Boxwood Hall State Historic Site
History buffs will love visiting Boxwood Hall, a stately mansion built in the late 18th century that played an important role during the Revolutionary War. This Georgian-style home was constructed around 1750 for Elias Boudinot, a lawyer and statesman who later became president of the Continental Congress. The house earned its name from the sculpted boxwood hedges on the property. Boxwood Hall State Historic Site allows visitors to step back in time with tours of the historic home, furnished with period pieces and artifacts. Walking through the rooms, you’ll learn about the Boudinot family as guides share stories about the house’s intriguing past. During the Revolutionary War, the mansion served as a meeting place for George Washington and other military leaders. The Marquis de Lafayette and Alexander Hamilton were among the prominent figures who gathered at Boxwood Hall during the war. Today, the historic site features educational programs and special events throughout the year. Visitors can attend 18th century-style teas, open hearth cooking demonstrations, lectures, concerts, and more. The site also hosts an annual reenactment of Elias Boudinot’s 1783 “end of war” celebration. Boxwood Hall State Historic Site is located at 1073 E Jersey St, Elizabeth, NJ 07201. It’s open Thursday through Sunday from 10am to 4pm. Contact the historic site at (908) 282-7617 for more information about programs, events, and tour options.
Warinanco Park
Covering more than 200 acres, Warinanco Park is Elizabeth’s largest park and offers plenty of room to roam. Nature lovers will enjoy walking the trails winding through woodlands, meadows, and wetlands. Two ponds attract a variety of birds, making it a great spot for birdwatching. Visitors can also go boating and fishing on the park’s tranquil waters. At the heart of the park lies the Warinanco Sports Center, which features athletic fields, an ice skating rink, tennis courts, playgrounds, and an outdoor Olympic-size swimming pool. Families will love the mini train that takes kids on rides through the park. Warinanco Park also has a fitness course, biking and hiking trails, picnic areas, and a rose garden. Special events are hosted here throughout the year, including outdoor concerts, craft fairs, and 5K races. Holiday highlights include hayrides and Breakfast with Santa. With so much to see and do, you’ll want to spend a whole day exploring Elizabeth’s largest park. Warinanco Park is located at 1 Park Dr, Elizabeth, NJ 07208. The park is open daily from dawn until dusk. Contact the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation at (908) 527-4900 for more information.
Liberty Hall Museum
Step into New Jersey’s colonial past with a visit to Liberty Hall Museum, an 18th-century estate that transports you back in time. The historic site includes two landmarks listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Georgian-style Liberty Hall was built in 1772 as home to William Livingston, New Jersey’s first elected governor. Visitors can tour the stately residence furnished with period antiques and portraits. The other landmark is the Greek Revival-style home of Alexander Hamilton’s widow, The Hamilton House. Built in 1796, it features guided tours showcasing Eliza Hamilton’s bedroom, formal parlor, dining room, and more. Costumed guides share stories about the Livingston family, Alexander Hamilton, and life in the 18th and 19th centuries. Liberty Hall Museum hosts special events and educational programs year-round. Highlights include an annual Revolutionary War reenactment, Hearthside Cooking workshops, school programs, lectures, concerts, and holiday events. From April through December, visitors can tour the museum’s historic gardens. Liberty Hall Museum is located at 1003 Morris Ave, Union, NJ 07083. It’s open Wednesday through Sunday from 10am to 4pm. Contact the museum at (908) 527-0400 for details on programs, events, and admission options.
Thomas Edison National Historical Park
Famed inventor Thomas Edison set up his groundbreaking research labs and factories in West Orange, just a short drive from Elizabeth. Today, Edison’s massive laboratory complex is preserved as the Thomas Edison National Historical Park. This National Park Service site allows visitors to explore the historic grounds where Edison and his team developed world-changing inventions like the phonograph, motion picture camera, and commercial light bulb. The lab complex includes Edison’s library and offices along with historic buildings like the Black Maria, America’s first film production studio. Museum galleries display a rotating selection of original inventions, documents, and artifacts relating to Edison’s innovations in recorded sound, motion pictures, electricity, and communication technologies. Families can also tour Glenmont, Edison’s 29-room Victorian mansion furnished with original Edison family pieces. Special events and programs are offered year-round, including themed tours focused on innovation, TED-style talks, summer science camps for kids, and more. The Thomas Edison National Historical Park is located at 211 Main St, West Orange, NJ 07052. It’s open daily from 9am to 4pm, with extended summer hours. Contact the park at (973) 736-0550 for details on programs, museum tours, and Glenmont tickets.
Ritz Theatre
Elizabeth’s historic Ritz Theatre has been dazzling audiences since 1926. This elaborately decorated movie palace first opened its doors when silent films were transforming Hollywood. Today, the beautifully restored Ritz stage is home to exciting performing arts shows, films, concerts, comedy acts, and more. Dance lovers can catch spectacular productions by the New Jersey Ballet and Carolyn Dorfman Dance company on the Ritz stage. Music performances range from rock concerts and open mic nights to the NJ Festival Orchestra’s classical music season. Families will enjoy the Ritz’s kid-friendly cinema events and storybook ballets bringing classic tales to life through dance. The Ritz Theatre’s original 1920s architecture and ornate details transport you to another era. This historic landmark features lavish chandeliers, a grand lobby with sweeping staircase, intricate plasterwork, and twinkling night sky ceiling. The Ritz Theatre is located at 915 Elizabeth Ave, Elizabeth, NJ 07201. Performances take place year-round, with most evening shows starting at 8pm. Contact the Ritz at (908) 352-3101 for tickets and schedules.
Elizabeth River Trail
Enjoy scenic views of the Elizabeth River while biking, jogging, or strolling along the Elizabeth River Trail. Still under development, this multi-use recreational path already has 2.6 miles open with more expansion planned. The paved trail runs alongside the twisting Elizabeth River, creating a serene natural escape within the city. The existing trail segment features four access points with parking available at the South Broad Street Canoe Launch, Route 1&9 Bridge, and Spring Street. As it expands, the trail will ultimately stretch over 11 miles linking Elizabeth’s Bayway region to its eastern neighborhoods. Future plans include exercise stations, nature observation areas, and riverfront boardwalks along the route. In addition to recreational use, the Elizabeth River Trail provides an important transportation alternative as a bike-friendly corridor connecting neighborhoods throughout the city. The trail allows joggers, cyclists, and pedestrians to traverse Elizabeth away from motor traffic. The Elizabeth River Trail has access points at South Broad Street, East Jersey Street, Spring Street, and West Grand Street. Check for updates on expansion and new access points at the City of Elizabeth’s website.
See Elizabeth in Style with Elizabeth Party Bus Company
With so many great attractions and historic sites, you’ll need a convenient transportation option to see all that Elizabeth has to offer. Contact Elizabeth Party Bus Company at 551-277-2791 for tailored group transportation services as you explore this charming city. Our comfortable, modern charter buses and party buses will make it easy to get around while keeping your group together. Leave the driving to us so you can focus on creating wonderful memories during your Elizabeth adventures.