The Hudson River has so much to offer New Yorkers in the summer! You can kick back and set sail through the sunset, cruise around NYC, take part in some water adventure, or take a trip back in history. Take your family for a day out of fun on the 315-mile-long River!
If you’re looking to cruise around NYC…
Water Taxi: Beat the city traffic by taking a water taxi from one side of the city to the other! There is also a boat tour, Statue by Night, is a narrative trip to the Statue of Liberty at night! (Talk about a photo-op!) This tour departs from the South Street Seaport (Pier 16) at 7:30pm. Tickets for adults are $30 and $19 for children.
Circle Line: On your way to viewing the Statue of Liberty, catch sight of Ellis Island, the World Financial Center, and the Historic Immigration Center! Food and snacks are available on this narrated cruise to the symbolic statue. Adult tickets are $29 and tickets for kids 3-12 are $20. Depart from Pier 83 (West 42nd Street and 12th Avenue)
World Yacht: Plan your next brunch or dinner party on the Hudson River. Enjoy the gorgeous days of summer on the rooftop lounge. Indulge in a 4-course meal accompanied by good music and great company. Take in the breathtaking view of the city from the Hudson River on a Sunday for brunch with your family. Departing from Pier 81 (West 41st Street and 12th Avenue)
If you want to play in the Hudson River…
Sailing: Set sail on the Hudson River this summer! There are several excursions that you and your family can be apart of. Relax as you sail through the Hudson River and watch the sunsets. Or sign up for a family course to learn new sailing skills and work together. There are also introduction classes, certification classes, and private lessons! Pier 66 (Chelsea) and Pier 25 (Tribeca)
Another place to learn about sailing is at Manhattan Sailing School. They offer classes that will teach you all that you need to know about basic sailing. This includes, terminology, tacking, docking, important knots, and much more!
3 locations on the Hudson River; North Cove (Manhattan), Shipyard Marina (Hoboken), and Liberty Harbor Marina (Jersey City)
Kayaking: Learn the ins and outs of the water sport this summer for free! Spend an afternoon becoming a pro with your family on the Hudson River! Pier 96 (Clinton), Pier 66 (Chelsea), Pier 40 (Greenwich Village), Pier 84 (Maritime Entertainment District), Pier 26 (Tribeca)
Rowing: Try out a new activity that you and your family can enjoy together! No experience is needed to learn the art of rowing…and it’s free! Row row row your boat gently down the Hudson River. Pier 40 (Greenwich Village)
Outrigger: Get ready for some water fun on the Hudson River. A non-profit organization provides all that you will need in order to master the task of outrigging (canoe paddling) this summer! Pier 66 (Chelsea)
If you want to get in touch with history…
Statue Cruises: History is all around us in New York. Statue Cruises takes you to the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island. Audio Tours are included with each ticket that give you great insight on these historical landmarks. Sails out of Battery Park NYC
Lilac: Once a boat that carried supplies to lighthouses, is now open to the public for tours. There are also exhibits and other activities. Visit the only surviving steam powered lighthouse tender this summer for free! Pier 25 (Tribeca)
Intrepid: Journey through time and visit the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum with your family. Along with the aircraft carrier, you will see the space shuttle, Enterprise, jets, submarines, and much more at this National Historic Landmark. Pier 86
Frying Pan: The outside of this ancient boat may look new but the inside still remains the same. The “Frying Pan” was used as floating lighthouses to guard other ships. It is now one of the 13 still composed. The ship is now open to the public to come and visit. Pier 66 (Chelsea)
John J.Harvey: This was FDNY’s first steamboat! The boat is frequently fired up and gives free public trips around New York. Find out when those trips are and hop on board! Pier 66 (Chelsea)
Tug Pegasus: An active boat in both World Wars sits at Pier 26 where you can take a tour of the 105-year-old boat. Pier 25 (Tribeca)
Grand Banks: Not only is this 142- ft sailboat the largest wooden vessel in NYC, but it also serves oysters! Stop by for a piece of history and a bite to eat this summer! Pier 25 (Tribeca)
If you want to catch some fish…
Big City Fishing: A free program that teaches you how to fish! All equipment is provided too! All you have to do is show up, and then you can either sit back and relax or get involved in an educational discussion. Look for the next upcoming date! Pier 25 (Tribeca), Pier 63 (Chelsea), Pier 46 (Greenwich Village), Pier 84 (Maritime Entertainment District)
If you want some crazy fun…
Beast Speedboat: Fly in the fast lane of the Hudson River to the Statue of Liberty. The 30-minute ride is fast (45 mph) and great on a hot summer day! Let your hair down and enjoy a fun ride to a historic site on the Hudson with your family. Tickets for adults are $28 and children (must be 40”) are $22.
