In the 1800s, ferries were the only way to travel to Manhattan. As more and more bridges and tunnels were built, ferry service faded into the background. However, some people still think this is the best way to see the city. Routes between New Jersey and Manhattan; limited service between Peekskill, Garrison and West Point; and some sightseeing routes up the Hudson show services are being restored. Many of these routes were very important during the War of Independence and were the heart of many of these river communities.
Sightseeing Cruises
There are many different types of sightseeing cruses in the New York Harbor. On these cruises you will get to see the Manhattan skyline, the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, South Street Seaport, the Brooklyn Bridge, the United Nations building, the Empire State Building, and many other famous sights. Available at night or during the day, the city looks spectacular! There are many site where cruises depart from, with parking for your New York car rental. For a different twist, why not try a baseball cruise? Instead of driving your New York car rental to Yankee Stadium, they take you right there and serve snacks. Then they will take you back to your New York car rental. It is easy to get from the boat to the stadium, there are signs marking the path.
The Port Authority
The Port Authority is the official transportation system between New York and New Jersey. They invite you to leave your New York car rental at home and enjoy the scenery along the region’s waterways. You can take the ferry to work, enjoy a ball game or visit the tourist attractions of the New York/New Jersey region. There are nine landing sites in New Jersey, one on Staten Island, one for Yankee Stadium, two in Queens, and two in Brooklyn. It is a convenient and cheap way to get to Manhattan. Once you are there, the subway system and buses are a great way to avoid traffic. Leave your New York car rental at your hotel and try the ferry.
Staten Island
A trip to Staten Island is free on the Staten Island ferry, and take only about 25 minutes. Staten Island is one of the five boroughs of New York, but is sometimes forgotten for the other boroughs. The island has a lot of parkland and beaches for people to enjoy. There is even a zoo here. However, cars are not allowed on the ferry, so leave your New York car rental in the parking lot and explore Staten Island.
Ferry Must-Sees
Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty are only accessible by ferry. Ellis Island was once the main immigration port to enter the United States in the late 19th and early 20th century. Many people who have family who immigrated to the U.S. during that period probably passed through this point. The Statue of Liberty is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world and a symbol of freedom to millions of people. These are great places to see in New York.