Statue of Liberty National Monument

Things To Do Near Statue of Liberty National Monument

The Statue of Liberty National Monument offers both indoor and outdoor activities. Start your visit at the museum, which offers a fascinating history of the statue's design and construction process. Then, head to the statue itself for a visit to the pedestal and a heart-pounding climb up to the crown. Finish the day with a stroll around the grounds before you head back to bustling Manhattan or Jersey City.

Hiking Trails

• Statue of Liberty National Monument Walkway

  The Statue of Liberty National Monument Walkway is the best way to get the lay of the land; this short, paved path runs around the edge of the island and travels through Flagpole Plaza. Along the way, you'll encounter the bookstore, gift shop, museum, and the Statue of Liberty. The route is flat and accessible for people of all mobility levels. You can access the walkway from the ferry dock; make sure to pick up the audio tour that's included in your ferry ticket.

  Location

  Liberty Island, New York, NY 10004

  Length

  0.5-1 mile

  Intensity

  Easy

Sightseeing

• Liberty Island Grounds

  Wear comfortable shoes to explore the grounds of Liberty Island; though it's just 12 acres in size, it offers a huge variety of fantastic views. Check out the Statue of Liberty from all angles, visit the museums, and enjoy the Manhattan and Brooklyn skylines across the water. 

  Location

  Liberty Island, New York, NY 10004

• Statue of Liberty Interior

  Book a ticket in advance for access to the interior of the Statue of Liberty. Inside the pedestal of the statue, you can explore a variety of exhibits about the statue's design and construction process. Conserve your energy — you'll need it to climb the 22-story staircase to the crown. This process can take a long time as the National Park Service allows in limited numbers of people at a time. Once you're inside the crown, you can peer out of the small windows to see views of Manhattan, New York City's famous bridges, Brooklyn, and more.

  Location

  Liberty Island, New York, NY 10004

• Sculpture Garden and 9/11 Memorial Grove

  While you're exploring the grounds of Liberty Island, take time to explore the Sculpture Garden and 9/11 Memorial Grove. The Sculpture Garden is a peaceful area featuring statues of the people who brought the Statue of Liberty to life. The 9/11 Memorial Grove is a quiet stand of trees designed for rest and reflection. Both areas offer shade and places to sit, making them popular places to take a break.

  Location

  Liberty Island, New York, NY 10004

Museums

• Statue of Liberty Museum

  The Statue of Liberty Museum is a wonderful place to learn about the unique history of the statue and the island. In addition to a variety of well-curated exhibits, the museum features an elevated viewing platform on the roof with beautiful views of the statue and the city. Make sure to leave time for the virtual fly-through of the interior of the statue, and explore the replica of the warehouse in France where the statue was built. When it's cold outside, enjoy the glass-walled Inspiration Gallery; here, you'll find replicas of the statue's torch and face.

  Location

  Liberty Island, New York, NY 10004

• Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration

  After you explore Liberty Island, take the ferry to Ellis Island to visit the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration; your ferry ticket includes the boat ride and museum entry. Here, you can tour the building where new immigrants first set foot on American soil. Explore the Great Hall, check out the sleeping areas, and walk through the baggage room. Beyond these restored areas, you'll find a variety of exhibits and historical photos that document the story of immigration in the United States.

  Location

  Ellis Island, New York, NY 10004

Nearby Shops and Restaurants

• Statue of Liberty Museum Shop

  The Statue of Liberty Museum Shop is the best place to find statue-themed souvenirs. Located in the museum, this shop offers a tasteful selection of magnets, coffee cups, games, puzzles, and memorabilia.

  Location

  Liberty Island, New York, NY 10004

• Liberty Island Bookstore

  Pick up a book about the history of the Statue of Liberty at the Liberty Island Bookstore. This spacious shop also offers a wide range of souvenirs and kids' toys.

  Location

  Liberty Island, New York, NY 10004

• Crown Cafe

  If you're hungry during your visit to the Statue of Liberty National Monument, stop by the Crown Cafe. Located on Liberty Island, this casual spot offers a menu packed with burgers, hot dogs, and panini.

  Location

  Liberty Island, New York, NY 10004

• Gigino At Wagner Park

  After you get back to Manhattan, enjoy the views of the Statue of Liberty while you dine at Gigino at Wagner Park. Located an easy walk from the ferry terminal, this restaurant serves classic Italian dishes including pasta, risotto, and seafood.

  Location

  20 Battery Pl., New York, NY 10004

How To Get To Statue of Liberty National Monument

The Statue of Liberty National Monument is located on Liberty Island, which sits in New York Harbor between New York and New Jersey. To get there, you must take a Statue City Cruises ferry from Battery Park in Manhattan or Liberty State Park in Jersey City, New Jersey. Public transportation is the easiest way to reach the New York ferry docks, particularly if you're in an RV. 

To get to Battery Park, take the 1 subway to the South Ferry station. Other nearby stops include Bowling Green station (4 and 5 trains) and the R train's Whitehall Street station. If you're traveling from Liberty State Park, you'll find plenty of parking; to get there, take I-78 from Newark or Jersey City, exit at Jersey City Boulevard, and follow the signs to the parking areas.

Address

Liberty Island, New York, NY 10004

Fee: Entry fee (Statue and Island) $0

Fee: Ferry Ride fee (per person) $23.5

A visit to the Statue of Liberty National Monument is a chance to get close to an American icon. Whether you enjoy the grounds and museum or make the long climb into the crown, your visit brings the unique history of the statue to life. If you're camping outside of the New York metro area, an RV is a great way to enjoy nature and the city in the same trip.