Ellis Island Tours and Activities

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


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.

Plan a trip to see Ellis Island

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Top Ellis Island Hotel & Accommodation Deals

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
The FIDI Hotel

The FIDI Hotel

4 out of 5
11 Stone St, New York, NY
The FIDI Hotel
Tribeca Hotel FiDi

Tribeca Hotel FiDi

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

Ellis Island offers a variety of activities, including entertainment, theatre, and art, making it a vibrant destination. A must-visit is the karaoke lounge, where you can enjoy a fun night singing your heart out. This lively atmosphere, combined with the rich history of the island, ensures a memorable experience for visitors from Australia and beyond.

Shopping

For a vibrant shopping experience, visit Katz's Delicatessen and Essex Street Market, both 4.8km from Ellis Island, offering local flavours and city vibes. If you're up for a drive, Chelsea Market is 6.4km away, bustling with businesses and entertainment options for the whole family.

Recreation

At Barclays Center Brooklyn, immerse yourself in the electrifying atmosphere of live sports and events, just a short distance from Ellis Island. For music lovers, the Blue Note Jazz Club and Irving Plaza offer vibrant entertainment experiences, showcasing incredible talent and unforgettable performances in a lively setting.

Adventure

At DreamWorks Water Park, located 12.9km from Ellis Island, enjoy thrilling water slides and family-friendly attractions. For a romantic stroll, visit Riegelmann Boardwalk, 14.5km away, offering stunning beach views. Don't miss the Lincoln Park Tennis Center, a mere 4.8km away, perfect for an adventurous game of tennis.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife at 51-53 Christopher Street for a lively pub atmosphere, or catch a show at the Astor Place Theatre and New York Theatre Workshop, both offering a mix of culture and romance just a few miles from Ellis Island.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Ellis Island

Ellis Island offers a blend of cultural and historic experiences, perfect for families and city explorers alike. Visitors can delve into the rich history of the historic buildings, stroll through urban parks, and enjoy the vibrant streets. Don't miss the chance to say hello to Ellis Island, where you can learn about its significance as a gateway for immigrants to America. It's a unique destination that encapsulates the spirit of American history.

  • Statue of Liberty: A symbol of freedom and democracy, this iconic statue stands 1.1km from Ellis Island. You can marvel at its grandeur while enjoying stunning views of New York Harbour and learn about its rich history and cultural significance.
  • Wall Street: Located 3.2km away, Wall Street is the heart of America’s financial district. Stroll along this bustling street to experience the energy of the city, where historic buildings and modern skyscrapers coexist, showcasing the pulse of global finance.
  • One World Trade Center: This historic building, also 3.2km from Ellis Island, is a poignant tribute to resilience. Experience breathtaking views from the observation deck and delve into the narratives of hope and remembrance at the 9/11 Memorial.

Best time to go to Ellis Island

The best time to visit Ellis Island is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
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 on your trip to Ellis Island, consider visiting between January and March for the best hotel rates. Book accommodation about a month in advance, and use Expedia's last-minute deals for potential savings. Sundays are the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays are the most expensive. When searching, filter by budget and Eco-certified options for sustainable stays. Combining your hotel with flights and activities through an Expedia package can also help you save money. Always sort prices from lowest to highest to find the best deals!

  • 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: Booking a hotel around Ellis Island about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Ellis Island is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around Ellis Island is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to tailor your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your Ellis Island hotel booking with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.