Located on a 12-acre island, closer to New Jersey then NYC, the park is open to the public and accessible via a ferry from Battery Park that also stops at Ellis Island. Ellis Island was the immigration processing office and the first place immigrants to the United States saw upon arrival. The Statute of Liberty, a gift from the French, is considered to be a symbol of freedom and democracy. Visitors may climb 354 steps to get to the top of the statute's crown.
National Park Services Liberty Island
Statue of Liberty National Monument
New York, NY 10004
212- 363-3200
nps.gov/STLI
A man-made park consisting of 843 acres, the park boasts 21 playgrounds, 58 miles of pedestrian paths, 51 sculptures, and 25 millions visitors a year. Enjoyed equally by tourists and locals, you will see people jogging, walking their dogs and relaxing throughout the park. Walking tours are available.
Central Park
Central Park West to Fifth Avenue and 59th Street to 110th Street
New York, NY
centralparknyc.org
You may access the National Historic Landmark's observatory until 2 a.m. daily for a spectacular view of the city. The building is 1,453 feet, 8 9/16 inches or 443.2 meters and offers amazing views of the city on a clear day and amazing views, and shorter lines, in the evening. You are likely to see the monument's lights while walking in the city, which change in commemoration of holidays, sporting events and other events.
Empire State Building
350 5th Ave.
New York, NY 10018
212- 736-3100
esbnyc.com
The World Trade Center site is in the financial district in downtown Manhattan, and a primary site of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The city has plans to build a 1,776-foot freedom tower, seven corporate office towers, a performing arts center, and a memorial and museum commemorating those who perished. As of March 2010, the location is a huge construction site. The Tribute WTC Visitor Center on Liberty Street is where the future designs of Ground Zero can be viewed.
The World Trade Center
Trinity Place and Fulton Street
New York, NY 10038
wtc.com
Rockefeller Center is without a doubt the largest attraction in the winter months. The plaza is the home of the annual NYC Christmas Tree, which sits above the famed Rockefeller Center Ice Skating Rink. You may also see the "The Top of the Rock" observation center offering views of the city including the Brooklyn Bridge and Central Park.
Rockefeller Center
1250 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10112
212-632-3975
rockefellercenter.com
It's not a specific site, but the theater district of Midtown Manhattan is home to some of the most talented actors and singers and some of the best live theater in the country. From kitsch shows such as Spiderman, family themed Disney shows, and Tony Award-winning shows like Billy Elliot or the classic Hair. There is a show or a play for everyone, and if you have the time to wait in line you can even get discount tickets the day of the show at TKTS booths in the city.
The Great White Way
53rd to 42nd streets, between 6th and 8th Avenue
broadway.com
Affectionately called "MoMA" for short, the museum is devoted to modern and contemporary art of various forms. Some of the museum's more famous pieces of art include The Starry Night by Vincent van Gogh, Water Lilies by Claude Monet and Campbell's Soup Cans by Andy Warhol.
Modern Museum of Art
11 West Fifty-third Street
New York, NY 10019
212-708-9400
moma.org
Located 420 miles from New York City, the Niagara Falls straddles the United States and Canada. The falls are 176 feet high, and 150,000 gallons of water per second flows down the falls. Niagara Falls is the largest falls in North America and, while there are many falls that are taller in the world, the combination of height and volume of Niagara are makes it so unique.
Niagara Falls National Heritage Area
http://www.nps.gov/nifa
Commemorating America's favorite sport, the museum documents the history of baseball and memorializes the top baseball players. Being commemorated by the hall of fame is an honor only 1 percent of professional baseball players will ever experience.
Baseball Hall of Fame
25 Main Street
Cooperstown, NY 13326
607-547-7200
community.baseballhall.org
For race car enthusiast, this track in Western New York has hosted car races including the NASCAR Winston Cup, Busch, Craftsman Truck and SCCA racing events.
Watkins Glen
2790 County Route 16
Watkins Glen, NY 14891
607-535-2486
theglen.com
