Best Day Trips from Burlington County: 12 South Jersey Adventures

South Jersey homeowners already know the region's best-kept secret: you do not have to travel far to have a great day. Burlington County sits on the southern edge of the Philadelphia metro, between the Delaware River and the Pine Barrens, which means historic towns, state forests, and the Jersey Shore are all within an easy drive. Whether you have a free Saturday or a long holiday weekend, there is a day trip here for you.

The destinations below are grouped by flavor: history, nature, small-town charm, big-city energy, and the shore. Each entry includes how far it is from central Burlington County, what to do once you arrive, and a practical tip from years of exploring the region with clients and their families.

1. Historic Burlington City and the Riverfront Promenade

Start your day-trip list with the town that helped settle South Jersey. Burlington City, first settled by Quakers in 1677 and a co-capital of the royal colony of New Jersey by 1702, packs more history per block than almost any town in the state. The Delaware Riverfront Promenade runs along the water and offers beautiful views of the river and the bridges beyond, with benches, shade, and an easy walk for all ages.

Take a self-guided walking tour of the historic district, where 40-plus significant buildings include the 1685 Revell House, New Jersey's oldest pharmacy in continuous operation (Burlington Pharmacy, dating to 1731), and St. Mary's Church, one of the state's oldest Episcopal congregations. Parking is free in most spots, and the whole historic core is walkable. Pair your visit with lunch at a spot along High Street before heading home. Burlington City is about 15 to 20 minutes from most of central Burlington County.

2. Batsto Village and Wharton State Forest

No day trip list from Burlington County is complete without Batsto Village. Hidden inside Wharton State Forest, the largest tract of the Pine Barrens, Batsto is a restored 18th- and 19th-century industrial village that grew up around a bog-iron furnace founded in 1766. During the American Revolution, it supplied the Continental Army with cannonballs, camp kettles, and iron fittings. Today more than 30 historic buildings remain, including the Batsto Mansion, a gristmill, a sawmill, a general store, and a post office, all open to walk through.

After touring the village, hike a stretch of the Batona Trail or rent a canoe or kayak to paddle the slow, tea-colored river through the pine forest. The landscape is unlike anywhere else in the state, quiet and wild, and it is the same protected Pinelands wilderness that surrounds much of Burlington County. Batsto is about 25 to 35 minutes from most of the county. For more outdoor ideas close to home, see our guide to the hidden gems of Burlington County.

3. Mount Holly and Mill Dam Park

Mount Holly, the county seat founded in 1677, is one of the oldest towns in New Jersey and a wonderful walkable day trip. Its main street is lined with historic storefronts and the Burlington County Prison Museum, while the nearby Mill Dam Park at Woolman Lake offers a scenic loop, a gazebo, and some of the best small-town lake views in the county. The Revolutionary War history runs deep here, and the town's landmarks are marked with interpretive signs that make a self-guided stroll easy.

Mount Holly hosts festivals and community events throughout the year, so it is worth checking the Burlington County community events calendar before you go. It is only about 20 minutes from the center of the county, which makes it an easy pick for a short-notice Saturday plan.

4. Bordentown and the Delaware River

Bordentown is a Delaware River town with a handsome brick main street, a lively restaurant scene, and deep ties to American history. It was home to Thomas Paine, and the town runs guided tours of his life and legacy throughout the year. Stroll Farnsworth Avenue for shops and cafes, then walk down to the riverfront for views across to Pennsylvania.

Bordentown also makes a smart base for a longer day: from here it is a short drive to the artists' towns of Lambertville and New Hope across the river. Plan to spend a few hours exploring Bordentown itself, then cross into Bucks County for the afternoon. The drive from central Burlington County is about 30 minutes.

5. Moorestown and Strawbridge Lake

Moorestown is famous for its tree-lined streets and top-ranked schools, and it is also home to one of the most beloved spots in the county: Strawbridge Lake Park. The lake sits right off Main Street, with walking paths, footbridges, and a seasonal farmers market that draws residents from all over. Pack a picnic, take a lap around the water, and then browse the shops along Main Street.

For a full day, combine the park with a stop at one of the best farmers markets in South Jersey or a meal at a nearby brunch spot, several of which we cover in our South Jersey brunch guide. Moorestown is about 15 minutes from most of central Burlington County and barely feels like a trip at all.

6. Medford Village and the Pine Barrens Gateway

Medford is the gateway to the Pine Barrens and one of the most charming historic villages in the county. Its compact downtown has a mix of cafes, restaurants, and independent shops, and the surrounding pine woodlands are full of parks and preserves, including Black Run Preserve and the scenic mill ponds that give the town its character.

A day here could easily be half outdoors and half downtown: paddle or hike in the morning, then lunch and shopping in the afternoon. Medford is consistently ranked among the most livable towns in South Jersey, and you can see why on our community comparison page. It is about 20 minutes from central Burlington County.

7. Collingswood and Haddonfield Main Streets

Just west of Burlington County, in Camden County, two of South Jersey's best downtowns are worth a dedicated day. Collingswood's Haddon Avenue is packed with restaurants, an acclaimed farmers market, and a lively food scene, while Haddonfield's historic Kings Highway is full of boutiques, cafes, and some of the prettiest storefronts in the region. Both towns are served by PATCO, so you can even go car-free if you plan ahead.

These two towns are the kind of place where you can wander for hours. Between them, you will find plenty of great coffee shops and casual spots to refuel. They are about 25 to 30 minutes from central Burlington County.

8. Lambertville and New Hope

Across the Delaware River from Hunterdon County sits Lambertville, one of the region's most atmospheric small towns, famous for its antique shops, galleries, and riverside restaurants. Just over the bridge, New Hope, Pennsylvania, brings a bigger crowds scene with live music, theaters, and canal-side dining. Together they make one of the classic day trips in the greater Philadelphia area.

Spend the morning on the New Jersey side in Lambertville, then cross the bridge for a late afternoon in New Hope before the drive home. Fall is an especially good time, when the Delaware River valley fills with color. Lambertville is about 45 minutes to an hour from central Burlington County, so give yourself a full day.

9. Philadelphia via PATCO

One of the great advantages of living in Burlington County is how close you are to Center City Philadelphia. Park at a PATCO station in Collingswood, Haddonfield, Westmont, or Woodcrest, and you can be in the middle of the city in about 25 to 40 minutes by train. You skip all the traffic and parking hassle, and you are dropped right near some of the best museums, markets, and historic sites in the country.

Reading Terminal Market, Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and countless restaurants are all reachable on foot or a short ride from the subway-surface stops. A PATCO day trip is perfect for families, couples, and anyone who wants big-city energy without the big-city commute. Check the schedule ahead of time and grab a weekly pass if you think you will ride more than a couple of times.

10. Princeton and the D&R Canal

Head north for a day in Princeton, a university town with a handsome downtown, the Princeton University campus, and a towpath along the Delaware and Raritan Canal that is perfect for walking or cycling. Palmer Square and Nassau Street are full of restaurants and shops, and the campus grounds are open to wander year-round.

Princeton is about 40 minutes to an hour from central Burlington County, and it pairs beautifully with the small towns along Route 206 that you pass on the way. Bring comfortable shoes: the campus and the canal path reward slow walking.

11. Ocean City Boardwalk and the Shore

When the beach calls, the Jersey Shore is closer than most people realize. Ocean City's family-friendly boardwalk, with its classic rides, caramel popcorn, and wide beaches, is roughly an hour and a half to two hours from central Burlington County. It is a dry town, which keeps the boardwalk relaxed and family-focused, and it is easy to do as a long day trip or an overnight.

If you are willing to leave early and return late, a shore day is very doable from Burlington County. Pack the car the night before, hit the road by 8 a.m., and you will have a full beach day plus dinner before the drive home. For more ideas on shore-season fun closer to home, see our South Jersey fall festival guide.

12. Cape May and the Southern Shore

For a true escape, head all the way south to Cape May, the nation's oldest seaside resort and a designated historic district full of Victorian architecture. The Washington Street Mall is a walkable shopping and dining stretch, the Cape May Lighthouse at Cape May Point State Park rewards the climb with sweeping coastal views, and the beaches are among the prettiest in New Jersey.

Cape May is about two hours from central Burlington County, which makes it a longer day trip or a perfect mini-weekend. If you go for the day, leave by 7:30 a.m. to beat shore traffic on the Garden State Parkway. The lighthouse climb and the historic district alone are worth the drive.

Related resources on HomeCircle:

• Hidden Gems of Burlington County: Parks, Trails, and Outdoor Adventures
• 10 Best Parks and Outdoor Spaces in South Jersey
• Best Places to Live in South Jersey: 2026 Guide
• Compare Burlington County Communities Side by Side
• South Jersey Relocation Guide
• Community Events Calendar: Burlington County
• Best Fall Festivals and Events in South Jersey: 2026 Guide
• South Jersey Community Directory