The Best Weekend Getaways from Jersey City, New Jersey

The charming village of Lambertville sits square on the border of New Jersey and Pennsylvania, situated right next to the Delaware River, to which it has a front-row seat. It’s a tiny (but mighty) town with a vibrant arts scene, vintage and antique stores, and some seriously yummy food. Spend the day shopping and sampling the local fare—ice cream lovers must check out Owowcow Creamery; then burn it all off on a long walk along the canal. Stay at the Lambertville Station Restaurant and Inn for perfect river views.

It’s worth going the distance to spend a weekend in Hudson, New York. This riverside town is a destination spot for foodies and vintage lovers, thanks to its bustling downtown area. Stay at The Barlow Hotel, a design-minded place that aims to capture an old-world Art Deco look and feel that you can also find in and around Hudson.

If you head an hour south down to Asbury Park, you’ll get an idea of why many have been calling this seaside city “The Brooklyn of the Boardwalk.” This eclectic and creative community has a slew of high-rated, hip restaurants and bars to enjoy, plus a vibrant city scene with makers, artists, and more. The best way to enjoy your stay is to book a night at The Asbury Hotel, a colorful and engaging hotel just a block from the beach.

It might not seem as alluring as a weekend in the city, but Montclair has a lot more to offer than you might think. Commonly known as the Williamsburg of New Jersey, here, you can stay at the boutique hotel The George Inn, owned by makeup mogul and local Bobbi Brown and her husband, Steven Plofker. The couple designed the chic and modern hotel as a cultural hub to house both Montclarions and visitors. Catch a show at The Wellmont Theater. Grab a bite to eat at one of its many acclaimed restaurants, and take a day hike at Eagle Rock Reservation for some beautiful views.

With over 200 miles (322 kilometers) of hiking trails, Harriman State Park is a beautiful and historic park that is worth visiting. Grab your boots, pack, plus plenty of food and water for the weekend and plan to camp out at the West Mountain Shelter along the Timp-Torne Trail. It’s popular and well traveled, so make sure you get there early enough to claim your space—it’ll be worth it. Complete with views of the city skyline and handfuls of vistas along the way, it’s accessible for both newbies and seasoned hikers alike.