A stone's throw away from Manhattan in N.J.'s first capital
Located in northern New Jersey, Elizabeth is a popular hub for commuters traveling in and out of N.Y.C., or travelers with flights to catch at nearby Newark Airport. But don't spend all your time trying to navigate your way out of Elizabeth! There are a variety of top shopping destinations in and around the city, a handful of historic sites, and a few notable music festivals held each year. Browse the Elizabeth vacation rentals with all this in mind, and see what you can find out about the state's very capital city.
The perfect place to pair with the soundtrack to 'Hamilton'
As New Jersey's Colonial Era capital city, there's much history to be found in Elizabeth. Pay a visit to Boxwood Hall, the former capital building, built in 1750. Though the mansion once hosted George Washington, the Marquis de Lafayette, and yes, everyone's fave Founding Father, Alexander Hamilton, today it operates as a Colonial Era and Revolutionary War museum. The nearby First Presbyterian Church also features a Revolutionary War cemetery, or you can drive just across Jersey City and visit Ellis Island, Liberty Island, and the Statue of Liberty.
A shopping hotspot tucked away from the crowds
Instead of battling the 5th Ave crowds, head to Jersey Gardens Mall, New Jersey's largest outlet mall. Elizabeth is also known for being an exceptionally green city, with almost 50 parks, where you'll find bike paths, ball fields, hiking trails, boat rentals, ice rinks, and splash pads. The city also plays host to a variety of festivals, from its waterfront Memorial Day celebration to its Tour de Elizabeth cycling event. Keep this in mind when browsing Elizabeth vacation rentals, and see if your visit lines up with an extra dose of local fun.
Elizabeth most certainly looks best in green
Though Elizabeth is situated just south of the concrete jungle of Newark and a hop, skip, and a jump from New York City, the town itself is surprisingly full of green space. Check out the Elizabeth vacation rentals that call any of the nearly 50 parks in the city their backyard. Many parks boast hiking and cycling trails, treelined paths, and sport courts. If water-based fun is what you're after, the Elizabeth River Parkway flows through Mattano Park, while Warinanco Park features a small lake. There's also plenty of waterfront along Newark Bay, overlooking neighboring Staten Island.
Transportation to and around Elizabeth
The nearest airport is in Newark Liberty Intl. Airport (EWR), located 2.5 mi (4.1 km) from the city center. If you can't find a flight that's convenient for your trip, you could also fly into John F. Kennedy Intl. Airport (JFK), which is 22.5 mi (36.2 km) away.
If you prefer train travel, make your way to Elizabeth Station or North Elizabeth Station and explore the city from there.