Statue of Liberty National Monument

Why go

The two islands tell related but distinct stories. On Liberty Island, the statue represents an ideal; at Ellis Island, the former station shows how arrivals were actually received and examined. The pairing gives the ferry trip a historical purpose beyond the skyline views, especially if you leave enough time to enter the immigration museum.

Useful to know

• Allow time on both islands if you want the monument's full story; the museum needs more than a brief ferry stop.
• Check the official ferry route and current entry rules before choosing your departure point or planning a statue interior visit.