Liberty State Park is a must-visit destination for state park touring enthusiasts, offering a wide range of activities and attractions with the Manhattan skyline, Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island as a stunning backdrop. From catching waves on the ferry to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty to exploring the interactive exhibits at the Liberty Science Center, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Catch the Ferry to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty
One of the top things to do at Liberty State Park is to catch the ferry to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. The ferry ride provides a unique perspective of the city and New Jersey, with audio guides available for free for all ages. The preferred ferry company is Statue Cruises, with tickets priced at:
| Ticket Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Children (4-12) | $12 |
| Adults (13+) | $24.50 |
| Seniors | $18 |
| Children under 3 | Free |
Explore the Liberty State Park Playground and Picnic Areas
For families, the Liberty State Park playground is an excellent spot to let kids burn off some energy while taking in the stunning scenery of the Manhattan skyline. The park also offers picnic areas with breathtaking views of NYC and the Statue of Liberty, with no reservation required for groups of less than 20 people.
Enjoy Fishing and Crabbing Opportunities
Fishing and crabbing are also popular activities at the park, with excellent opportunities for catching bluefish, shad, striped bass, and blue claw crabs in the Upper New York Bay and Hudson River.
Discover the Liberty Science Center
The Liberty Science Center, located within the park, offers interactive exhibits for all ages, including a suspended climbing maze, pitch-black maze, exotic animals, and the biggest planetarium in the Western Hemisphere.
Pay Tribute at the Empty Sky Memorial
The Empty Sky Memorial, located at the park, is a touching tribute to the 749 New Jersey victims of the 9/11 attacks, with twin walls that provide a clear view toward Ground Zero.
Explore Nearby Attractions
In addition to the activities within Liberty State Park, there are several nearby attractions that are worth visiting, including:
- Statue of Liberty
- Ellis Island Immigration Museum
- Sea the City Jet Ski Tours
Practical Information
Liberty State Park is open daily from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm, with free admission. However, some attractions within the park, such as the Liberty Science Center, may have separate admission fees.
References:
– NJDEP | Liberty State Park | New Jersey State Park Service. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.nj.gov/dep/parksandforests/parks/liberty.html
– 10 Things To Do At Liberty State Park – NJ MOM. (2023-06-26). Retrieved from https://njmom.com/places-to-go/liberty-state-park-jersey-city-new-jersey/
– Liberty State Park in New Jersey | VisitNJ.org. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://visitnj.org/article/liberty-state-park
– Liberty State Park – All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024) – Tripadvisor. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g46531-d548855-Reviews-Liberty_State_Park-Jersey_City_New_Jersey.html
– Things to do near Liberty State Park – Jersey City – Tripadvisor. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionsNear-g46531-d548855-Liberty_State_Park-Jersey_City_New_Jersey.html