Before being converted to a museum in 1982, the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Intrepid was used in World War II, Vietnam, and the space program. Exhibits include historic aircraft on the flight deck and multi-media presentations below. Plus you get the opportunity to explore the massive carrier itself, with more areas than ever open to the public. You can also view the U.S.S. Growler, which is the only American guided missile submarine open to the public; the British Airways Concorde, which made the fastest Atlantic crossing ever; and the Space Shuttle Pavilion, which showcases an actual space shuttle and has interesting displays about the space program.
Best and worst times to go to the Intrepid
The Intrepid is busiest on the weekends and always mobbed during Fleet Week, so if you can, visit on a weekday when you won't have to wait in line to see all the sights. Also, keep in mind that you will be out of doors a lot at this museum, so bring appropriate clothes (or reschedule your visit) if it looks like rain.
Must see/do at the Intrepid
When you first arrive at the museum, head up to the flight deck. As you walk among the many planes and helicopters, take note of the AV-8 Harrier plane which can take off vertically; the A-12 Blackbird, the fastest plane in the world and the first to fly at three times the speed of sound; a Polish Mig-21; and the Bell Sea Cobra Helicopter, used in Vietnam and the Gulf War. As you wander around, enjoy the views of the enormous cruise ships on the north side of the Intrepid, and the busy Circle Line boats on the south side. The view of New Jersey on the other side of the Hudson is nice, too.
You will also have access to the Intrepid's "island," the command structure that protrudes from the deck. Be sure to climb up to the navigation bridge and "take the helm." Take note the Commanding Officer's stateroom and compare it to the crew quarter's you'll see below. You'll also find chart tables, radar consoles, communications equipment, and plenty of volunteers on hand who will explain everything to you.
Below the flight deck is the gallery deck, where you can see the ship's combat information center (CIC): complete with radar scopes, wax plotter boards and communications equipment, this area was top secret and state-of-the-art for its day. It was also one of the first spaces to be air conditioned (you'll see why).
Be sure to leave time for exploring the bulk of the museum, which is housed in the hangar deck, the level below the gallery deck.
Admission to the Intrepid
The Intrepid is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. From April 1 to October 31, museum hours are extended until 6 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. The Intrepid is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas day.
Ticket prices range from $12 to $31, depending on whether you want general admission or admission to special events like the current Hubble@25 exhibit, and whether you fall into one of the museum's many discount categories. Members, active/retired U.S. military, and children under 3 are always free.
Parking and Public Transportation the Intrepid
Although the Intrepid does not have parking facilities, you can park nearby at the garage near Pier 83 and the Circle Line.
Since there is no subway station near Pier 86, you will be in for a walk if you take the subway. The quickest train to take is the C or E to 50th Street. Walk west until you reach the West Side Highway, and then walk south four blocks.
If you have never seen Times Square, we recommend that you take a subway there (the N, R, S, 1, 2, 3, 7 and 9 trains all have stops at Times Square) and do a little extra walking. From Times Square, walk north on Broadway to 46th Street and then continue west towards the Hudson River.
Buses are a better bet if you don't like to walk--the M50 (which goes west on 49th Street) drops you off right in front of the museum.
Food at the Intrepid
Food is available at the Intrepid's Mess Deck Café on the third deck. You can also buy a meal or snack from the food trucks on Pier 86. There are vending machines on both the pier and the flight deck.
Insider tip for visitors to the Intrepid
The Intrepid offers a full schedule of special events, including free movie nights in the summer, plus special days to honor specific groups in uniform so be sure to see what's happening on the day you plan to visit. Kids are invited to host their birthday party at the museum or to spend the night via Operation Slumber. And for children who are particularly interested in all that the Intrepid offers, the education department offers Intrepid Camp and SOSI (School's Out, Ships In) events.
Other places to visit near the Intrepid
The Circle Line on Pier 83 offers a variety of boat rides on the rivers around Manhattan, offering a different perspective of the city. The Hudson River Park is a pleasant place to walk: if you are really ambitious, you can walk north to the George Washington Bridge or south to the World Financial Center.
Author's bio: Victoria Franzese is a proud New Yorker who owned, operated, and wrote for a successful online travel guide for 15 years. Now, thankfully, all of her travel is purely for fun. See where she's going next at @VOFranzese.