If you’re looking for spectacular NYC views, a visit to the East River should be high on your NYC to-do list. Featuring the beautiful NYC skyline and a seven-acre state park, the river is a huge crowd-pleaser!
DID YOU KNOW: Despite the name, the 16-mile East River is not, in fact, a river! It is a salt water tidal estuary formed over 11,000 years ago! This link from upstate effectively separates Queens from the Bronx and divides Manhattan from Queens and Brooklyn. It makes the boroughs for us!
The Brooklyn Bridge, completed in 1883, was the first bridge to run along the East River, connecting the cities of New York and Brooklyn – yup, they used to be separate cities! Other notable crossings include the Williamsburg Bridge, the Queensboro Bridge, and the Manhattan Bridge.
Photo credit: https://brokelyn.com/
The East River State Park is a seven-acre waterfront park located along the East River in the Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn. Free and open to the public, the park is a historical landmark home to a 19th century shipping dock and so visitors will be pleased to discover unique cobblestone streets and railroad tracks embedded in concrete. The city preserves and protects the many natural and historical resources along the park grounds.
Featuring a lively play area, picnicking and barbecuing areas, ample green space and even free wi-fi, this public space is perfect for humans but don’t even think about bringing along Fido – no pets allowed!
You’re more than welcome to take the East River ferry for beautiful views along the water’s ocean breeze. Featuring wi-fi, onboard refreshments and a temperature controlled indoor space, the current East River route of the NYC Ferry connects communities along the East River to Midtown and the Financial District.
To learn more about our tours, click here.
