Elizabeth

Visit old Elizabeth to take in the local art that lines the Elizabeth River Trail, shop at New Jersey's largest indoor outlet mall at The Mills at Jersey Gardens, or take a paddle boat ride in Warinanco Park. Arrive in the spring to see the trees painted in cherry blossoms, or wait until winter to visit the Warinanco Indoor Ice Skating Center. While there, history aficionados might take the self-guided Historic Heartline Walking Tour past locations like the Boxwood Hall and Liberty Hall Museum, both of which once welcomed notable guests George Washington and Alexander Hamilton.

The fourth-largest city in New Jersey, Elizabeth, has roots that date all the way back to the country's establishment. There are more than twelve historical sites in Historic Midtown Elizabeth, where visitors can wander while learning about the events leading up to the country's formation.

The Veteran's Memorial Waterfront, Warinanco, and Mattano are the three most well-known of Elizabeth's more than 40 parks. The landscape architect who created Central Park in New York City also created Warinanco, which is equally diverse and lovely.

• Location: New Jersey