There’s still a month left of summer and we plan to take full advantage of the warm weather while it lasts! Jersey City residents are lucky to have easy access to day or weekend trips. Check out some of our favorite destinations below.

The Jersey Shore

It’s not one of the most popular shows in TV history for no reason – The Jersey Shore is a must-see destination for sea, sun sand and fun! The perfect getaway if you don’t have much time to to travel, Asbury Park is 1 hour by car (less than 2 hours by train from Jersey City, and stocked with tons of beaches, beach bars and restaurants. Easy-access modes of travel include train service from Grove Street PATH Station, or Ferry Service to Atlantic Highlands from Manhattan.

Fire Island

Fire Island is one of the New York seashore’s most beloved treasures. Relatively unknown by many New Yorkers who make a beeline to the Hamptons instead, Fire Island is a beach sanctuary, and you don’t even need a car to get there! From Paulus Hook, just take the PATH to Penn Station, hop on the LIRR to Bay Shore, where a 5 min Uber or 15 min walk takes you to the Fire Island Ferry Terminal. From there, the ferry delivers you to an island that feels a million miles away from the city. With its no cars, abundant sandy beaches, laid back restaurants and bars, it’s definitely worth the trip!

Coney Island

Ferris wheels and cotton candy. Need we say more? Oh, beaches, world-famous hot dogs, and endless treats and rides, Coney Island is the ultimate summer destination. Just take the D, Q, N, or F subway to Stillwell Avenue, and enjoy the endless Instagram moments!

Ellis Island

Hear us out here. Most New Yorkers have never been to Ellis Island, and that’s totally a missed opportunity! Views of Lady Liberty are even more impressive from a boat, and many services offer tours with wine – what more do you need? Visiting this national monument is a perfect day trip, just take the PATH or the Light Rail to Liberty State Park and hop on a ferry to Ellis Island and/or the Statue of Liberty.

Hudson River Valley

This hot spot isn’t attracting accolades for no reason – there is no shortage of things to do in the Hudson River Valley and the secret is out! Hiking, adorable B&Bs, antique shops and delicious restaurants await. Storm King State Park; Palisades Interstate Park and Harriman State Park all offer great hikes, vantage points and are less than an hour away from Jersey City.