Some 4 million tourists visit the Statue of Liberty (on Liberty Island) and nearby Ellis Island each year, and that makes it one of the most popular tourist attractions in the US and in the world. Given the notion of liberty that this 305-foot-tall national icon stands for, seeing Miss Liberty in person is a goal every American can sympathize with and a goal every tourist should aspire to.
But what is the best way to tour the Statue of Liberty, New York Harbor, and the scenic New York skyline as seen from the water? Go to LibertyCruise.NYC, and you will find a practical, affordable, and exceptionally fun way to take a water tour of New York City. But what landmarks will you see, and what makes them so special?
1. Liberty Island
On Liberty Island stands the Statue of Liberty, that icon of American freedom so well known all around the world. Approaching from a great distance in your tour boat, you will see her towering over the harbor. A gift from France to the United States, and built by Gustave Eiffel (who also built the Parisian tower that bears his name), Lady Liberty offers stunning panoramic views from her base as well as from her crown.
The Statue of Liberty Museum is also on the island, as is a small cafe. Most tour boats will dock and let you explore and take pictures.
2. Ellis Island
This tiny island, not far from Liberty Island, was the busiest immigration inspection station in the country for over 60 years and the point of entry for some 12 million immigrants. The Museum of Immigration on Ellis Island tells the story of the “Peopling of America.” It has special focus on what took place at Ellis itself, but the museum’s scope is broader than that.
Anyone with an immigrant background (all of us, ultimately), will find they can relate to the stories, pictures, and films of immigrants they will encounter on Ellis Island; you will find this entry point into the “melting pot” a truly fascinating tourist stop.
3. The Brooklyn Bridge
As your boat nears the Brooklyn Bridge, you will get an impressive look at both the bridge itself and at the New York skyline in the distance. Built over the course of 14 years to connect Manhattan to Brooklyn, the Brooklyn Bridge was the first steel wire suspension bridge ever built.
It spans the East River, stretching over 1,600 feet.
4. One World Trade Center
Now the tallest building in New York City (and all the Americas), One World Trade Center will provide you with a view you shouldn’t miss. It is 1,776 feet tall, and you can bet that number was not a coincidence. Finished in 2013, this silvery, stylish looking skyscraper and its tall spire symbolize defiance against terrorism and the determination of the people of New York and America to rebuild bigger and better in the aftermath of the 911 attacks.
5. The Empire State Building
The second tallest building in New York, the Empire State Building in Midtown Manhattan reaches 1,454 feet. Its distinct Art Deco style, and the fact that it has been featured in numerous movies and TV shows since the release of King Kong in 1933, will make it immediately recognizable.
Its long 40-year stint as the tallest building on the planet ended in 1970, but its fame did not. When you get a chance, you’ll definitely want to gaze at the cityscape from the Empire State Building Observation Deck.
