New York City (Fodor's, 2012) - Fodor's [12]
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Does Central Park make you think, “been there, done that”? Then head to the waterfront. Even New Yorkers are just discovering some of these new green getaways. And with those helpful city bike lanes, doing a tour from one to the next is a great full-day outing, with one-way bike rentals available at key spots along the route. If biking isn’t your thing, just hit the park to walk, kayak, watch stunning sunsets, or try to catch a free event from spring to fall.
THE HUDSON RIVER PARK
This 5-mi greenway park hugs the Hudson River from 59th Street to Battery Park. Although the park has a unified design, it’s divided into seven distinct sections that reflect the different neighborhoods just across the West Side Highway. The star attraction here—especially for kids—is the freshly refurbished Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum at Pier 86 across from 46th Street. A few blocks south, the Circle Line and World Yacht offer boat tours of the Hudson. At piers 96 and 40, the Downtown Boat House (www.downtownboathouse.org) offers free kayaking. A classic summer experience is the free outdoor movies with popcorn shown on Wednesday and Friday nights at Pier 54. Chelsea Piers, the mammoth sports center between piers 59 and 61, offers bowling, a driving range, ice skating, even trapeze classes. At Pier 66 Boathouse you can take a two-hour $80 introductory sailing course with Hudson River Community Sailing (hudsonsailing.org). The park also sponsors free tours and classes, including free fishing. (Yes, fishing in N.Y.C.) For a calendar of events and activities, go to | www.hudsonriverpark.org.
Getting Here With its location across the West Side Highway, the Hudson River Park isn’t exactly easy to get to. Crosstown buses at 14th, 23rd, and 42nd will get you close, but you’ll still have to hike across the highway. At Pier 84 across from 44th Street, you can rent a bike at Bike and Roll with an option of dropping it off at any of its locations in Central Park, Riverside Park, or Battery Park.
GOVERNORS ISLAND
A new addition to the city’s parks scene, this little island feels like a small New England town just 800 yards from N.Y.C.’s financial district. Tourists love the unparalleled views of the harbor and Lower Manhattan, and locals love the out-of-the-city experience. The 172-acre park, built in part from landfill from subway excavations, was a base for the U.S. Army and Coast Guard for almost two centuries. Until 2003 it was off-limits to the public, which could be why the 19th-century homes here are so well preserved. Anytime from May to October (when the park is open), you’ll find numerous weekend programs, including art showings, concerts, and family programs. Bikers take a bike over on the ferry or rent one on the island. The biking conditions are ideal, with 5 mi of car-free lanes (although you will have to watch for people movers!). For more information, including updated ferry schedules and a calendar of activities, go to | www.govisland.org.
Getting Here Governors Island is accessible by a pleasant seven-minute ferry ride that leaves from a dock at 10 South St., next to the Staten Island Ferry. (Don’t expect to get a seat for the trip!) By subway: 1 to South Ferry Station; 4, 5 to Bowling Green; or R, W to Whitehall St. Station. By bus: M1 (weekdays only), M6, M9, and M15.
THE HIGH LINE
Another new attraction, the