Get to the Statue Ferry line EARLY! It's one of the most visited sites in the City and will be crowded.

Where: Liberty Island. Purchase ferry tickets from Statue Cruises at Battery Park in Manhattan or Liberty State Park in New Jersey. Purchase advance ferry tickets at www.statuecruises.com. If you arrive early, and don't need guaranteed crown or pedestal access, you probably don't need to purchase in advance.

When: Year-round. The ferry schedule changes seasonally, so check www.statuecruises.com/schedule to see the schedule during your stay.

How Much: Here are prices for the basic ticket, with no pedestal or crown access. Includes ferry and admission to Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

Adult: $18
Child (ages 4-12): $9
Child (under age 4): FREE
Senior: $14

How Long: 3-5 hours, not including time spent in line before you board the ferry. This includes Ellis Island. You don't have to visit Ellis Island, but it is worthwhile.

Amenities: Museum, cafe, gift shop, bathrooms, ranger desk. Snacks and bathrooms are available on the ferry as well.

Some other tips:

Buy crown tickets at least three months in advance

Do you want to climb up to the Statue of Liberty's crown? If so, tickets are limited and will likely sell out months in advance. You may need to reserve at least six months in advance for summer or other peak times.

It's a strenuous climb, so climbers should be in good physical condition. Children must be at least 48 inches (1.2 meters) tall.

Link: https://www.nps.gov/stli/planyourvisit/visit-the-c...

Consider CityPASS

The Statue of Liberty is one of the attractions included in the New York CityPASS. If you are planning to visit other top NYC attractions, such as the Empire State Building, American Museum of Natural History, and the 9/11 Memorial Museum, you can save more than 40% on admission with CityPASS.

CityPASS does not include admission to the crown or pedestal. However, a limited number of free pedestal admissions are available on a first-come-first-serve basis to CityPASS holders. We received pedestal tickets by arriving as the first ferry was loading, without having to ask.

Link: http://www.citypass.com/new-york

Registry

While gifts are appreciated please know that your well wishes and presence is a present enough.