Liberty Island has restrooms at multiple locations, coin-operated day lockers near the ferry dock, two gift shops, the Crown Cafe, and open picnic areas on the western lawn. The Statue of Liberty Museum is centrally located on the island and included with every ticket. Ellis Island has its own cafe, restrooms, gift shop, and a seasonal Starbucks. There is no luggage storage at the Battery Park ferry terminal — leave large bags at your hotel before travelling to the island.
Knowing what is available on Liberty Island before you arrive helps you pack appropriately, plan your time, and avoid surprises. This page covers the full island layout, every facility on Liberty Island and Ellis Island, restroom locations, bag storage rules, and accessibility amenities.
Top Tickets
# Statue of Liberty Ticket
# Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour
# Circle Line 2h Harbor Lights Cruise
Table of Contents
Liberty Island: Key Locations at a Glance
| Location | What Is There | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ferry Dock (north shore) | Arrival point, ticket scanning, accessibility desk | All visitors arrive and depart here |
| Visitor Centre (near dock) | Information, free wheelchairs, ranger tour departures | Collect Junior Ranger booklets here |
| Statue of Liberty Museum | 3 galleries, original 1886 torch, immersive theatre | Free with all admission tickets |
| Central Plaza | Statue base, pedestal entry, crown access staircase | Crown and pedestal: timed reservations only |
| Crown Cafe | Hot food, sandwiches, snacks, drinks | Card and cash accepted |
| Gift Shops (x2) | Souvenirs, books, apparel, NPS merchandise | Near the dock and inside the museum |
| Picnic Area | Open western lawn with benches, harbour views | Bringing your own food is permitted |
| Restrooms | Multiple locations across the island | Accessible facilities throughout |
Liberty Island Map
Liberty Island covers approximately 12 acres, with the statue at the centre and visitor facilities clustered near the ferry dock on the island’s northern shore. The ferry dock is the first point of arrival — from here, the visitor centre, museum, Crown Cafe, and statue base are all within a short, flat walk on paved pathways.
- North shore: ferry dock, visitor centre, accessibility desk, audio guide distribution, main gift shop
- Central area: Statue of Liberty Museum, statue base and entrance, pedestal and crown access
- Western side: Crown Cafe with outdoor seating, secondary gift shop, picnic lawn
- Perimeter promenade: fully paved, flat walkway around the island with harbour views — suitable for wheelchairs and strollers
The crown entrance is located at the base of the statue on the central plaza. A timed reservation is required for both the pedestal and crown — visitors cannot access these areas on a walk-up basis.
Ellis Island Map
Ellis Island is a short ferry ride from Liberty Island and is included with every Statue of Liberty ticket. The island is dominated by the main museum building — a large beaux-arts structure — with the ferry landing and accessible pathways on the southern shore.
- Ferry landing (south shore): accessible ramps, pathways to the museum entrance
- Main museum building: the Great Hall, all exhibition galleries, the Ellis Island Cafe, Starbucks (seasonal), restrooms, and gift shop
- Grounds: open outdoor areas around the museum with views back toward Liberty Island and Manhattan
Restrooms on Liberty Island
Restrooms are available at several locations across Liberty Island and do not require any additional access beyond your ferry ticket.
- Near the main ferry dock — accessible immediately on arrival
- Inside the Statue of Liberty Museum — centrally located for mid-visit use
- Adjacent to the Crown Cafe on the western side of the island
All main restroom facilities include accessible stalls. The ferry itself does not have restrooms — use the facilities at Battery Park before boarding, particularly with young children.
Lockers and Bag Storage
Day lockers are available near the ferry dock on Liberty Island. They are coin or card operated and suitable for day bags while you explore the island.
- Locker size: adequate for a standard day backpack, jacket, and small personal items
- Large luggage (over 45 x 35 x 20 cm) cannot be brought through Battery Park security and cannot be stored on the island
- No luggage storage is available at the Battery Park ferry terminal — leave large bags at your hotel before travelling
- Nearby bag storage services are available on State Street, close to Battery Park
The 45 x 35 x 20 cm bag size limit is strictly enforced at Battery Park security. Visitors with oversized bags must leave the queue to return them to storage before re-joining. The visitor tips guide covers the full security process and what to pack for the day.
Buy This TicketCrown Cafe: Dining on Liberty Island
The Crown Cafe on the western side of the island is the only full food service on Liberty Island. It serves hot meals, sandwiches, snacks, and drinks during visitor hours, with outdoor harbour-facing seating. For full menu details, prices, vegan and dietary options, and what to expect on Ellis Island, the dining on Liberty and Ellis Islands guide covers both islands in detail.
- Hot meals, sandwiches, wraps, salads, snacks, and drinks
- Open during island visitor hours — typically 10:00 AM to approximately 4:30 PM
- Card and cash accepted
- Picnic area with benches on the western lawn — bringing your own food is permitted
Gift Shops
Two gift shop locations operate on Liberty Island. The main shop near the ferry dock stocks miniature statue replicas, apparel, books, posters, and National Park Service merchandise. A second, smaller shop is inside the Statue of Liberty Museum with a focus on books and educational items. Both are open during regular visitor hours.
Accessibility Facilities
Liberty Island is broadly accessible. The main visitor pathways are paved and flat. An elevator provides access to the top of the pedestal for visitors who cannot manage stairs. The Statue of Liberty Museum is fully accessible on all levels.
- Free wheelchairs available at the visitor centre near the ferry dock — first-come, first-served
- Accessible restrooms at all main restroom locations on the island
- Elevator access to the pedestal observation deck
- Crown access requires 354 narrow spiral stairs — not accessible for wheelchair users
- Service animals permitted on the ferry and throughout the island
Full details on accessible routes, ferry boarding, hearing assistance, and visual impairment resources are in the Statue of Liberty accessibility guide.
Ellis Island Facilities
Ellis Island is included with every Statue of Liberty ticket. Its main museum building has elevator access between floors, accessible restrooms, and wide corridors throughout.
- Ellis Island Cafe: full-service counter dining in the main museum building, open during visitor hours
- Starbucks: operates seasonally inside the museum building (typically April–October)
- Gift shop: inside the museum, focused on immigration history books and souvenirs
- Restrooms: multiple locations throughout the museum building
- Wheelchair accessible: ferry landing, museum floors, and main visitor areas all accessible
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there restrooms on Liberty Island?
Yes. Restrooms are available near the ferry dock, inside the Statue of Liberty Museum, and adjacent to the Crown Cafe. All main facilities include accessible stalls. The ferry itself does not have restrooms.
Can I store my luggage at the Statue of Liberty?
Day lockers for small to medium bags are available near the ferry dock on Liberty Island. However, bags over 45 x 35 x 20 cm are not permitted through Battery Park security and there is no storage at the terminal. Leave large luggage at your hotel.
Is there food available on Liberty Island?
Yes. The Crown Cafe serves hot food, sandwiches, snacks, and drinks. Bringing your own food is also permitted — picnic areas are available on the western lawn. Ellis Island has its own cafe and a seasonal Starbucks.
Are wheelchairs available on the island?
Yes. Complimentary wheelchairs are available at the visitor centre near the ferry dock on a first-come, first-served basis. The ferry and main island pathways are fully wheelchair accessible.
Is there a gift shop at the Statue of Liberty?
Yes. There are two gift shop locations on Liberty Island — one near the ferry dock and one inside the museum. Ellis Island also has its own gift shop.
Is the Crown Cafe open all day?
The Crown Cafe is open during island visitor hours, typically from around 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Hours may be reduced in winter.
