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Liberty State Park is a large state park along the Upper New York Bay in the Northeast corner of New Jersey. In addition to providing much-needed green space, there are fabulous views of the Manhattan skyline from the park’s Hudson River Waterfront Walkway. It opened in 1976 to celebrate the bicentennial of the Declaration of Independence. Once a major manufacturing, shipping, and transportation hub, the area has been repurposed to provide green space and recreational facilities in the heavily developed and urban tri-state area.
Hello, New York City!
Open daily from 6:00am until 10:00pm, the park’s green space and paths provide ample opportunities for walking, biking, running, roller blading, picnicking, etc. The views across the Hudson River of the Manhattan skyline are spectacular, especially on clearer days. Nighttime views are also beautiful with the city’s lights twinkling across the dark water.
Ferry Service
Lady Liberty
In addition to the close-up views of Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, this park is the only place in New Jersey to have ferry service to both. While my visit to Liberty State Park was the closest I had physically gotten to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, I found that the views of these monuments were not my favorite.
Both face New York City and the Atlantic Ocean, so I prefer the views from the Staten Island Ferry which are of the front. The view from the park is of the back of them which was interesting to see, since I had never seen them from that perspective. Someday soon I’m hoping to visit both of these landmarks, and it’s nice to know I can go from New Jersey where parking is far easier than Manhattan. Some areas of the park offer free parking, while other areas charge a fee (including the lot by the ferry terminal).
Remembrance
Empty Sky: New Jersey September 11th Memorial
Near the Northeast length of the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway which runs along the river, stands the Empty Sky Memorial. This is the State of New Jersey’s official memorial in honor of the 749 victims of September 11th that lived in or had ties to New Jersey. It was dedicated on the ten year anniversary of the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center in New York City. I found it to be a beautiful memorial with its brushed steel walls reflecting the sky overhead. The walls are also engraved with the names of each of the 749 New Jersey victims who lost their lives that day.
Historic Rails
Historic CRRNJ Terminal
Liberty State Park is also home to the Historic Central Railroad of New Jersey train terminal which was built 1889 to replace the original terminal built at this location only 25 years prior in 1864. Due to the industry decline at the end of the ‘Age of the Railroad’, the CRRNJ ceased passenger operations in 1967.
Now a part of the State and National Register of Historic Places, the terminal is open to the public. Hours vary by season, so before visiting, make sure to check the website for up to date hours. The terminal serves as a space for community events and has exhibits featuring the history and revival of the building.
Plan Ahead
NYC lights up the night
When planning your visit keep in mind that being close to the water means there’s always a breeze making it feel cooler than inland areas. Dress appropriately and/or bring additional layers so you can enjoy the park in comfort. Liberty State Park’s website is a great resource for any information needed before visiting. I’ll definitely be visiting again when I visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island in the future to cross both off my bucket list!
Where is your favorite spot to see the Manhattan skyline?
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Great post ‼️👍
Thank you so much!
New York is still so very much on my list. Everytime I read something about it just makes me wanna go more.
New York is an awesome state & New York City is a great city to visit! I hope you get to visit & experience all New York has to offer!
I went here in January, and it was bitterly cold. Really amazing views of the Manhattan skyline though. I went back to New York in May and visited both Liberty Island and Ellis Island. I recommend you go next time you’re there. I wish I’d been able to spend longer than I did, both were really interesting. As a Brit now living in Canada and an immigrant myself, I loved reading the stories of those who chose to make the USA their home, what they went through to get there, and why they left their home country. It was a lot of information, but a great look into history.
I need to go when I can dedicate a whole day to it because I’m slow in museums & places where they provide a lot of information! Definitely still on my list for NYC!