A most in your NYC trip, and even if you are a loc...

A most in your NYC trip, and even if you are a local you need to do it. I will strongly recommend you to do the crown tour, since it will include the ferry, and crown and pedestal access, also the Ellis Island trip. It's around 21 USD but you need to book like 2, 3 or even more months in advance. You won't regret of paying those extra 5 bucks. You need to buy the tickets online, bring the reservation number and the credit card and then go to the ticket office to pick them.

One final recommendation, you should come as early as possible in the morning that way the ferry and the hole island is almost empty.