Statue of Liberty (and Ellis Island)

Statue of Liberty tour ferries depart from Battery Park. You take a specified time of ferry out, but once on the island you can linger and take any ferry back. On the way back, ferries stop at the fascinating former immigrant processing office at Ellis Island, now a museum; you can choose to get off or not.

You can also take the free Staten Island Ferry (to Staten Island and back). You won’t get so close, or get to the island itself, but the views are still great.

Frequent city boat tours along the Hudson River will also get you up close to the statue. Or, for a more high-octane approach, hop on the BEAST, a 70-foot offshore racing powerboat that will whiz you down the Hudson, past the Statue and back again, in a thrilling hold-on-tight, wind-in-your-face 30-minute ride. Departs from Pier 83.

A final way to view the statue – without the crowds – is by helicopter. Liberty and New York Helicopters both offer flights that get you eye-to-eye with the Lady herself.

Ferries to Liberty Island and Ellis Island, and Hudson River boat turs, run all year round, seven days a week. The Jetboat thrill ride runs May to September only.

The Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration is also open all year round, seven days a week.