Few brief ferry trips can be more exciting; departing from Battery Park at the southern tip of Manhattan, both the spectacular New York skyline and the magnificent Statue of Liberty loom large in the distance. A potent symbol of freedom and democracy, the Statue was a gift from the French people to the people of the United States, and was dedicated in 1886. After a short walk around the base of the Statue, head to the Statue of Liberty Museum, located inside the pedestal. An elevator goes as high up as the top of the pedestal inside the Statue, and before 9/11 visitors could climb the seemingly endless 354 steps—approximately 22 stories—to the Statue's crown. The walk up was definitely for the intrepid or strong-willed, especially in the hot summer months.

Ferry service leaves Battery Park every 30 minutes from 8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. every day. Note that one round trip ferry ticket includes visits to both Liberty and Ellis islands and that there can be long lines and waiting periods in the busy summer months. For further info on the ferry service please call: 877-LADY-TIX.