Things to do nearEllis Island
Ellis Island, in New York Harbor, is an iconic immigration station celebrated for its grand Beaux-Arts architecture, moving personal histories, and sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline.
Ellis Island served as the United States' busiest immigrant inspection station from 1892 to 1954, processing more than twelve million arrivals during that span. Passengers from southern and eastern Europe, fleeing poverty and persecution, passed through its doors in search of a new life. The island's main building, a grand Beaux-Arts structure completed in 1900, was designed to impress as much as to process, signaling to newcomers that America took their arrival seriously.
Today the island operates as part of the Statue of Liberty National Monument, administered by the National Park Service. The centerpiece of any visit is the Registry Room, also called the Great Hall, whose soaring vaulted ceiling of Guastavino tile has been meticulously restored. Exhibits throughout the building trace the inspection process, the medical examinations immigrants underwent, and the bureaucratic procedures that determined who was admitted and who was detained or turned away.
Beyond the main museum, the unrestored south side of the island reveals a different mood entirely. Peeling paint, collapsed ceilings, and overgrown courtyards in the hospital complex speak to decades of abandonment, and ranger-led hard-hat tours offer a compelling look at that forgotten chapter of the site's history.
Ellis Island rewards visitors who come with curiosity and patience. It is a place that connects the broad arc of American history to individual human lives, making it one of the most genuinely moving landmarks the country has to offer.
7-day forecast
Chance of rainTips for visiting Ellis Island
Arrive on the first ferry of the day to explore the Great Hall before the crowds build mid-morning.
Try the free audio guide narrated by immigrants and their descendants for a richer sense of the personal stories behind the statistics.
Bring a light jacket even in summer, as the harbor breezes on the ferry crossing can be unexpectedly cool.
Combine your visit with a stop at the Statue of Liberty on the same ferry ticket, since both landmarks share a single ticketed route.
Check the American Family Immigration History Center on site to search passenger records if your own family passed through the island.
Top tours & experiences near Ellis Island
Cruise Manhattan on a Climate Change & Architecture Tour
Circle Manhattan by yacht and learn how NYC is adapting to climate change
Explore Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Guided Tour
See the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island with a local guide in a group of 8 or fewer
Guided 35-Minute Jet Ski Tour to the Statue of Liberty
Jet ski to the Statue of Liberty on a guided 35-minute tour
Private New York Harbor Sailing Cruise
Private sail around New York Harbor for up to 6 guests
New York Harbor 2.5-Hour Group Sailing Cruise
Sail New York Harbor in a small group, with skyline and Statue of Liberty views
Private NYC Helicopter Tour From Westchester
See Manhattan from above on a private helicopter flight from Westchester
Cruise Around Manhattan Architecture Tour With AIA Guide
Circle Manhattan on a narrated architecture cruise with an AIA guide
Cruise New York City Harbor & Statue of Liberty
See the Statue of Liberty and Lower Manhattan on a 1.5-hour yacht cruise
NYC Harbor Sunset Cruise Past the Statue of Liberty
Cruise NYC at sunset on a 1920s-style yacht with a complimentary drink
Evening Jazz Cruise in New York City
Cruise NYC at night with live jazz and skyline views
Sail a Private Statue of Liberty Tour in New York
Private sail for close-up views of the Statue of Liberty and New York Harbor
Statue Of Liberty & Ellis Island Guided Tour In NYC
Explore the Statue of Liberty and hear Ellis Island immigration stories
NYC Harbor Day Sail on Clipper City Tall Ship
Sail past the Statue of Liberty and skyline aboard NYC's only passenger tall ship
Guided Brooklyn Bridge Bike Tour in New York City
Ride over the Brooklyn Bridge on a 2-hour guided bike tour
Shared 30- to 45-Minute NYC Helicopter Tour
See Manhattan from above on a shared helicopter flight from Westchester
Fly a 25-30 Minute NYC Helicopter Tour to Coney Island
See NYC from above on a 25–30 minute helicopter flight to Coney Island
Fly Over Manhattan on an 18-20 Minute Helicopter Tour
See NYC icons from above on an 18–20 minute helicopter flight
Fly a 12–15 Minute NYC Helicopter Tour to Central Park
See NYC landmarks from the air on a 12–15 minute helicopter flight
Sunset Jet Ski Tour of NYC Skyline
Ride at sunset for close-up skyline views from the water
Sparkling Wine, Cheese & Caviar Cruise in NYC
Cruise NYC Harbor with sparkling wine, cheese, and caviar on a classic Manhattan yacht
Hear Live Jazz & See City Lights on a NYC Cruise
Cruise NYC at night with live vocalist, band, and skyline views
Sail250 New York Harbor Cruise to Tall Ships
Cruise NYC Harbor during Sail250 and view tall ships from a classic yacht
Tour the Statue of Liberty & Lower Manhattan in NYC
See the Statue of Liberty with a licensed NYC guide, with optional 9/11 Museum and One World entry
Private Sailing Charter for 2 in New York City
Sail NYC Harbor on a private yacht for two, with Statue of Liberty views
Private Sailing Yacht Charter in NYC
Sail NYC on a private yacht with skyline views and Statue of Liberty close-ups
Fly Over Manhattan on a 12-15 Minute Helicopter Tour
See the Statue of Liberty and Central Park from the air in 12–15 minutes
Fly a New York City Helicopter Tour Over Central Park
18–20 minute helicopter flight from Liberty Harbor to Central Park and Upper Manhattan
25-30 Minute New York City VIP Helicopter Tour
See NYC by helicopter, with a longer route to Coney Island and the Palisades
Fly a 20-25 Minute NYC Skyline Helicopter Tour
See the Manhattan skyline by helicopter from NJ in 20–25 minutes
NYC Night Helicopter Tour From New Jersey
See the Manhattan skyline at night on a 20–25 minute helicopter flight from New Jersey
Fly a 25-30 Minute NYC Helicopter Tour to Coney Island
See NYC from the air on a private helicopter flight to Coney Island
Fly a 12-15 Minute Manhattan Helicopter Tour
See Manhattan’s skyline and Central Park on a 12–15 minute private helicopter flight
Fly Over Manhattan on a 12-15 Minute Helicopter Tour
See Manhattan landmarks by helicopter in 12–15 minutes
Fly a 12-15 Minute NYC Helicopter Tour Over Central Park
Private 12–15 min helicopter flight over NYC, from the Statue of Liberty to Central Park
Fly a Private NYC Helicopter Tour to Central Park
Private 12–15 min helicopter flight over the Statue of Liberty and Central Park
Take a 25–30 Minute VIP Helicopter Tour in NYC
Private 25–30 min Manhattan helicopter tour with Coney Island and Palisades views
Guided Jet Ski Tour Around Manhattan From Jersey City
Jet ski around Manhattan with a guided route and skyline views
Ride a Jet Ski on a 1-Hour Statue of Liberty Tour
Jet ski to the Statue of Liberty with skyline and bridge views
Ride a Jet Ski Near the Statue of Liberty
Free-ride jet ski rental zone by the Statue of Liberty
Golden Hour Cocktail Sail in New York City
Sail past the Statue of Liberty with a welcome cocktail at golden hour
Sail NYC Harbor on a Sunset Jazz Cruise
Sail past the Statue of Liberty with live jazz at sunset
Bike Over the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City
Ride a Cannondale bike over the Brooklyn Bridge with Dutch guides
3-Hour Private Sailing Charter in New York Harbor
Private New York Harbor sail with views of the Statue of Liberty
1.5-Hour New York City Lights Sailing Charter
Private moonlight sail past the Manhattan skyline and Statue of Liberty
2-Hour Private Sailing Charter in New York Harbor
Sail New York Harbor on a private 2-hour charter for up to 6 guests
Private Statue Of Liberty Yacht Cruise In New York City
Private yacht cruise with Statue of Liberty close-ups and NYC skyline views
Take a 1-Hour New York City Speedboat Sightseeing Tour
Speedboat NYC sightseeing with photo stops and live narration
Cruise NYC Harbor on a Private Sailboat Charter
Private NYC sailboat cruise from Chelsea Piers, with skyline and landmark views
Sail a NYC Sunset Cruise Past the Statue of Liberty
Private sunset sail from Chelsea Piers with skyline and Statue of Liberty views
Sunset Sailing Charter in New York Harbor
Private 2-hour sunset sail with New York Harbor landmarks
Cruise The NYC Skyline With Dinner & DJ Dancing
Sail the NYC skyline with a buffet dinner and rooftop DJ dancing
Ride A 30-Minute Statue Of Liberty Express Cruise
See the Statue of Liberty up close on a fast 30-minute boat ride
3-Hour Private Sailing Charter in New York Harbor
Sail New York Harbor on a private 3-hour charter for up to 6 guests
2-Hour Private Daytime Sailing Charter in NYC
Sail New York Harbor on a private 2-hour daytime charter
Private Sunset Sailing Charter in New York Harbor
Private 2-hour sunset sail for up to 6 with Statue of Liberty views
Private New York City Lights Sailing Charter
Sail past Manhattan’s night skyline on a private 1.5-hour charter
Cruise New York Harbor on a 3-Hour Private Sail
Private 3-hour sail past the Statue of Liberty from Jersey City
Private Daytime Sailing Charter in New York City
Sail NYC on a private charter with a U.S. Coast Guard licensed captain
Ride a Launch to Willy Wall Floating Clubhouse
Cruise out to Manhattan Yacht Club’s floating clubhouse near Ellis Island
Guided Statue Of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour In NYC
Walk Battery Park, ferry to Liberty Island, then explore Ellis Island with a guide
NYC Jet Ski Tour With Statue Of Liberty Free Ride
Ride past NYC landmarks with time in the Statue of Liberty rental zone
2-Hour New York Harbor Sailing Charter
Private sail past the Statue of Liberty and New York Harbor landmarks
Jersey City Sunset Sailing Charter
Golden-hour harbor views from a private classic sailboat
Private Daytime Sailing Charter in New York Harbor
Sail past New York Harbor landmarks on a private daytime outing
City Lights Sailing Charter From Jersey City
See Manhattan's illuminated skyline from a private evening sail
New York City Proposal Sailing Charter
Plan a proposal sail with skyline views and personalized details
New York Self-Guided 3-Attraction Tour
Choose Three New York Landmarks for a Self-Guided Day
New York City Skyline Lunch Cruise
Buffet lunch, DJ dancing, and NYC skyline views by cruise
Lower Broadway Walking Tour in New York City
Explore New York Harbor views, Wall Street landmarks, and the World Trade Center site