Ferries of New York City

On the Staten Island Ferry

When you think of New York City and modes of transportation, you probably think of the subway. But ferries are also a popular way to travel for both commuters and visitors -- and a lot more pleasant.

A new ferry stop opened in our former Brooklyn neighborhood of Bay Ridge since we had last visited, so giving it a try was on my must-do list for this trip. We walked along Shore Road Promenade, with it's beautiful view of Manhattan's skyscrapers, to the 69th St. pier. There we boarded the NYC Ferry for the 45-minute ride to Governor's Island. A direct route to Governor's Island, just off Manhattan's shore, wouldn't be long at all, but the ferry had a few other stops to make first. No matter. We brought along bagels and cream cheese (what else can you eat on a Sunday in New York?) and took in the views of the Brooklyn Bridge and Statue of Liberty.

On our last full day in New York, we took a much more famous boat -- the Staten Island Ferry. This was much more for the kids' benefit. I wasn't at all convinced that they had a clear idea of what the Statue of Liberty actually was, and the ferry gives you a close, clear view. Plus: Free.

The ferries didn't rank as highly for the kids as the subway (riding the train was pretty much tops for the whole trip for them), but it was a relaxing way to spend a couple of hours with a breeze and a view.