All the tips for having a wonderful trip to the Statue of Liberty in New York City.
When we decided to visit New York City on our way home from Europe, I knew that one thing we were definitely seeing was the Statue of Liberty. I have been wanting to see Lady Liberty in person for what seems like forever. When I was 8 we lived at West Point (an hour and a half from NYC) for almost 2 years, but never made it to see the Statue of Liberty and she has been on my bucket list ever since.
The Statue of Liberty was a gift from the people of France to the United States and is recognized as a symbol of freedom and democracy. Édouard de Laboulaye, a French historian, proposed the idea of the Statue of Liberty in 1865. The statue started being constructed in 1875 by the sculptor Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi using copper sheets over a framework designed by Alexandre-Gustave Eiffel and Eugene-Emmanuel Viollet-le-Duc. The Statue of Liberty was dedicated on October 28, 1886, by President Grover Cleveland.
Tickets for the Statue of Liberty
There are three different ticket options. All of them include ferry service to Liberty Island and Ellis Island. The general admission ticket allows you access to both islands, including entry to both the Statue of Liberty Museum and the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration. The pedestal reserve ticket allows you access to everything general admission, but also allows you to enter the pedestal and go up to the top of the pedestal, about 215 steps. The crown reserve ticket allows you access to the islands and both museums but also allows you to climb to the crown of the Statue of Liberty which is another 162 steps from the top of the pedestal. The pedestal and crown tickets are very limited so if you are wanting either ticket you have to book them well in advance.
Be sure when you were purchasing your tickets that you are purchasing them from the Statue of Liberty‘s official ferry vendor, which is currently Statue City Cruises. They have two locations where you can catch their ferry from either Battery Park in New York City or Liberty State Park in New Jersey. Both locations make round-trip service that takes you to Liberty Island, Ellis Island, and then back to where you embarked from. Be sure you are getting on the correct ferry when you are returning from your visit to the islands.
Ferry Service
I highly recommend arriving at least 30 minutes prior to your ticket time, especially if you have the first time slot for the day. When you arrive, you will have to go through airport-like security, so make sure that you are ready with everything out of your pockets, etc. Once passing through security you will go outside to wait for the ferry.
If you would like to see/take photos of the Statue of Liberty on your way to the island, be sure to be on one of the top decks and on the starboard side (right side) of the ferry.
What to See on Liberty Island
Included in your ticket is the self-guided audio tour, you can pick up your gear right after getting off the ferry.
If you have tickets to visit the pedestal or crown, you will enter the pedestal at the back, left side of the Statue of Liberty (you should see a couple of park rangers stationed outside). When you go inside you will have to go through airport-style security again and you can not bring backpacks or food into the pedestal/Statue of Liberty.
Be sure to walk around the Statue of Liberty. Take in the view of Lady Liberty and of the New York/New Jersey skyline.
The Statue of Liberty Museum has an immersive theater that tells the story of the Statue of Liberty, the engagement gallery where it feels like you are inside the studio seeing the design and construction of the Statue of Liberty, and the inspiration gallery where you can view the original torch. There is also a roof deck with panoramic views of the New York harbor and the back of the Statue of Liberty.
Kids can become a Junior Ranger, ask a park ranger for more information.
Food/Gift Shop
Crown Café on Liberty Island has an espresso bar, a variety of snacks, and full meals such as paninis, wraps, soup/salads, as well as hotdogs, hamburgers, and fries. The food was really good, fresh, and made to order, however, it is pricey.
There are also a couple of snack stands located between the museum and the Statue of Liberty.
The gift shop is adjacent to the café and sells traditional souvenir items related to the Statue of Liberty.
In the same building, is also a non-profit shop that sells books, apparel, historical reproductions, collectibles, and games in connection with the National Park Service.
Tips
Below are some tips for having the best trip to the Statue of Liberty:
- Pre-purchase your tickets from the official site – currently, Statue City Cruises is the official ferry provider.
- The earlier in the day you book your tickets the better – smaller crowds, shorter wait times, and you have more time to explore.
- Arrive at least 30 minutes before your ticket time to go through security.
- Wear comfortable clothing and shoes – be aware of the weather and expect windy conditions.
