Road Trips from Atlantic City, NJ
Looking for a quick escape from Atlantic City? You've got options that range from short, under-two-hour drives to more involved trips closer to three hours. Several routes offer a mixed highway and surface road experience, making them ideal for a day trip. For those craving a bit of nature, a couple of destinations are within reach, some even featuring nearby park access. You can hit the road for a few hours and be somewhere new without needing an overnight stay.
Total Routes
12
Shortest
0.9h
With Parks Nearby
8
Under 2 hours
Cherry Hill, NJ
1h 12m55.4 mi one way
This is a convenient 1.2-hour drive, shorter than many other options. It uses a mix of highway and surface roads, offering a varied driving experience. It's a good choice if you want a relatively quick trip without going too far.
Vineland, NJ
52m36 mi one way
At just 36 miles and 0.9 hours, this is your closest option. The drive features a mix of highway and surface roads, with a solid drive score of 8. It’s a straightforward trip if you’re looking for a short excursion.
Hamilton, NJ
1h 28m72.9 mi one way
This route heads north for 1.5 hours, primarily on highways. A key feature is the nearby Gateway National Recreation Area, offering park access not available on closer trips. It's a longer drive than Vineland or Cherry Hill but includes a nature option.
Lakewood, NJ
1h 21m63.2 mi one way
Covering 63.2 miles, this trip takes about 1.4 hours. The drive is mostly highway, with a drive score of 7. Unlike some longer routes, this option doesn't feature nearby parks, making it a more direct journey.
Camden, NJ
1h 11m57.3 mi one way
This 1.2-hour drive covers 57.3 miles, predominantly on highways. It has a drive score of 7. It’s a comparable distance to Cherry Hill but offers a different route profile and lacks the park access of some other destinations.
Full-day getaway
7 total in this range
Clifton, NJ
2h 40m126.6 mi one way
This is a longer haul at 2.7 hours and 126.6 miles, mostly on highways. You get a good drive score of 8, and importantly, access to three parks: Thomas Edison National Historical Park, Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park, and Morristown National Historical Park.
Jersey City, NJ
2h 30m120.1 mi one way
This 2.5-hour, 120.1-mile trip is mainly highway driving with a drive score of 8. It provides access to several parks, including Thomas Edison National Historical Park, Gateway National Recreation Area, and Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park.
West New York, NJ
2h 38m125.5 mi one way
Expect a 2.6-hour drive covering 125.5 miles, mostly highway. This route boasts a drive score of 8 and includes access to Thomas Edison National Historical Park, Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park, and Gateway National Recreation Area.
Newark, NJ
2h 27m117.4 mi one way
A 2.5-hour drive of 117.4 miles, this option is primarily highway. It has a solid drive score of 8 and offers proximity to Thomas Edison National Historical Park, Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park, and Gateway National Recreation Area.
Paterson, NJ
2h 42m129.8 mi one way
At 129.8 miles and 2.7 hours, this is one of the longest trips, mostly highway with a drive score of 8. It stands out with access to Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park, Thomas Edison National Historical Park, and Morristown National Historical Park.
Browse by Mood
Cherry Hill, NJ
1h 12m55.4 mi one way
Clifton, NJ
2h 40m126.6 mi one way
Jersey City, NJ
2h 30m120.1 mi one way
West New York, NJ
2h 38m125.5 mi one way
When to Go
Spring
With mixed highway and surface roads, spring drives can be pleasant. Nearby parks offer opportunities for outdoor activity as temperatures rise.
Summer
Summer trips benefit from the availability of parks like Gateway National Recreation Area for cooler, outdoor experiences.
Fall
The mostly highway routes are efficient for fall foliage viewing, with several park options nearby for scenic stops.
Winter
Winter drives are manageable, with most routes favoring highways. Park access may be limited but still offers a chance for a brisk walk.
Starting Somewhere Else?
Other nearby cities with their own escape planners.
Ready to plan?
Pick any destination above for full turn-by-turn directions, fuel cost, rest stops, and weather. Or visit the Atlantic City, NJ city hub for all incoming and outgoing routes.