The New York City Ferry System Evolves

The New York City Ferry System is one of the best ways to travel around New York City. I recently had an appointment in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, near the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge. Instead of fighting the absolute worst traffic on the Belt Parkway, my husband Jonathan and I took the East River Ferry and the South Brooklyn Ferry. 

We started on the East River route at East 34th Street. The last stop on this route was Wall Street/Pier 11, a major hub; we then made the connection to the South Brooklyn Ferry to Bay Ridge. Each segment costs a very reasonable $4.00 and gives you unforgettable views of New York City.

The East River route makes stops in Greenpoint, North Williamsburg, South Williamsburg, Dumbo, and Wall Street. In the past, we have stopped at Williamsburg and Dumbo to walk around.

There are many great restaurants and unique shops in these areas. Also, Wall Street/Pier 11 is next to the South Street Seaport, where you will find good restaurants and scenic views of New York City, including the Statue of Liberty. The Wall Street Ferry stop is also very close to the Staten Island Ferry, which is worthwhile and free of charge to everyone.

The South Brooklyn route makes a stop at Governors Island. This island was a former Coast Guard base, but as a cost-cutting measure, the Coast Guard closed its facilities in 1996. My father-in-law was a retired Lt. Colonel in the Army and had military privileges that allowed our family to go to the island when it was restricted. We used to have Thanksgiving dinners in the Officer’s Club. 

Now, Governors Island is open year-round to the public. It offers picturesque views of Manhattan and recreational activities without cars. There are two unique features on the island. One is a luxury camping resort that is becoming well known for being a wonderful ‘glamping’ vacation, and the unique QC Spa is an enchanting oasis overlooking the iconic city skyline. It is open year-round and has outdoor panoramic spa pools that are heated even in the winter.

The last stop on the South Brooklyn route is Bay Ridge. This area has many ethnic restaurants and interesting markets. The Botanical Gardens have views of New York Harbor and the Verrazano Bridge.

We took the Rockaway route to the Sunset Park Ferry Terminal from Bay Ridge. This ride is lovely on a beautiful day as it goes under the Verrazano Bridge and passes Coney Island. When we arrived at the Rockaway ferry landing, we proceeded to the Rockaway Hotel, two blocks from the ferry landing. On top of this newly constructed hotel is a rooftop deck with beautiful ocean views, which serves hors d’oeuvres and drinks. We had dinner outside by the pool, which was also very worthwhile. The Rockaway Hotel is also two blocks from the beach, and the NYC Ferry System has become a very convenient way for Manhattanites to go to beautiful beaches in Queens. You can take a subway directly to JFK Airport via the AirTrain from this ferry landing.

The NYC Ferry System’s connections to New Jersey from Manhattan’s East and West Sides are an added benefit.

Visit www.ferry.nyc for the full NYC Ferry routes and time schedules. New York City Ferry System Evolves