Fall Things to Do

When the leaves turn shades of yellow and red, and pants replace shorts, you know it’s the end of an era. Lucky for us, it’s also the start of a new one. Like summer, fall is a special time to visit Elizabeth.

Hike, bike, or picnic at any one of our local parks. Play a round of golf at a nearby course or go horseback riding. Attend a harvest festival or pick out your favorite pumpkin at the patch. Maybe even go on a ghost tour; this centuries-old city surely has its fair share of ghoulish haunts.

Located in the urban Gateway Region of the state, Elizabeth is within driving distance to other New Jersey fall attractions.

Though we’ll surely miss summer and splashing around at spray parks, fall is still as good a time as any to enjoy our historic city.

Get your trip itinerary ready; here are some fall things to do in Elizabeth, NJ.

Food

Start your trip off with a taste of the season

You’ll feel like you bit into fall when you munch on a New Jersey red apple. Luckily, you can munch on as many apples as you’d like when you visit the Chester-based Alstede Farms stand at Elizabeth’s Peterstown Farmer’s Market open through November.

While you’re here, make sure to explore the area’s historic shopping district, The Market at Elizabeth Avenue. Take a bite out of fall as you do a little retail therapy at many of our family-owned shops and boutiques. Not a bad way to spend a fall afternoon in Union County’s Elizabeth if you ask us.

You may even find fall-inspired menus at some of Elizabeth’s restaurants. Urban Griddle, for instance, features homemade, seasonal cuisine for breakfast, brunch, and lunch. From fresh egg omelets and seasonal salads to hot coffee and spiked cider, you’ll no doubt stay nice and toasty over a meal at this establishment.

Events & Festivals

Try carving a pumpkin or working up the courage to go on a ghost tour

Between our centuries-old history, impressive fall color display, and festivals, and events in and around our city, Elizabeth is the perfect place for you and your family to celebrate the season.

Make sure to visit the Liberty Hall Museum and Academic Center, which hosts a pumpkin patch as well as hayrides, pumpkin carving, and even ghost tours. It’s very likely you’ll see a ghost during your visit. After all, Liberty Hall was built in the 1700s in the height of the American Revolution. Maybe you’ll spot the ghost of William Livingston, New Jersey’s first elected governor, who built and lived in what was originally a private country home with his family.

Not only is Elizabeth near New York City, but also a great destination for fall fun since it is near some of New Jersey’s most beautiful farms. Take a short drive over to Morristown, home of Wightman Farms, which hosts a harvest festival every year with hayrides, corn mazes, and apple picking.

Outdoor Activities

Enjoy the crisp air and changing leaves at a park or nature trail

Elizabeth is home to more than 45 parks featuring plenty of fun outdoor activities. Enjoy an afternoon picnic at Mattano Park or stroll through some of the nature trails found at Warinanco Park. If you don’t mind the cool breeze, visit Veteran’s Memorial Waterfront Park for the fishing and views of the New York City skyline.

If biking is more your idea of fun, you won’t break too much of a sweat while exploring the Elizabeth River Trail in the fall. This mile-and-a-half-long riverside trail features both walking and biking paths.

For a more rural experience, drive over to Union County’s Watchung Stables for a day of horseback riding. Or check out some of the best fall foliage in the region at Cheesequake State Park in Matawan, a half-hour car ride south of Elizabeth, featuring hiking and biking paths through open fields, swampland, and freshwater marshes.

Holiday Shopping

Escape the cold and take advantage of major shopping deals

If you’re more the indoor type, go on a shopping spree at The Mills at Jersey Gardens. The holidays are approaching and with more than 200 stores to choose from, you’ll find deals at every corner of this outlet mall. Did we mention clothes and shoes are tax-free in New Jersey? Even more of a reason to spend a day shopping here.

Sports and Rec

Try your hand at golf or attend a live sports game nearby

Nothing screams fall like football, especially if you’re a big sports fan. With the professional season underway in September, there’s no other time than now to catch an NFL game. Luckily, Elizabeth is within driving distance to New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium, home of the New York Giants and Jets.

Golfing is another way for sports lovers to enjoy the cooler weather. Spend a day at Union County’s Galloping Hill Golf Course in Kenilworth, known for its challenging hills and valleys.

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There are many fall things to do in New Jersey, as well as Elizabeth. Don’t forget to stop and admire the fall leaves during your stay here.