Liberty State Park
4.7(37K)google
4.5(294)yelp
City LandmarkCoastRiverScenic LookoutPhoto SpotSunsetFreeMust-See
Overview
Liberty State Park (LSP) is a 1,212 acres (490 ha) state park in the U.S. state of New Jersey, located on Upper New York Bay in Jersey City opposite Liberty Island and Ellis Island. The park opened in 1976 to coincide with bicentennial celebrations and is operated and maintained by the New Jersey Division of Parks and Forestry. Statue City Cruises provides ferry service from the Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal to Liberty Island and Ellis Island.
Practical Info
Every day6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Suggested Duration3-5 hours
Best TimeMagnificent year-round, but late afternoon through 8:00 PM is the premier window. Walking out to the water's edge along the continuous stone promenade near the central 'Empty Sky' Memorial provides the single best, unobstructed elevated photographic view of the entire downtown Manhattan skyline, the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island illuminating flawlessly as twilight hits.
Getting ThereLocated framing the upper New York Bay at 1 Audrey Zapp Dr, Jersey City. Drivers enjoy immediate access via the New Jersey Turnpike (I-95) straight to Exit 14B, following parkway arrows directly into their massive paved surface parking lots. Alternatively, ride the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail directly to the Liberty State Park Station and catch the internal shuttle.
Travel Tips
- This waterfront park is the exclusive authorized New Jersey embarkation hub for Statue City Cruises to Liberty Island; ignore fraudulent third-party ticket hawkers offering alternative private boat access.
- Staging lots near the historic CRRNJ Terminal fill rapidly; alleviate transit gridlock by parking at peripheral light rail park-and-ride hubs and riding the HBLR system directly to the park terminal.
- Cyclists and scooter operators must stick to the marked bike lanes on Liberty Walk; local park police actively enforce a mandatory dismount rule within high-density pedestrian screening areas.
Reviews
Positive
- The premier vantage point for eye-level views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the soaring Lower Manhattan skyline.
- Features miles of wide, paved brick waterfront walkways (Freedom Way) and massive lawns ideal for flying kites, picnics, or cycling.
- Acts as an official ferry hub to the Statue of Liberty, housing the historic and visually magnificent Central Railroad of NJ Terminal ruin.
- Zero park entry fees, backed by multiple massive low-cost lots, plentiful restrooms, and comprehensive ADA access, maximizing convenience.
Heads up
- Due to its immense popularity, sunny spring and summer weekends trigger severe traffic bottlenecks near ferry gates and long parking delays.
- The waterfront walkway is entirely exposed to direct sunlight with near zero tree shade or pavilions, becoming roasting at noon and windy on cold days.
- Outside of a couple of high-end eateries like Maritime Parc, the park lacks budget food trucks or convenience stands, making cheap snacks hard to find.
- Signs in remote grassy pockets lack multi-language support, and path lighting is dim after dark; remaining out of dark areas at late night is advised.