)

Capital city of the U.S. state of New Jersey and seat of Mercer County.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

BridgeportTown

Bridgeport

55 miles northeast · straight-line distanceAbout 1 hr 25 min by car (66 road miles, typical traffic, checked October 2026)

County seat city of Fairfield County, Connecticut, United States.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

Fire Island National SeashoreNational park site

Fire Island National Seashore

56 miles east · straight-line distance

National park system unit in New York, United States.

BoatingCampingFishingHikingHistoryHuntingAgency site ↗

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

Thunder Ridge Ski AreaSki area

Thunder Ridge Ski Area

60 miles northeast · straight-line distanceAbout 2 hr 5 min by car (71 road miles, typical traffic, checked October 2026)

Ski area in New York, United States.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic SiteNational park site

Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site

73 miles north · straight-line distance

Historic building in Hyde Park, New York, United States.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic SiteNational park site

Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site

75 miles north · straight-line distance

National Historic Site of the United States.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

Driving times are typical estimates from the city center without live traffic, Powered by Geoapify · © OpenStreetMap contributors.

Distances are straight-line measurements from the city, not driving distance. Saved road estimates have no consistently recorded source date and are not current traffic; estimates to park centers, water locations or inconsistent routes are omitted. Named-destination route links are not verified entrances. Place descriptions come from Wikidata; photo credits below include recorded capture dates when available. A photograph does not show current conditions.

Outdoor places near Jersey City

32 recreation areas and campgrounds within 128 miles, from Recreation.gov. Filter by what you want to do.

Recreation area

Ellis Island Part of Statue of Liberty National Monument

1 miles south · straight-line distanceNational Park Service

Millions of Americans and people around the world have ancestors who came through Ellis Island. The Main Immigration Building was the epicenter of one of the greatest migrations in modern history.

Picnicking

Recreation area

African Burial Ground National Monument

2 miles east · straight-line distanceNational Park Service

The African Burial Ground stands as the oldest and largest known excavated burial site in North America for both free and enslaved Africans.

History

Recreation area

Castle Clinton National Monument

2 miles southeast · straight-line distanceNational Park Service

Located at the southern tip of Manhattan, Castle Clinton marks the place where New York City began and reflects the growth of both the city and the nation.

History

Recreation area

Federal Hall National Memorial

2 miles southeast · straight-line distanceNational Park Service

Here at Federal Hall, George Washington took the oath of office as the first President of the United States, marking the beginning of the American constitutional republic.

History

Recreation area

Governors Island National Monument

2 miles southeast · straight-line distanceNational Park Service

From 1794 to 1966, the U.S. Army presence on Governors Island played a vital role in the social, political, and economic life of New York City. The island then served as the headquarters of the U.S.

BikingPicnicking

Recreation area

Statue Of Liberty National Monument

2 miles south · straight-line distanceNational Park Service

A gift of friendship from the people of France to the United States "Liberty Enlightening the World" is recognized as a universal symbol of freedom and democracy. It was dedicated by President Grover Cleveland on October 28, 1886.

BoatingPicnicking

Recreation area

National Parks of New York Harbor

4 miles south · straight-line distanceNational Park Service

These 12 sites preserve more than 400 years of American history! We invite you to explore the past and investigate its relevance in our lives today.

BikingBoatingCampingFishingHikingHistoryPaddlingPicnicking

Recreation area

Lincoln Park Coast Cultural District

7 miles west · straight-line distanceSmithsonian Institution Affiliations Program

The Lincoln Park/Coast Cultural District (LPCCD) is one of Newark?s newest organizations, blending arts, cultural planning and event programming with community economic development.

Ranger programs

Campground

Camp Gateway - Staten Island

8 miles south · straight-line distanceAbout 25 min by car (15 road miles, checked October 2026)National Park Service

This campground boasts a spectacular view of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, the longest vehicle suspension span in the United States. When it opened in 1964, it was the longest span in the world for 17 years.

BikingBirdingBoatingCampingEvening ProgramsFishingGuided Interpretive WalksHiking

Recreation area

Hamilton Grange National Memorial

9 miles northeast · straight-line distanceNational Park Service

Merchant’s clerk, Revolutionary War soldier, first Secretary Treasury of the United States: Alexander Hamilton’s life is memorialized at The Grange, the home he built on a country estate in uptown Manhattan.

History

Campground

Camp Gateway- Brooklyn Ny

12 miles southeast · straight-line distanceAbout 40 min by car (23 road miles, checked October 2026)National Park Service

There's no other campground in the world where a family can sleep under the stars, tour the Statue of Liberty, watch a Broadway musical and kayak in one of the world's premier bird migration sanctuaries-all in one trip.

ArcheryBikingCampingFishingHikingHorseback ridingRanger programsStar Gazing

Recreation area

Gateway National Recreation Area

12 miles southeast · straight-line distanceNational Park Service

Spanning 27,000 acres from Sandy Hook in New Jersey to Breezy Point in New York City, the park is both the gateway from the ocean into New York Harbor, and the gateway to the National Park Service for millions of visitors every year.

BikingBoatingCampingFishingPaddlingSwimming

Recreation area

Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park

15 miles northwest · straight-line distanceNational Park Service

Silk cloth and steam locomotives; textiles and continuous paper rolls; firearms and aircraft engines. What do these things have in common? All were manufactured in the same place - Paterson, NJ.

History

Campground

Camp Gateway - Sandy Hook

19 miles south · straight-line distanceAbout 1 hr 10 min by car (52 road miles, checked October 2026)National Park Service

Welcome to Gateway National Recreation Area, Sandy Hook Unit! There are a variety of cultural and recreational opportunities available at the park including history tours, living history demonstrations, hiking, birding, kayaking, camping,…

BikingBirdingBoatingCampingCanoeingCultural ActivitiesEvening ProgramsFishing

Recreation area

Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge

25 miles west · straight-line distanceFish and Wildlife Service

The Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) is one of more than 560 refuges in the National Wildlife Refuge System that is administered by the Department of the Interior's U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

BirdingHikingHuntingNature educationPhotographyRanger programs

Recreation area

Congressman Lester Wolff Oyster Bay National Wildlife Refuge

31 miles northeast · straight-line distanceFish and Wildlife Service

The Congressman Lester Wolff Oyster Bay National Wildlife Refuge was donated to the Service by the Town of Oyster Bay in 1968 as a habitat for migratory birds, particularly wintering waterfowl.

BirdingBoatingEducational ProgramsFishingNon-Motorized BoatingPhotographyRanger programsWildlife viewing

Recreation area

Sagamore Hill National Historic Site

31 miles east · straight-line distanceNational Park Service

Sagamore Hill was the home of Theodore Roosevelt, 26th President of the United States, from 1885 until his death in 1919. During Roosevelt's time in office, his "Summer White House" was the focus of international attention.

BikingHikingHistoryPicnickingWildlife viewing

Recreation area

Target Rock National Wildlife Refuge

35 miles northeast · straight-line distanceFish and Wildlife Service

Target Rock National Wildlife Refuge was acquired in 1967 as a donation from the Eberstadt family, who maintained the land as a garden estate.

BeachBirdingFishingHikingRanger programsWildlife viewing

Recreation area

Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge

43 miles northwest · straight-line distanceFish and Wildlife Service

Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge manages over 6,000 acres in Sussex County, New Jersey and Orange County, New York. We strive to manage quality habitat for wildlife while providing outdoor recreation for the public.

BoatingEducational ProgramsFishingHuntingPhotographyWildlife viewing

Recreation area

Seatuck National Wildlife Refuge

44 miles east · straight-line distanceFish and Wildlife Service

The refuge, located in Islip on the south shore of Long Island, consists of 209 acres bordering the Great South Bay, and is separated from the Atlantic Ocean by Fire Island.

FishingHunting

Recreation area

Weir Farm National Historical Park

48 miles northeast · straight-line distanceNational Park Service

Visit the home and studio of America's most beloved Impressionist, J. Alden Weir, and walk in the footsteps of generations of world-class artists.

HikingHistoryWildlife viewing

Recreation area

Lower Delaware National Wild and Scenic River

54 miles southwest · straight-line distanceNational Park Service

The Delaware River, the largest free-flowing river in the eastern United States, runs past forests, farmlands and villages. It also links some of the most densely populated regions in America.

BoatingCampingFishingHikingPaddlingPicnicking

Campground

Alosa Campsites

55 miles northwest · straight-line distanceAbout 1 hr 45 min by car (84 road miles, checked October 2026)National Park Service

The Alosa Campsites are boat-in only sites located on the west (Pennsylvanian) shore of the Delaware River near Bushkill, Pennsylvania. The side of the river with the campsites will be on your right while traveling downstream.

BoatingCampingCanoeingFishingHikingSwimming

Recreation area

Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

55 miles northwest · straight-line distanceNational Park Service

Situated within the most densely populated region of the United States, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area provides a unique opportunity to experience tranquil landscapes, rich human history, and striking scenery along 40 miles of…

BikingBoatingClimbingFishingHikingHistoryHorseback ridingHunting

Recreation area

Fire Island National Seashore

55 miles east · straight-line distanceNational Park Service

Immerse yourself in an enchanting collage of coastal life and history. Rhythmic waves, high dunes, ancient maritime forests, historic landmarks and glimpses of wildlife, Fire Island has been a special place for diverse plants, animals and…

BoatingCampingFishingHikingHistoryHuntingSwimmingWildlife viewing

Recreation area

Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge

61 miles east · straight-line distanceFish and Wildlife Service

Established in 1947, Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge protects 2,550 acres on the south shore of Long Island.

BirdingBoatingCross Country SkiingEducational ProgramsFishingHikingHistoryHunting

Recreation area

Shawangunk Grasslands National Wildlife Refuge

64 miles north · straight-line distanceFish and Wildlife Service

Shawangunk Grasslands National Wildlife Refuge, which protects 597 acres in Ulster County, NY, was established in July 1999 to support grassland-dependent migratory birds and wintering raptors.

FishingHuntingPhotographyWildlife viewing

Recreation area

Hunt Hill Farm

73 miles northeast · straight-line distanceSmithsonian Institution Affiliations Program

The Henderson Americana Center for Culture & the Creative Arts is located on Hunt Hill Farm in New Milford, Connecticut.

Ranger programs

Campground

Hop Brook Lake Recreation Area

75 miles northeast · straight-line distanceAbout 1 hr 50 min by car (96 road miles, checked October 2026)US Army Corps of Engineers

Hop Brook Lake Recreation Area is located within the towns of Middlebury, Naugatuck and Waterbury, Connecticut. Its 536 acres provide excellent recreation opportunities and a chance to escape from the growing suburbia surrounding the park.

BikingBoatingCampingCanoeingCross Country SkiingFishingHikingKayaking

Campground

Northfield Brook Lake Group Shelters

83 miles northeast · straight-line distanceAbout 2 hr 5 min by car (108 road miles, checked October 2026)US Army Corps of Engineers

Northfield Brook Lake Group Shelters are located along a small scenic lake in the Naugatuck Valley of west-central Connecticut.

BikingBirdingCampingCanoeingFishingHikingHistoryKayaking

Campground

Blue Marsh Lake (Dry Brooks Day Use Area)

107 miles west · straight-line distanceAbout 2 hr 10 min by car (123 road miles, checked October 2026)US Army Corps of Engineers

Located at Blue Marsh Lake northwest of Reading, Pennsylvania, three group picnic shelters are available for reservations within the Dry Brooks Day Use Area.

BikingBoatingCampingHiking

Campground

Indian Hollow

128 miles northeast · straight-line distanceUS Army Corps of Engineers

With abundant wildlife, lush scenery and waterfront views, Indian Hollow Group Campground, located at the Knightville Dam and Reservoir, offers groups and clubs a recreational oasis.

BirdingCampingFishingHikingHorseback ridingHuntingMountain BikingStar Gazing

Recreation areas and campgrounds from Recreation.gov's directory, checked October 9, 2026. Listings are not live availability: check Recreation.gov or the managing agency for open dates, fees, reservations and conditions. Directions go to the listed coordinates, which may not be the entrance. Campground driving times: Powered by Geoapify · © OpenStreetMap contributors.

Questions

What day-trip ideas are near Jersey City?

This guide includes Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve, City Island, Valley Stream State Park, Gateway National Recreation Area, Tallman Mountain State Park. Places are ordered by straight-line distance. Confirm visitor access, opening hours and current travel conditions before choosing a trip.

How far is Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve from Jersey City?

Approximately 16 miles southwest in a straight line. This is not current traffic or a route to a verified visitor entrance. Use the named destination and confirm the appropriate entrance or transport.

How far is City Island from Jersey City?

Approximately 16 miles northeast in a straight line. This is not current traffic or a route to a verified visitor entrance. Use the named destination and confirm the appropriate entrance or transport.

How far is Valley Stream State Park from Jersey City?

Approximately 18 miles east in a straight line. This is not current traffic or a route to a verified visitor entrance. Use the named destination and confirm the appropriate entrance or transport.

Where can I camp near Jersey City?

Recreation.gov lists 8 campgrounds within 128 miles, including Camp Gateway - Staten Island (8 miles south), Camp Gateway- Brooklyn Ny (12 miles southeast), Camp Gateway - Sandy Hook (19 miles south). Check Recreation.gov for current availability, seasons and reservations.

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