Chelsea Piers, located along the Hudson River on Manhattan’s west side, is a sprawling sports and entertainment complex that offers an array of activities for athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and families alike. Spread across four piers—Piers 59, 60, 61, and 62—Chelsea Piers is a hub for recreational and professional sports, with offerings ranging from golf and ice skating to fitness training and rock climbing. It’s also home to restaurants, event spaces, and the popular Chelsea Piers Marina, making it a one-stop destination for both relaxation and physical activity.
Here’s the ultimate guide to Chelsea Piers, covering its history, attractions, sports facilities, fitness options, family-friendly activities, and visitor information.
History of Chelsea Piers
- Opened: 1995
- The Chelsea Piers complex was built in the mid-1990s on what was once a series of shipping piers along the Hudson River. These piers originally served as a hub for transatlantic ocean liners in the early 20th century, including the RMS Lusitania and Titanic.
- Development:
- After decades of industrial use, the piers were redeveloped into a state-of-the-art sports and entertainment complex, transforming the waterfront area into a vibrant recreational destination.
- Revitalization of the West Side:
- Chelsea Piers played a key role in revitalizing the far west side of Manhattan, turning a previously neglected area into a bustling community space with diverse attractions.
Sports Facilities at Chelsea Piers
Chelsea Piers is best known for its impressive sports facilities, catering to both casual players and serious athletes. The variety of activities offered ensures that visitors of all ages and skill levels can find something that suits their interests.
Key Sports Facilities
- Golf Club
- Description: The Chelsea Piers Golf Club is a year-round driving range featuring multi-level hitting stalls with automatic ball tee-ups and stunning views of the Hudson River. It’s one of the best places in the city to practice your golf swing, with over 200 yards of hitting distance and a teaching academy for lessons.
- Highlight: The driving range is heated in the winter, so you can practice your swing regardless of the weather.
- Sky Rink (Ice Skating)
- Description: Sky Rink is Chelsea Piers’ ice skating facility, offering two indoor, NHL-sized ice rinks open year-round. The rink hosts public skating sessions, figure skating, and ice hockey leagues.
- Programs: Lessons are available for both beginners and advanced skaters, and there are youth and adult hockey leagues for those looking to join a team.
- Field House (Gymnastics, Rock Climbing, Soccer)
- Description: The Field House at Chelsea Piers is a large indoor sports facility offering gymnastics training, soccer, basketball, and a 23-foot-tall rock climbing wall. It’s a great place for kids and adults alike to develop their skills or engage in recreational activities.
- Gymnastics: One of the city’s top programs for youth gymnastics, the Field House offers classes for toddlers through competitive-level athletes.
- Rock Climbing: The rock wall provides a fun and challenging activity, with routes for both beginner and advanced climbers.
- Chelsea Piers Fitness
- Description: Chelsea Piers Fitness is a 150,000-square-foot luxury fitness club that offers cutting-edge workout equipment, a 25-yard indoor pool, group fitness classes, a boxing studio, and spa services. It’s one of the most comprehensive fitness centers in the city.
- Classes: Fitness enthusiasts can participate in yoga, Pilates, cycling, strength training, and more.
- Bowling (Pier 60)
- Description: Bowlmor Chelsea Piers is a chic, upscale bowling alley with 40 lanes, perfect for both casual bowlers and those looking for a fun night out with friends or family. The venue includes a full-service bar and arcade games.
Family-Friendly Activities at Chelsea Piers
Chelsea Piers is a family-friendly destination with plenty of activities for kids of all ages. From camps to birthday parties, there are numerous ways to keep little ones engaged and entertained.
- Kids Camps
- Description: Chelsea Piers offers sports camps during the summer and school holidays, giving kids the opportunity to learn new skills in activities like gymnastics, ice skating, soccer, and rock climbing. These camps cater to children ages 3 and up.
- Types of Camps: Multi-sport camps, golf camps, and ice skating camps are just a few examples of the specialized programs available.
- Birthday Parties
- Description: Chelsea Piers is a popular venue for kids’ birthday parties, offering a variety of themes and activities such as bowling, ice skating, and gymnastics. The parties are customizable, with catering and entertainment options to create a memorable experience.
- Toddler Gym
- Description: The Field House’s toddler gym is designed for children ages 6 months to 4 years. It offers a safe and fun space for young kids to explore, climb, and develop their motor skills.
Dining and Relaxation at Chelsea Piers
Chelsea Piers offers several dining options and relaxation spots for visitors looking to unwind after a day of activities.
- Chelsea Brewing Company
- Description: Located on Pier 59, the Chelsea Brewing Company is New York City’s largest microbrewery. It offers a variety of handcrafted beers brewed on-site, as well as a full food menu. The brewery features outdoor seating with views of the Hudson River.
- Pier 62 Outdoor Park
- Description: Pier 62 is home to an outdoor park with beautiful landscaped gardens, a carousel, and picnic areas. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy views of the waterfront after engaging in activities at the complex.
- Frying Pan
- Description: For a more casual dining experience, the Frying Pan is a historic floating barge located next to Pier 66. Offering seafood, cocktails, and stunning river views, it’s a perfect spot to grab a bite or drink while soaking in the waterfront atmosphere.
Chelsea Piers Marina
The Chelsea Piers Marina, located at Pier 59, is a popular docking spot for both private yachts and charter boats. Visitors can take advantage of scenic boat tours, rent kayaks, or join a sunset cruise.
Marina Highlights
- Boat Rentals: Chelsea Piers Marina offers private boat rentals, as well as options for public cruises. Visitors can enjoy a range of water activities, including sailing lessons and charters for special events.
- Hudson River Cruises: A number of tour operators depart from Chelsea Piers, offering sightseeing cruises that take passengers along the Hudson River, providing stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and Statue of Liberty.
Event Spaces and Corporate Events
Chelsea Piers is not just a sports facility, but also a major venue for corporate events, weddings, and private parties. With its waterfront views and flexible event spaces, the piers offer a unique setting for any occasion.
- Pier Sixty and The Lighthouse
- Description: Pier Sixty and The Lighthouse are two of Manhattan’s premier waterfront event venues, offering stunning views of the Hudson River. These spaces are perfect for weddings, corporate gatherings, and large social events.
- Sunset Terrace
- Description: Sunset Terrace, located at Pier 61, offers a more intimate event space, ideal for smaller gatherings or cocktail parties. The venue features panoramic views of the river, perfect for sunset events.
Visitor Information for Chelsea Piers
Location
- Address:
Chelsea Piers is located between 17th and 23rd Streets along the Hudson River, New York, NY 10011.
Admission and Pricing
- Sports Activities:
Each activity at Chelsea Piers has its own pricing structure. For example, a round of golf at the driving range, a session of rock climbing, or a day pass to the fitness center will have different costs. Prices can range from around $20 for individual activities to higher fees for lessons, classes, or facility memberships.
Hours of Operation
- Chelsea Piers Facilities:
Hours vary by facility, but most sports venues and fitness centers are open from morning until late evening. It’s recommended to check specific hours for individual activities.
Getting There
- Subway: The closest subway stations are 14th Street (A, C, E) and 23rd Street (C, E), followed by a 10-15 minute walk to the piers.
- Bus: The M23-SBS and M12 buses stop nearby and are convenient options for reaching Chelsea Piers.
Parking
- Chelsea Piers offers on-site parking, but spaces can fill up quickly during peak times. Parking rates vary depending on the duration of your visit.
Things to Do Nearby
- The High Line
- Description: Just a short walk from Chelsea Piers, the High Line is an elevated park built on a former railroad track. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the city, landscaped gardens, and public art installations as they stroll along this urban oasis.
- Hudson River Park
- Description: Chelsea Piers is part of Hudson River Park, which stretches along the west side of Manhattan. This waterfront park offers biking and walking paths, sports fields, and piers for recreational activities.
- Chelsea Market
- Description: A food lover’s paradise, Chelsea Market is located just a few blocks away. It’s the perfect place to grab a bite to eat after a workout or sports session, offering everything from artisanal sandwiches to fresh seafood.
Conclusion
Chelsea Piers is a premier destination for sports, fitness, family-friendly fun, and waterfront relaxation in New York City. With its top-notch facilities, variety of activities, and scenic location, it offers something for everyone, whether you’re looking to train, play, or simply enjoy the views along the Hudson River. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, Chelsea Piers provides an unforgettable experience in the heart of Manhattan.
