There are plenty of underrated gems in NYC. In a city so big with so much to do, it’s easy for some amazing places to go unnoticed. Pier 35 is a place just like that.
Maybe the long construction that was going on since 2011 ruined the excitement. But finally, after a lot of planning, debate, and building, the Pier is open for everyone to enjoy. In this NYC visitors guide to Pier 35, we’ll teach you some facts about the park, things to do, and other great spots nearby. You won’t want to skip this lovely little locale.
Pier 35 NYC Facts
Before you make the trip, learn a little about the spot with these Pier 35 facts!
- Pier 35 is a public waterfront area in the Lower East Side of Manhattan.
- It’s a scenic urban park built with caring about nature in mind.
- There, you’ll find eco-friendly designs, cozy benches next to the East River, beautiful views of the Brooklyn Bridge, pretty greenery, and even a chic swing set.
- Stick around until night time for a warm atmosphere thanks to the moody lighting.
- Nearby, there’s a ton of parks and other things to do too!
How to get to Pier 35 NYC
There are plenty of options to go to the pier. Let us get you there safe and sound.
- Bus: Take the M15 to Pike St/Cherry St to drop you 5 minutes away. Or get on the M22
going to Madison St/Rutgers St to get off 6 minutes away. - Subway: You’ll want to jump on the F train. Take it to East Broadway for an 8-minute
walk to the park. Or grab the J,M, or Z to Delancey St. – Essex St. to get off 15 minutes
away. - Ferry: If you’re coming from Brooklyn, the Brooklyn Ferry can take you to Corlears Hook a 12-minute walk away.
Things to do at Pier 35 NYC
There’s plenty of things to do at Pier 35. We’ll get you started with a few ideas.
Stop by Mussel Beach
Under a small, metal footbridge is a concrete area called Mussel Beach. Look down over the railing on the pier. When you see brown concrete sloping down into the river, you’ve found it. This little area was made to help save mussels and oysters. They take toxins from the water and help other sea animals. So, the park’s designers made this space to help keep them safe. It’s also a great spot to sit by the water and see the Brooklyn Bridge.
See the Brooklyn Bridge
The Brooklyn Bridge is such an iconic landmark. And the park offers an amazing place to see it from. Snap a few photos for your friends and family. Or, take a walk across while the sun sets for an unforgettable NYC experience.
The bridge can get busy. So try going in the middle of the day or in the evening after 7 PM. Check out the messages on the walkway written by people from all over the world. You might want to write one yourself!
Visit the 9/11 Memorial Museum
A 7-minute cab ride or a long walk will get you to the 9/11 Memorial Museum. Learn the story of 9/11 with photos, personal stories, and leftovers from the day every New Yorker remembers.
Don’t forget to look up and enjoy the museum’s beautiful architecture. The collection of memories from that historic day are a memorable way to learn about NYC.
Check out the Tenement Museum
Ever want to know how immigrants lived in NYC? You’ll want to check out the Tenement Museum. It’s near Pier 35 and one more unique way to learn about NYC’s history. The museum lets you tour a type of apartment called a tenement that a lot of immigrants lived in around 1800-1900. Take a tour of the tenement, hear stories of immigrants’ lives in NYC, and see just how an apartment would have looked back then.
Relax on the Swings
There are four, big metal swing sets in the park for you to take a rest. The view of the water is amazing thanks to the raised platform they rest on. Take a moment there to enjoy the day or head over after dark for a fantastic night view.
Take in the Night View
Pier 35 has a lovely atmosphere in the evening. The lights are lit low and the view across the water is spectacular. Take a look across the East River at a classic New York scene. Imagine all the lives happening at once in each illuminated window frame.
Parks Near Pier 35
Once you finish up at Pier 35, you’ve got a few nice parks worth visiting nearby.
East River Park
A 10-minute walk will get you to the East River Park. You can enjoy a wide park full of greenery, play baseball, basketball, or tennis, and take some photos of the Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges.
You might even catch local artists playing in the amphitheater or along the paths inside. Check the East River Park website for an event schedule.
Battery Park
Battery Park is a historic place at the southern point of Manhattan. The name comes from the cannons (called batteries) built in the 1600s to protect the area behind the park. Now, the park is home to interesting pieces of history like Castle Clinton, Hope Garden, and the Netherland Monument. Take a walk through history and check out the park’s many statues of legends past.
Brooklyn Bridge Park
If you don’t mind a trip across the river, Brooklyn Bridge Park is definitely worth a visit. Besides the weekly events, amazing bridge views, and cozy spots to sit down, there is so much to see and do. The nearby streets are full of cool shops and restaurants. And if you want a one-stop place to do all your shopping and dining, the Empire Stores building is a great choice too.
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