Liberty State Park Park

Address: 200 Morris Pesin Dr, Jersey City, NJ 07305, United States

Website: https://www.nj.gov/dep/parksandforests/parks/liberty.html

Hours: Park grounds generally open daily dawn-dusk; visitor center hours vary seasonally.

Admission: Free (state park). Parking fees may apply.

Liberty State Park is a state park in Jersey City, New Jersey, on the Hudson River/Upper New York Bay shoreline. The park covers a large urban waterfront area and is notable for its views of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

The park’s waterfront promenade and open lawns provide uninterrupted views of Lower Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty; the park spans roughly 1,212 acres. On-site attractions include the historic Central Railroad of New Jersey terminal and the Liberty Science Center, which draws many visitors, families, and school groups.

The site includes the restored rail terminal that serves as the ferry departure point for Liberty and Ellis Islands and several memorials and interpretive sites related to immigration and maritime history. The park functions as both a recreational space and a transportation/access hub to nearby national monuments.

Liberty State Park sits on the west side of Upper New York Bay in Jersey City, directly across the water from Lower Manhattan and immediately north of Bayonne; it occupies the waterfront between Liberty Landing Marina and the Morris Canal Basin.

• Area: Spans about 1,212 acres, making it one of the largest urban parks on the U.S. East Coast.
• Ferry access: Ferry services to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island operate from the park’s historic terminal, providing direct visitor access to those islands.

What to See#

• CRRNJ Terminal: The former Central Railroad of New Jersey (CRRNJ) Terminal dates to the 19th century and serves as the park’s main ferry and historic terminal complex for access to nearby islands.
• Liberty Science Center: A large science and education centre located within the park offering interactive exhibits and an IMAX-style theatre; it is a major year-round attraction for families and school groups.
• Waterfront promenade: A continuous waterfront promenade along Upper New York Bay that provides direct views toward the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the Manhattan skyline.

From Manhattan: PATH trains to Exchange Place (Jersey City) plus a short taxi or a 20-30 minute walk to the park. From Hoboken and other NJ Transit points, take local buses (e.g., NJ Transit routes) or drive - major access via I-78/Parkway and follow signs for Liberty State Park. Ferries to Ellis/Liberty Islands also depart from the park’s ferry terminal (seasonal services).

• Arrive before mid-morning to walk the waterfront paths with views of Manhattan with fewer crowds.
• Use the Liberty Landing Ferry for an alternative route to Ellis and Liberty Islands and to avoid Battery Park lines.
• Visit the Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal (CRRNJ) ruin at the park for ghostly architecture and good photo angles of the Statue of Liberty framed by rusting iron.