Favorite Things and Places within NJ Driving Distance

When people ask us "what do you like about NJ?"...our response is always "how easy it is to leave NJ."

We LOVE that we can get to Manhattan in 20 minutes, Connecticut in 45 minutes, Philadelphia in 90 minutes, Boston in 3.5 hours, Newport, Rhode Island in 3 hours, etc.  We haven't driven to Washington DC since moving to NJ, but DC is only about 4 hours away too!  Portland, Maine is about 5 hours away.  After 8 months of living here, I am still amazed that I can drive thru 6 states in 5 hours (NJ, NY, CT, MA, NH, ME).  It's GREAT!  And, so different than living in the midwest!

So, here are a few of our favorite places within driving distance:

1.  NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND

Newport is one of my absolute favorite places!  I love downtown Newport, the Cliff Walk, and Brenton Point State Park.  It is a great place to spend a weekend, or a day, as we often do!  We went to Newport on July 1st for the America's Cup.  It was our first sailing event and a great day!

2.  PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA

Philadelphia was an easy 90 minute drive.  We parked in a garage near Independence Hall, waited in line to see the Liberty Bell (free to all), then walked a few blocks away to grab a Philly Cheesesteak at Campo's.  We drove towards Boathouse Row, parking for free on a side street, and walked around, ending up at the Rocky steps at the Art Museum!  Not too many people were running up the steps...too many cheesesteaks perhaps?

3.  BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS

Boston is about 4 hours away.  A bit long for a day trip...but doable.  We went to Boston on a whim last weekend.  Next time, we'll plan ahead a bit.  It was a game day, so Fenway Park was packed early and the tours sold out super early.  We also tried to take a tour of the Samuel Adams Brewery, but since it was a game day...they closed early and we missed that tour too!  We did enjoy walking around Fenway.  And, we made our way to Cambridge to walk around Harvard University.  We found an awesome children's park near the university in Cambridge Commons.  We also enjoyed walking thru the park and reading the monuments and plaques on display.  I know a little more US history than I did prior to our visit!  Boston made for a long day, but definitely worth it.  We'll be going back!