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The Hudson River, the East River, the New York Harbor — New York City is literally surrounded by lovely rivers, bays, bights and sounds, and as summer warms up, you may find yourself yearning to get out on the water.
Lucky for you, you don't have to own your own boat to enjoy New York's amazing waterways. In this month's Dixon Top 5, we're giving you the inside scoop on how to get that "I'm on a boat!" feeling for cheap.
1. Take A Ride on the Iconic Staten Island Ferry. Cost: 100% free
Make like Melanie Griffith in "Working Girl" and take a ride on the Staten Island Ferry. This 25-minute boat ride runs from Whitehall Terminal in Lower Manhattan to St. George Ferry Terminal on Staten Island, offering up-close views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Governor's Island, Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn. Step off the ferry in Staten Island and take in the fifth borough's lesser known sites, including the historic murals at the 100-year-old Staten Island Borough Hall, the stunning Postcards September 11th Memorial and the lovely waterfront esplanade. The Staten Island Ferry is completely free and runs 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
2. Hop on the IKEA Express. Cost: 100% free
One of the unsung benefits of IKEA Red Hook's 2008 grand opening was the addition of a dedicated, and free (!), New York Water Taxi route leading directly to the store's own dock. At last, Manhattanites could access an IKEA store in minutes, with a free boat ride to boot! Head to Wall Street-Pier 11, at Gouverneur Lane and South Street, and enjoy a 20-minute ride to Red Hook. Travelling along the East River and through Buttermilk Channel, you'll experience lovely views of Manhattan, Brooklyn and Governor's Island. Do some shopping and explore Red Hook, including great waterfront restaurants Brooklyn Crab and Hometown Bar-B-Que, before heading back to Manhattan. The IKEA Express is completely free on weekends. Trips during weekdays cost $5.00, which is reimbursed with an IKEA purchase of $10 or more.
3. Kayak on the Hudson. Cost: 100% free
We've sung the praises of the Hoboken Cove Boathouse before, but this phenomenal, and completely free, water activity is more than worth another mention. From June to mid-September, the all-volunteer, non-profit boathouse offers free river access via first-come, first-served 20-minute paddling sessions around the Hoboken embayment or one- to two-hour river trips assigned by a lottery system. All participants must know how to swim, and kids under 16 must accompany an adult. Check out the schedule, and head to Maxwell Place Park to get a new perspective on the Manhattan and New Jersey waterfronts.
4. Visit a Landmark on the Brink of Change. Cost: $2 Adults, Kids Ride Free
Earlier this year, Mayor de Blasio announced a sweeping plan that will open sections of Governor's Island to cultural, educational and commercial development, changing the sleepy, seasonal attraction to a year-round destination for New Yorkers. While the plan will maintain the island's rich historical character and wide open spaces, this is the perfect time to visit before Governor's Island as we now know it is gone. Hop aboard the Governor's Island Ferry, from Manhattan or Brooklyn, for a lovely boat ride on your way to enjoying the lovely 172-acre expanse. Bike rentals and CitiBikes offer access to miles of car-free cycling, food vendors gather at two large food courts on the island, and two stunning National Park Service sites — Castle Williams and Fort Jay — provide a first-hand look at New York's important military history. During the summer season, ferries run from Manhattan's Battery Maritime Building at 10 South Street seven days a week and from the Brooklyn Bridge Park Greenway on weekends. Weekend service via the East River Ferry is also available.
5. Pier 66 Maritime & Lightship Frying Pan. Cost: 100% Free (Coronas not included)
Do you suffer from seasickness? Do you prefer lobster rolls and buckets of Coronas to waves and wind-chapped cheeks? If you're a landlubber at heart, head to Pier 66 on Manhattan's west side, at 26th Street and the West Side Highway, to enjoy a day on the water without leaving the dock. Known more commonly as "The Frying Pan," Pier 66 Maritime is actually a floating collection of historical treasures including a railroad barge, the Lightship Frying Pan and a 1900’s railroad caboose. Pier 66 offers a large, covered seating area and second-story viewing deck providing stunning Hudson River views throughout. A full bar — including sangria by the pitcher and the aforementioned Corona buckets — and an excellent menu — featuring Pat LaFrieda burgers, lobster rolls and to-die-for Old Bay garlic fries — might make this the best time you've ever had on the water.
With these low-cost, no-cost ways to get on the water, there's no excuse to not have your "King of the World" moment this summer.
