New York City, NY

New Jersey to NYC: Out of Our Comfort Zone and Into the City That Never Sleeps
While camping in New Jersey, we found ourselves so close to New York City that we couldn’t resist the urge to spend a day exploring. Now let’s be honest, we are not city people. The thought of navigating crowded streets and figuring out public transportation...totally out of our comfort zone. But sometimes the best memories come from taking the leap... and we’re so glad we did.

Ferry Ride
Our day started in South Amboy, where we discovered a ferry service with free parking (yes, free!). That alone was a win. The ferry ride turned out to be one of the highlights—smooth, scenic, and completely stress-free. Although, it was foggy and the skyline didn't came into view until we where there, our nerves turned into excitement. We couldn’t believe how easy it was. No traffic, no subway confusion—just a relaxing ride into the heart of New York City.

A Powerful and Unforgettable Stop
Our main goal for the day was to visit the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, and the ferry dropped us just a short walk away. As we stood in front of the reflecting pools, surrounded by names and the sound of water, we were struck silent. The museum itself was emotional, sobering, and deeply moving—an experience we’ll never forget and one that was well worth stepping outside our normal routine.

Statue of Liberty and More
Of course, no trip to NYC is complete without seeing Lady Liberty herself. As we made our way toward the ferry ticket line, we were approached by a representative from Big City Tourism, a local tour company. Despite reading some mixed reviews, we decided to go for it—and we’re so glad we did.
Yes, it cost a little more, but it was totally worth it. We hopped on a boat tour that cruised past the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and even took us under the Brooklyn Bridge, all while our fun, energetic, and knowledgeable guide pointed out NYC’s must-see sights and fun facts. For us novice big-city explorers, it was the perfect, no-stress way to soak in the iconic views without getting lost in the hustle.
By the end of the day, we were exhausted, inspired, and proud. We took a leap into unfamiliar territory and made memories we’ll be talking about for years.

Times Square: A Quick Dose of the Hustle
​Our last stop of the day was the iconic Times Square. With Willow waiting back at the camper, we knew we couldn’t linger too long. This was the first moment we really felt the true buzz of NYC...the flashing lights, crowds of people, honking taxis, and non-stop motion. By this point, we were hot, tired, and a little overwhelmed, so it ended up being a quick photo op before hopping in a taxi and heading back to the ferry. In hindsight, we all agreed that next time, we’d skip Times Square and opt for a stroll through Central Park instead. A green space, some shade, and a slower pace? That’s way more our style.