Empire State Building
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The Empire State Building, at 34th Street and Fifth Avenue in New York City, was built in 1931. At 1,250 feet tall, it was the tallest building in the world at that time. Its iconic antenna was added in 1951, raising the height of the building to 1,472 feet, again making it the tallest building in the world until 1970.
At the time of its construction, it was called "The Eighth Wonder of the World." It wasn't just its height that set it apart — it was also the world's first structure to exceed 100 stories. Remarkably, the workers who built it accomplished their task in the incredibly short time of one year and 45 days. The famous photo of men eating lunch on a girder hundreds of feet up was taken during the construction of the Empire State Building. Yet, when its doors opened in 1931, the allure of this architectural marvel was overshadowed by the Great Depression, leading to a lack of initial interest.
The turning point came with the building's feature in the 1933 movie "King Kong." Following its cinematic debut, visitors thronged to the Empire State Building, eager to experience views of Manhattan from the 86th-floor open-air observation deck and the enclosed 102nd floor. In its heyday, the building boasted the world's fastest elevators, reaching speeds of nearly 15 mph. Additionally, the 102nd floor was equipped with moorings and a station intended for airships to dock.
How to Get There
Newark International Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport, and LaGuardia Airport are within a relatively short drive of the Empire State Building.
Rent an RV For Your Visit to Empire State Building
Visit Empire State Building
More than 4 million people visit the Empire State Building annually, so reservations are a necessity. As a result, it's crucial to plan ahead. While the building attracts visitors throughout the year, Mondays and Tuesdays tend to be less crowded, making them ideal days for a visit. Conversely, weekends are bustling, often resulting in long waits to access the elevators leading to the observation decks on the 80th, 86th, and 102nd floors.
Once you reach one of the observation decks, don't miss the chance to photograph the Chrysler Building. Located at 42nd Street and Lexington Avenue, this art deco gem is a visual delight. On a clear day, the vistas stretch across all of Manhattan, offering unparalleled photo opportunities. Additionally, the 80th floor houses a modest museum dedicated to the building.
The Empire State Building has earned the title of the "most romantic building in the world." For those looking to propose in a memorable way, there's the "Happily Ever Empire" package, tailored for engagements on the iconic outdoor observation platform.
Other notable landmarks in the vicinity include Penn Station, situated just a block away, and Grand Central Terminal, a mere nine blocks distant. As the world's largest railway station, Grand Central Terminal sees over 750,000 commuters daily. For a unique auditory experience, head to its Oyster Bar, and stand in one corner. Have someone stand diagonally across in the opposite corner. When you whisper, the acoustics allow you to hear each other!
Ticket Information
The basic prices for the 86th floor are $44 for adults, $42 for seniors, and $38 for children. On the premium side, the All Access Pass is priced at $500 per person. With this pass, you receive a personal Empire State Building ambassador, red-carpet treatment, and complimentary champagne. Additionally, you won't have to wait in any lines. Special sunrise tours are available at $135 per person and are limited to 100 participants. A variety of other ticket packages cater to different experiences, so be sure to consult the website for more details.
Family-Friendly Options
Several family-friendly activities revolve around the Empire State Building. One notable option is the Superhero Tour, which takes visitors to various locations across the city linked to superheroes, including the Empire State Building itself. If you're visiting during the winter, consider a four-hour tour showcasing the area's holiday light displays. Occasionally, there are special offers for "skip-the-line" tours at the Empire State Building. The entire attraction caters to families from using the viewfinders to exploring the "King Kong" exhibit in the museum on the 80th floor.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit
Plan to arrive early, especially during peak tourist seasons, to avoid long lines. Sunset or nighttime visits provide stunning views of the city lights but can also be more crowded. However, you can buy skip-the-line or express tickets.
Start your Empire State Building visit by spending a little time in the stunning art deco lobby. Exhibits there tell of the building's history and construction. Next, ride the elevator to the 80th floor, where exhibits detail more about the building's engineering and construction.
Continue up to the main observation deck on the 86th floor. This open-air deck provides incredible 360-degree views of New York City. For an additional fee, you can ascend even further to the top deck. This enclosed observatory is at a higher vantage point and less crowded than the main deck. On your way out of the building, you might want to grab souvenirs at the gift shop.
Empire State Building Accommodations
Campgrounds Nearby
Beaver Pond Campground at Harriman State Park is just a 45-minute drive from Yonkers. This campground offers spacious sites that can comfortably accommodate RVs and trailers up to 30 feet. At different points throughout the park, you can experience the tural beauty provided by the Lower Hudson Valley.
Sun Air Lakeside Campground is a Jersey City, New Jersey campground that offers relief from the busy city life. Situated beside Dogwood Pond in Oak Ridge, New Jersey, this park allows extended stays in a peaceful environment. The local town of Oak Ridge provides many of the amenities absent in the park itself, including restaurants, theaters, laundromats, and stores.
There is one Jersey City, New Jersey campground within the confines of the city. Liberty Harbor Marina & RV Park is a must-visit location for anyone interested in U.S. history. From this RV park, you can see the New York skyline, including the Statue of Liberty.
Activities Near Empire State Building
Things to Do
Fishing
Believe it or not, you can cast a reel in Manhattan. Perhaps the best place to fish in Manhattan is the Hudson River at Hudson River Park, which is on the west side of the island. More than 70 species of fish can be caught there, including walleye, brown bullhead, and two kinds of catfish.
Swimming
If you'd like to cool off or get in some exercise in the water, the Vanderbilt YMCA on 47th Street is the closest pool open to the public. It's just a short taxi ride from the Empire State Building.
Geocaching
A fun family activity is geocaching, which you can do in and around the Empire State Building. The geocache at the Empire State Building is part of a series of geocaches at the Seven Modern Wonders of the World. The Empire State geocache contains clues for the other six.
National Sites
Weather, Safety & Accessibility
Weather & Packing
New York City experiences all four seasons, so dress appropriately for the time of year. When you're 1,000 feet up on the outdoor observation deck, it can get cold, so consider bringing a sweater or windbreaker. The observation deck is heated, but the wind is unpredictable. If you plan to explore open spaces like Central Park, it's wise to bring SPF 50 sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat for sun protection.
Safety & Accessibility
The Empire State Building is fully ADA-compliant. As per their website, the staff is dedicated to ensuring that the experience is as seamless as possible for individuals with disabilities. The entire facility is equipped with ramps, and the observation deck features lowered railings and viewfinders for wheelchair users. Service and guide animals are welcome throughout the building.
Conclusion
The Empire State Building stands as an iconic landmark in the nation's largest city. Built during the Great Depression, it has always served as a beacon of hope. From its top, you can view six states, so consider it an invitation to explore not just those but the rest of the country as well.
FAQ
The Empire State Building is located in the heart of Manhattan, where there are no traditional campgrounds or RV parks. However, Skyline RV Camp across the East River in Brooklyn offers RV camping.
No, the location is not RV-friendly. Parking is nonexistent on the street, and the garages are expensive. If you're traveling to New York City in an RV, it's usually recommended to park outside of Manhattan and use public transportation or another method to get into the city.
The main thing to know is that tickets and reservations are typically required in advance, so planning is crucial. And while the building is fully ADA-compliant, be prepared for potentially long waits during peak hours or weekends.
Yes, it sure is! The activities at the location are for all ages.
Other than service and guide animals, pets are not allowed at the Empire State Building. If you're planning to visit with a pet, it's always a good idea to check the building's official website or contact their guest services to get the most recent guidelines and policies regarding pets.