Elizabeth · Union County, NJ

Cheap things to do in Elizabeth

Scout analyzed 61 Elizabeth places and surfaced the ones that actually fit cheap day out.

Places analyzed

Matches

Typical spend

$35

Typical visit

1.3 hr

Scout-verified spots

Food & Drink

Colombian Coffee Shop

This coffee shop is suitable for a quick stop for a coffee and a pastry. Expect to spend 30-60 minutes and $5-15 per person.

FoodShoppingRelaxed

$5–$15 typical45 min visitmoderate parking

Food & Drink

Coffee House

This coffee shop is suitable for a quick stop for a drink or light snack, taking about an hour and costing under $15 per person. It can be a starting point for errands or a brief break from activities.

FoodShoppingRelaxed

$5–$15 typical45 min visitmoderate parking

Food & Drink

Roc's Café

Roc's Cafe is suitable for a casual breakfast or lunch, offering a quick and affordable meal. Expect to spend about 45 minutes and $10-25 per person on food and coffee.

FoodShoppingRelaxed

$10–$25 typical45 min visitmoderate parking

Family

Kids Empire East Brunwick

This is a great spot for families with young children for a 2-3 hour indoor activity, especially on a rainy day. Expect to spend around $20-35 per child for entry, possibly more for snacks.

AnimalsOutdoorsFood

$20–$35 typical2 hr visiteasy parking

Nightlife

El Roble "Restaurant & Bar"

El Roble is a good spot for a casual meal of traditional Colombian dishes, potentially paired with a drink. Expect to spend about an hour here and between $15-35 per person.

FoodCocktailsRelaxed

$15–$35 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Food & Drink

Jerkies

Jerkies is a casual Caribbean spot ideal for a quick lunch or dinner. Expect to spend $15-30 per person and plan for about an hour for your meal.

FoodRelaxedSocial

$15–$30 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking

Outdoors

Hawk Rise Sanctuary

Hawk Rise Sanctuary is good for a free, leisurely outdoor walk to observe nature. Plan for about 1.5 hours and be prepared for variable weather conditions.

OutdoorsAnimalsViews

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Outdoors

Mill Creek Point Park

Mill Creek Point Park is suitable for a free hour-long outdoor activity, offering river views and wildlife observation, ideal for a morning or afternoon walk, especially on weekends. It pairs well with other local Secaucus parks or a picnic.

OutdoorsAnimalsViews

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Outdoors

Shark River Park

Shark River Park is a free outdoor space perfect for a family outing or solo adventure, offering hiking trails, fishing, and winter sports across its 946 acres. Expect to spend 2-3 hours exploring the park, making it a good complement to a picnic or as a destination for light recreation.

OutdoorsSportsAnimals

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Sandy Hook

Gateway National Recreation Area

Gateway National Recreation Area is suitable for a half-day to full-day outing for families or solo adventurers, offering beaches, historic sites, and nature. Costs range from free to a few dollars for activities or parking, with various walking opportunities available.

OutdoorsHistoryViews

$0–$25 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Outdoors

Kellogg Park

Kellogg Park is a free outdoor space suitable for a 1-2 hour visit. It can be paired with a local meal or other errands in the area, costing nothing for entry.

OutdoorsRelaxedPlayful

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Wellness

Island Spa & Sauna

This spa and sauna offers a multi-hour relaxation experience, often including access to various saunas, baths, and a restaurant. It's a good standalone outing for unwinding, potentially costing $50-$100 per person.

FoodCocktailsWellness

$50–$100 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Wellness

Spavia Day Spa Clark Commons

This spa offers a quiet, relaxing experience, suitable for a solo treat or a special occasion. Expect to spend 1.5-3 hours and $100-$250 per person for a service like a massage or facial.

WellnessRelaxedQuiet

$100–$250 typical1.3 hr visiteasy parking

Food & Drink

Tropicana Diner and Bakery

This diner offers reliable, casual fare at any time, making it suitable for an unplanned meal or a quick bite. Expect to spend 45-60 minutes and $15-35 per person for a typical meal.

FoodRelaxedSocial

$15–$35 typical1.3 hr visiteasy parking

Nightlife

Rancho Mateo Colombian Steakhouse

Rancho Mateo offers a hearty Colombian steakhouse meal, suitable for an evening out with family or friends. Expect to spend 1.5-2 hours and $30-70 per person for food and drinks.

FoodCocktailsShopping

$30–$70 typical45 min visitmoderate parking

Elizabethport

Don Felix Bar & Restaurant

Don Felix is a lively spot for an evening meal with drinks, especially on weekends with a DJ. Expect to spend 1.5-2 hours and around $30-$75 per person for food and a couple of drinks.

FoodCocktailsLive music

$30–$75 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Elizabethport

Alkazar Bakery

A stop at Alkazar Bakery is a quick and affordable way to grab baked goods or a small treat, taking about 15 minutes. It can serve as a sweet start to a day or a mid-afternoon snack run.

FoodShoppingRelaxed

$5–$20 typical45 min visitmoderate parking

Outdoors

State Line Lookout, Palisades Interstate Park Commission

This lookout offers scenic views and is suitable for a morning or afternoon outdoors activity, potentially paired with a picnic. Expect to spend little to no money for a 1-2 hour visit.

OutdoorsViewsWellness

$0–$5 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Union

Ayala Coffee: Specialty Coffee & Cafe

Ayala Coffee is a good spot for a quick coffee and a pastry. Expect to spend 30-60 minutes and about $5-15 per person.

FoodShoppingRelaxed

$5–$15 typical45 min visitmoderate parking

Nightlife

Portugal Express

This is a good spot for a casual meal of Portuguese food with friends or family, suitable for a relaxed dinner or lunch. Expect to spend 1-1.5 hours and around $25-50 per person for a hearty meal.

FoodCocktailsRelaxed

$25–$50 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Elizabethport

DEL PORTO ITALIAN RESTAURANT

DEL PORTO ITALIAN RESTAURANT is a good option for a dinner out, whether for a date night or family celebration. Expect to spend 1.5 hours and around $40-$80 per person on a meal.

FoodCocktailsRelaxed

$40–$80 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking

Food & Drink

Algarve Restaurant

This is a good spot for a casual Portuguese meal, especially for chicken BBQ, and could be a quick lunch or dinner option. Expect to spend $15-30 per person.

FoodRelaxedSocial

$15–$30 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking

Food & Drink

La Fogata Restaurant

La Fogata is a casual spot for a quick and affordable meal of Colombian and Venezuelan staples. Expect to spend about an hour and $10-25 per person, making it suitable for a relaxed lunch or dinner before or after other local activities.

FoodWellnessRelaxed

$10–$25 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking

Food & Drink

Noches de Colombia

This is a casual, family-friendly spot for a hearty Colombian meal, suitable for an hour or so, and likely costing $15-35 per person. It's a good anchor for an outing or a quick stop for lunch or dinner.

FoodSportsRelaxed

$15–$35 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking