NYC Activities for Captain & Crew

NYC is an exciting and active city.  There's a lot to do!  But in a city so large, finding all of the cool things sometimes takes a bit of searching.

We recommend that you start at the NYC & Company website and go to the page called "Things to do in NYC."
www.nycvisit.com/memberSearch/searchCategory.cfm?pagePkey=12

Then visit the Time Out website to find "Where to go and what to do" weekly.
www.timeoutny.com/newyork

To provide additional help to get you out and about having fun, here are some more suggestions.

Bicycle Riding

There is a great bicycle path along the west side waterfront which will take you all the way up to the George Washington Bridge. Or you can cut over in the 60s and visit Central Park.

River Bikes

Don't have a bicycle stowed on your yacht?  Then just rent one.  Check in with a company called RiverBikes which is located in Hudson River Park just north of Battery Park City.  www.hudsonriverpark.org/facilities/bicycling.htm

Hours: April through October
Thursday & Friday 12 noon to 8 pm
Saturday & Sunday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Cost: (May have changed) Adults $9/hour and up ($35 and up/day); Children $6/hour and up ($25-$30/day)

“The little blue concession stands are packed with well-maintained bikes for rent in all sizes, and you can even rent a trailer/carriage to attach to an adult bike if your little one's too small to pedal on his/her own steam.”

Bike Riding Routes and Information

The NYC Department of Transportation has great information for bicycle riding.  You can print out a free cycling map at www.ci.nyc.ny.us/html/dot/html/bikeped/bikemain.html.

We've also heard great stories about people hoping on a ferry with a bike and doing some serious miles through New Jersey and the outlying suburbs.  Use your internet search engine to find the latest.

Kayak Expeditions

Want to get up close and personal with NY Harbor.  Many New Yorkers have found that kayaking in the harbor is their favorite recreation.

Check out the Downtown Boathouse.  It's currently located at Pier 40 (because its home at pier 26 is being rebuilt).  This is just up the river from North Cove.  (Pier 40 is a large box pier).   They offer free kayaking opportunities.

Check their website at www.downtownboathouse.org  Their phone is 646-613-0740 and the message is updated daily to indicate if the boathouse is open.  On weekdays, call in the afternoon to check if the evening program is running. Also call if the weather looks questionable. 

Hours: May 15th to October 15th, Daily 
Cost: Free

”Walk-up kayaking is our original and most popular program. The only requirement is that you know how to swim. You can take one of our kayaks out for a short 20-minute paddle inside the protected embayment in front of the boathouse. We give you a life jacket, a kayak, a paddle, and some tips on paddling. You will need to stay inside our protected embayment where we can keep an eye on you, but otherwise you are on your own to enjoy the river and the sunshine.
Bring a bathing suit, or shorts and a T-Shirt. We have changing rooms, and a hose to rinse off.”

Horseback Riding 

Our city even has horseback riding.  You can hire a horse at Claremont Stables and ride in Central Park. www.centralparknyc.org/activities/sports/horseback

Claremont Stables, 175 West 89 St, 212-724-5100

It is possible to ride whenever the Park is open and as long as you remain on the bridle paths.

The Park is officially closed from 1:00 am – 6:00 am and the Drives are open to traffic Monday through Friday, from 10:00 pm – 10:00 am and from 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm.

Ride along Central Park's bridle paths and enjoy a unique vantage point from which to discover the Park's many treasures. There are three loops, each over a mile long.

Wall Climbing & Bouldering

North Meadow Recreation Center -  97 St
(212) 348-4867x14

For Classes and Open Climbing Sessions: www.centralparknyc.org/activities/recreation/climbindiv

Fee’s Vary - Registration is required.

Birding 

The absolute favorite past-time of all New Yorkers.  If you watch the harbor, you will see some blue herons fly from New Jersey across to Brooklyn. 

Plus all of Central Park is a bird sanctuary. www.centralparknyc.org/activities/sports/birding
Tuesday through Sunday, 10:00am to 4:30pm.
(212) 772-0210 to reserve a Discovery Kit.

Discovery Kit backpacks containing binoculars, a guidebook, maps, and sketching materials are available free of charge from the Central Park Conservancy at the Henry Luce Nature Observatory at Belvedere Castle (mid-Park at 79th Street) on an ongoing, year-round basis.

Cost: Free