Moored on the Hudson River on New York City’s west side, you will find the Intrepid Museum. The Intrepid is a retired aircraft carrier commissioned in 1943. It survived five Kamikaze attacks and a torpedo strike during World War II.
The Intrepid went on to serve during the Cold War and the Vietnam War and was used as a NASA recovery vessel. Decommissioned and then put back into service, the Intrepid was decommissioned a second time, becoming a museum ship in 1982. It is the foundation for a collection of an amazing assortment of aircraft, exhibitions and more.
Impressive Approach
Even before you board the Intrepid, you can view this impressive Carrier as you walk along the Hudson River and approach its location at Pier 86. Some 873 feet long, it’s hard to miss. An array of helicopters and jets on the deck reminds you that this was once integral to protecting our nation. Today’s Intrepid invites you to come aboard and learn more.
Visitors of all ages marvel at the aircraft covering some of the biggest achievements in military aviation. Five branches of the U.S. armed forces are represented: Army, Marine Corps, Air Force, Navy and Coast Guard, as well as additional aircraft from around the world. You can see an Avenger torpedo bomber (used during the Intrepid’s World War II service) and a Lockheed A-12, a Cold War-era spy plane.
Stepping inside the carrier itself, visitors can explore the Intrepid’s inner workings and view cabins, controls and more. Along the way, you’ll learn about those who served and how they lived. This vessel was once home to 3,000 enlisted sailors, officers, and Marines. Today, there are volunteers on board who will share their stories and more, take time to listen and ask questions. It’s worth it and an honor to learn more from them, many of whom are veterans.
The Growler and the Enterprise
The Intrepid Museum is also home to the Growler, the only American guided missile submarine open to the public. Once classified top secret, the vessel emerged from a full restoration in 2024 with upgraded visitor pathways and new interactive panels. This makes an already compelling attraction even richer. Guests can explore the submarine and get a sense of what life was like aboard during the tense years of the Cold War. From the cramped crew quarters to the missile command center that, for a brief period, had the potential to change history.
While walking towards the museum, you spy the Space Shuttle Pavilion from Hudson River Park. Home to the Enterprise, this prototype helped NASA develop America’s space shuttle program. It’s fascinating to explore up close and you can view it from above and below. Also within the Pavilion is a Soyuz capsule (part of the Russian space program), artifacts, and space-themed virtual reality experiences.
Fun for Everyone
Also on display is a British Airways Concorde Alpha Delta G-BOAD, one of the most storied aircraft ever built. This retired supersonic airliner was the world’s fastest commercial jet. It was capable of crossing the Atlantic in under three hours on its regular service between New York and London. Removed for a full restoration in 2023, the Concorde returned to the museum in March 2024 and has never looked better.
Plan ahead if you want to step inside. The Concorde is only accessible via a private guided tour, offered daily at an additional fee on top of general admission. It is absolutely worth it. The tour puts you inches from the cockpit and the impossibly narrow passenger cabin where travelers once paid a small fortune to drink Champagne at twice the speed of sound.
Kids of all ages will enjoy the interactive Exploreum. Here you can climb into a Bell 47 helicopter, lie in a sailor’s bunk, and navigate through an interactive submarine. This area is a family favorite for photo ops.
In 2025, the museum opened a permanent World War II exhibition, adding new depth to the carrier’s own remarkable wartime story. Between the restored Growler, the updated aircraft collection, and this new exhibit, the Intrepid has quietly become one of the most comprehensive military history museums in the country. Two decks of both permanent and special exhibitions further share the stories of both aircraft and Armed Forces history. In addition, the views of the Manhattan skyline and beyond are wonderful and the museum has gift shops and restaurants.
Hudson River Park
Hudson River Park was established in 1998 and built on the remnants of former industrial waterfront areas. Run by the Hudson River Park Trust, today’s Park includes 550 acres along over four miles of waterfront. Recreational piers, an Estuarine Sanctuary and more provide New Yorkers and visitors a connection to the Hudson River. Runners, walkers, rowers and more are invited to use this space. There are programs and activities year-round. If you’re missing Fido back home, take a break and watch local dogs having fun with their pals at the Dog Park at Pier 84, just south of the Intrepid Museum.
All Aboard
A short walk to Pier 83 will take you to the Midtown location of Circle Line (they also sail from downtown). Founded in 1945, they offer a wide array of sightseeing boat tours, including a 90-minute Landmarks tour and a sunset 2-hour Harbor Lights tour. You can expect stunning views of the city, bridges, the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and more. Snacks and drinks are available onboard. Enjoy the cruise from inside or an open-air deck as you marvel at the sheer amount of real estate one island can hold. With views of New Jersey, passing ships and ferries, and famous bridges, including the Brooklyn Bridge, from an unusual perspective. Delightful and informative live commentary delivers insights into New York City’s history, its buildings and bridges, and how its waterways have been key to the city’s growth. You may also learn about Circle Line’s role in assisting passengers during the “Miracle on the Hudson.”
On January 15, 2009, US Airways Flight 1549 departing LaGuardia Airport struck a flock of birds shortly after takeoff, losing all engine power. Pilots Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger and Jeffrey Skiles glided the plane to rest on the Hudson River. All 155 onboard were rescued. Staff and ships from Circle Line were among those who moved into action to aid the crew and passengers.
High-End Shopping and Up High Experiences
Hudson Yards is unique in many respects; it’s a living neighborhood that introduces new experiences to locals and visitors alike. Bustling alongside the Hudson River, this area features some great upscale shopping and multiple dining options. There is also The Shed (a new center for art), the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western hemisphere (the Edge) and the Vessel, its interactive centerpiece. You can enter the High Line (the popular elevated walkway with gardens and more) from Hudson Yards and they offer programming in common areas.
Shopping options include Cartier, Coach, Tiffany & Co., and Dior. Restaurants run the gamut. A popular option is Naked Tomato’s Mediterranean cuisine in a vibrant, casual atmosphere with plates for sharing. Another is the PEAK located on the 101st floor offering outstanding views, cocktails and a variety of menu items, including Maine lobster. Many line up at this location of Magnolia Bakery to order their Instagram-worthy banana pudding. This area feels shiny and new because it is. It’s a relaxing place to shop, dine, browse galleries and more during all seasons.
The Vessel is the centerpiece of Hudson Yards, a soaring 16-story honeycomb of interconnected staircases designed by Thomas Heatherwick. After a complicated few years that included extended closures, the structure reopened in early 2026 with significant safety upgrades, including full-height steel mesh barriers throughout. Tickets are required and can be booked in advance here. New York City residents receive free admission on Thursdays with proof of ID. Note that the top level remains permanently closed, but the lower levels offer sweeping views of the Hudson River and the Manhattan skyline. It is a striking piece of architecture, worth seeing both from the plaza and from inside, where the geometry of the staircases creates an almost kaleidoscopic effect.
Go to the Edge
The Edge is the city’s highest observation deck and is located at 30 Hudson Yards. Ticket kiosks are available, or you can book in advance. From the moment you enter this attraction, you will be wowed. Light shows and elements sharing the history of this project adorn the walls, pillars, and even the ceiling as you prepare to enter the very fast elevator ride to the 100th floor (about a minute). Look up to see an illuminated map of Manhattan above your head. The elevator ride itself includes a video presentation that makes you feel like you are flying above and through the city.
Once you’ve reached the 100th floor, you can stay inside and enjoy 360-degree views of Manhattan and more. You’ll see Central Park, the Empire State Building, One World Trade Center, and more buildings than you can count. Stepping outside, the views continue and continue to amaze. With tall glass walls that enhance the views and provide safety, you step out onto a triangular-shaped “edge” to take it all in. There are remarkable views from the Edge and you get the feeling you are floating in the sky. For those wishing to sit and observe, there are concrete bleacher-type seats that are perfect for gazing. There is even a glass segment you can step onto and look straight down 100 floors.
True thrill-seekers can sign up in advance for City Climb. This is the highest open-air building ascent in the world. Climbers scale the outside, which is 1,200 feet above the ground. They then lean out and look down from the highest outdoor platform in New York City. Back inside, there is a bar, snacks, and gift shops.
If You Go
Getting Tickets: Purchase tickets for the Intrepid Museum ahead of time here. The New York CityPASS is also worth considering if the Intrepid is on your list. It bundles admission to five top attractions, including the Intrepid, and can save visitors up to 41% off regular admission prices. You have nine days to use the pass at your own pace. Learn more here.
On the Water: Circle Line departs from Pier 83, just a short walk from the museum. Their sightseeing cruises range from a 90-minute Landmarks tour to a two-hour Harbor Lights sunset cruise. Book your Circle Line cruise through Viator.
Where to Stay: Midtown West puts you within easy walking distance of both the Intrepid and Hudson Yards. Search hotels near Pier 86 on Tripadvisor.
Need a hand planning your trip? Here are the sites and services we rely on most, from booking tools to travel products we love.
