Liberty State Park

The Basics

Walk, bike, or jog along the park’s many paths or relax with a picnic and enjoy the natural surroundings. Stroll Liberty Walk, a 2-mile promenade looping around the park, and Freedom Way, which cuts through the center, or fish, boat, or kayak on the Hudson River.

Historical highlights of the park include the Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal, which was once a major transportation hub—two-thirds of Ellis Island arrivals passed through here in the late 19th century. Another must-see within the park is Empty Sky, a memorial honoring those who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Statue of Liberty ticketing and departure areas are located by the Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal near the water.

• In addition to outdoor activities, the interactive Liberty Science Center at the western end of the park makes Liberty State Park a great family-friendly destination.

• There is a parking fee if you’re riding the ferry.

How to Get There

Liberty State Park is located off New Jersey Turnpike extension exit 14B in Jersey City. From the World Financial Center in Manhattan, the Liberty Landing Ferry travels to the Liberty Landing Marina in the park. There is also a light rail stop for Liberty State Park; from Manhattan, take the PATH subway to either the Pavonia/Newport or Hoboken stop and then the light rail train to the park.

When to Get There

Liberty State Park is open every day from 6am to 10pm. During the summer, the park hosts concerts and festivals. Its all-day Fourth of July Freedom and Fireworks Celebration includes a huge display of fireworks set off from barges on the Hudson River.

The Liberty Science Center

Located at the northwestern entrance to the park, the Liberty Science Center is an interactive science museum and learning center that boasts exhibits, an IMAX Dome Theatre, and the original Hoberman sphere. An engineering artwork designed by Chuck Hoberman, the sphere looks like a geodesic dome and has spawned a popular toy version.

How long is the walk around Liberty State Park?

The Liberty State Park loop walk is an easy 2.9-mile (4.8-kilometer) trail around the park. It takes around an hour to complete and provides views of the Manhattan skyline. Most of the trail is wheelchair-accessible. There are other walkways and bike paths throughout the park, too.

Can you visit the Statue of Liberty from Liberty State Park?

Yes, Statue City Cruises operate ferries to the Statue of Liberty and depart from two locations: Liberty State Park in New Jersey and The Battery, on the southern tip of Manhattan. Tickets can be bought online, or same-day tickets can be purchased from the ticket window at Liberty State Park.

How long is the ferry ride from Liberty State Park to the Statue of Liberty?

The ferry ride from Liberty State Park to the Statue of Liberty takes around 30 minutes, plus waiting time on Ellis Island. The ferry departs from the Railroad Terminal at Liberty State Park and stops at Ellis Island en route to Liberty Island, where the Statue of Liberty is located.

How much does it cost to get into Liberty State Park?

It’s free to visit Liberty State Park in New Jersey. At the park you can walk, cycle, picnic, and see the Empty Sky 9/11 Memorial and views of the Manhattan skyline. To visit the Statue of Liberty from here, you can buy ferry tickets within the park.

Is visiting Liberty State Park worth it?

Yes, visiting Liberty State Park is worthwhile if you’re in the area or looking for things to do in Jersey City. You can walk, cycle, or picnic, as well as view the Manhattan skyline. It’s also one of two starting points for ferries to the Statue of Liberty.

What is the best time of day to visit Liberty State Park?

Liberty State Park is open from 6am until 10pm, so you can visit at almost any time. In the evening you can see the lights of the Manhattan skyline across the water. But, in the warmer months, an early morning visit is ideal to beat the day’s heat and humidity.

Ways to explore

Visitors can spend anywhere from an hour or two to a full day in Liberty State Park, exploring historical highlights such as the Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal, where two-thirds of Ellis Island arrivals passed through in the late 19th century, and Empty Sky, a memorial honoring those who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

Liberty State Park is also a popular spot for activities such as jogging, biking, and boating on the Hudson River. Several tours depart from here, including sightseeing cruises, nighttime city lights tours, and kayaking excursions.

Accessibility

Liberty State Park is accessible for wheelchairs and offers accessible restrooms. Ferries to Liberty Island are also accessible.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Sunscreen, water bottle, waterproof bag if kayaking

What to wear

Comfortable shoes, layers for windy boat journeys

Not allowed

Weapons, drones, speaker systems, large bags

Amenities

Waterfront walkways, playgrounds, picnic areas, food concessions, access to the nearby Liberty Science Center

Address 

Liberty State Park is located in Jersey City, New Jersey, just across the Hudson River from Manhattan. It is easy to reach via private car, taxi, rideshare, and public transit.

Driving

Free parking is available at Liberty State Park, which is located at 200 Morris Pesin Drive. Take the 14B exit off the New Jersey Turnpike extension to reach the park.

Public transportation

From Manhattan, ride the PATH train to Newport or Hoboken Stations, then take the Hudson–Bergen Light Rail to the Liberty State Park stop. By boat, take the Liberty Landing Ferry from Brookfield Place Terminal to the Liberty Landing Marina.

Best times to visit

This state park is open every day, typically from 6am to 10pm. It is particularly peaceful in the morning, when you’ll see more joggers than tourists.

Best days to visit

If possible, choose a weekday over a Saturday or Sunday to soak up the Hudson River views without the crowds.

Best months to visit

The best months to visit Liberty State Park are May, September, and October, when the weather is at its most pleasant.

Special events

Liberty State Park hosts events throughout the year, including a winter festival, nature programs, and a summer concert series.