Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Kayakers
Top Things to Do in New York City for Kayakers
1. Pier 40, Hudson River Park
A massive pier with easy riverside access, Pier 40 sits in the heart of the Hudson River Park greenway. From its docks, kayakers can trace shoreline eddies past Little Island and into the lower Hudson while soaking up One World Trade Center views.
✓ Why Go:
Central location, reliable put-in, and multiple route options north or south make this a go-to starting point for urban paddles with iconic skyline scenery.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
May to October, early mornings or evenings. Aim for slack tide around The Battery to minimize current and boat wake.
✓ Insider Tip:
Hug the Manhattan shoreline for slower-moving water and plan legs around ferry schedules; winds funnel down the river in the afternoon.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Paddlers praise the convenience and skyline drama, noting strong currents and frequent boat traffic that reward good timing.
2. Dyckman Street Marina
At Manhattan’s northern tip, this marina opens to a scenic stretch where the Hudson meets Spuyten Duyvil. Expect greener banks, Palisades cliffs across the river, and occasional bird-of-prey flyovers.
✓ Why Go:
Calmer water compared to Midtown and fewer large vessels make it ideal for intermediate paddlers seeking naturey vibes without leaving the city.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late spring through early fall, mornings at or near slack. Avoid wind-against-tide days when short, steep chop can build.
✓ Insider Tip:
Head west for Palisades views or time the turn to ride gentle eddies back to the marina; bring a dry layer—north end winds can be cooler.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Loved for feeling surprisingly wild and restorative, with occasional notes about tricky swirls where currents meet.
3. Brooklyn Bridge Park Pier
A protected pocket along the Brooklyn waterfront with sweeping looks at the Brooklyn Bridge, Lower Manhattan, and Governors Island just beyond.
✓ Why Go:
Sheltered edges offer friendlier conditions for skills practice while the views deliver classic NYC drama—great for short, photogenic sessions.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late spring to early fall, weekday mornings for the calmest water. Target slack near The Battery to avoid strong East River set.
✓ Insider Tip:
Stay inside the park’s shoreline lee and give wide berth to ferry wakes; currents accelerate near bridge stanchions.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Consistently described as “bucket list” for the skyline alone, with reminders to respect fast-moving East River water.
4. Gowanus Canal
A narrow, mostly flatwater canal framed by industrial-era warehouses and new wetlands restorations—urban paddling with a quirky, creative backdrop.
✓ Why Go:
Minimal current makes it a low-stress place to refine strokes and edge control while spotting herons and unexpected street art.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Year-round on calm days. Avoid paddling for 48–72 hours after heavy rain due to water quality concerns.
✓ Insider Tip:
Launch near 2nd Street, stay clear of construction zones, and keep an eye out for low-clearance bridges at higher tides.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Fans call it oddly peaceful and great for skill-building; others note it’s more about atmosphere than distance.
5. Marine Park Salt Marsh Nature Center
This gateway to Gerritsen Creek delivers glassy, protected water winding through cordgrass and osprey nests—Brooklyn’s most serene salt marsh.
✓ Why Go:
Gentle conditions suit beginners and birders alike, with a strong sense of escape and tidal flats that reveal the marsh’s textures.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
June to September, preferably mid-to-rising tide to avoid grounding on mudflats; mornings offer the lightest winds.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bring polarized sunglasses for fish and crab spotting, and stick to deeper channels at low water.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Often called a hidden gem; visitors love the calm, nature-first feel within city limits.
6. Floyd Bennett Field
Set on Jamaica Bay’s edge, the historic airfield is a springboard to marsh islands, broad horizons, and big-sky sunsets.
✓ Why Go:
Access to classic bay routes—like paddles toward Ruffle Bar—offers a backcountry vibe with abundant shorebirds and wide-open water.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
May to October, early mornings before sea breezes build; avoid strong southwest winds that kick up short chop.
✓ Insider Tip:
Carry extra water and sun protection—shade is scarce. Mind tidal flows at inlets and give channels a wide berth.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Paddlers rave about the sense of space and wildlife, with a common warning about wind exposure.
7. Hallets Cove
A small sandy beach tucked beside Socrates Sculpture Park creates a rare, mellow East River entry with postcard views of Roosevelt Island and LIC.
✓ Why Go:
The cove’s partial shelter offers a gentler taste of the East River, perfect for short paddles and sunset floats.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Summer weekends and weekday evenings near slack; avoid strong wind-against-current periods tied to Hell Gate.
✓ Insider Tip:
Launch from the beach and keep within the cove’s lee; ferries and tidal streams ramp up just outside.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Praised for community vibes and easy access, though currents beyond the cove earn respect.
8. Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
The city’s premier paddling sanctuary—salt marshes, osprey platforms, and meandering channels that feel worlds away from Midtown.
✓ Why Go:
Wildlife watching is superb, and the bay’s sprawling flats create countless routes suited to a range of skill levels.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
April to October, targeting light-wind mornings and mid-tides for easier navigation through shallows.
✓ Insider Tip:
Pack insect repellent and a chart or GPS; respect bird-nesting closures and shallow eelgrass beds.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Beloved for its tranquility and biodiversity; many call it the city’s best nature paddle.
9. Soundview Park
Where the Bronx River meets the East River, this waterfront park offers a calm launch to explore restored shorelines and estuarine wildlife.
✓ Why Go:
Gentler water and the chance to paddle into the Bronx River at higher tides create an approachable urban adventure.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late spring through early fall at mid-to-high tide for easier clearance over shoals; mornings have fewer wakes.
✓ Insider Tip:
Watch for rowing shells and stay outside marked restoration zones; bring a throw rope for soft, silty landings.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Appreciated for easy conditions and greenery, with occasional comments about limited shade and summer bugs.
10. Conference House Park
At Staten Island’s southern tip, this bayside park opens to Raritan Bay with views toward New Jersey and wide, beachy launch spots.
✓ Why Go:
Great for coastal cruising along Tottenville’s shoreline, with historic grounds and ample space to stage boats and gear.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
June to September, mornings around neap or slack tides; afternoon sea breezes can stack waves on outgoing water.
✓ Insider Tip:
Consult marine forecasts and avoid the shipping channel; a long painter line helps with gentle surf landings.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Favored for quiet beaches and open horizons; paddlers note that wind and tide planning are essential here.
