Did you know you can explore New York City by ferry for the same price as a subway ride? It’s a fantastic way to see the sights without breaking the bank. I’ve been looking into this as a way to get around with the kids, and it seems like such a smart option, especially when you consider the views you get from the water. It’s a different way to experience the city, and for $2.75 a ticket, it’s a real bargain.
Exploring New York City By Water
New York City is surrounded by water, with rivers and the harbor connecting its different parts. The NYC Ferry system uses these waterways as highways, making it easy to travel between boroughs. There are seven different ferry routes currently, with an eighth one planned, stretching from the Rockaways in the south all the way up to Soundview in the Bronx. I think the top deck of the ferry is the best spot for amazing views of the city skyline.
This ferry service is a great resource for anyone visiting or living in the city. It connects many neighborhoods and offers a scenic alternative to traditional public transport. Getting to a ferry stop is often easy, with many located close to subway stations, which makes planning your travel simpler.
I’ve found that the East River route is particularly lively. It travels between Lower Manhattan and Queens, with stops in Brooklyn along the way. This route makes it simple to visit some really interesting neighborhoods that are perfect for exploring. It’s a good starting point for discovering new parts of the city.
Discovering Dumbo, Brooklyn
The ferry landing for Dumbo is located near Old Fulton Street and Furman Street in Brooklyn. From this spot, it’s a short walk to several subway lines, including the F and A trains at York Street, and the 2 and 3 trains at High Street. This makes it very accessible, whether you’re coming from uptown or downtown.
Dumbo, which stands for “Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass,” is a neighborhood with a rich history. It used to be a center for shipping and ferries, but today it’s known for its arts, food, and businesses. I’ve seen mentions of places like the Klompching Gallery for art lovers, and St. Ann’s Warehouse for performing arts. This mix of old and new is what makes Dumbo so appealing.
For food, the Time Out Market in the old Empire Stores building sounds like a great option. It’s a large food hall in a historic building that was once a coffee warehouse from before the Civil War. I can imagine bringing Emma and Sofia here for a variety of food choices that everyone will enjoy. It seems like a good way to please different tastes.
The East River Ferry docks right in Brooklyn Bridge Park, a huge green space that runs 85 acres along the waterfront. This park offers stunning views of Lower Manhattan across the river. It’s an ideal place for outdoor activities like soccer, beach volleyball, handball, and even rock climbing. I think the kids would love the beach volleyball courts or maybe even trying to climb the walls.
If you prefer a quieter time, the park has plenty of lawns to relax on. There are also natural areas on some piers that birdwatchers might enjoy, especially during migration seasons. I also noticed there are often public art exhibits displayed throughout the park, adding a cultural element to the green space.
I’ve read that Brooklyn Bridge Park is also very family-friendly. It has five playgrounds, an environmental education center, and Jane’s Carousel. This beautifully restored carousel from the 1920s is located right on the waterfront, perfectly situated between the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges. I imagine it’s quite magical, especially in the evening.
When it comes to eating, there are many choices in Dumbo. While popular spots like Grimaldi’s for pizza and Shake Shack for burgers might have long lines, I’ve found a recommendation for Luke’s Lobster. It’s a food stand near the Brooklyn Bridge that serves Maine-style lobster and crab rolls with a lemon butter sauce. I also saw that a second location of L&B Spumoni Gardens is opening soon, which is exciting for pizza lovers.
Exploring North Williamsburg, Brooklyn
To get to North Williamsburg, you can take the ferry further up the East River to the landing at North 6th Street and Kent Avenue. This stop is just a short walk from the L train at Bedford Avenue, giving you easy access to the rest of the city. It’s about two stops north of Dumbo, making it a convenient next destination.
Williamsburg is known for being a unique neighborhood. In the past, it was mainly industrial, but in the 1990s and early 2000s, it became a hub for artists and a more bohemian crowd. While some of the older places are gone, it’s now a lively area with many restaurants, shops, and music venues. I’ve heard good things about Caribbean food at Kokomo and craft beers at the Brooklyn Brewery.
For shoppers, the Artists & Fleas market sounds like a great place to find unique items. For music fans, the Music Hall of Williamsburg is a well-known venue. There are also many thrift stores, like Grand Street Local, for those who enjoy finding vintage treasures. This neighborhood definitely has a distinct character.
One of the most unusual places mentioned is the City Reliquary Museum. It’s a small museum filled with all sorts of New York City memorabilia, from old subway tiles to items from the World’s Fairs, and even a shrine to Jackie Robinson. They also have a large collection of Statue of Liberty figurines. I think Sofia, who is 13, might find this quirky museum interesting.
Another point of interest is Domino Park. This five-acre park was built on the site of the former Domino Sugar Refinery and pays tribute to the area’s industrial past. You can see remnants of the old factory throughout the park, including a salvaged elevated walkway that offers great views of Manhattan. It’s a really thoughtful way to blend history with a public space.
Domino Park also has amenities for recreation and leisure. There’s a playground, a dog run, courts for beach volleyball and bocce, and a splash fountain for kids on hot days. It seems like a place where families can spend a lot of time enjoying the outdoors. I can see why it would be a popular spot, especially during warmer months.
For a bite to eat, Tacocina is a stand located right in Domino Park, serving tacos and beer. Later in the evening, I’ve seen that National Sawdust is a unique venue for music and performing arts. It opened in 2015 and focuses on helping new musicians and performers, with programs that support artists in residence. I think it would be interesting to check their schedule for upcoming events.
The exterior of National Sawdust is covered in colorful murals by a Brazilian art collective. Inside, the concert space is known for its excellent acoustics. The venue hosts a variety of artists, from composers to rappers and opera companies. It sounds like a place to discover new talent in a city known for its music scene.
Visiting Hunter’s Point South, Queens
The northernmost stop on the East River Ferry route is Hunter’s Point South, located on the edge of Long Island City in Queens. The ferry landing is at 54th Avenue and 2nd Street. From there, it’s a short nine-minute walk to the Vernon Boulevard–Jackson Avenue subway station, which serves the 7 train.
Long Island City was once its own city before being annexed by New York City in 1898. The area still seems to have a strong independent spirit, with a thriving arts scene, cocktail bars like Dutch Kills, and restaurants like Noodlecraft. Breweries such as Fifth Hammer Brewing Company also add to the neighborhood’s character. I’m always looking for good local breweries.
Gantry Plaza State Park is a highlight in the area and also remembers the neighborhood’s industrial history. A prominent feature is a 1940s neon Pepsi-Cola sign that stands tall over the waterfront. The park itself is named for the large metal gantries that were once used to load and unload rail barges. In the summer, the park hosts free outdoor concerts, which would be a lovely way to spend an evening.
One of the main reasons to visit Long Island City is MoMA PS1. This is an affiliate of the Museum of Modern Art and is dedicated to exhibiting the work of current artists. It’s known as one of the largest contemporary art institutions in the country. During the summer, they have a popular series called Warm Up, which includes an outdoor installation and live music.
For a unique drink experience, I found The Infamous, a speakeasy-style bar hidden in the back of the men’s fashion boutique Extra Butter. It opened in 2020 and offers sophisticated cocktails with creative names. They also serve a selection of local and national craft beers on tap. It sounds like a great spot for a relaxed evening drink.
I’ve been thinking about how these ferry rides offer such a refreshing perspective on the city. You glide past iconic landmarks and get unobstructed views of the skyline that you just can’t get from street level. It’s a travel experience in itself, and I believe it’s something everyone should try when visiting New York City.
Planning a trip that involves a mix of subway and ferry travel could make getting around much more enjoyable, especially with younger children. It allows for breaks from crowded trains and offers moments of scenic calm. I think for families looking for ease and comfort, incorporating the ferry system is a smart move for your 2026 travels.
For broad travel advice and to plan your overall visit to this incredible city, you might find our comprehensive New York City travel guide helpful.
When traveling with family, it’s always important to consider what activities are suitable for everyone. I often look for places where both the kids and adults can find something to enjoy. The parks in Dumbo and Williamsburg seem to offer that mix for Emma and Sofia, with playgrounds for younger ones and open spaces for older ones. For a more relaxed pace, enjoying the views from the ferry itself can be an activity.
I’m always on the lookout for transport options that are both practical and enjoyable. The ferry system in NYC really stands out in this regard. It’s cost-effective and provides a unique viewpoint of the city’s famous landmarks. It really makes you appreciate the scale and beauty of New York from a different angle.
Considering the various transportation needs when you travel is key. The ferry offers a calmer, more scenic journey than the subway, which can be a welcome change of pace. I think it’s especially valuable for those who might find subway travel a bit overwhelming or for anyone wanting to add a bit of adventure to their commute. Planning your itinerary with ferry routes can open up new ways to explore.
As I prepare for potential family trips, I’m always thinking about how to manage time and energy. The ferry can be a more relaxed way to travel between major attractions in different boroughs. This can help make the travel days feel less rushed and more enjoyable, which is always a high priority for me when I’m planning for Emma and Sofia.
There are so many ways to experience the city, and the ferry is a unique option that many visitors might overlook. The cost is so reasonable that it’s worth trying just for the experience and the views alone. It’s a simple element of travel planning that can significantly enhance your trip. I always try to find these kinds of practical yet fun solutions.
The continuous movement of the water and the ever-changing skyline create a dynamic backdrop for your journey. Whether you’re heading to a specific destination or just enjoying a round trip, the ferry ride itself becomes a memorable part of your New York City adventure. It’s a refreshing experience that connects you with the city’s maritime heritage.
For families, the novelty of being on a boat and seeing the city from the water can be very engaging for children. It’s a chance for them to see famous bridges and buildings from a new perspective. This kind of varied experience helps make a trip memorable for everyone, and I think that’s what good travel planning is all about.
My goal in researching these options is to find ways to make family travel easier and more enjoyable. The New York City ferry system provides a fantastic solution for navigating the city affordably and with stunning views. It’s a detail I’ll definitely be keeping in mind for future family excursions.
