Visiting the Statue of Liberty? Whether you’re heading to New York for the first time or bringing the kids to see one of America’s most iconic landmarks, this guide will help you make the most of your day.
From tips on tickets and ferry schedules to advice on what to see, here’s everything you need to know before visiting the Statue of Liberty, so you can spend less time stressing and more time soaking it all in.
Visiting the Statue of Liberty with my son was such an amazing experience. We went on a quick trip to New York, and even though the skies were cloudy, seeing Lady Liberty up close was absolutely breathtaking. We had such a great time exploring the island, learning the history, and just taking it all in together.
If you’re planning a visit, this guide will help you make the most of your day, from choosing the right tickets to knowing where to go first and how to avoid the crowds. With a little prep, visiting the Statue of Liberty can be smooth, meaningful, and something you and your family will always remember.
Jump to:
1. Book Your Tickets in Advance
Don’t just show up and hope for the best. Tickets absolutely sell out, especially if you want to go inside the pedestal or climb all the way up to the crown. The only official way to buy tickets is through Statue City Cruises, the authorized provider for ferry transportation and access to Liberty Island and Ellis Island.
⚠️ Beware of third-party sellers near Battery Park and online. Some are overpriced, and others are downright scams. If it’s not Statue City Cruises, it’s not legit.
You can choose from three ticket types:
- Ferry-Only Access: Includes grounds access to both Liberty and Ellis Islands, plus entry to the Statue of Liberty Museum and Ellis Island Immigration Museum.
- Pedestal Access: Everything above, plus access inside the pedestal and to the observation deck.
- Crown Access: Includes pedestal access and the rare opportunity to climb the 162-step spiral staircase up to the crown.
Pro Tip: Crown tickets sell out months in advance. If that's on your bucket list, book as early as you possibly can, like 3–4 months ahead during peak travel seasons.
Even pedestal tickets can book up fast on weekends or during holidays, so it’s always smart to reserve in advance. Same-day tickets are sometimes available, but only buy them in-person at the departure sites.
Something to Consider...
While I definitely recommend booking in advance, the one downside is that you can't predict the weather. So keep in mind that it may be foggy, or rainy, or very hot. And just make the best of it!
2. Know Your Departure Point
There are two ferry departure locations: Battery Park in Manhattan and Liberty State Park in New Jersey. Most visitors leave from Manhattan, but if you're coming from New Jersey, Liberty State Park is usually less crowded.
3. Arrive Early and Be Ready for Security
Even with a timed ticket, you’ll go through airport-style security screening before boarding the ferry, and again before entering the pedestal or crown. Lines move fairly efficiently, but they can get long quickly. We got there about 10 minutes early on our last visit, a weekday morning in summer, and it honestly wasn’t too bad. But if you're going during a weekend or busy travel period, definitely plan to arrive at least an hour early.
4. What to Do on Liberty Island
Liberty Island is more than just the statue. It’s a beautiful place to explore and take in some truly iconic views.
Of course, the Statue of Liberty is the main attraction, and whether you’re viewing it from the grounds, climbing into the pedestal, or heading all the way up to the crown, there are plenty of ways to take it all in.
But don’t miss the rest of the island! Liberty Island has incredible views of Manhattan, and some of the best photo ops are right along the outer path that circles the island. There’s plenty of open space to walk around, stretch your legs, or have a picnic if you packed snacks.
The Statue of Liberty Museum
The Statue of Liberty Museum is beautifully done, surprisingly interactive, and honestly one of the highlights of the trip. Don’t skip it! You’ll learn how the statue was designed, constructed, and transported AND you’ll get to see the original torch up close.
The museum also features a fantastic 10-minute film called The Story of an Icon. Just a heads-up: there’s no seating, and the film is split across three rooms. I sat on the floor with Arlo and it was totally worth it.
Bonus tip: When you get off the ferry, don’t turn right with the crowds and head straight for the statue. Instead, go left and hit the museum first. Not only will you avoid the rush, but it also gives you a great foundation before you walk around the statue itself.
5. Don't Skip Ellis Island
If you’ve got the time, Ellis Island is 100% worth it. Not just for the history, but for the experience of walking where millions of immigrants once stood. The Ellis Island Museum of Immigration is powerful and surprisingly interactive. Af you have family ties to Ellis Island, you can even search immigration records on-site.
I recommend taking take the free ranger-guided tour. It adds so much depth and helps paint a picture of what people actually went through. Our guide was fantastic, engaging, knowledgeable, and great with kids too.
6. Take Note of the Ferry Schedule
Departures run approximately every 20–30 minutes, with each ride taking about 15 minutes plus a 10-minute dock time for boarding and unloading.
Your ticket covers round-trip transport to both Liberty Island and Ellis Island, including transfers between them throughout the day. However, once you disembark at your original departure point (Battery Park or Liberty State Park), you can’t re-board with the same ticket.
Tip: Get in line early for the return ferry. Don’t cut it close. Even if you think you’ll make the next boat, lines can build quickly and ferries do fill up. I recommend lining up at least 10 minutes before departure, especially if you're trying to make it back for timed plans or meals.
7. What to Pack (especially with kids)
It’s a decent amount of walking and time outdoors, so you’ll want to be prepared for the weather. I brought a small bag with a refillable water bottle, my camera and a couple of snacks, and that was perfect for a summer morning. Hats, sunscreen, and layers are smart too. It can get hot in the sun but surprisingly breezy by the water. I also recommend bringing a lite rain jacket if showers are in the forecast.
What about strollers?
Yes, you can bring a stroller on the ferry and around both Liberty Island and Ellis Island. The paths are mostly flat and easy to navigate, and it’s nice to have if you’ve got littles who’ll need a break.
Just keep in mind:
- Strollers are not allowed inside the pedestal or the crown.
- There’s stroller parking just outside those entrances, but it’s unattended, so don’t leave anything valuable with it.
If you’re traveling with younger kids, I’d also suggest packing a few wipes, some hand sanitizer, and maybe a small picnic blanket. There are grassy spots that are perfect for snack breaks and letting kids stretch their legs.
8. What are the Food Options?
There is food available on both Liberty Island and Ellis Island, as well as a small selection on the ferries. But don’t expect anything gourmet. Think: basic cafeteria fare, grab-and-go snacks, and the occasional hot dog stand.
- On Liberty Island, there’s a café with standard offerings like burgers, fries, chicken tenders, salads, and snacks. It’s convenient but a little overpriced (as you’d expect).
- Ellis Island has a larger cafeteria-style setup with hot food, sandwiches, and even a few rotating specials inspired by immigrant cuisines. It’s good if you need a real meal before heading back.
- On the ferry, you’ll find limited snacks and drinks, nothing major, but enough to tide you over if needed.
We recommend bringing your own snacks, especially if you’re traveling with kids or have dietary preferences. That said, my son did get a hot dog, because, when in New York…
9. Final Tips
If you’re visiting the Statue of Liberty, a few small tips can make a big difference in how smooth (and fun) your day goes. Here are some final things to keep in mind before you hop on the ferry.
- Bathrooms are available at all major stops: on the ferry, Liberty Island, and Ellis Island, and they’re generally clean and well-maintained (praise be).
- The gift shops are actually pretty good! We were pleasantly surprised by the quality and variety, everything from educational books to Statue of Liberty puzzles and mini torches.
- Go early if you can. Mornings are typically less crowded, the weather is cooler, and security lines move faster. By early afternoon, it can get hot and busy, especially in summer or on weekends.
- Build in some buffer time. With ferries running every 20–30 minutes, don’t plan anything too tightly after your visit. Give yourself time to explore without rushing to catch a boat.
- Double-check your ticket type. If you want to go inside the pedestal or crown, make sure your reservation says so. General admission doesn’t include interior access.
All in all, visiting the Statue of Liberty is one of those classic experiences that’s absolutely worth the planning. Go prepared, go early, and enjoy the day!
Enjoyed this Guide to Visiting the Statue of Liberty? Let me know what you think in the comments!
And if you're planning a trip to New York check out our other post:
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