Subway: 2/3/4/5/J/Z/M to Fulton St.; A/C to Broadway-Nassau. Walk east on Fulton St. to Water St.

Bus: M15 (South Ferry-bound) down Second Ave. to Fulton St.

Car: From the West Side, take West St. southbound. Follow signs to FDR Dr. Take underpass, keep right, take Exit 1 at end of underpass. Turn right on South St., go six blocks. From the East Side, take FDR Dr. south to Exit 3 onto South Street. Proceed about 1 mile.

Map it on Google.

This lively historic district on the East Side of Lower Manhattan is home to an incredible variety of shops, seafood restaurants for outdoor dining, and most notably, historic ships. This 12-square-block area located on the East River is the site of the city's original port. While no longer filled with the hustle and bustle of merchants and sailors, the seaport is still home to a variety of ships and a new kind of commerce.

South Street Seaport Museum finds its home here on the water's edge, and perhaps the biggest draw at the museum is its collection of historic ships. This eight vessel fleet includes ships dating from 1885. Each beautifully restored, the ships are open to the public and offer a variety of educational programs for the entire family. The ships range from cargo and fishing schooners to steel and wood tugboats. Some of the vessels can even be chartered for private events if an evening on the sea interests you.

Manhattan is historically known as home to one of the busiest ports in the world, and the South Street Seaport Museum highlights the many contributions maritime life has made to the city and nation. With a variety of exciting and interactive exhibits, the museum will enthrall even the most land-loving of visitors.

The seaport is not only home to historic vessels and artifacts, but is also a shopping, entertainment and dining destination. The area plays host to summer concerts and regattas, and year-round a variety of shops and restaurants keep the cobblestone streets busy.

Located just minutes from many historic downtown destinations, the South Street Seaport will transport you back to the heyday of maritime commerce. Visitors can immerse themselves in New York history and get up close to historic ships, or for those looking to stay in the 21st century, shopping opportunities and special events are abundant. This historic district is a great place to spend a day and is a wonderful addition to the story of downtown Manhattan.

The beautiful 19th century schooner Pioneer sets sail daily for scenic cruises of the harbor. Get ticket information.