A Piece of History: Seeing the Statue of Liberty up Close
January 31, 2026
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. This means I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. The reviews of the items in this article are based on my own opinions, and I only recommend products, tours, or accommodations that I have personally used or would use during my own travels. Disclosure policy
Statue of Liberty
Standing proudly in New York Harbor, the Statue of Liberty is more than just one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world. A gift from France to the United States in 1886, celebrating the friendship between the two nations and welcoming millions of immigrants arriving through nearby Ellis Island.
Visiting the Statue of Liberty allows you to step into the rich history while exploring the island with views of Manhattan in the background.
View the torch up close in the museum and hear about the iconic monuments and stories of the past. We proudly toured this island, and we were in awe at the beauty of Lady Liberty. Our day in June was rather foggy but the fogged cleared enough for us to enjoy our surroundings but not without the dreary backdrop for our photos during our visit. Don’t let my dreary photos detract from the importance of adding the Statue of Liberty to your must-visit attractions when in New York! I secretly thought the Statue of Liberty looked smaller in person than I imagined, is that crazy? What did you think, comment below.
Hours: first ferry from the mainland leaves at 8:30am, last ferry from the mainland leaves at 3:30pm, last ferry from Liberty Island is 5:00pm
Ellis Island National Museum and Immigration
Step back in time as you explore Ellis Island National Museum and Immigration. Walk the same floors that your ancestors may have walked or slept on as they were waiting for their journey into the USA to begin. Take time to read the stories and imagine life back them and the possibilities that awaited.
Take time to explore the digitalized records to find your ancestors name for an additional fee.
Tips to visiting the Statue of Liberty
Suggested visiting time: 2-3 hours
If you want to visit the crown, purchase tickets several months in advance
Audio tour is available in multiple languages
You can take your own food to the islands, but no coolers allowed
We went in June in the morning and it was cloudy and cool so be prepared with warmer clothes even in the summer
Large bags are not allowed
Concession stands are available on the ferry and the islands
Junior Ranger Program is available on the island for kids age 7-12
There are 354 stairs to the crown
Children must be 42 inches tall to climb the stairs unassisted
Guided walking tours are available throughout the day and last 35-minutes.
Statue City Cruises
In order to experience Ellis Island National Museum and Immigration and the Statue of Liberty, you will need to make timed reservations online at Statue City Cruises which is the only ferry available to drop you off at each location. You can purchase tickets at the ferry departure points in New York City and New Jersey the day of if there are tickets available. There are different tour options while heading to the island.
Crown Reserve - this option is very limited, so it is recommended that you make reservations to visit the crown months in advance
Pedestal Reserve - get access to the pedestal or base of Lady Liberty. We did this option which was easy to reserve
General admission - access to the grounds only of the island
Ticket prices start at $26
By purchasing tickets to the Statue of Liberty, it also gives you access to Ellis Island National Museum and Immigration. Plan on spending about 30 minutes at Ellis Island where you will then reboard the ferry to Liberty Island.
Ferry departure points
There are two locations to board the ferry to tour Ellis Island National Museum and Immigration and the Statue of Liberty. Before boarding the ferry, you will go airport grade security.
Battery Park - New York (Manhattan) parking is limited at this location. You can get to this location by car, bus, or subway.
Liberty State Park - New Jersey (this is where we parked). There is plenty of paid parking at this location and room for motorhomes or busses.
Parking - Our cost for parking at Liberty State Park for 9 hours and 25 minutes in June 2025 was $7.99. You scan the QR code listed throughout the parking area to pay for parking.
Camping - is available near the Liberty Park Marina. Liberty Harbor RV park provides the perfect opportunity to stay nearby making it easy to grab the ferry into the city multiple times throughout the day. Here you will find amenities such as bathrooms with hot showers, dump stations, Wi-Fi, and a restaurant/bar. This is not your typical campground stay surrounded by trees and nature, but here you are paying the high price for the convenience of the location. Rates start at $145 a night.
After touring Liberty Island, you can take the same ferry back to your starting point aboard Statue City Cruises
Liberty State Park departure point
1st alternative option to visit New York City from Liberty Island
If you parked at Liberty State Park but you want to explore New York City without returning to your car and driving into the city, you can take the Statue City Cruises to Battery Park in Manhattan, explore the city by foot, and then board the Statue City Cruises ferry again at Battery Park to return to Liberty State Park in New Jersey. Pay attention to departure times so you do not miss the last ferry returning to Liberty State Park which is 4:30pm at the time of this writing.
2nd alternative option to visit New York City from Liberty Island (this is what we did)
After our visit to the Statue of Liberty and exiting the ferry at Battery Park, we spent time walking around Lower Manhatton. When we were ready to head back to New Jersey, we did NOT reboard the Statue City Cruise ferry. Instead, after walking around the city, we walked to Brookfield Place Terminal which is located along the Hudson River near the One World Trade Center.
From the Brookfield Place Terminal, we took the NY Waterway ferry back to Liberty Landing Marina in New Jersey. This option is available Monday to Friday only. Once we arrived at Liberty Landing Marina, it was a short walk to Liberty State Park. You pay for your ticket once on board with cash or credit card. I believe it was $9 per adult.
Where we visited while in Lower Manhattan before boarding the ferry back to Liberty State Park
One World Trade Center and the 9/11 Memorial
Eat at Delmonico’s Steakhouse for a fine dining experience (we did not eat here during this visit)
56 Beaver St, New York
Brooklyn Bridge
Prince Street Pizza
27 Prince Street, New York
Museum of Ice Cream (optional, we did not visit this location)
Washington Square Park
90 Bedford Street, New York
Ghostbusters Firehouse Hook & Ladder Company 8
14 North Moore Street, New York
This tour of the city required a LOT of walking. We did however take the subway after visiting Washington Square Park and then worked our way back down Lower Manhattan to Brookfield Place Terminal.
Love my travel content? You can help keep the journey going! Consider a small donation through the link to help me create more up-to-date travel content, guides, and tips for you.
Alternative City Tour Options
1.5-hour sunset city cruise where you will sail by the Brooklyn Bridge, Statue of Liberty and more. Enjoy music and drinks as you tour the city at night.
Enjoy a city tour of New York City on this vintage boat of lower Manhattan with indoor and outdoor seating. One drink is included in the price.
Enjoy the night skyline of Brooklyn and Manhattan as you soak in the beauty of the area while eating a chef inspired dinner on this beautiful dinner cruise.
Touring the Statue of Liberty
I was so excited to see the Statue of Liberty National Monument in person. I anxiously awaited our arrival and then headed straight to the line to visit the pedestal of Lady Liberty.
Upon entering Lady Liberty, you will be escorted through security, similar to an airport, before you have access to the inside. After entering the crown or pedestal, you can take your time exploring and enjoying the beautiful views of the surrounding area.
Touring the grounds
After touring the inside of the Statue of Liberty, if you paid for that option, you could spend time exploring Liberty Island. On the island you can find a few light food and drink options to enjoy while taking your time exploring the island. Spend time walking around the Statue of Liberty to view her from different angles. Liberty Island sees thousands of visitors daily so be prepared to wait in lines or for the perfect spot for your photo opportunity.
You will find a gift shop where you can find souvenirs, mini Statue of Liberty statues and educational items.
Stop at the Crown Cafe for burgers, hot dogs and salads. Here you will find typical tourist prices.
Statue of Liberty Museum
Step back in time in the museum as you learn about the history of the Statue of Liberty. Visiting the museum is free and is where you will find three interactive galleries to explore. In the Inspiration Gallery you will find the original large torch that has since been retired to the gallery. The Engagement Gallery is where you will find information on the design and making of the Statue of Liberty and the theater will provide an overview of Lady Liberty.
Stop at the Roof Deck above the museum for expansive views of the area and of Lady Liberty.
2026 Free entrance days in National Parks
February 16: Presidents Day (Washington's Birthday)
May 25: Memorial Day
June 14: Flag Day/President Trump's birthday
July 3–5: Independence Day weekend
August 25: 110th Birthday of the National Park Service
September 17: Constitution Day
October 27: Theodore Roosevelt's birthday
November 11: Veteran’s Day
Local Accommodations
Not sure where to stay while visiting New York? I typically use booking.com to book my hotels but here are a few options that will put you close to Battery Park and the surrounding area. These hotels will make it convenient for you to visit the Statue of Liberty and the above attractions without the worry of traveling around the city by car and trying to find parking before you enjoy your day.
In the neighborhood of the Friends apartment, find rooms with city views. Enjoy a free bicycle to tour the area or walk to Bloomingdales for a day of shopping.
Excellent ratings on this exquisite hotel with city and river views. Walk to your favorite locations and then enjoy a drink at the bar at night.
If you are ready to be pampered, then the elegance of this hotel is what you are looking for. Step out onto the terrace or enjoy dinner and a drink at their restaurant and bar.
Your Flight: LaGuardia Airport (LGA) is the nearest airport for commercial airlines. Check out CheapOair or Skyscanner for flight deals.
A historical journey in time
Visiting the Statue of Liberty and then circling around New York, provided an expansive sightseeing tour packed into one full day. Strolling through Lower Manhattan and then returning to New Jersey via the New York Waterway ferry was the perfect way to experience both sides of the harbor. We blended history, city exploration, and waterfront views into one journey. Whether you only explore the Statue of Liberty or you take the time to walk around Lower Manhattan and find the perfect place to eat, do a little shopping, or explore the surrounding neighborhoods, you are sure to have a memorable glimpse into this bustling city.
I hope you can take the time to explore this area and use this as your guide to getting around the city, one ferry ride at a time.
Budget friendly TIPS:
Ferry tickets are required for access to the island, but once on the island you can just enjoy the grounds and museum without spending any extra money.
If you choose to visit inside the Statue of Liberty, it is only $.30 more per person so very budget friendly.
Pack snacks to enjoy on the island instead of paying for an expensive hot dog.
Take the Statue City Cruise back to Liberty State Park from Battery Park instead of paying extra to take the NY Waterway ferry.
Enjoy the journey,
Meet the author: Jennifer
I am a girl who loves to travel and enjoys sharing expert family travel advice. I am a content creator and influencer on Instagram with years of travel experience and provide readers with advice, tips, and details on adventurous travel and tips on saving money while boondocking or traveling across the US. You can find me dreaming up our next epic vacation or outside exploring natural landscapes. I am a fearless roadtripper who isn’t afraid to explore new and off the path adventures.
Follow me on social media to discover more travel ideas
Instagram @adoptinglifesjourney
Pinterest /adoptinglifesjourney
If this post was helpful, follow me on Instagram @adoptinglifesjourney and
Hashtag your photos at #adoptinglifesjourney
Need help planning a vacation? I am also a travel agent. Follow me on social media and send me a DM @exploringsunsetstravel for more travel inspiration or for a FREE travel quote. There is no cost to you for using me as your travel agent.
Check out offers on Disney to plan your dream vacation.
Evolution Travel - Jennifer Sloan (evotravelagent.com)
New blog posts
There is always something magical about watching the sunset along the Gulf Coast of Florida. Riding the Calypso Breeze Tropical Cruise in Madeira Beach captured that perfect feeling of the sun setting while on a cruise.
Once you step on board, they will have tropical vibes set for an unforgettable evening filled with island music, a tropical buffet dinner, and the warm coastal breezes.