becky

we are planning a december trip to nyc. wondering if anyone can advise us on the best time to go to the statue/ellis island. our schedule would allow thurdays afternoon, saturday morning or sunday morning. thanks. becky

x

http://www.nps.gov/stli/

This is what I got when I put Statue of Liberty in my search engine.

Paul Rabe

Please note the following about the Statue of Liberty, from the above URL:

"Currently, only the grounds of Liberty Island are open for visitation. The Monument, museum, crown, and all outdoor observation decks will be closed indefinitely to visitation"

Thus, if you spend the time, money, and aggravation to get to Liberty Island; you'll only be able to view the statue from the bottom. Don't bother -- you get a more dramatic view simply by riding the free Staten Island Ferry.

David

I agree wih Paul, do not get off at Liberty Island. Instead take time to visit Ellis Island. For your information, the Staten Island ferry does not go to Ellis Island. You will need to buy tickets for the Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island tour. Being that there is a lot to see at Elis Island, the morning is the best time to go. Saturday or Sunday morning are both okay. You can buy tickets for the tour at the Gray Line ticket office at the Port Authority Bus Terminal at 8th Avenue and 42nd Street. It will save you from having to stand in the long line to get tickets at Battery Park.

Have a great time in The City.

l

I have to respectfully disagree with Paul and David. I stopped at Liberty Island and found it to be very enjoyable. One of the benefits is taking a free ranger tour. It lasts about 30 minutes, if I remember correctly, and the ranger told us some interesting tidbits about the statue. I do agree that morning is the best time to go and that you should allow plenty of time for Ellis Island. Be sure to dress warmly--the ferry ride could be cold.

Katie

Try to get on the first ferry-the lines through security are quite long. Security is only before boarding the ferry at Battery Park. I think we got to Battery Park at about 8:30 am and got on the first ferry. The line behind us was very long, as a tour bus unloaded. Do stop at SofL, if only to view and photograph the outside from different angles and up close. The ferry to Ellis island comes often so you won't really be delayed. Dress warm-it was very cold and windy on the ferry in Oct.