Elizabeth Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, eat, and stay in Elizabeth, New Jersey. Learn about local culture, customs, and safety in this comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Elizabeth

Located in Union County, New Jersey, Elizabeth is a historical city that offers something for everyone. The city has a rich history and is home to several culturally significant landmarks and attractions, such as museums and historical places. The city also boasts natural attractions such as parks and scenic views.

Whether you’re a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, or simply looking for a weekend getaway, Elizabeth is a must-visit destination. In this comprehensive tour guide, we’ll take you through the top places to visit, the best things to do, and where to eat, stay, and shop in Elizabeth.

List of Places to Visit in Elizabeth

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Liberty Hall Museum

Liberty Hall Museum is a historic mansion that was the residence of William Livingston, a signer of the United States Constitution and the first governor of New Jersey. The museum showcases artifacts from the Livingston and Kean families, who owned the property for more than 200 years.

Boxwood Hall State Historic Site

Boxwood Hall State Historic Site is a Georgian mansion that was the home of Elias Boudinot, the president of the Continental Congress. The mansion is now a museum that displays artifacts from the Revolutionary War period.

Union County Performing Arts Center

The Union County Performing Arts Center is a historic theater that has been restored to its original grandeur. The theater hosts performances by local and national acts.

Natural Attractions of Elizabeth: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Warinanco Park

Warinanco Park is a 205-acre park that offers a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, picnicking, and fishing. The park also has a lake and a playground.

Elizabeth River Trail

The Elizabeth River Trail is a scenic trail that follows the Elizabeth River. The trail is perfect for hiking, biking, and jogging and offers views of the city’s skyline.

Hawk Rise Sanctuary

Hawk Rise Sanctuary is a beautiful nature reserve that is home to several bird species. The sanctuary offers hiking trails and birdwatching opportunities.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Elizabeth

Elizabeth offers several hiking and biking trails that are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Some of the popular trails include the Elizabeth River Trail, the Watchung Reservation, and the Rahway River Parkway.

Best Things to Do in Elizabeth: Activities and Tours

Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour

Take a ferry tour to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island to learn about their history and significance.

Golf at Galloping Hill Golf Course

Galloping Hill Golf Course is one of the top public courses in the country. The course has 18 holes and is perfect for golfers of all skill levels.

Elizabeth Symphony Orchestra

The Elizabeth Symphony Orchestra is a community orchestra that performs classical music concerts throughout the year.

Week-Long Itinerary for Elizabeth

Day Activities
Day 1 Visit Liberty Hall Museum, Elizabeth River Trail
Day 2 Golf at Galloping Hill Golf Course, Boxwood Hall State Historic Site
Day 3 Tour Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, Elizabeth Symphony Orchestra
Day 4 Visit Warinanco Park, Hawk Rise Sanctuary
Day 5 Union County Performing Arts Center, Rahway River Parkway
Day 6 Shopping at The Mills at Jersey Gardens
Day 7 Relax and enjoy some local food and drink, visit local attractions at your leisure

Food and Drink Scene of Elizabeth

Must-Try Dishes

Portuguese BBQ Chicken

Portuguese BBQ Chicken is a popular dish in Elizabeth and is served in many local restaurants. The chicken is marinated in a special sauce and grilled over an open flame.

Taylor Ham Sandwich

The Taylor Ham Sandwich is a classic New Jersey dish that consists of pork roll, egg, and cheese served on a bagel or a roll.

Local Beverages

Craft Beer

Elizabeth is home to several craft breweries, including Union Brewing Company and Magnify Brewing Company.

Tea

Elizabeth has several tea shops that offer a variety of teas and tea blends, including black teas, green teas, and herbal teas.

Where to Stay in Elizabeth: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Elizabeth offers several accommodation options, including hotels, hostels, and guesthouses. Some of the popular hotels in the city include the Crowne Plaza Newark Airport, the Hilton Garden Inn, and the Residence Inn Newark Elizabeth/Liberty International Airport.

What to Buy in Elizabeth: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Local Products

Elizabeth is famous for its Portuguese products, including ceramics, linens, and cork products. You can find these products in many local stores and markets.

Souvenirs

Some of the popular souvenirs in Elizabeth include t-shirts, hats, and key chains that feature the city’s logo or skyline. You can find these souvenirs in many local gift shops.

Local Culture and Customs of Elizabeth

Elizabeth has a diverse population and is known for its Portuguese and Brazilian communities. The city celebrates its cultural heritage through festivals and events throughout the year, including the Portuguese-American Festival and the Elizabeth Latin Carnival.

Best Time to Visit Elizabeth

The best time to visit Elizabeth is in the summer, when the weather is warm and the city is buzzing with events and festivals. However, the city is a great destination year-round, with indoor attractions and winter sports available in the cooler months.

Do’s and Don’ts of Elizabeth

Do:

  • Try the local Portuguese cuisine
  • Visit the museums and historical landmarks
  • Attend a performance at the Union County Performing Arts Center
  • Explore the hiking trails and outdoor activities

Don’t:

  • Leave valuables in your car
  • Litter or damage natural attractions
  • Forget to tip at restaurants and bars
  • Ignore the local customs and traditions

Safety and Health

Safety in Elizabeth

Elizabeth is a safe city, but visitors should still take precautions to protect their personal belongings and avoid walking alone at night.

Health in Elizabeth

It is important to take necessary health precautions before traveling to Elizabeth. Visitors should ensure they are up-to-date on routine vaccinations and should take measures to avoid insect bites.

Getting to Elizabeth: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Elizabeth

The closest airport to Elizabeth is Newark Liberty International Airport, which is located just a few miles from the city. The airport is serviced by several major airlines.

Bus Stations Near Elizabeth

Elizabeth is also served by the Greyhound and Peter Pan bus lines, which operate out of nearby terminals.

Other Options

Visitors can also travel to Elizabeth by car or train. The city is conveniently located near major highways and has a train station that offers service to nearby cities.

How to Get Around in Elizabeth

The best way to get around Elizabeth is by car, as many of the city’s attractions are spread out. However, visitors can also use public transportation, including buses and trains, to get around the city and the surrounding areas.

Where to Go Next from Elizabeth: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Elizabeth is located in a prime location for exploring the Northeastern United States. Some of the nearby cities and destinations worth visiting include:

  • New York City
  • Philadelphia
  • Atlantic City
  • Six Flags Great Adventure

Conclusion

Elizabeth is a city with a rich history, diverse culture, and exciting attractions. Whether you’re a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, or simply looking for a weekend getaway, Elizabeth is a must-visit destination. Use this comprehensive tour guide to plan your trip to Elizabeth and make the most of your time in this great city.

St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church‎ at 215 Court Street St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church‎ at 215 Court Street Elizabeth's train station Elizabeth's train station Elizabeth's General Post Office Elizabeth's General Post Office The Mills at Jersey Gardens The Mills at Jersey Gardens St. Elizabeth's Episcopal Church St. Elizabeth's Episcopal Church