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The 4 best guided statue of liberty tours for 2024.

Discover the best guided tours of this iconic national monument, plus how to see it on your own.

The Best Statue of Liberty Tours

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The Statue of Liberty is America's most iconic and enduring symbol of freedom. A gift from the French, "The Statue of Liberty Enlightening the World" – its official name – was dedicated in 1886. It was often the first thing immigrants to the United States saw as they sailed to Ellis Island. The statue holds a torch in one hand and a tablet inscribed with the date of the Declaration of Independence in the other. She stands a little more than 300 feet tall and is made of copper, which has oxidized over time to create her signature green patina. To make the most of your visit to this UNESCO World Heritage Site, consider these key tips.

Several independent tour companies offer tours to the Statue of Liberty that include private guides and extra perks like priority ferry boarding. Some also combine trips to the Statue of Liberty with visits to other NYC attractions , such as the 9/11 Memorial. However, these companies are not official vendors of the national park service, meaning there may be unnecessary charges.

Experience First – Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour

Price: Adults from $79; kids from $75 Duration: 5 hours

For a guided trip to the Statue of Liberty that features an in-the-know local and early reserve-line tickets to access the ferry to Liberty Island, consider this tour operated by Experience First. You'll start your tour at Castle Clinton in Battery Park before boarding the ferry to Liberty Island. Along the way, your guide will share information about the statue and its history. The tour continues upon arrival to the Statue of Liberty, where your guide will show you around the grounds. You'll have time to visit the Statue of Liberty Museum before boarding the ferry again to visit Ellis Island, where the formal tour concludes. Once on Ellis Island, you can stay for as long as you like before hopping on the return ferry to Battery Park. In total, the guided portion of the tour lasts about 3.5 hours. The company estimates that the entire experience will last about five hours, depending on how much time you spend exploring on your own.

Reviewers praise the tour guides, who they describe as knowledgeable and enthusiastic. Travelers also appreciate all the tips provided by guides, saying they offer recommendations on everything from where to sit on the ferry for the best views to must-visit restaurants and boroughs in the city. Tours are offered daily at 9:30 a.m. Short on time? Experience First also offers an "express" Statue of Liberty tour that takes between two and three hours.

Check prices & availability on:

Take Walks – Fully Guided Statue of Liberty Tour with Ellis Island

Price: Adults from $69; kids from $64 Duration: 4 hours

According to reviewers, the guides at Take Walks make the history of the Statue of Liberty come alive. On this approximately four-hour tour, you and up to 24 other participants will visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island with your licensed guide leading the way. You'll have time to explore the exterior of the statue, as well as the Statue of Liberty Museum, as well as Ellis Island and the Ellis Island Immigration Museum. Reviewers applaud guides for their vast knowledge of Liberty and Ellis islands and called the tour fun. Travelers also appreciate the guides' willingness to take pictures.

Take Walks also offers guided tours of other top NYC landmarks, such as Grand Central Terminal and the 9/11 Memorial & Museum.

Top Dog Tours NYC – Private Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour

Price: Adults from $190; kids from $170 Duration: 4 hours

Tour the Statue of Liberty and its attractions with your own personal guide on this private excursion. Tours include round-trip ferry rides between Battery Park and Liberty Island, guided walks of Liberty and Ellis islands, and entrance to the museums associated with the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Participants say this tour is worth the extra cost thanks to the passionate, engaging guides. Reviewers especially recommend this tour for families with young kids, because of the educational nature of the experience and the guides' attention to detail.

A minimum of two participants is required for the tour to operate. Top Dog Tours offers a variety of food, walking and specialty tours around NYC.

City Tales Sightseeing & Private Tours – Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour

Price: Adults from $65; kids from $56 Duration: 3 hours

Be one of the first people to tour the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island on this tour, which departs from Battery Park at 9 a.m. on the first ferry to Liberty Island. You and up to 24 other participants will follow a licensed guide to see all of the top sights, including the Statue of Liberty Museum and The National Immigration Museum on Ellis Island. Travelers describe this tour as informative and inspiring thanks to the attentive, insightful guides, who they say present information about the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island in an easily digestible format.

From March to December, tours operate Thursday through Tuesday at 9 a.m. During January and February, tours are only offered Friday to Sunday. The company offers a variety of walking tours around NYC, including a tour of Wall Street and the World Trade Center.

Statue of Liberty Cruises

One of the best ways to view Lady Liberty is from the water. Consider one of these Statue of Liberty cruises for a unique vantage point.

How to Tour the Statue of Liberty On Your Own

Getting There: You'll need to take a ferry to reach Liberty Island. Statue City Cruises is the official ferry provider for the National Park Service, and the only ferry service authorized to provide transportation to and from Liberty Island. Before you board, you'll go through an airport-style security screening. The ferry departs from two locations: Battery Park in New York City and Liberty State Park in Jersey City, New Jersey. Ferry operators recommend arriving about 30 minutes ahead of your reserved time.

You can reach Battery Park via public transportation, such as the subway or bus. The 4 and 5 trains stop at Bowling Green; the M5, M15 and M20 bus routes also stop within walking distance of the ferry. Driving is an option, but parking is limited. If you're planning to do more sightseeing, heed the advice of reviewers and sign up for a hop-on, hop-off bus tour , many of which stop at Battery Park.

For ferry departures from New Jersey's Liberty State Park, you can arrive via the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail. Plenty of parking is available, for a fee, if you choose to drive.

Tickets: Tickets, which cost $24.50 for adults and $12 for kids ages 4 to 12, cover round-trip ferry transportation and access to specific park attractions. To access both the pedestal and the crown, you need to reserve and purchase timed tickets before your trip. Tickets to the pedestal sell out quickly, and you'll likely need to book tickets to the crown at least three months in advance.

Experiences: Visitors can stop by the Information Center and explore the Statue of Liberty Museum The museum houses artifacts, including the original torch, as well as multimedia displays detailing the statue's history and creation. Meanwhile, the on-site Information Center offers brochures and tour schedules. Kids can join the Junior Ranger program at the center by picking up a booklet of activities to complete to earn a special badge. Any visitor is welcome to take a free Park Ranger guided tour of the statue's exterior, which explains how the statue was made, its symbolism and more, or use a self-guided audio tour.

The pedestal stands at about half the height of the monument and boasts panoramic views of New Jersey, New York City, the New York Harbor and Ellis Island. Brave-hearted visitors will want to take the narrow, double-helix steps to the statue's crown for a bird's-eye view of the city. There are 162 steps from the top of the pedestal to the top of the crown. There is no elevator and the park service discourages this trek for visitors who suffer from heart and respiratory conditions, claustrophobia, acrophobia and vertigo. Children must be at least 42 inches tall to safely climb the stairs.

What to Bring: You will need an ID to pick up your tickets from will call (if you choose to get your tickets there). If you plan to visit the crown, each ticket holder will need to show a valid ID along with the ticket that bears their name; minors without ID are exempt from this policy. Locker facilities to store personal items during your visit are available at the base of the statue; lockers accept quarters only.

No large bags (carry-on luggage, large suitcases, etc.) are allowed on Liberty Island. Backpacks, strollers, large umbrellas and food and drink are prohibited inside the statue.

Restrooms: Restrooms are available in the gift shop and in the statue's lobby.

Traveler Tips: Travelers love seeing the Statue of Liberty up close. Multiple tourists recommend a morning visit to make sure you have enough time to see everything, especially if you combine your trip to Lady Liberty with a visit to nearby Ellis Island. If you purchase a ferry ticket for 2 p.m. or later, you will not be able to go to both islands, but will have to pick either Liberty or Ellis Island. Reviewers recommend allotting at least half a day to see everything and suggest going in the morning to avoid crowds. They also stress booking tickets to the crown several months in advance to make sure you obtain tickets.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Statue of Liberty is located on Liberty Island.

If you did not book a guided tour through a third-party operator and are visiting the Statue of Liberty on your own, the amount of time you spend at the Statue of Liberty is up to you. Experts and travelers alike recommend setting aside at least two hours to explore everything this site offers. Given how much there is to see here, you'll likely spend at least half a day visiting both Liberty and Ellis islands.

It costs $24.50 per adult and $12 per child ages 4 to 12 for a ferry ticket to the Statue of Liberty, whether you depart from New York or New Jersey. Guided tours cost more. The round-trip ferry ride to Liberty Island includes access to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. You do not need to purchase any other tickets upon arriving at Liberty or Ellis islands.

If you're hoping to plan a budget-friendly visit to the Statue of Liberty, do not book a tour with a third-party company. Tour companies can add on unnecessary charges for extra perks like a personal guide. If you don't want to visit with a guide, all you'll have to pay is the ferry fee.

The general admission ticket for the ferry to the Statue of Liberty costs $24.50 per adult and $12 per child ages 4 to 12 whether you depart from New York or New Jersey. The ticket includes a round-trip ferry ride to Liberty Island from either New York or New Jersey, access to the grounds of the Statue of Liberty National Monument and the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration, ranger-led tours, and audio tours.

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Tags: New York City , Tours , Travel , Vacations , New York Vacations , US Vacations , Mid-Atlantic Vacations

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Watch CBS News

The Statue of Liberty as you've never seen her before

May 24, 2020 / 9:38 AM EDT / CBS News

Last summer, architect Paul Davidson spent ten nights inside of the Statue of Liberty. From 6 p.m. to 7 a.m., he and his team carried out a first-of-its-kind laser scan of Lady Liberty, capturing the statue's interior during the hours when it wasn't packed full of tourists.

Correspondent Conor Knighton asked, "Do you look back at those ten nights and think, 'Oh, man. I could've been doing it now during the daytime?'"

"I know!" Davidson laughed. "This is, like, the perfect time to be surveying, outside and in, for sure."

Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty are currently closed to all visitors, shut down due to COVID-19. Which actually makes this the perfect time to debut some of Davidson's work.

The images he captured during those long nights have just been turned into a virtual tour . Now, all those who can't visit in person can explore the statue online like never before.

"You can get into the crown and kind of view everything in 360," Davidson said. "You can go up to the torch and get a view of that. You can climb up the arm."

The virtual tour includes many areas that would traditionally be off-limits to visitors. Davidson's team also laser-scanned every nook and cranny, and getting that data was no easy task.

"Really the biggest challenge for survey that the statue presents is the fact that it is never still; it's constantly moving in the wind," he said. "And when you're surveying, you want it to be static. But we were in that torch and [the wind] was probably five or ten miles an hour, and it was swaying, really, like three or four inches. It was kind of like being on a boat."

The statue was meant to sway. Its flexible support system was designed by French architect Alexandre-Gustave Eiffel. (Perhaps you've heard of his tower in Paris.) When "Liberty Enlightening the World" was dedicated in 1886, it was the highest structure in all of New York City – a triumph of engineering, and an instant international icon.

Davidson said, "I think about the conditions under which that was done, and it was for nothing more than to celebrate democracy and freedom and liberty."

He has been documenting the statue as part of the National Park Service's Historic American Buildings Survey . The new virtual tour is just part of the project. The new scan will also serve as a high-tech, three-dimensional blueprint for everything from research to reconstruction – if, God forbid, anything ever should happen to the statue.

"This is a record that has many uses down the line," Davidson said. "If they do need to make some alterations, for social distancing even, they've got a complete 3D model to map that stuff out."

Whenever the statue eventually reopens, touring its tight interior spaces will likely be done very differently. But there's still something powerful about being in there in person. As Davidson points out, a virtual visit is nice, but it's no substitute for the real thing: "It's the visitors who circulate through the statue who kind of enliven the space, right? The beam that they touch every time that they go up the stairs, or the metal tread wearing thin in the center from people passing through. [With] all those visual cues, you start to feel the presence of how many people have moved through this space for 130 years, and you can basically reach back in history and feel something from that."

       For more info:

• Statue of Liberty Virtual Tour  (National Park Service)
• Statue of Liberty National Monument  (National Park Service)
• Statue of Liberty Museum , New York City
• Historic American Buildings Survey  (National Park Service)
• The Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation

       Story produced by Jay Kernis. Editor: George Pozderec. 

          See also: 

From May 2019: "Sunday Morning" correspondent Martha Teichner reports on the opening of the $100 million Statue of Liberty Museum on Liberty Island in New York Harbor, telling the story of the creation of the most recognizable symbol of America.

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CELEBRATE your family story – add a name to the WALL OF HONOR! |

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Experience the icon in person., ellis island, make the voyage, walk in the footsteps of history., help keep liberty alive..

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Visit Liberty & Ellis Islands

What you need to know, support the monuments.

Since the 1980s, the nonprofit Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation has partnered with the National Park Service to restore and preserve the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Click HERE to learn more and support our mission.

Before You Go

Visit the National Park Service and Statue City Cruises websites for the latest information about operating hours and ticket availability.

PLAN YOUR VOYAGE

How to purchase tickets.

Statue City Cruises is the ONLY vendor authorized to provide tickets and transportation to Liberty and Ellis Islands. No other ferry company can give you access to the Islands, monuments, and museums. Additional tickets are not needed to enter the Statue of Liberty Museum or Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration.

• To purchase tickets in advance, Go to StatueCityCruises.com or call 1-877-523-9849 (877-LADY-TIX).
• Tickets can be purchased in person at the Statue City Cruises ticket booths located in Castle Clinton in Battery Park (NYC) or at the ferry departure point in Liberty State Park in New Jersey.

Ferry schedules change seasonally and during periods of high tourism. Up-to-date schedules are posted on the Statue City Cruises website. To guarantee entry, purchasing tickets in advance is recommended.

Check out our blog post “The ONLY Way to Liberty Island.”

What's Included With Your Ticket

• Round-trip ferry service with stops at Liberty Island and Ellis Island.
• Access to the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration and the Statue of Liberty Museum.
• Self-guided audio tours, which can be picked up on each Island. Content is available in 12 languages: Arabic, English, French, German, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish. A family-friendly tour is also available, as are an American Sign Language (ASL) version and an Audio Descriptive (AD) version.

Find the Ferry

The ferry at battery park new york, ny.

Link to map of Battery Park  

• Local 1 (7th Avenue Line) to the last stop – South Ferry
• Express 4 or 5 (Lexington Avenue Line) to Bowling Green
• Local R/W train from Brooklyn/Queens (Broadway Line) to Whitehall Street
• M1, M6 or M15 to South Ferry (last stop)
• From the East Side take the FDR Drive South to Exit 1, South Ferry/Battery Park
• From the West Side take the Westside Highway South (Route 9A) to Battery Park
• NOTE: Street and private garage parking is limited in the Battery Park neighborhood

The Ferry at Liberty State Park Jersey City, NJ

Link to map of Liberty State Park  

• Take exit 14-B off the New Jersey Turnpike; follow signs to Liberty State Park
• Ample parking is available in Liberty State Park, for a nominal fee

By Public Transportation:

• Take the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail (HBLR) to the Liberty State Park Station; walk or bike one mile along Audrey Zapp Drive to the historic Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal in Liberty State Park
• The HBLR is accessible via PATH at the Hoboken Station or Newport (Jersey City) Station

WHAT TO EXPECT

Liberty island.

Liberty Island is home to a beautiful park, an innovative museum, and America’s most iconic symbol of promise and possibility. As you explore the grounds, take in Lady Liberty from different angles noting her design details and how her appearance changes with the light.

The Statue of Liberty Museum is an experience unto itself. Full of incredible exhibits, the Museum gives color and context to the Statue and houses her original torch. Before you depart Liberty Island, be sure to visit the Liberty Vista atop the Museum for breathtaking views of the Statue and New York Harbor.

No additional ticket is needed to visit the museum.

Visitors to Ellis Island are given a unique view of American history. Beautifully restored to its peak operating period, the main building allows park-goers to step into Ellis Island travelers’ shoes for a sense of the immigrant journey.

At the Ellis Island National Immigration Museum, voyages come to life through a stunning collection of artifacts. Exhibits chronicle America’s immigration history from the 1500s through to today.

Visit the American Family Immigration History Center , located on the first floor, to discover your connections to Ellis Island. And while walking the grounds, explore The American Immigrant Wall of Honor , which celebrates immigrants of all eras.

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Statue of Liberty Virtual Tour

The Statue of Liberty is one of the most well known monuments in all of the United States. The statue and it’s torch represent the path to liberty that immigrants took to secure freedom. Located on Ellis Island of New York, the statue has been popularly visited by tourists for years. Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, Ellis Island and its Statue of Liberty have been closed to visitors. This makes it a perfect time to utilize virtual tours of the monument.

virtual tour that people could watch while not being able to visit physically. This virtual tour includes areas of the monument that visitors wouldn’t actually be able to see in person, like the crown and torch. Davidson expressed the challenge of capturing this statue that was never still due to the wind. Luckily, the statue was meant to sway and was designed to have a flexible support system. Davidson’s scan of the statue would be part of the National Park Service’s Historic American Buildings Survey and serves as a 3D high-tech blueprint.

There have also been virtual field trips of the monument that schools have used to show students what the statue looks like without leaving the classroom. The ClickSchooling website offers free audio, video, and a navigated tour throughout the site. Instructions are provided that include historical information, symbolism description, and comments made by park rangers. When you click on the arrows of the statue on the screen, you will see a map of the island with red dots showing you where you are. This virtual tour is a unique and educational way for educators to teach their students about one of the most historical and well-known monuments without actually going. Other interactive virtual tours of Ellis Island and it’s Statue of Liberty combine high resolution spherical images, historical information, and historical images.

The abandoned Ellis Island hospital tour is also available virtually for individuals to explore. The Chief Experience Officer, Justin Rivers, of the non-profit organization called Save Ellis Island, shot this tour of the hospital. As you explore, you will feel just like you are standing there in person. You can see the laundry building, contagious disease wards, autopsy rooms, staff house and more.

Due to this time where there is less travel and gatherings, virtual tours are more important than ever. Educators and parents take advantage of this technology to be able to showcase this island and statue to children. Virtual tours of Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty remain educational, enlightening, and entertaining for young Americans. Luckily, there are so many different Statue of Liberty virtual tours to choose from!

About The Author: Sammy Chmara

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Alerts in effect, liberty enlightening the world.

"The Statue of Liberty Enlightening the World" was a gift of friendship from the people of France to the United States and is recognized as a universal symbol of freedom and democracy. The Statue of Liberty was dedicated on October 28, 1886.  It was designated as a National Monument in 1924.  Employees of the National Park Service have been caring for the colossal copper statue since 1933.

The location of the security screening facility and ferry service will move to a new temporary location on February 8, 2024.

Check out these top ranger tips for a fun, safe, and unforgettable trip!

Reservations are required.

Experience the incredible views from the balcony at the top of the pedestal. Reservations required.

Join us for an immersive experience through the museum on Liberty Island.

Learn about projects underway that you will see and hear while you are visiting.

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Contact info, mailing address:.

Receiving Office 1 Ellis Island Jersey City, NJ 07305

212 363-3200

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11 Things To Know Before Visiting The Statue Of Liberty

T he Statue of Liberty is truly a national treasure and  destination that anyone who loves Americana culture will enjoy . Gifted to the United States in 1885 by France and placed on its completed pedestal the following year, "Liberty Enlightening the World" has sat magnificently in New York Harbor and captured the imagination of countless generations of onlookers. In 1903, Emma Lazarus's poem, "The New Colossus," added a poignant rallying call to the statue's rising form. "Mother of Exiles," Lazarus calls Lady Liberty, as her most famous words echo through the ages: "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free."

Today, millions of visitors flow through the twined islands in New York Harbor: One supporting Lady Liberty and her crown, torch, and hope for the future, and the other, Ellis Island, a glimpse of America's immigrant past that she represents. If you're a first-time visitor to this  popular U.S. tourist destination , you can make the most of your trip by bearing in mind a few essential tips. From planning when to book your tickets and how to pack for the day to structuring your visit's timeline, these factors will ensure a fulfilling and inspiring visit to this symbol of America's most enduring qualities.

Read more: The Most-Visited Tourist Attraction In Every State

Head To Ellis Island Before Seeing Lady Liberty

A ferry ticket to see the Statue of Liberty also includes a stop at Ellis Island. However, it's a good idea to plan for a reversal of these two destinations. Getting off the boat at Ellis Island first will keep you fresh for longer across a day full of walking and time spent outdoors.

Most of the Ellis Island experience is found indoors, so you'll be in the air conditioning and comfortable halls of the museum portion of the trip. Starting here will give you an excellent order of events so that you are ready to take in the sights of the day for the duration of your voyage out to these historic islands. If you begin with the Statue of Liberty, you may find yourself pounding the pavement in the roasting sunlight for hours with little shade to help cool you down or give you a breather.

The tour of Ellis Island is well worth the visit, but doing it after a walk around Liberty Island will have you drenched in sweat at worst and flagging in energy at best. Reorganize your day to get the most out of both stops, especially if you have ancestors who traveled through Ellis Island and are hoping to spend some time steeped in your own history.

Choose Your Footwear With Comfort In Mind

In addition to Ellis Island's walkthrough, Liberty Island spans about 15 acres in total land area. The statue serves as the highlight, of course, but the whole island is worth exploring since the views of New York and New Jersey surrounding it offer awe-inspiring photo opportunities and vantage points. The Statue of Liberty can also be seen from numerous angles, considering the sheer size of the island.

Taking in the breathtaking form of Lady Liberty from different spots around the island will likely take up a good portion of your time on the trip. As a result, you should place wearing comfortable walking shoes right up at the top of your preparation list for the day. Skip the heels or flip-flops for this one and ensure you have plenty of arch support. With the appropriate footwear in place, only your sense of pace will dictate your adventure around Liberty Island and Ellis Island as you experience history in living color.

Don't Forget Your Sunscreen And Hat Or Umbrella

In the same way that quality walking shoes are a must for any visit to these two islands (especially if you're considering climbing through the statue's interior), sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat or umbrella should be on your packing list, too. Droves of visitors flock to New York Harbor during the summer months to see the Statue of Liberty, when the average highs reach up to 85 degrees Fahrenheit in July.

If you're traveling to the Big Apple to visit these sites during the warmest months of the year, you may be in for a bit of a shock upon landing on Liberty Island if you forget either of these items. There's little in the way of tree cover throughout Liberty Island, meaning the hours you're sure to spend gazing up at the statue's iconic tablet and torch will also be hours spent in the blazing sunshine. This time spent outdoors can drain your energy and potentially result in a wicked sunburn if you don't take the proper precautions.

You Can Visit From Either New York Or New Jersey

Many people don't realize that they can gain access to Liberty Island during a trip to the Statue of Liberty from either New York or New Jersey. The island rests within New Jersey's state boundary but is administered by the National Park Service and falls under New York State jurisdiction due to an 1834 agreement between the two states that Congress ratified.

At any rate, a journey to Ellis and Liberty Islands can be launched from either state, making it easily accessible for more hopeful visitors. It's important to note that you must return to the same place you departed, though. Paying a visit to the Statue of Liberty is an excellent option for lovers of American symbolism and history on a stopover at Newark International Airport. With a day to kill in Newark, getting to Liberty State Park can take as little as 15 to 20 minutes, with an Uber costing roughly $30.

There Are Food Options On The Island, But You Can Also Bring Your Own

Anyone planning a lengthy visit to the islands will be happy to learn that plenty of food options are available. This is an excellent addition for anyone wanting to sit down and have a small snack or meal midway through the day. However, those taking in the sights and sounds of Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty should be wary of pricing from these food vendors. As is typical for museums, historical sites, and other attractions that draw huge crowds, food here can be expensive.

Fortunately, visitors can bring their own food and drink on the ferry. This means packing a sandwich or even something prepared that you purchased in a restaurant or grocery store before departing for the islands can make eating a less expensive task. With your snacks in your backpack, you can sit down anywhere you'd like around the island and have a meal with a spectacular visual backdrop to complement your experience. However, bear in mind that you will need to be ready to remove your food items from your bag when passing through security.

Book Your Ticket As Far In Advance As Possible

Buying your tickets in advance is often a good idea, no matter where you plan to visit. However, at the Statue of Liberty, it's even more critical. There's no way onto the islands without purchasing a ferry ticket—private boats aren't allowed to dock—and only roughly 10,000 tickets are available daily. With 4 million visitors per year flowing through these islands, booking your ticket as far in advance as possible is crucial. This will give you the best pick of options and multiple days to select from, in all likelihood.

It is possible to get a last-minute ticket, but they may be more expensive or cover only limited times and dates, making scheduling the remainder of your visit to the area a bit challenging. Tickets typically get released to the public about half a year in advance. As soon as you solidify your travel plans to New York or New Jersey and know that you want to make the trip out to the harbor, book your tickets so you don't miss out on the best experience possible.

Consider The Type Of Ticket You Want

Four ticket types will grant visitors access to different Ellis and Liberty Islands sections. The Reserve Ticket is the base entry ticket and will provide for your ferry to and from the island. This is an excellent choice for those looking to explore the history and views of the islands. Alternatively, you could opt for a Pedestal Reserve or Crown Reserve Ticket. These add access to the statue's pedestal or crown respectively. While there are about 2,400 to 2,900 Pedestal Reserve Tickets available each day, only about 500 Crown Reserve Tickets can be booked daily, making them increasing rarities for visitors planning a trip to see Lady Liberty.

The Pedestal Reserve Ticket offers access to the Fort Wood segment of the statue's pedestal and gives you a closer look behind the scenes. Heading up to the crown introduces an even more exclusive view of the statue and its surroundings. The final ticket type is the Hard Hat Reserve Ticket. Only about 84 of these tickets are available each day, and ticketholders who are lucky enough to snag Hard Hat Reserve access will enjoy a 90-minute guided tour of the unrestored section on the southern side of Ellis Island as well as access to the Ellis Island Hospital and the "Unframed—Ellis Island" art exhibit.

Be Realistic About Your Expectations On The Island

The stairs to the top of the statue can unveil a dramatic culmination of your trip to the island to see Lady Liberty. Not only will you be one of the few who have climbed the 377 steps from the ground to the crown, but you'll be treated to some spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. The statue is 305 feet off the ground (including the pedestal), making it a sizeable landmark that provides a truly breathtaking perspective of two iconic American communities.

But, the climb is not for the faint of heart. A Crown Reserve Ticket will allow you to make the climb as one of around just 500 per day. However, thinking long and hard about your physical ability to scale the spiral staircase is essential. Taller visitors will need to hunch over throughout the climb, and there are no cutaways to take breaks while you're hoofing it to the top. Likewise, the entire interior experience can be a bit claustrophobic. Getting to the top is a fantastic achievement, but it's not an endeavor for everyone and certainly not a task you should take lightly.

Visitors Can Look For Their Ancestors In Ellis Island's Computerized Records

Ellis Island was the waystation for many immigrants coming to America from 1892 until 1954. As a result, it's one of the most influential historical sites you can visit in America today. More than 12 million people arrived at New York Harbor's entry terminal at this time, including over 1 million just in 1907. During the early years, passports and visa papers weren't required, and workers inspected immigrants in the arrival hall instead. This led to plenty of paperwork being generated as inspections took place, and today, you can peruse computerized records of these arrivals.

Records are available for the period spanning 1892 through 1924, with ship data and documentation for individuals who came through the processing lines of Ellis Island. This wonderful addition hits home for those whose relatives passed through the doors of Ellis Island before making their way into the United States to begin their new lives. For tens of millions of Americans today (as many as 40% of U.S. citizens), the halls of Ellis Island represent their ancestors' first steps toward the lives that would eventually bring forth their existence. It's a powerful look into the personal histories of so many Americans, and the National Park Service has done a fantastic job of honoring the place and the personalities who once walked its grounds.

Visit In The Spring Or Fall For The Best Experience

The summer months are the Statue of Liberty's peak visiting period. Vast flocks of people coalesce around the ferry terminals in New York and New Jersey, as well as on both historic islands. If you go during the summer, you should expect longer lines and more crowded grounds. This will require you to arrive earlier and add more waiting time to catch the ferry back.

If you plan your visit for the spring or fall, you'll have better weather, shorter lines, and a more enjoyable experience overall. You might also consider visiting in the winter when lines dwindle to their shortest throughout the year. But the brisk winter air in New York is potent, so making sure you bundle up well is essential for anyone visiting then.

Choosing a weekday, particularly Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday, is also a good idea. Midweek, the lines will be their shortest and the islands their emptiest, resulting in a more personal experience with the statue and the hallowed halls of Ellis Island. Of course, everyone's itinerary will be unique, so these may not be doable for each visitor. But any leeway you can find in your schedule to book a ticket when crowds might be a little lighter will result in a better trip.

Dress For The Occasion, As Access Comes With Airport-Like Security

Finally, it's important to remember that the National Park Service administers the Statue of Liberty. It's a federally protected space, so you'll face restrictions on what you can bring onto the ferry and island. No weapons are allowed, including firearms, knives, or explosives. You also can't bring mace or other defensive spray-type tools during your visit. Large bags, including suitcases, aren't permitted either. If you purchased a ticket to enter the pedestal or crown, you'll also need to ditch your backpack or purse. There are lockers available at the screening locations before entry to these parts of the statue. They'll cost 25 cents, and change machines are available to break $1 and $5 bills.

Visitors are also prohibited from bringing UAVs or any other aerial drone onto the island. Unfortunately, film and photography will have to remain grounded while you're exploring the statue and Ellis Island. Reserve ticket holders and those with additional access can enter the priority line for faster movement through the security screening process when heading up to the security line.

Read the original article on Explore .

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