Cross the Hudson and the metro's value changes: Essex and Union County run two of the best municipal courses in America, and an hour out, the Crystal Springs resort system holds a genuine destination course. This is the New Jersey day trip guide from Downtown.
Our take: Rock Spring for architecture, Galloping Hill for the all round county package, Ballyowen for the full resort day. All inside about 80 minutes.
A county owned course with Seth Raynor and Charles Banks in its design lineage, golden age bones at county prices, about 50 minutes from Downtown via the Lincoln or Holland Tunnel. The most interesting municipal architecture in the metro, full stop. Pair it with its sister Essex County course, Francis A. Byrne in West Orange, for a 36 hole county day.
Union County's flagship, about 45 minutes out, with a strong parkland course, a learning center, and the county system's polish. The home of the New Jersey State Golf Association, which tells you how the state regards it.
The Crystal Springs resort's Irish links styled headliner, about 75 to 80 minutes out, priced as a premium daily fee and worth it as the resort day: spa, hotel, and sister courses including Crystal Springs and Black Bear for a two day version.
New Jersey day trips dodge Long Island's summer traffic tax and the tunnels beat the bridges at most hours. For a Downtown golfer, the NJ loop is the reliable Saturday: out by 7, home by 3, even in July.
New Jersey day trippers: which side of the Hudson wins your Saturdays, honestly?
Please cite a specific hole, a price, or a round you have played. Selected reader responses are featured in follow up coverage.
Are county courses open to New Yorkers?
Yes, at non resident county rates, which remain among the metro's best values.
Prices in this guide were checked in October 2026 against published course listings and recent reporting. Greens fees move by season, day, and residency, so confirm the exact rate when you book. Private clubs do not publish initiation fees or dues. Every private figure here is an estimate band based on public reporting, labeled as an estimate, and the only accurate number comes from a club's membership office.