Unearthing Elizabeth: 11 Unmissable Things to Do in New Jersey’s Hidden Gem

Elizabeth sits right under Newark’s nose, yet this historic city remains delightfully under-the-radar. New Jersey’s fourth-largest city hides heaps of charm under its industrial skin. Things to do in Elizabeth NJ span history, cuisine, outdoor thrills – and even a surprising island escape.

 

A mere 6 miles by 3 miles, Elisabeth packs more delights per square foot than cities triple its size. Elegant colonial buildings brush shoulders with a bustling port. Immigrant-run kitchens cook up a United Nations of cuisines. Minutes from Newark airport, you can kayak past egrets in a wildlife refuge.

 

Just 21 km from Manhattan, Elizabeth makes a superb base or day trip from NYC. It’s a quick ride from Newark Liberty International Airport or a 30-minute train trip from Penn Station. Fancy staying? Spend a night or three. Budget-friendly chain hotels abound downtown.

 

So what exactly awaits in Elizabeth? We’ve rounded up the city’s greatest hits, from historic sights to harbour adventures to the ultimate food crawl. Grab your walking shoes and dive into our curated guide to the very best things to do in Elizabeth.

 

1. Set Sail to The Elizabeth Waterfront

The Elizabeth waterfront bursts with surprises. First up, Veteran’s Memorial Waterfront Park. It’s a lovely stroll or bike along the boardwalk, which curves past inlets and marinas. You’ll spot plenty of local anglers casting lines for striped bass. Kids can burn off steam in the playground.

 

For adrenaline-pumping fun things to do in Elizabeth, NJ, head to Nauti Family Outfitters. Rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard and glide along the Arthur Kill strait between New Jersey and Staten Island. Keep your eyes open for egrets and herons wading in marshy pockets.

 

Top Tip: Come at sunset for a glorious view of the skyline shimmering across the water.

 

2. Eat Your Way Around The World

Few cities this size pack in such culinary diversity. With its rich immigrant heritage, Elizabeth dishes up a tantalizing spread of global restaurants. Colombian bakeries, Portuguese churrasqueiras, Haitian grills – every corner unveils new temptations. So loosen your belt and bring your appetite. You’re in for a mouth-watering ride.

 

For a one-stop tasting tour, hit Elmora Avenue. This international food mecca lets you hop from country to country in a few short blocks. Here are some local favourites to get you started:

Restaurant	Cuisine	Must-Try Dish	Price
Rinconcito Colombiano	Colombian	Bandeja Paisa (rice, beans, chicharron, arepa, plantain)	$15
Valenca	Portuguese	Frango No Churrasco (grilled chicken)	$12
Ocha Restaurant	Dominican	Mangú (mashed green plantains)	$10

 

3. Step Back in Time at Boxwood Hall

For a living slice of colonial history, visit Boxwood Hall State Historic Site. This gracious 1750s Georgian mansion was once home to founding father Elias Boudinot, who signed the Treaty of Paris to end the Revolutionary War.

 

Take a guided tour to glimpse life in Boudinot’s time. Elegant period furnishings and artefacts fill the rooms, from elaborate tea sets to portraits of powdered-wigged gentlemen. Pause in the lush garden to admire a mighty 250-year-old boxwood tree – a stately survivor from Boudinot’s days.

 

Hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 10 am – 4 pm
Admission: Free

 

4. Explore the Elizabeth River Trail

Looking for active things to do in Elizabeth? Lace-up your sneakers and hit the Elizabeth River Trail. This scenic 3-mile greenway winds along the Elizabeth River from Mattano Park to Broad Street. It’s a refreshing slice of nature smack in the heart of the city.

 

Jog, stroll, or pedal under pleasantly shady trees, crossing charming footbridges and passing pocket parks. Do an out-and-back trip or arrange for pick-up at the opposite end. Keep your eyes peeled for hawks, turtles, and even the occasional bald eagle.

 

Top Tip: Grab an iced coffee from Cafecino Roastery and sip it on a riverside bench for a perfect afternoon pause.

 

5. Browse the Elizabeth Public Library

The Elizabeth Public Library is an architectural gem hidden in plain sight. This beautifully preserved 1912 Carnegie Library is a book lover’s dream. Think soaring ceilings, oak shelves, and stained-glass windows that bathe the main reading room in jewel-toned light.

 

Beyond the building’s beauty, the library offers regular, family-friendly things to do in Elizabeth, NJ. Rotating exhibits showcase local artists and history. Children’s story times, book clubs, and author talks draw an enthusiastic crowd. Even if you just pop in to check your email, it’s worth an admiring wander.

Hours: Monday – Thursday, 9 am – 8 pm, Friday – Saturday, 9 am – 5 pm
Admission: Free

 

6. Tour the Historic Ritz Theatre

For a taste of old-school glamour, take in a show at the Ritz Theatre. Built in 1926 as a vaudeville house, this opulent venue has seen it all – from silent films to ballet legends. Though it fell into disrepair, a devoted team has breathed new life into the grand dame.

 

Today, the lovingly restored Ritz puts on an eclectic mix of music, dance, comedy, and theatre. Plush red seats, glimmering chandeliers, and ornate mouldings transport you to a more elegant era. Even if your show is less than spectacular, the sumptuous surroundings make a night at the Ritz an experience to savour.

 

Top Tip: Splurge on box seats for the full VIP treatment – plus a great view of the vintage ceiling murals.

 

7. Visit the Snyder Academy

Across from the Midtown train station stands one of Elizabeth’s undersung treasures. The Snyder Academy started life in the 1660s as a simple wooden church. Today, it’s the east coast’s oldest English-speaking school still operating.

 

A guided tour leads you through this remarkable complex. See the stone foundations of the 1700s academy where Alexander Hamilton studied. View striking stained-glass windows and a majestic 1917 Austin pipe organ. Don’t miss the Revolutionary War burial grounds, the eternal home to our earliest patriots.

 

Hours: Tuesday – Friday 10 am – 5 pm, Saturday 12 pm – 5 pm
Tour: $10 adults, $8 children/seniors

 

8. Discover the Elizabeth Public Library

For tranquillity close to downtown, unwind at Warinanco Park. This 205-acre oasis offers ample space to picnic, jog, fish, and simply get away. Smell the roses – literally – in the fragrant floral gardens surrounding the gracious 1920s boathouse.

 

Sports fans can play basketball, tennis, disc golf, and even ice skating when the lake freezes over. A popular spot for local events, the park hosts summer concerts, Latin festivals, and holiday light displays. Pack a frisbee or simply a good book. However you spend your time, Warinanco Park makes a restorative retreat from the busy city beyond.

 

Hours: 8 am – 8 pm daily
Admission: Free

 

9. Catch a Show at Hamilton Stage

Tucked into a renovated vaudeville theatre, the Hamilton Stage for the Performing Arts anchors Elizabeth’s up-and-coming arts scene. The intimate 300-seat venue attracts an impressive range of musical acts, plays, dance troupes, and more.

 

But the Hamilton is more than a space to catch fun things to do in Elizabeth, NJ. It’s become the heart of the city’s cultural community, hosting children’s theatre workshops, arts festivals, and student showcases. Check the calendar for the eclectic lineup, from flamenco stars to folk singers to edgy dramas. No matter what’s on stage, there’s always creative energy crackling in the air.

 

10. Play the Day Away at Union County’s Galloping Hill Golf Course

Just up US-22, the rolling greens of Galloping Hill Golf Course beckon to duffers. This scenic 18-hole stunner is a challenging delight for golfers of all handicaps. It’s also surprisingly affordable for a public course of this calibre.

 

Work on your long drives on the 300-yard practice tee, one of the longest in the tri-state area. Fine-tune your short game on the putting green and chipping area. Need a lesson to sharpen your skills? The course’s excellent pros offer clinics and workshops for both juniors and adults.

 

Top Tip: Refuel after your game at the Red Knot gastropub. The loaded burgers and spicy wings really hit the spot.

 

11. Explore Liberty Hall Museum

For a captivating dive into American history, spend an afternoon at Liberty Hall Museum at Kean University. This stately mansion dates back to 1772 when it was home to New Jersey’s first governor, William Livingston.

 

A tour immerses you in 240-plus years of historical treasures. View hand-signed letters from Thomas Jefferson and Livingston’s own copy of Don Quixote. Admire priceless porcelain and antiques that span the centuries. Kids love the vintage fire truck and 1950s kitchen stocked with retro appliances.

 

Dates: April through December
Hours: Thursday – Saturday, 10 am – 3 pm
Tour: $12 adults, $8 children/seniors

 

The Elizabeth Essentials

Ready to explore Elizabeth? A few tips before you go:

• Getting Around: Downtown is easily walkable, or hop on the NJ Transit 111 bus. Use RideWise to plan public transport.

• When To Visit: Elizabeth delights year-round, though summer festivals and events make it an especially lively time.

   

Explore Elizabeth Seamlessly with Airtel

 

To help you navigate Elizabeth’s diverse dining scene, attractions, and transport options, consider using an international roaming plan from Airtel. With convenient data and calling options, Airtel ensures you’re always connected while you explore this charming city.

 

So there you have it – a start-to-finish guide to things to do in Elizabeth. Whether you’re diving into urban adventures or exploring the best local food, Airtel keeps you connected every step of the way.