10 Best Short Road Trips from Manhattan, New York for Weekend Getaways

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10 Easy Out-of-County Road Trips from Manhattan You’ll Actually Want to Take

If you live in Manhattan (or you’re just visiting) and you’re craving a quick escape, you don’t have to hop on a plane. Within an hour or so, you can be on a beach, wandering historic neighborhoods, eating killer pizza, or hiking along the Hudson River. Below are 10 short out-of-county road trips from Manhattan that take you into nearby counties, including Bergen County and Hudson County in New Jersey, plus The Bronx, Kings County (Brooklyn), and Queens County in New York. All are outside New York County (Manhattan), but close enough for a day trip or a laid‑back weekend.

1. Explore the Art & Views in Jersey City, Hudson County, NJ

Jersey City is right across the Hudson River, but it feels like its own little world. It’s an easy hop by car, PATH train, or even rideshare, and makes a great first stop if you’re testing out quick road trips from Manhattan. Don’t miss:
  • Liberty State Park – Wide-open views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the Manhattan skyline. Great for walking, biking, picnics, or just sitting on a bench and people‑watching.
  • Empty Sky Memorial – A moving 9/11 memorial that lines up directly with the World Trade Center site.
  • Downtown Jersey City – Walk Newark Avenue’s pedestrian plaza for coffee, cocktails, and global food.
If you’re used to crowded Manhattan parks, Liberty State Park can feel amazingly peaceful. I once spent an entire afternoon there with just a coffee and a book, watching ferries glide by and planes cross the sky.

2. Beach Day at Coney Island, Kings County (Brooklyn), NY

Looking for a classic New York summer day? Head to Coney Island in Brooklyn. Even off‑season, it’s a fun and slightly nostalgic escape from Manhattan’s busy streets. What to do:
  • Stroll the boardwalk and breathe in that salty ocean air.
  • Ride the historic Cyclone roller coaster if you’re brave enough.
  • Grab a hot dog at Nathan’s Famous, just a short walk from the beach.
  • Visit the nearby New York Aquarium if you’re traveling with kids.
On a hot July afternoon, Coney Island is noisy, a little chaotic, and absolutely alive. If you want a quieter vibe, go early in the morning or late in the afternoon for sunset over the water.

3. Pizza, Street Art & Skyline Views in DUMBO, Brooklyn (Kings County)

DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) is one of those spots that keeps showing up in movies and Instagram feeds—and for good reason. It’s an easy drive over the Manhattan or Brooklyn Bridge. Highlights:
  • Brooklyn Bridge Park – A long waterfront park perfect for walking, jogging, or just sitting with a slice and soaking up Manhattan skyline views.
  • Washington Street – That famous cobblestone street where the Manhattan Bridge lines up perfectly in the distance. It gets busy, but it’s fun to see in person.
  • Brick‑oven pizza – Classic New York pizza shops dot the area; follow the lines and you’ll rarely go wrong.
This area is especially nice in the early evening. The light hits the brick buildings, the bridges glow, and you can watch the city slowly light up across the river.

4. Cultural Food Safari in Flushing, Queens County, NY

If you’re a food lover, a road trip to Flushing, Queens is pretty much non‑negotiable. It’s one of the most diverse neighborhoods in New York City and a dream for anyone who travels with their taste buds. Things to try:
  • Hand‑pulled noodles and dumplings in tiny, no‑frills shops.
  • Bubble tea from one of the many tea houses.
  • Asian bakeries with buns, cakes, and pastries you might never have seen before.
  • Street food stands with skewers, buns, and snacks on the go.
Plan to walk a lot and snack your way through the streets. Parking can be a bit tight, so be patient—or consider parking a few blocks away and stretching your legs.

5. A Day at the Zoo and Gardens in The Bronx, NY

Yes, The Bronx is its own county, and it’s a fantastic short road trip from Manhattan if you’re craving greenery and animals instead of skyscrapers. Top stops:
  • Bronx Zoo – One of the largest zoos in the country, with everything from tigers to gorillas. You could easily spend a full day here.
  • New York Botanical Garden – Right nearby and perfect if you love plants, seasonal flower shows, or just peaceful walking paths.
If you time it right in the fall, the Botanical Garden can be stunning with changing leaves and crisp air. It’s hard to believe you’re just a short drive from midtown.

6. Historic Stroll in Hoboken, Hudson County, NJ

Hoboken is more than “the place across from Chelsea.” It’s compact, walkable, and has killer views of the Manhattan skyline—especially at sunset. What to do in Hoboken:
  • Walk the Hudson River waterfront walkway and watch the ferries go by.
  • Grab coffee or ice cream on Washington Street, the main drag filled with shops and restaurants.
  • Check out a waterfront park or pier and just sit for a bit—you’ll get postcard‑perfect views of Manhattan without the Manhattan crowds.
If you’ve ever wanted that classic skyline photo with the Empire State Building and One World Trade in one frame, Hoboken might be your new favorite spot.

7. Suburban Escape in Ridgewood, Bergen County, NJ

When you’re tired of sirens and subway rumble, a small‑town suburban break can feel almost like another country. Ridgewood in Bergen County offers exactly that. Why go:
  • Charming downtown with boutiques, cafes, and relaxed restaurants.
  • Tree‑lined streets that are perfect for a casual stroll.
  • Several nearby parks where you can sit with a coffee, read a book, or let the kids run around.
It’s the kind of place where you slow down without even trying. If you grew up in a small town, you might get a little nostalgic walking around here.

8. Hiking and Scenic Views at Palisades Interstate Park, Bergen County, NJ

If your idea of a great day trip includes cliffs, trees, and river views, head for the Palisades along the Hudson in Bergen County. What to expect:
  • Hiking trails ranging from easy riverside walks to more challenging cliff‑top routes.
  • Overlooks with sweeping views of the Hudson River and the Manhattan skyline in the distance.
  • Picnic areas where you can spread out a blanket and relax after your hike.
Bring comfy shoes, water, and maybe a light jacket—breezes along the river can feel cooler than the city. On clear days, the views are seriously impressive.

9. Rockaway Beach Getaway, Queens County, NY

Want a beach day without leaving New York City? Rockaway Beach in Queens has miles of shoreline and a laid‑back, surfer vibe that feels a world away from Midtown traffic. What to do:
  • Walk or bike the boardwalk for ocean views and fresh air.
  • Try surfing or just watch the surfers from the sand.
  • Sample taco stands and food stalls near the main entrances.
On a sunny weekend, the Rockaways can get busy, but there’s usually space to spread out a towel if you walk a little farther down the sand.

10. Artsy Vibes in Williamsburg, Brooklyn (Kings County)

If you like street art, music, and cool little shops, Williamsburg in Brooklyn is worth the short drive or rideshare. Why visit:
  • Street art and murals add color to warehouse walls and side streets.
  • Vintage shops and local boutiques for clothing, vinyl, and unique finds.
  • Waterfront parks with views back toward Manhattan, especially pretty at golden hour.
The neighborhood has changed a lot over the years, but it still has that creative, energetic feel. It’s an easy place to wander with no real plan and still have a great time.

Tips for Planning Your Out-of-County Road Trips from Manhattan

To make these short trips from Manhattan smoother and more enjoyable, keep a few simple things in mind:
  • Timing is everything: Try to leave after the morning rush (after about 10 a.m.) and head back before or after evening rush hour.
  • Parking reality check: Some spots (like Flushing or DUMBO) can have tight parking. Look up garages or lots ahead of time, or be ready to walk a few extra blocks.
  • Weather matters: Parks, beaches, and hikes are much better on clear days. Always check the forecast before you go.
  • Pack light but smart: A small backpack with water, snacks, sunscreen, and a light jacket goes a long way.

Ready to Hit the Road?

You don’t need a long vacation to feel like you’ve escaped New York City. With these 10 short out-of-county road trips from Manhattan, you can explore beaches, parks, small towns, and new neighborhoods—all within a quick drive. Which spot are you thinking about visiting first—Coney Island, Hoboken, Flushing, or maybe the Palisades? If you found this guide helpful, please share it with friends or family who are always saying they “need to get out of the city” but never know where to go. Have your own favorite day trip outside Manhattan—maybe a hidden park, a great diner, or a cool little town in Bergen, Hudson, The Bronx, Brooklyn, or Queens? Drop a comment and share your go‑to escape. Your idea might be the next perfect road trip for someone else.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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