Take a ferry to Liberty Island, home of the iconic statue. After a lovely 15-minute boat ride with amazing views, walk among paved, stroller-friendly paths and relax in shady grassy areas. Reserve tickets in advance to guarantee access to the Statue of Liberty Pedestal with panoramic vistas.

👑 Those up to taking 162 narrow and tight steps can enjoy panoramic views from the small platform in the statue’s crown which is roughly 20 stories high. Examine Alexandre Gustave Eiffel’s framework, see the tablet from above, get an up-close view of the torch, and feel the thickness of the copper statue. Children must be at least 42″ (107 cm) tall and capable of climbing the stairs on their own. Separate Crown reservations required; time slots sell out weeks in advance.

🗽 At the Statue of Liberty Museum, explore the story of the Statue’s creation, her history, and her evolving meaning to people across the world in three interactive galleries. See Lady Liberty’s original torch and visit the vista roof to take in a spectacular 360 degree view of New York Harbor.

🧳 All ferries stop next at fascinating Ellis Island for self-guided tours of the National Museum of Immigration. Visit the American Family Immigration History Center to research your family’s immigration to America with access to more than 65 million passenger records from ship arrivals in the Port of New York from 1820 – 1957 (records available for purchase).

⏱️ Ferries depart from Battery Park and Liberty State Park, NJ from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm daily; the islands are open until 5:00 pm. Reserved time slots  are for entrance into the Security Facility. The wait time can be several hours during peak seasons.

🎧 Complimentary audio tours are available or hire a tour guide – we’ve heard great things about Amy at amyisatourguide@gmail.com

🛳️ The free Staten Island Ferry is also an option for pretty close views.

🌳 Close to destination playground Battery Playscape and the enchanting Seaglass Carousel.

🍽️ 🧻 Find snack stands and restrooms on the boat and on the island and shop for souvenirs. The cafeteria-style Statue of Liberty Crown Cafe serves burgers, panini, pizza & sushi. Fill up before or after on excellent thin-crust square pizza at nearby Adrienne’s Pizza Bar.

📕 In fascinating and fun picture book Her Right Foot, Dave Eggers and Shawn Harris investigate a seemingly small trait of America’s most emblematic statue. What they find is about more than history, more than art.