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Elizabeth is the fourth-largest city in New Jersey, set on Newark Bay just south of Newark and across the water from Staten Island. Founded in 1664 as Elizabethtown, it was the first English settlement in New Jersey and served as the colony's first capital. Princeton University began here in 1746 as the College of New Jersey, and Alexander Hamilton attended school in the town.
Today Elizabeth has about 135,000 residents and one of the most diverse populations in the state, with large Hispanic, Portuguese and Brazilian communities. Port Newark-Elizabeth Marine Terminal is the largest container port on the East Coast, and part of Newark Liberty International Airport lies within the city limits.
The city's historic center, the Midtown district, keeps landmarks like the First Presbyterian Church, the Boxwood Hall home of Elias Boudinot, and the twin-spired St. Mary of the Assumption Church. The Union County Courthouse tower rises over downtown, and Warinanco Park, designed by the Olmsted Brothers, has a lake, ice rink and gardens. The Mills at Jersey Gardens is the state's largest outlet mall.
A state historic site on East Jersey Street, this house was home to Elias Boudinot, president of the Continental Congress, and George Washington stopped here in 1789 on the way to his inauguration. Inside are period rooms. Opening hours are limited, so check before visiting.
Founded in 1664, this Broad Street congregation's churchyard holds graves of Revolutionary War figures, and the church was burned by British troops in 1780. The current building dates from the 1780s. Walk the burial ground to see old headstones; respect services on Sundays.
A colonial house in the Elizabethtown historic district that was home to New Jersey royal governor Jonathan Belcher and later to Governor Aaron Ogden. It is now run by a local historical foundation with period furnishings. Tours are offered on set days, so confirm in advance.
A local history center on Broad Street housed in a restored 18th-century building, offering exhibits on Elizabeth's colonial past as New Jersey's first capital, plus walking tours and school programs. It is a good starting point for exploring the historic downtown on foot.
A large Catholic church in downtown Elizabeth built in the 19th century for the city's growing immigrant community, with a tall spire, stained glass windows and a richly decorated interior. Visitors are welcome outside Mass times; dress respectfully and keep noise low inside.
Elizabeth is the county seat, and its courthouse complex on Broad Street pairs a 1905 classical building with a 17-story 1930s tower that dominates the skyline. The plaza in front holds war memorials. It is a working court, so expect security screening if you go inside.
One of the busiest container ports on the East Coast, where giant cranes load ships along Newark Bay. Container shipping was pioneered here in the 1960s. The terminal is closed to the public, but you can see the cranes from the New Jersey Turnpike and nearby waterfront roads.
A 200-acre Union County park shared by Elizabeth and Roselle and designed by the Olmsted Brothers firm, with a lake for paddle boats, walking and running paths, tennis courts, a seasonal ice skating rink and spring flower gardens. Parking is free and it is busy on summer weekends.
A narrow county park that follows the Elizabeth River through the city with a paved path for walking and cycling, benches and small green spaces along the water. It gives a quiet break from busy streets. Walk it in daylight and combine it with a stop in Midtown Elizabeth.
The commercial heart of the city around Broad Street and Elizabeth Avenue, near the train station, packed with shops, bakeries and restaurants serving Latin American, Portuguese and other cuisines. NJ Transit trains stop here, so it is easy to reach without a car from New York or Newark.
A large outlet mall near the Newark airport with more than 200 discount and outlet stores, a food court and a cinema. Clothing is exempt from New Jersey sales tax, which draws many shoppers. Shuttle buses run from nearby hotels and the airport area; weekdays are less crowded.
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