Road Trips from Paterson, NJ
Paterson is a launching point for a variety of day trips. You've got options that are less than an hour away, perfect for a quick escape, with a couple of those even hitting parks. If you're up for a longer haul, there are several destinations around the 2-3 hour mark that offer a different kind of drive. This list gives you a good mix for a spontaneous weekend outing.
Total Routes
49
Shortest
0.3h
With Parks Nearby
40
Under 2 hours
38 total in this range
Chester, NJ
49m34 mi one way
At 34 miles and under an hour, this is a convenient choice. It offers a mix of highway and surface roads, and importantly, it's one of the few routes that passes by Morristown National Historical Park and Thomas Edison National Historical Park, alongside the local Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park.
Victory Gardens, NJ
34m24.7 mi one way
This is one of the shortest options at 24.7 miles, taking only 0.6 hours. It features a mixed drive profile and includes access to Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park, Thomas Edison National Historical Park, and Morristown National Historical Park, making it a good pick for park enthusiasts.
Hewitt, NJ
31m21.3 mi one way
Covering 21.3 miles in about 0.5 hours, this is a quick trip. The drive is a mix of highway and surface roads. Like several other nearby destinations, it provides access to Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park, Thomas Edison National Historical Park, and Morristown National Historical Park.
Jersey City, NJ
25m19.1 mi one way
This is the closest option at just 19.1 miles, taking only 0.4 hours. It's primarily a highway drive with a score of 7. You'll pass Gateway National Recreation Area, in addition to Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park and Thomas Edison National Historical Park.
Cherry Hill Mall, NJ
1h 57m91.3 mi one way
Full-day getaway
11 total in this range
Harmony, NJ
2h 50m128.4 mi one way
If you're looking for a longer drive, this 128.4-mile trip takes about 2.8 hours and scores a 9. It's mostly highway, and it's one of the furthest options, offering a significant change of scenery compared to the closer destinations.
Glassboro, NJ
2h 20m107.7 mi one way
This route is 107.7 miles and takes around 2.3 hours, with a highway-focused profile. It's a longer drive, good for when you want to cover more ground. The route passes by several significant historical parks.
Linwood, NJ
2h 39m128 mi one way
This is a longer drive at 128 miles, requiring approximately 2.7 hours. The profile is mostly highway with a drive score of 8. It's among the furthest destinations, offering a substantial trip from Paterson.
Whitesboro, NJ
3h 7m153.8 mi one way
This is the longest option at 153.8 miles, taking about 3.1 hours, with a drive score of 8. It’s a mostly highway route that traverses mostly flat terrain, making it a good choice for a longer day trip when you want to explore further afield.
Erma, NJ
3h 13m158.2 mi one way
Browse by Mood
Harmony, NJ
2h 50m128.4 mi one way
Glassboro, NJ
2h 20m107.7 mi one way
Linwood, NJ
2h 39m128 mi one way
Whitesboro, NJ
3h 7m153.8 mi one way
Toms River, NJ
1h 40m78.3 mi one way
Brick, NJ
1h 32m70.8 mi one way
Somerset, NJ
1h 2m41 mi one way
When to Go
Spring
The gently rolling terrain and nearby parks offer pleasant drives as the weather warms up. Consider routes with mixed terrain for a varied experience.
Summer
With numerous parks nearby, summer is ideal for exploring the historical sites and natural areas accessible from Paterson.
Fall
The mixed terrain and access to multiple parks make fall drives appealing, especially for those who enjoy historical sites.
Winter
Shorter, highway-focused drives are best suited for winter, with the closest options being the most practical.
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 Paterson, NJ city hub for all incoming and outgoing routes.