Ellis Island Tours and Activities

Ellis Island showing heritage architecture
Ellis Island
Ellis Island featuring interior views
Ellis Island
Ellis Island showing general coastal views and a ferry


Relive 60 years of immigration history as you explore the exhibits of this poignant museum. Find out if your ancestors passed through as they entered the U.S.

Travel by ferry to the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration. Imagine the joy and hopes that earlier immigrants felt as they finished much longer and rougher sea voyages to finally arrive in America. Over 12 million people entered the country through this structure’s golden doors. About half of today’s more than 300 million U.S. citizens descended from these brave immigrants.

Immigration services operated here between 1892 and 1954, with newly arrived visitors spending hours in an inspection process determining if they would be allowed to stay in their land of hope or would be among the 2 percent denied entry. View exhibits showing interpreters, nurses, doctors, inspectors and clerical staff whose daily actions determined the fates of hopeful visitors. Photos and stories relate the dreams of those visitors.

Note Ellis Island’s unusual rectangular shape. A smaller natural island was expanded by landfill to provide a functional base to build the original immigration and service buildings and expanded farther over time. See the history of these major projects in the exhibits on the places of importance on the island. The Main Immigration Building, now filled with three floors of exhibits, opened in 1900.

Immigration services ended here in 1954 and the buildings sat idle until the site became part of the Statue of Liberty National Monument. By 1990, the National Park Service opened the renovated Main Building to visitors. Search arrival records in the American Family Immigration History Center.

The only way to reach Ellis Island is by ferries leaving from Battery Park at Manhattan’s southern tip or Liberty State Park in New Jersey. Purchase ferry tickets from the authorized National Park Service operator for a specific time and be sure you are in line well before departure time.

The site is open daily except Christmas Day. Join a ranger-led walking tour of the building or purchase a hard-hat tour to see the immigration hospital. Plan to spend several hours at the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration and enjoy a second stop to see the Statue of Liberty on Liberty Island, which is included in the same ferry fee.

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Best Lodging Options Near Ellis Island

DoubleTree by Hilton New York Downtown

DoubleTree by Hilton New York Downtown

4 out of 5
8 Stone St, New York, NY
DoubleTree by Hilton New York Downtown
Hilton Garden Inn NYC Financial Center/Manhattan Downtown

Hilton Garden Inn NYC Financial Center/Manhattan Downtown

4 out of 5
6 Water St, New York, NY
Hilton Garden Inn NYC Financial Center/Manhattan Downtown
Hyatt House Jersey City

Hyatt House Jersey City

3.5 out of 5
1 Exchange Pl, Jersey City, NJ
Hyatt House Jersey City
Hyatt Regency Jersey City on the Hudson

Hyatt Regency Jersey City on the Hudson

4 out of 5
2 Exchange Place, Jersey City, NJ
Hyatt Regency Jersey City on the Hudson
Tribeca Hotel FiDi

Tribeca Hotel FiDi

2 out of 5
102 Greenwich Street, New York, NY
Tribeca Hotel FiDi
The FIDI Hotel

The FIDI Hotel

4 out of 5
11 Stone St, New York, NY
The FIDI Hotel
Club Quarters Hotel, World Trade Center

Club Quarters Hotel, World Trade Center

4 out of 5
140 Washington St, New York, NY
Club Quarters Hotel, World Trade Center
Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy Battery Park Apartments Financial District

Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy Battery Park Apartments Financial District

3.5 out of 5
2 Washington Street, New York, NY
Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy Battery Park Apartments Financial District
World Center Hotel

World Center Hotel

4 out of 5
144 Washington St, New York, NY
World Center Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Ellis Island

While visiting Ellis Island, enjoy a ferry ride offering stunning views of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline. Delve into the captivating storytelling of Angel Island, which highlights the immigrant experience. Additionally, explore the rich history and exhibits on Ellis Island, making it a memorable destination filled with entertainment and cultural insights.

Shopping

Newport Centre, located 3.2km from Ellis Island, offers a vibrant shopping experience perfect for families. For a taste of local flavour, Katz's Delicatessen and Essex Street Market, both 4.8km away, provide unique gifts and souvenirs with a city vibe. If you're up for a drive, there are plenty of other options nearby!

Recreation

Experience the excitement at Barclays Center Brooklyn, where you can catch a thrilling sports event. For a more laid-back vibe, enjoy live music at Blue Note Jazz Club or share laughs with family at the Comedy Cellar, both offering a delightful evening out.

Adventure

Experience thrilling fun at DreamWorks Water Park, located 12.9km from Ellis Island, featuring exciting water slides and family-friendly attractions. Enjoy nature at the Sixth Street and Avenue B Community Garden, only 6.4km away, perfect for a leisurely stroll. For a romantic outing, head to Riegelmann Boardwalk, 14.5km from Ellis Island, where you can relax by the beach.

Nightlife

Explore the vibrant nightlife of Ellis Island with a visit to Bowery Ballroom for a live show, or unwind at 51-53 Christopher Street, a cozy pub perfect for romance. For a unique experience, don’t miss Jane’s Carousel, offering a charming outdoor atmosphere for families.

Find the best attractions near Ellis Island

While visiting Ellis Island, immerse yourself in the rich history at the Ellis Island Immigration Museum, which offers a deep dive into the immigrant experience. Explore the surrounding urban parks and historic buildings that highlight the area's cultural significance. This destination caters to families and culture enthusiasts alike, providing a blend of educational and recreational activities in a vibrant city atmosphere.

  • Statue of Liberty: Standing proudly 1.1km from Ellis Island, this iconic statue represents freedom and democracy. Visitors are captivated by its grandeur and historical significance, making it a must-see landmark.
  • One World Trade Center: Located 3.2km away, this historic building is a symbol of resilience. The observation deck offers breathtaking views of New York City, allowing you to appreciate the skyline like never before.
  • Wall Street: Just 3.2km from Ellis Island, this famous street is the heart of the financial district. Experience the vibrant atmosphere, historic architecture, and the hustle and bustle of the city’s economic pulse.

Best time to go to Ellis Island

Visitor numbers around Ellis Island is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Ellis Island can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Ellis Island falls in July, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Ellis Island falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January31.6°F (-0.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
February33.1°F (0.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
March40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
April51.1°F (10.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May61.3°F (16.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June70.2°F (21.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July76.8°F (24.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
August75.4°F (24.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
September68.7°F (20.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
October57.9°F (14.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
November46.0°F (7.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December37.9°F (3.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Ellis Island

To save money on your trip to Ellis Island, consider visiting during the off-peak months of January to March when accommodation prices are lower. Booking your hotel about a month in advance can yield better rates, and checking last-minute deals on Expedia may also provide discounts. Staying on a Monday is typically cheaper than a Friday. Take advantage of free attractions nearby, such as Times Square and Central Park. Lastly, bundling your hotel, flights, and activities through Expedia can help you secure additional savings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Ellis Island are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to September to October and December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Ellis Island is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Ellis Island is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Ellis Island is Friday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool makes it easy for you to set your budget and choose your desired location, among other preferences. You can sort your results to display prices from lowest to highest, which allows you to find the most affordable hotels right away. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You may find it beneficial to save money by combining your hotel reservation for Ellis Island with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.