Liberty State Park in Jersey City sits right on the waterfront, where the Manhattan skyline meets the Hudson River and the Statue of Liberty stands just across the water. It’s one of New Jersey’s most visited parks, and for good reason. Whether you’re chasing unparalleled views, a dose of American history, or just a solid afternoon outdoors, this green oasis delivers on all fronts.
Key Takeaways
- Liberty State Park is free to enter and open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- The park is the only location in NJ with ferry service to both the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
- Major attractions include the historic Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal, Liberty Science Center, and the Empty Sky 9/11 Memorial.
- It’s located minutes from downtown Jersey City, making it an easy day trip from a CozySuites vacation rental in New Jersey.
Ready to explore Liberty State Park? Book your stay with CozySuites in Jersey City and wake up just minutes from the waterfront.
What Makes Liberty State Park Special
This isn’t your average city park. Liberty State Park covers over 1,200 acres on the western shore of the Upper New York Bay, with the skyline of lower Manhattan and a lineup of high-rise buildings as your backdrop. Water surrounds the park on three sides, and on a clear day, you can see the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the full sweep of New York Bay.
The park opened in 1976 as part of the nation’s bicentennial celebration. What was once industrial land tied to New Jersey’s transportation history has been transformed into a sprawling space for recreation, reflection, and exploration. It’s a place where natural history meets one of America’s most iconic views.
Top Attractions at Liberty State Park
Here’s a quick look at what you can see and do inside the park:
| Attraction | What It Is | Hours | Cost |
| CRRNJ Terminal | Historic railroad terminal from the immigration era | 8 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. (Mar-Oct) | Free |
| Empty Sky 9/11 Memorial | Official state memorial for NJ victims of 9/11 | Dawn to dusk | Free |
| Liberty Science Center | Interactive science museum with planetarium | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (daily through Sept 7) | From $26.75+ |
| Liberty Landing Marina | Full-service marina with restaurants | Varies | Varies |
| Nature Center | Environmental education on the Hudson River Estuary | 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. daily | Free |
| Ferry to Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island | Only NJ departure point for Liberty Island | Seasonal schedule | From $26/adult |
The CRRNJ Terminal
The Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal is the heart of the park and a grand setting for understanding New Jersey’s transportation history. This is where millions of immigrants arrived after being processed at Ellis Island between 1892 and 1954. They stepped off ferries, purchased train tickets, and boarded trains to their new homes across America.
The building sits at the north end of the park and is open seven days a week. Inside, you’ll find exhibits about the terminal’s role during the great immigration wave. Ferry tickets to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island can also be purchased at the ticket window inside the CRRNJ terminal or online.
Pro Tip: The CRRNJ Terminal is less crowded on weekday mornings. It’s also a beautiful spot for photos with the Manhattan skyline in the background.
The Empty Sky 9/11 Memorial
The Empty Sky memorial is the official state of New Jersey memorial honoring the 750 individuals who had ties to NJ and lost their lives on September 11, 2001, at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and Shanksville, PA. Designed by Jessica Jamroz and Frederic Schwartz, it was dedicated on September 11, 2011.
The memorial consists of twin brushed stainless steel walls, each 210 feet long, matching the width of each side of the World Trade Center towers. They rise 30 feet and stand parallel, with a 12-foot-wide path of bluestone between them. The individuals’ names are placed randomly on the walls, each four inches tall and engraved deep enough for hand rubbing.
Standing between those walls and looking toward the empty sky where the towers once stood is one of the most moving experiences you can have at the park. The site is open from dawn to dusk and free to visit.
Liberty Science Center
If you’re traveling with kids (or you’re just curious about the world), Liberty Science Center is a must. This interactive science museum sits on the western portion of the park and features nine permanent exhibition galleries, traveling exhibits, and the largest planetarium in the western hemisphere.
The center is located at 222 Jersey City Boulevard, Jersey City, NJ 07305. Current hours run 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through September 7, 2026. Parking in the 750-spot lot costs $7 per car. If the lot is full, overflow parking is available at the Liberty State Park station lot on the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail, just a three-minute walk away. Check the official LSC website for updated hours and pricing.
Pro Tip: Buy your Liberty Science Center tickets at least one day in advance online to get the best price. Walk-up tickets cost more.
Liberty Landing Marina
At the north end of the park, Liberty Landing Marina offers 250 slips, transient dockage, and a 24-hour fueling facility. But you don’t need a boat to enjoy this spot. Two acclaimed restaurants sit right on site: Maritime Parc and Liberty House Restaurant (now Maddy Rose by Landmark).
It’s a fantastic location for waterfront dining with the skyline right in front of you.
The Nature Center and Sullivan Natural Area
The nature center at Liberty State Park is an environmental and historical education facility on Freedom Way. Open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., it features exhibits on the natural history and ecology of the Hudson River estuary. It doubles as an interpretive center with programs for schools, community groups, and the general public.
Adjacent to the nature center is the Richard J. Sullivan Natural Area, a 36-acre site consisting mainly of salt marsh. It’s one of the few remaining tidal marshes of the Hudson River estuary. Self-guided trails wind through shrubs and forested areas, and birdwatching here is excellent thanks to the variety of berry-bearing trees.
Walking, Trails, and Outdoor Recreation
Liberty State Park is built for being outside. A two-mile promenade known as the Liberty Walkway (also called Liberty Walk) runs along the waterfront, presenting visitors with sweeping views of the Hudson River, the Statue of Liberty, and the Manhattan skyline. It connects the picnic areas, the playground, and the CRRNJ Terminal.
Wide open fields, miles of pathways, and an outdoor performance area make this land ideal for jogging, cycling, and just spreading out. Picnic areas are scattered throughout, with open-air group sites that accommodate 20 to 50 people (free with a permit). Two rental pavilions are also available for larger gatherings.
Pro Tip: Groups of 20 or fewer can picnic without a reservation. Bring your own blanket, camping chairs, and a charcoal grill. Just be sure to check the official park rules before your visit.
Fishing and Crabbing
The Upper New York Bay and Hudson River provide solid fishing opportunities right from the park. Common catches include bluefish, shad, striped bass, and blue claw crabs. A valid NJ saltwater registry is required, and consumption advisories may apply to certain species.
Getting to Liberty State Park
Liberty State Park is located at 1 Audrey Zapp Drive, Jersey City, NJ 07305. It’s easy to reach by car, train, or ferry.
By Car: Take the NJ Turnpike to Exit 14B (from Manhattan/west) or Exit 14C (from all other directions). Parking is free within the main part of the park.
By Light Rail: Take the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail to the Liberty State Park station. The park is a short walk from the platform.
By Ferry: The Liberty Landing Ferry runs service from Warren Street in Jersey City and Brookfield Place in New York City to the park. Ferries depart roughly every 30 minutes from the World Financial Center. Check the Liberty Landing Ferry website for the latest schedules.
By PATH Train: Take the PATH to Exchange Place or Pavonia/Newport, then transfer to the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail. Liberty Science Center notes that the park is just five rail stops from the World Trade Center.
| Method | Route | Travel Time | Cost |
| Car | NJ Turnpike Exit 14B or 14C | 3-4 min from exit | Free parking (main lot) |
| Light Rail (HBLR) | To Liberty State Park Station | Varies | NJ Transit fare |
| Ferry | From Warren St (JC) or Brookfield Place (NYC) | ~15-20 min | Varies |
| PATH + Light Rail | PATH to Exchange Place, transfer to HBLR | ~20-30 min from WTC | PATH + NJ Transit fare |
Ferry Service to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
Liberty State Park is the only location in New Jersey with ferry service to both Liberty Island and Ellis Island. Ferries are operated by Statue City Cruises, the only authorized ticket provider.
Ticket Prices (2026):
- Adult: From $26
- Child (Ages 4-12): From $17
- Senior (Ages 62+): From $23
- Military: From $23
Every ticket includes round-trip ferry transportation, access to both islands, admission to the Statue of Liberty Museum, admission to the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration, and self-guided audio tours. For pedestal or crown access, you’ll need to book well in advance through the National Park Service site, as those tickets are limited.
Pro Tip: The NJ departure from Liberty State Park is often less crowded than the Battery Park departure in Manhattan. Arrive early, especially on weekends and during the summer.
Visiting Ellis Island from Liberty State Park
Ellis Island is accessible only by ferry, and Liberty State Park is one of just two departure points in the country. The Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration tells the story of the over 12 million immigrants who entered the United States through its doors.
If you want to go deeper, the Ellis Island Hard Hat Tour is a 90-minute guided walk through the abandoned hospital complex on the south side of the island. It’s a fascinating, off-the-beaten-path experience. The NPS recommends taking an early ferry departure if you want to visit both Liberty Island and Ellis Island in a single day.
Where to Stay Near Liberty State Park
Liberty State Park is located just south of downtown Jersey City, making it incredibly convenient if you’re staying in the area. CozySuites offers stylish, fully furnished apartments and condos in New Jersey that put you within easy reach of the park, the waterfront, and all the restaurants and nightlife Jersey City has to offer.
You get the comfort of a home with the reliability of a hotel. It’s the perfect setup for a weekend of exploring the park, catching a ferry to the statue, and then walking to dinner without ever needing to fight for a hotel parking spot.
FAQ
Is there an entrance fee for Liberty State Park?
No. Liberty State Park has no entrance fee. The park gates are open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., and you can visit any of the outdoor areas, trails, and the Empty Sky Memorial for free. Some attractions inside the park, like Liberty Science Center and the ferry to the Statue of Liberty, have separate admission fees.
Can I drive and park my car at Liberty State Park?
Yes. The park has multiple free parking lots accessible from the main part of the park off Audrey Zapp Drive. The Liberty Science Center lot charges $7 per car. If lots are full, overflow parking is available at the Liberty State Park station lot on the east side of the NJ Turnpike overpass.
What is the best way to visit the Statue of Liberty from Jersey City?
The best way is to take the ferry from Liberty State Park. Statue City Cruises departs from the CRRNJ Terminal and is the only authorized provider. Tickets start at $26 per adult and include access to both Liberty Island and Ellis Island. Book online in advance to secure your preferred departure time, especially if you want pedestal or crown access.
Does CozySuites offer houses near Liberty State Park?
CozySuites does not offer houses. We exclusively provide fully furnished apartments and condos in Jersey City and across New Jersey. Our properties are located in convenient, walkable areas close to public transit, making it easy to reach Liberty State Park and other attractions in the community.
Is Liberty State Park a good spot for families with kids?
Absolutely. The park has a playground, open fields, picnic areas, and the Liberty Science Center, which is one of the best interactive science museums on the north side of the East Coast. Kids also love the ferry ride to the Statue of Liberty. There’s plenty of space to run around, and the two-mile promenade along the waterfront is stroller-friendly.
When is the best time to visit Liberty State Park?
Spring and fall offer the most comfortable weather with fewer crowds. Summer is the busiest season, so plan to arrive early if you want to catch a ferry or visit Liberty Science Center. The park is open year-round, and winter visits can be surprisingly peaceful, with clear views of the skyline to the south and across the water.
