We’re on a Boat: Exploring the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island
We grabbed our fanny packs, cameras and tennis shoes and visited the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Who says a pair of true New Yorkers can’t be tourists for a day?
After living in New York for so long, we thought it was about time we visited some of the city’s most iconic (and crowded) landmarks. So we slathered on some sunscreen and channeled our sense of adventure as we joined the hoards of tourists venturing out to get a glimpse of Lady Liberty, up close and personal.
On a Boat
After making it through the winding lines and extensive security checkpoints, we climbed aboard the Miss Liberty boat and made our way towards the iconic statue. As we charged full speed ahead, we took time to marvel at how beautiful the New York City skyline looked in our wake.
Liberty For All
After a quick (and windy) boat ride, we stepped off the deck and onto Liberty Island. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to get tickets to climb to the very top of the statue and into the crown. Crown tickets sell out months in advance, so if you’ve set your sights on that, make sure to get your tickets early!
However, we were able to venture atop the pedestal on which the statue rests. After going through more security and waiting in even more lines, we were finally standing right next to Lady Liberty herself. We made our way around the pedestal, dodging tourists left and right, to take in the statue from every angle. If we had been 15 feet taller, we probably would have been able reach out and touch her sandaled feet.
Once we had appreciated all facets of the Statue of Liberty, we made sure to snap a picture with the classic skyline in the background.
After descending from the pedestal, we were pretty exhausted. Temperatures were high that day (90 degrees!) and we needed to cool down and kill some time before the next ferry arrived. So, of course, we went for a healthy serving of ice cream.
A Rich History
After satisfying our collective sweet tooth, we hopped back on the boat for the next leg of our journey: Ellis Island.
We perused the museum, walking through the exhibits and letting the images transport us back in time. We even made it into Ellis Island’s famous Great Hall, also known as the Registry Room, where immigrants once waited to be checked in.
Some of the museum’s exhibits were highly immersive, putting visitors in the shoes of immigrants arriving in New York City in the early 1900s. These displays really brought the subject matter to life and inspired us to reflect on the rich history of New York and the people who made it what it is today.
Our Honest Opinion
Although we did have a great day, if what’s most important to you is getting a glimpse of the Statue of Liberty, we suggest you skip the lines and crowds and save your money. The Staten Island ferry provides an amazing (and free) view of the statue, and we think Lady Liberty looks just as good from far away as she does up close. However, if sidling up next to the statue and getting an in-depth look at New York’s immigration history are on your New York City bucket list, you can purchase your tickets here.
