Local plans between NYC and the beach in Elizabeth
Curious about what you'll do when you live in Elizabeth? If you like the idea of browsing at Jersey Gardens, getting artsy sketching in Warinanco Park, and are daring enough to try feasting along Elizabeth Avenue, Elizabeth is calling you home! This list of fun things to do will take you from Boxwood Hall to Jersey Gardens and give you a true taste of Elizabeth's rich culture and urban energy.
Diane, Our Local Expert Guiding Your Move
Diane has been rooted in New Jersey since day one and has lived everywhere from Hillside to Elizabeth to Springfield before landing in Fanwood. When she and her family moved into their current place, she was very pregnant and still refused to stop lifting boxes or scrubbing things because she wanted it done right. She is the kind of New Jerseyan who can talk about Revolutionary War history, walk you through Duke Gardens, or recommend the best apple picking without checking a map. Her food loyalties are fierce, especially when it comes to pork roll on a hard roll with melted cheese, though she will happily join any naming debate. She is a lifelong reader who once tried to leave the library with more books than her card allowed. She even crossed paths with Sinatra during an honorary degree event at Stevens. At Snappy Scout she brings sharp local insight with a Jersey wink.
Read moreWritten with local insight from Snappy Scout relocation experts
What Will You Do in Elizabeth?
From weekend adventures to iconic road trips, here's how locals spend their time off.
on a Saturday with perfect weather
Veterans Memorial Waterfront Park stroll, cranes and skyline humble bragging
rainy dreary day
AMC Jersey Gardens, IKEA meatballs, judging every couch like critics
intellectually stimulating
Snyder Academy lore, Hamilton study days and colonial tea gossip
artsy
Ritz Theatre marquee glow, then mural safari through Midtown
outdoorsy
Warinanco Park picnic, cherry blossoms practicing for their closeup
fitness oriented
Sunrise run over Goethals Bridge path, ship horns pacing you
if you're a shopaholic
The Mills at Jersey Gardens
family oriented
Mattano Park skate park and splash pad, meltdown prevention protocol
in need of a selfie
Goethals Bridge at golden hour, cranes photobombing like Transformers
you have to see this
Container ships grazing Newark Bay, industrial ballet from the pier
on a budget
Free parks, two Colombian empanadas, and exact change applause
for sports fans
Red Bulls Arena nearby for soccer, chants echoing back across the bay
My Favorite Local Spot in Elizabeth
Local diners and lunch counters are my special favorites. Good basic food. Local vibes. And the price is usually right. Or I like to check out the buzz about a new food truck.
— Diane Briante
New Jersey Local Expert
Ready to See If Elizabeth Fits You?
Compare cities, check the routes, or head back to the full Elizabeth guide for the bigger picture.