Ultimate Guide to Visiting the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island in 2025
Whether you’re visiting the Big Apple for leisure, business, or simply call it home, the city holds endless opportunities for exploration. The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island stand among its most iconic landmarks, drawing millions of visitors every year. These enduring symbols of liberty and hope offer a powerful glimpse into the nation’s past.
Planning your visit in advance gives you a chance to make the most of the experience. Securing tickets, avoiding crowds, and knowing which exhibits to see, can make the most out of your time on the islands.
Walking the grounds is the traditional way to see these pieces of history, but a harbor cruise, helicopter ride, or even a jet ski tour delivers stunning views of Lady Liberty with the Manhattan cityscape as the backdrop.
This Ellis Island and Statue of Liberty visitors guide covers everything you need to know to plan your trip. It covers ticket options, the best times to visit, and unique ways to experience these historic landmarks.
A Brief History of the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island
These two famous landmarks are deeply tied to America’s story, symbolizing freedom, democracy, and new beginnings. From the statue’s arrival from France to Ellis Island’s role as the gateway for scores of immigrants, they hold a profound place in the nation’s beginnings.
The Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty was a gift from France to the U.S., and it commemorated the alliance between the two countries during the American Revolution and their shared values of freedom.
The grande dame’s official name is Liberty Enlightening the World and was designed by French sculptor, painter, and entrepreneur Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi. Her iron framework was built by French engineer Gustave Eiffel, whose company designed and constructed the Eiffel Tower.
Before beginning the Statue of Liberty project, it was agreed that France would pay for the statue, and the U.S. would do the same for the pedestal she would stand on.
The Franco-American Union was established in 1875 by Édouard René Lefèbvre de Laboulaye to oversee the statue’s construction. The American committee of the Statue of Liberty would manage the pedestal’s creation.
Bartholdi spent the 1870s campaigning for support and funds for Liberty Enlightening the World. When the American Committee for the Statue of Liberty ran out of money for the pedestal in 1884, newspaper publisher Joseph Pulitzer came to the rescue.
Through New York World—the paper he published and used as a platform for public fundraising appeals—he urged the public to donate, ultimately raising over $100,000 in six months. It was more than enough to complete the pedestal.
Lady Liberty made her way to America on June 17, 1885, and was fully assembled and dedicated by President Grover Cleveland on October 28, 1886. Since then, she’s looked over the New York Harbor and been a global bastion of liberty and democracy.
Ellis Island
“Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”
This quote is from the Statue of Liberty poem The New Colossus by author Emma Lazarus, and it is a big part of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island history.
While the poem was engraved on a bronze plaque on the Statue of Liberty’s pedestal in 1903, the sentiment also resonates with Ellis Island, the gateway for 12 million people who immigrated to America from 1892 to 1954.
Ellis Island started New York City’s cultural pot melting. At its peak, up to 5,000 people seeking a new life in America passed through it daily. Today, Ellis Island is a national museum that preserves this part of American immigration history. It serves as a moving tribute to those hopefuls who sought new opportunities in the U.S.
Visitors to the Ellis Island National Museum can explore self-guided exhibits that detail historical documents, personal immigrant stories, artifacts, and more. The American Immigrant Wall of Honor displays the names of those who passed through Ellis Island
How to Visit the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island: Planning Ahead
The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island are managed by the National Park Service (NPS), which oversees the preservation of these historic landmarks. Unlike in past generations, when visitors could freely access the statue, today’s entry process requires careful planning.
Statue City Cruises is the only authorized ticket seller for the Statue of Liberty National Monument and Ellis island. Plus, their ferries are the only ones allowed to dock at the islands.
Statue of Liberty Access
To visit the Statue of Liberty, you take a ferry operated by Statue City Cruises which departs from Battery Park in Manhattan and Liberty State Park in New Jersey. Ticket options include:
- General Admission – Includes access to Liberty Island and Ellis Island grounds but does not allow entry inside the statue.
- Pedestal Reserve – Grants entry to the Fort Wood section of the Statue of Liberty’s base.
- Crown Reserve – A limited-availability ticket that allows visitors access to the Statue of Liberty’s Crown and Pedestal.
- Save Ellis Island Tours – This guided tour explores the South side of Ellis Island, including the Immigrant Hospital Complex.
Since Crown Access tickets sell out months in advance, the National Park Service strongly recommends securing these reservations well ahead of your visit. Pedestal and Crown access require special tickets and cannot be purchased on site the day of your visit.
Ellis Island Access
A visit to Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration is included with all Statue Cruises tickets. Visitors can choose between self-guided tours with informational plaques and audio guides, ranger-led tours for deeper exploration of immigration history, and private guided tours that offer exclusive insights and historical reenactments.
Tens of millions of Americans can trace at least one ancestor back to Ellis Island. If you want to uncover your own family lineage, the Ellis Island Family History Center features a comprehensive database to help visitors trace their ancestors. This Ellis Island visitor information resource allows guests to conduct a passenger ship search for family members who arrived at the Port of NYC from 1820 to 1957.
The Best Ways to Experience the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island
When planning your visit, several tour options cater to different interests. Whether you prefer a self-paced visit, an in-depth guided tour, or a thrilling water or air adventure, you’re bound to find an experience that offers the perfect perspective on these iconic landmarks.
Traditional Options
For a classic experience, Statue City Cruises and guided tours offer structured visits with expert insights and priority access.
Statue City Cruises
As the official ferry service authorized to dock at Liberty Island and Ellis Island, Statue City Cruises is the only way to access them. For the most current ferry departure schedule, visit the official site’s Departure Page.
Guided Tours
For visitors seeking historical insight and expert narration, guided tours provide a deeper understanding of these historic sites. Many tours offer priority ferry boarding and may include stops at other iconic sites like the 9/11 memorial.
Some of the top rated guided tours include:
- Experience First – Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour – Early morning access for a less crowded experience.
- Take Walks – Fully Guided Statue of Liberty Tour with Ellis Island – A family-friendly option with expert storytelling.
- City Experiences Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour – Led by knowledgeable guides that provide rich historical context.
- Liberty Cruise Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises – A shorter one-hour cruise, great for those on a tight schedule
Unique & Thrilling Ways to See the Statue of Liberty
- Jet Ski Tours – For a high-energy adventure, Sea the City 1-Hour Jet Ski Tours is one of the best ways to see the Statue of Liberty. It offers an unmatched, up close view of the iconic sculpture while gliding across New York Harbor.
- Helicopter Tours – For a birds-eye view, a helicopter tour showcases sights like the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the Manhattan skyline.
- Sunset & Private Tours – For a relaxed, intimate experience, private boat tours and sunset cruises offer a luxurious way to see Lady Liberty.
Why a Jet Ski Tour is the Best Way to See the Statue of Liberty
A NYC jet ski tour offers an exhilarating and unique way to experience the Statue of Liberty, combining excitement with unbeatable city views. Unlike ferries or even some of the best NYC boat tours, jet skis bring you closer to the monument without having to deal with the crowds or long lines.
The mix of adrenaline and sightseeing makes this an unparalleled choice for those looking for a one-of-a-kind adventure. Jet ski tours are available year-round with wetsuits provided in colder months to ensure a comfortable experience, no matter the season.
Beyond the thrill, jet ski tours offer an intimate experience. Instead of being confined to a crowded ferry deck, riders can enjoy unobstructed views, take memorable photos, and feel the excitement of zipping along the waters of the New York Harbor.
Top Tips for Visiting the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island
The best time to visit the monuments is during the spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and the crowds are more manageable. Summer draws the largest crowds, leading to longer lines and more frequent ferry services. Winter offers the quietest experience, often with little to no wait. However, visitors should be prepared for the bitter cold of a New York January on Liberty and Ellis Island.
To make your trip smooth and enjoyable, keep these key tips in mind:
- Plan for security – Arrive early, as ferries departing from Liberty State Park and Battery State Park face airport-style security screening before boarding.
- Statue of Liberty interior access – Visitors entering the pedestal or crown must pass an additional security checkpoint before going inside the statue.
- Wear comfortable shoes – Choose footwear that provides support since you’ll be walking a lot.
- Bring essentials – Sunscreen, water, snacks, season-appropriate clothing, and a good camera will help you get the most from your visit.
- Food and beverages – Visitors are welcome to bring food and non-alcoholic beverages but eating on the pedestal or in the Statue of Liberty is prohibited.
- Book tickets in advance – Pedestal and Crown Tickets sell like gangbusters, so reserve them well ahead for your trip.
- Time your visit wisely – Arriving early in the morning or visiting off-peak season can keep you from waiting in long lines or being on crowded ferries.
Ellis Island highlights:
- Museums – Explore the Registry Room, Wall of Honor, and the third floor of the Ellis Island Museum of Immigration.
- Exhibits – See collections like “Treasures From Home,” “Ellis Island Chronicles”, “Silent Voices”, and “Restoring A Landmark.”
- Personal Stories – Discover the real-life journeys of immigrants who passed through Ellis Island in search of a new life.
BOOK YOUR STATUE OF LIBERTY JET SKI ADVENTURE TODAY
FAQs
How much does it cost to visit the Statue of Liberty?
Ticket prices vary based on access level: General Admission whether you depart from the New York or New Jersey locations starts at around $26. Tickets for the same departure points for the Pedestal and Crown Reserve cost only a little bit more. Bear in mind that the Crown Reserve tickets sell out very quickly.
Can you go inside the Statue of Liberty?
Yes, but access depends on your ticket. Pedestal Reserve tickets allow entry to the statue’s base, while Crown Reserve tickets grant access to the crown via a narrow 162-step climb. The crown has been closed temporarily for safety upgrades, including a year-long renovation project from October 29, 2011, which improved stairways, electrical systems, and fire suppression features.
How long does it take to visit Ellis Island?
The time needed to see Ellis Island depends on how much you want to see. On average, visitors spend 2-3 hours exploring the exhibits and museums. If you’re visiting both the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, a full tour takes about 4-6 hours in total. Don’t forget to factor in another 15-20 minutes for the ferry ride and 30-40 minutes to rest and do things like taking photos, shopping for souvenirs, and grabbing a bite to eat.
Is a Jet Ski tour safe?
Absolutely, and the Sea the City Statue of Liberty tours in NYC are guided and follow strict safety measures. With Sea the City, jet ski tours, riders receive a pre-tour safety briefing and some basic training. You’ll also be provided a required life jacket and a dry suit or wet suit if desired. After that, you’ll be on your way!
If you’d like to know more about jet ski safety and legal requirements in New York see the following: https://www.seathecity.com/jet-ski-legal-requirements-ny/
Book a Jet Ski Tour to See the Statue of Liberty Up Close!
Exploring the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island on foot is a classic experience but seeing them from the water takes the adventure to a whole new level. Sea the City, New York’s largest and best-reviewed jet ski touring company, offers a thrilling 1-hour guided tour through New York Harbor.
This action-packed tour gives you unbeatable views of Lady Liberty, Ellis Island, Governors Island, The Brooklyn Bridge, and more—all without the crowds and long lines of traditional tours. You’ll also take in breathtaking views of the NYC skyline, with plenty of chances to snap incredible photos that will make all your friends jealous.
Book your Sea the City 1-Hour Jet Ski Tour today for a once-in-a-lifetime view of the Statue of Liberty from the water!