SOUTH STREET SEAPORT

 

South Street Historic District
(212) 732-7678

Ahoy there, maties! If you’re a seafaring sort of fellow, you may very well be interested in paying a little visit to the South Street Seaport Museum. This marine Mecca is conveniently (and quite easily) located within an eleven-square-block Historic District alongside the East River. More specifically, confine your search to the area between South, Pearl, John, and Fulton Streets in lower Manhattan. Yes, that’s it over there…right by the water.

Once you’re "on board", pop a few Dramamine and prepare for some good clean fun. For starters, you’ll notice that the roads are paved with cobblestones, a very nice touch. Around six ships that date as far back as 1885 are docked off of Piers 15 and 16 The museum includes the largest fleet of historic sailing ships anywhere in the world, which is no small feat. There are scores of vessels to marvel at, and they are all very well maintained and cared for. In addition, a gorgeous collection of maritime works of art is on display. For those of you who enjoy seascapes and scenic watercolors, search no more.

Not to be overlooked in the slightest is the care that the South Street Seaport Museum has put into its Children’s Center. If your child is prone to nodding off and begging to leave places, a few minutes in front of one of the several multimedia and interactive displays ought to keep Junior on his or her toes. It truly is a great system that the museum’s designers have implemented, and other museums would do well to follow their lead.

Other items of interest include an actual working print shop in the spirit of the eighteenth century and a crafts center, where you can create and purchase your own sea trinkets. There is also a reference library with over 20,000 volumes that give a vivid history of New York as a world port. All in all, the South Seaport Museum is highly recommended for families and for anyone who’s ever dreamed of living out there on the ocean. A very picturesque, very well cared-for place to learn and relax.

For more information on the South Street Seaport Museum, please call (212) 748-8600. Open daily from 10 am to 6 pm (8 pm on Thursdays) from April to September, and 10:00 am to 5:00 pm during the rest of the year. Tickets can be purchased either at the Visitors Center on 12 Fulton Street or at the Pier 16 Ticket Booth at the following rates: $6, $5 for seniors, $4 for students, and $3 for children 2-11.