Everyone will tell you that if you want to see the Statue of Liberty, you should go to New York City. They tell you to go to Battery Park. Yes, there’s a ticket office there where you can buy your tickets. But you may soon find yourself standing in line for several hours, especially if it is June, July or August, the peak tourism time for New York City.
Here’s the best way to beat the crowds and heat: Go to New Jersey. Yes, in New Jersey there is a park called Liberty State Park. It’s off the New Jersey turnpike, Exit 14B and 14C. If you take 14C, you will go past the Liberty Science Center, another place you may want to visit. See www.lsc.org The road that take you to the ferry to the Statue of Liberty is called Audrey Zapp Drive. You could put “1 Audrey Zapp Drive” in your GPS and it will take you to the ferry. Zapp Drive is a cobble stone road, so if you see a cobblestone road, you know you are almost there. This road looks as if it is going straight toward New York City. Follow it in that direction. On the right, you will see a parking lot. Park there and get your tickets (best to buy online) in the Railroad Terminal building. (It's the tall brick building at the end of the cobble stone road.) After you go through security you will get on the boat to the Statue of Liberty. Climb the stairs and go to the top. It's a fantastic view.
If you really want to beat the crowds do not visit on or near the 4th of July. This national holiday brings out the crowds. Plan to visit early in the day. The earlier the better. Be sure to buy your tickets online. You can buy your tickets directly from the boat operators at www.statuecruises.com and save yourself some money. Other online vendors sell tickets at higher prices. With your home-printed tickets in hand, you can go to SECURITY and onto the boat. Pets, coolers full of ice and big suitcases are not usually allowed through security, and be sure to leave your favorite pocket knife at home!
The advantage to departing from Liberty State Park is that your automobile is handy. You can bring food to eat before your departure. (The restaurants on the islands are very small and crowded.) Children’s blankets and diapers can be kept in the car. You can pack rain gear and sun block and all the other good things you might need. You can also leave your favorite pocket knife in the car, if you forgot to leave it at home. Your visit to the Statue of Liberty often includes a visit to Ellis Island. See http://www.nps.gov/stli/index.htm for the Statue of Liberty. See http://www.nps.gov/elis/index.htm for Ellis Island. There have been closures for repairs, so be sure to check for park alerts on the websites. You can be out there visiting the islands for up to four hours or you can just stay on the boat, take some pictures of the Statue from the top of the boat and be back in less than two hours. If you are visiting in spring or fall, remember it can be windy and cold in New York Harbor, so bring jackets and hats.
Following this advice should save you some grief. I know all about this because I used to work in Liberty State Park. So, you are getting this information from an expert! Have fun and say “Hello” to Lady Liberty again for me. I’m retired!
