Hotels
With an abundance of wonderful options for staying a night or week in Elizabeth, New Jersey, the hardest part will be picking your favorite place.
America 250
Celebrate the Nation's Birthday in Elizabeth, NJ
As New Jersey's first capital and one of the nation's earliest English settlements, Elizabeth played a pivotal role in the birth of the United States. From Revolutionary War battlegrounds and historic homes like Boxwood Hall to the early years of Alexander Hamilton's education, our city's legacy helped shape the ideas and people that forged a new nation. Join us in celebrating America's 250th where history was made and continues to inspire.
Elizabeth, NJ: Where America's Revolutionary Story Comes Alive
Originally known as Elizabethtown, the city was a Revolutionary War hotspot. Visitors can explore Boxwood Hall, once home to Founding Father Elias Boudinot, and the Belcher-Ogden Mansion, which hosted the young Alexander Hamilton. Within walking distance, Snyder Academy — where Hamilton studied — stands beside the First Presbyterian Church, home to historic burial grounds and the 313+ Monument honoring those in unmarked graves whose stories were long untold.
As a partner of RevolutionNJ and America250, Elizabeth will host festivals, reenactments, and the Elizabeth Liberty Parade on July 4th.
To plan your 250th experience, minutes from New York City, contact Tourism Sales Manager Josh Rouse at jrouse@goelizabethnj.com or visit our Tour Operators & Groups page.
Signature 250th Experiences
Meet Rosie the Roadster: Our Official 250th Mascot
Say hello to Rosie, Elizabeth's one-of-a-kind official mascot for the 250th celebration!
Rosie is an authentic 1933 Lincoln KB Brunn Victoria, one of only 3 known in the world, and the pinnacle of 1930s American luxury and bespoke coachbuilding. She features a V12 engine, a handcrafted wood-framed body with aluminum panels, original leather upholstery, and a stunning Art Deco interior. No two KB Brunns were ever exactly alike.
Rosie was generously donated to the Elizabeth Tourism Office by members of the Greater Elizabeth Chamber of Commerce, with special thanks to:
- Mr. George Vega, owner of the Lincoln KB Brunn Victoria and founder & CEO of AA Auto Body (400 Trinity Place, Suite 416, Elizabeth, NJ)
- Mr. Arturo Romero of NYC Pro-Wrapping and Mindless Graphics, whose custom artwork and vehicle wrap give Rosie her incredible look
Rosie will be present at all 250th-related events. Photos are welcome and encouraged! For her care and preservation, please do not touch.
Tag your photos #Rosie250th
Ernistina-Morissey Tall Ship Public Tours
Step aboard history!
Experience a rare opportunity to tour a historic tall ship during Elizabeth Celebrates America 250! Located at Elizabeth Waterfront Marina, visitors are invited aboard for a guided tour of this magnificent sailing vessel and to learn about life at sea, maritime history, and the important role ships like this played in America's story.
Each tour lasts approximately 20 minutes, depending on visitor questions and interaction with the crew. Register now!
Tour dates are below:
Saturday, July 4, 2026
Firework Viewing: 4:00 PM
The Tall Ship arrives and docks in Elizabeth Harbor. No Public boarding on July 4th. Special Guest may board the ship to watch the fireworks. This must be scheduled with the Ernistina-Morissey staff.
Sunday, July 5, 2026
Morning Groups: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Reserved for:
- Senior Groups
- Community Organizations
- Schools
- Youth Organizations
- Businesses
- Civic Organizations
Groups of approximately 25–30 guests will board together.
Advance registration is required.
Public Groups: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Open to the general public. Visitors will board in groups of approximately 30–40 people at a time. Advance registration is strongly encouraged.
Evening Groups:
For VIP Reception and invitation only
Monday, July 6, 2026
Morning Groups: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Reserved for:
- Senior Groups
- Community Organizations
- Schools
- Youth Organizations
- Businesses
- Civic Organizations
Groups of approximately 25–30 guests will board together.
Advance registration is required.
Public Groups: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Open to the general public. Visitors will board in groups of approximately 30–40 people at a time. Advance registration is strongly encouraged.
Evening Groups:
For VIP Reception and invitation only
Self-Guided History Tours
Prefer to explore at your own pace? Elizabeth offers three distinct self-guided experiences:
Alexander Hamilton Tour
Follow in Hamilton's footsteps through the city where he lived and studied before his famous rise.
Elizabeth at the Crossroads Walking Tour
Also known as the "Historic Heartline Walking Tour," this walk through Historic Midtown Elizabeth connects you to over 300 years of American history.
Historic Heartline Audio Tour
History that engages the whole family. This audio tour brings the city's past to life in a way that keeps even kids engaged.
Must-Visit Historic Sites
Boxwood Hall
1073 East Jersey Street
Home of Elias Boudinot, where George Washington stopped the night before his 1789 inauguration.
Belcher-Ogden Mansion
1046 East Jersey Street
Where a young Alexander Hamilton was a guest, a remarkable window into 18th-century life.
Bonnell House
1045 East Jersey Street
One of New Jersey's oldest surviving structures, dating to 1682.
Liberty Hall Museum
1003 Morris Avenue
The estate of New Jersey's first governor, witnessing 300 years of American life.
First Presbyterian Church (Siloam Hope)
42 Broad Street
One of America's oldest congregations, with the 313+ Monument on its historic grounds.
The Snyder Academy
42 Broad Street
The school where Alexander Hamilton received his early education.
Minute Man Statue
Union Square
A tribute to the patriots of Elizabethtown who answered the call.
Plan Your America 250 Trip
Elizabeth is just minutes from Newark Liberty International Airport and easily accessible from New York City, making it one of the most convenient patriotic destinations on the East Coast.
There’s no better time to discover Elizabeth than during the America 250 celebration. Elizabeth brings history to life with its historical sites, modern attractions, and central role in the nation’s 250th anniversary.
Don’t wait—book your stay in Elizabeth and celebrate America’s 250th in a city that’s been at the heart of it all!
Stay Connected
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Our City Stories
Stay connected to Elizabeth's unfolding 250th story through our weekly broadcast series, "Our City Stories That Shape America."
Food & Drink
Dine out in Elizabeth and experience diverse eateries serving up Latin cuisine, barbecue, hearty Italian fare, and much more.
Events
Elizabeth is always buzzing with celebrations. From cultural parades and festivals to museum exhibits and athletic games, something is always going on here.
Visitors Guide
GoElizabethNJ provides tourists with all the information they need for a successful trip to Elizabeth, NJ. Whether you’re in town for a day or a week, our tools will help you get…
Specializing in Great Experiences for Groups
Bringing your group to Elizabeth? From historical to culinary to shopping, there are tours for everyone. Find more info to start planning your group excursion.
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