Port Guide | United States | Worth a Wander
Elizabeth
Samantha Cruz | Editor
Published on 2025-03-13
Congratulations-you've officially docked in Elizabeth, New Jersey, a proud port city that stubbornly refuses to be overshadowed by the glitzy Manhattan skyline next door. Sure, at first glance, Elizabeth might feel like the scrappy, slightly eccentric cousin at NYC's sleek family reunion, but scratch beneath the surface and you'll find a refreshingly gritty charm, plenty of history, and unexpectedly delicious eats. Fun fact: Elizabeth was New Jersey's very first capital city and famously hosted Alexander Hamilton during his prep-school years-meaning Hamilton fans (or anyone who's hummed along vaguely to the soundtrack) can claim cultural pilgrimage points here. With a solid two-to-five-day stretch in port, you've got plenty of time to explore this under-the-radar destination-check out the surprisingly chic Mills at Jersey Gardens outlet mall (remember, New Jersey has no sales tax on clothes and shoes), tuck into mouth-watering Colombian empanadas and Portuguese pastries along Elizabeth Avenue, or hop on a quick train to the heart of Manhattan if big-city cravings strike. Welcome to Elizabeth, your gateway to genuine Jersey authenticity-and possibly the best empanada you never knew you needed.
United States has 6 Travel Advisories
Stay up to day with regional travel advisories.
Notes from the Editor
Elizabeth is close to New York City, providing additional travel options and attractions for cruise passengers.
Where do cruise ships dock in Elizabeth?
Port Name Elizabeth
Country United States
Region North America
Ship Terminal Port Newark-Elizabeth Marine Terminal
Port Type Dedicated port
Accessibility Approximately 7 miles from Newark city center; accessible via Uber, taxi, and public transit.
What's the weather like in Elizabeth?
Best Season to Visit Summer (June to August)
Climate Humid subtropical climate with hot summers and cold winters.
Weather Notes Hurricane season may imply potential disruptions. Expect warm weather and occasional thunderstorms during summer.
Temperature Range 70F to 90F (21C to 32C)
High Temp 90F
Low Temp 20F
Average Temp 60F
What do I need to know about Elizabeth?
Language English
Currency United States Dollar (USD)
Card Widely Accepted 1
Population 130,000
Timezone Eastern Standard Time (EST)
How do I get around Elizabeth?
Public buses, taxis, rideshares, limited train service to nearby Newark.
What are The Best Things to do in Elizabeth?
Discover what you should do while you're in Elizabeth.
Experiences you can't replicate elsewhere
The Mills at Jersey Gardens
651 Kapkowski Rd, Elizabeth, NJ 07201
The largest outlet mall in New Jersey, perfect for a day of shopping with exclusive deals.
Distance from Terminal: 8.5 miles
Pinewood Derby Racing at Scout Camp
N/A
Participate in or watch Pinewood Derby races, a classic North American scouting activity.
Distance from Terminal: 30 miles
Local Jolley Trolley Rides
N/A
Enjoy vintage trolley rides through historic and scenic routes around Northern New Jersey.
Distance from Terminal: 10 miles
Drag Racing at Island Dragway
20 Island Rd, Great Meadows, NJ 07838
Experience high-speed thrill at an authentic drag racing strip.
Distance from Terminal: 40 miles
Public Sculptures at Grounds for Sculpture
80 Sculptors Way, Hamilton Township, NJ 08619
Wander around a surreal landscape filled with contemporary sculptures.
Distance from Terminal: 37 miles
Jersey City Mural Tour
Morris Street and Washington Blvd, Jersey City, NJ 07302
Explore the vibrant street art scene with a guided mural tour.
Distance from Terminal: 6 miles
Historical and cultural landmarks
Boxwood Hall State Historic Site
1073 E Jersey St, Elizabeth, NJ 07201
Visit the historic site where Alexander Hamilton studied, with tours available.
Distance from Terminal: 9 miles
Liberty Hall Museum
1003 Morris Ave, Union, NJ 07083
Explore the history and artifacts of a family mansion over 240 years old.
Distance from Terminal: 11 miles
Great Falls of the Passaic River
65 McBride Ave Extension, Paterson, NJ 07501
Admire the second largest waterfall by volume east of the Mississippi.
Distance from Terminal: 21 miles
Morris Museum
6 Normandy Heights Rd, Morristown, NJ 07960
Explore exhibits ranging from science to history in New Jersey's second largest museum.
Distance from Terminal: 20 miles
Adventure and Outdoor Activities
Warrior Challenge Obstacle Course Race
N/A
Test your endurance and grit at a North American obstacle course event held in various parks nearby.
Distance from Terminal: 15 miles
The Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
32 Pleasant Plains Rd, Harding Township, NJ 07976
A stunning natural habitat offering gentle hiking trails and wildlife observation.
Distance from Terminal: 25 miles
Canoe on the Rahway River
N/A
Experience natural beauty and tranquility while canoeing on the scenic Rahway River.
Distance from Terminal: 10.5 miles
Indoor Skydiving at iFLY Paramus
211 E State Rte 4, Paramus, NJ 07652
Experience the thrill of skydiving in a safe and controlled environment.
Distance from Terminal: 30 miles
Whale Watch Trips from Belmar Marina
905 NJ-35, Belmar, NJ 07719
Set off on a guided tour to spot whales and dolphins off the New Jersey coast.
Distance from Terminal: 48 miles
A Little Extra
Ghost Tours of Liberty Hall
1003 Morris Ave, Union, NJ 07083
Nighttime tours focusing on ghost stories and historical tales.
Distance from Terminal: 11 miles
Wine Tastings at Unionville Vineyards
9 Rocktown Rd, Ringoes, NJ 08551
Taste local wines and enjoy scenic views of the vineyard.
Distance from Terminal: 40 miles
Overnight Trips
Overnight Camping at Cheesequake State Park
300 Gordon Rd, Matawan, NJ 07747
Enjoy a night under the stars with camping facilities in a diverse ecological state park.
Distance from Terminal: 27 miles
United States Regional Tip
Certain wildlife products Importation of ivory, animal hides, or endangered-species products is banned under strict wildlife protection laws.