Elizabeth, New Jersey–America’s Crossroads of History

Discover the historic city of Elizabeth, New Jersey, where history awaits around every corner.

Explore Revolutionary-era sites, iconic landmarks, and America 250-themed exhibits in honor of America’s upcoming birthday. From leisurely tours and shopping to dynamic cuisine and family-friendly experiences, Elizabeth is the place to celebrate our great nation.

Elizabeth, New Jersey Day-to-Day Itinerary

DAY 1 of Things To Do in Elizabeth, NJ

Check into your group-friendly hotel and enjoy an orientation and breakfast. Elizabeth has many name-brand hotels to choose from: Crowne Plaza Newark Airport, Embassy Suites, Renaissance Newark Airport Hotel, and Hilton Newark Airport.

Visit the 250th Welcome Center at the Elizabeth Train Station. Groups can enjoy a Welcome & Interactive preview of exhibits and historical presentations by Go Elizabeth NJ Tourism. Next, take a self-guided walking tour using smartphone-based History’s Heartline locator. Explore Elizabeth’s role in trade routes, Revolutionary battlegrounds, and early American governance. The walking tour includes historic sites in Elizabeth, including Snyder Academy and Boxwood Hall State Historic Site.

Gather for lunch at Del Porto Restaurante, a cultural favorite offering authentic Italian cuisine with house-made pasta and bold Italian flavors. After your meal, explore Elizabeth Avenue Market District and historic Midtown Elizabeth for diverse history and culture.

In the evening, enjoy a group dinner at Valenca Restaurant, an award-winning Portuguese fine dining experience with a private group room available. They serve signature seafood, steak, tapas, and traditional European flavors. After dinner, optional evening activities include Wine & Desert by the Fire at Valenca or return to your hotel and rest.

DAY 2 of Elizabeth, New Jersey Attractions

After having breakfast at your hotel, head to the Singer Sewing Machine Factory Landmark, the historic site where global manufacturing changed forever. Take a drive-by tour of historical markers connected to transportation, invention and Elizabeth’s industrial growth. Afterward, head to Veterans Memorial Park overlooking the Elizabeth River Trail and honor the early patriots. Then, stop at Elizabeth City Hall for a brief photo-op (bronze dome, statues, America 250 banners).

Enjoy a group lunch at First Republic Lounge & Restaurant for Afro-Caribbean-inspired cuisine, perfect for cultural engagement and group seating.

Spend the afternoon shopping and exploring at The Mills at Jersey Gardens, the state’s largest indoor outlet mall with tax-free clothing and shoes, an AMC Theater, bowling, and cafes. Or enjoy friendly competition at Round One Bowling & Arcade for group-building entertainment, billiards, karaoke, and arcade games.

Enjoy dinner at The Lobby Restaurant & Lounge for modern American cuisine in a group-friendly atmosphere, with live music or a DJ (depending on the night) and private area options available. Optional evening activities include Trivia or Team Game Night at your hotel or enjoying local entertainment at the historic Ritz Theatre.

DAY 3 of Activities in Elizabeth, NJ

After a hearty breakfast at your hotel, tour the home of New Jersey’s first governor and signer of the US Constitution, William Livingston—experience 250 years of family heirlooms, furnishings, Revolutionary War stories, and preserved gardens.

For lunch, dine at Rancho Mateo, Elizabeth’s go-to Colombian steakhouse, where fire-grilled beef meets vibrant Latin hospitality. Spacious dining areas and room for large parties make it ideal for group tours.

Spend the early afternoon at Warinanco Park and explore the scenic trails designed by famed Olmsted Associates (partners of Central Park). Seasonal group options include spring and summer garden tours, outdoor picnic options and kayaking. The fall andwinter offer ice skating at Warinanco Sports Center.

OPTIONAL NY CADD-ONS

GoElizabethNJ, in partnership with RevolutionNJ and America250, is planning an unforgettable celebration of America’s 250th birthday in 2026. Tours and events will feature historic reenactments, parades, festivals, and immersive walking tours that will bring Elizabeth’s Revolutionary story to life. Events and tour opportunities include, but are not limited to: