The Statue of Liberty has always been looked upon with emotion: From 1892 to 1954, it was one of the first sights more than 12 million immigrants saw upon arriving in America. Today, it’s a staple of the New York City skyline and a bastion of freedom. “To cruise into the harbor and have that one huge statue and feel that welcoming state is really extraordinary,” says Kitt Garrett, founder and CEO of Discover New York. Here's the best way to make a day of it.
Pick your ticket in advance
Statue Cruises—the authorized ferry operator to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island—offers three types of tickets, to the crown, for the pedestal, and to access reserve grounds only. If you want to visit the crown, buy early. There are a limited number of tickets available each day (400 to 500 depending on the season), they sell out quickly, and they can’t be purchased at the ticket office or on Liberty Island.
An e-ticket in advance lets you bypass the ticket line; but everyone waits in airport-like security (arrive 30 minutes early, Garrett suggests). And don’t forget: Only small bags are allowed. There are lockers for larger items, but they require cash for use.
To beat lines, leave from Jersey
Only about 20 percent of visitors depart from Liberty State Park in Jersey City, estimates Rafael Abreu, a spokesman for Statue Cruises. Plus, the ride is about five to 10 minutes shorter from the New Jersey park, cutting down wait time and boat time.
Start early
A 20-minute ride to the islands—and short shuttles between them—grows longer throughout the day, says Garrett. Aim for the first ride at 8:30 a.m.
Dress the part
A higher vantage point at the crown point provides a better view (the city skyline, the harbor below), but the hike is a 393-step, no-air conditioning journey. “Leave the Manolo Blahniks at home. You’ll need good walking shoes,” says Garrett.
Learn the history
Context is best understood with a good guide, or as Garret puts it, “a human being to converse with—as opposed to staring at a guidebook and hoping it’s right." Fascinated by the history of this country’s immigration? Extend your trip to New York's Tenement Museum, a short subway or cab ride away in the Lower East Side.
Pack a picnic
With the Manhattan skyline as your backdrop, picnic tables on Liberty Island’s magnificent lawn are an idyllic setting (and a creative alternative) to cafeteria-style dining on Ellis Island, suggests Katie Cherico of In The Know Experiences.
Or, see it by boat
Nearly every view is better from a boat. This is no exception. Consider sights of the statue from the decks of the (free) Staten Island Ferry, which shuttles between the Financial District and St. George Terminal every 30 minutes; or those from Manhattan Yacht Club’s floating barge, the Honorable William Wall. A $20 bill grants you access to the boat, an on-deck bar, and a 10-minute cruise. “Go at sunset for the ultimate photo opportunity,” says Cherico.
For Instagrammable views without hitting the water?
Pier A’s Oyster Bar. You’ll be able to admire Lady Liberty “with a cocktail in hand,” says Cherico.