My buddies and I were looking for fee, fun things to do in New York, and we were told that the Stat ten Island ferry was a nice trip across the water with great views of the city. As a free activity, this was well worth it as we got wonderful panoramas of the city and the Statue of Liberty. The only bad part was that we had absolutely no time to spend on Staten Island itself, and we had to take the same boat back for the 15 minute return journey. If your looking for a free activity and some nice shots of the city, this is for you!

This is the best freebie in Manhattan. The best time to go is a little before sunset. There are wonderful views of Lower Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Verrazano Bridge, Governor's Island, Ellis Island, and the Statue of Liberty.

Stand along the back railing of the ferry in either direction. They offer the best opportunity to see the city and maneuver from one side to the other.

A great little bonus trip is to check out a minor league baseball game with the Staten Island Yankees. See http://www.siyanks.com/. The stadium is within walking distance from the ferry and a lot of fun.

We visited this area from the New Jersey side the day before our trip to New York.

The ferry ride was nice and peaceful and allowed for some great skyline pictures of New York City. The view on the New Jersey side is amazing, even on a drizzly Sunday morning.

We took the first stop to Ellis Island. This museum contained so much history about those who passed through here into the United States. The museum and exhibits are both interesting and enjoyable, and you might just learn a thing or two. Within the museum were exhibits about how immigration breaks out by country, time period, men vs. women, etc., as well as what those immigrants had with them or how they dressed.

Also within the complex is a library where you can search for relatives who may have passed through Ellis Island. For a minimal fee, you can use their computer system to find out any information. My wife was lucky enough to find her great grandfather, the boat he travelled, his actual signature in the manifest, and information about him. It was amazing to see that this histroy was right here, and it was so personal for her.

we also took a quick trip by the Statue of Liberty (we did not stop, as the kids were getting a little restless). The ferry boat moves around the statue before docking to allow for some great pictures of Ms. Liberty.

Nothing else stands for freedom more than the Statue of Liberty. Even though she sits in NYC, she belongs to all Americans. She has stood in the N.Y. Harbor since 1886, welcoming millions of immigrants as they arrived in their new home. She was a gift from France to mark a shared believe in democracy.

She stands 151-feet tall and lifts her lamp up 305 feet above the ground. Emma Lazarus’s well-known inscription, "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breath free... send these, the homeless, the tempest-tossed, to me. I lift my lamp beside the golden door," is engraved in her book.

To get to the statue, you need to take the boat from Battery Park. Since the statue is run by the National Park Service, there is no charge to see the statue. You do have to pay for the ferry ride over. Currently it is $10pp. You will then make your way over to Ellis Island.

Ellis is where many immigrants were processed as they arrived in America. From 1892-1924, it served as the nation's busiest immigration center. It later served as an army hospital. It was closed in 1954. But a $160-million restoration project restored it to its former beauty, and it was opened as the Immigration Museum in 1990. After spending some time here, you can climb up the statue. Since 9/11, the status of Lady Liberty is always changing. Before heading out, you might want to check for any changes.

Did you also know that the Statue of Liberty is also a lighthouse? In 1886, she was also commissioned as a harbor light. The light in her lamp has been a guide to ships for many years. On the ferry ride over, you can spot the Robbins Reef Lighthouse, built in 1886. For more lighthouse information go to .

Stating no one should come to New York without visiting her great Lady is easier said than done. No matter what time of year you come here, avoid going over the weekend if at all possible. We went in October, and there was probably a 3-hour wait. Then, who knows what will be going on? We came back the Tuesday before we left, and something was going on, so it was closing early! There are several other ways to see the statue. You can see her from Battery Park or from atop the Empire Statue building. Or the boat tour companies offer several tours that include a close encounter with her. Circle Line cruises offers several different cruises that feature the lady. Their website is .

Crowded, fairly noisy, and we found it a little difficult to find where the ferry left from (just ask a nearby cop). However, the ferry offers impressive views of the Manhattan skyline, and brings you within photo-distance of the Statue of Liberty. Get on, get off, and get back on again. It takes about 25 minutes each way, with a wait between the rides there and back. There is a McDonald’s at Staten Island, so you can refresh with a drink before riding back. If traveling in autumn or winter, wear some warm clothing because it is quite cold on the ferry.