The Seaport District, formerly known as South Street Seaport, has been getting some serious upgrades lately. The former shopping center there has been torn down, replaced by rows of shops, restaurants, a movie theater, and an outdoor concert venue. Located near the Financial District and the World Trade Center, the area is reinvigorated and poised to host a wide range of summer fun for the whole family. Read on to plan your summer at New York’s historic Seaport.
South Street Seaport Museum
The genesis of New York City can be found at the Seaport, since the city was a strategic port as early as the American colonial era. Learn about the building of New York at the South Street Seaport Museum on Pier 16. Not only are there traditional museum exhibits, but the museum also possesses five historic water vessels available to tour. This summer, you can even sail on the ship Pioneer around New York Harbor! 12 Fulton St., southstreetseaportmuseum.org
Summer Concert Series at The Rooftop at Pier 17
See your favorite musical artists on the banks of the East River at the Pier 17 rooftop! The Summer Concert Series returns for its second year with a lineup you won’t want to miss. Catch Passion Pit, Billie Eilish, The Lonely Island, and Sarah Silverman and Friends, plus the Sad Summer Festival to get a little emo on the roof. Pier 17, pier17ny.com
Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks
Macy’s presents its 43rd year of fireworks in honor of Independence Day on July 4. Visit the Seaport’s Pier 17 to view the light display coming from nearby Brooklyn Bridge. There will also be fireworks shooting from barges off the shore of Pier 17, so the risers on the waterfront will make a great viewing spot on this special evening! pier17ny.com
iPic Theater
Don’t skip a movie at iPic Fulton Market, the deluxe multiplex that delivers on comfort and culinary excellence. You can order meals, snacks, and cocktails from your seat, which can also include pillows and blankets for an upcharge. They’re now serving a keto-friendly menu for low-carb eaters in addition to their standard menu. See new movies like Spider-Man: Far from Home and John Wick 3 at iPic this summer at the Seaport. 11 Fulton St., 212-776-8272, ipic.com
The Fulton
Although it hasn’t yet opened, the Seaport District eagerly awaits The Fulton, a brand-new restaurant from renowned chef/restaurateur Jean-Georges Vongerichten. What we know is that it’ll be a seafood-forward menu presented in an upscale environment, and that the dining area will have incredible views of the East River and Brooklyn Bridge. Vongerichten already heads several NYC restaurants, including his eponymous fine-dining establishment Jean-Georges and the restaurants at ABC Carpet, plus a growing number of international restaurants. The Fulton is set to open later this month. Pier 17, pier17ny.com
10 Corso Como
The Italian “concept store” 10 Corso Como has come to the Seaport District with its distinctive mix of design elements, from fashion to interiors to art. There’s even a cafe on site! Browsing through the space is like touring an art gallery filled with the brand’s distinctive black-and-white target logo, and there’s a wide range of brands represented for an of-the-moment boutique edit across all design elements. 1 Fulton St., 212-265-9500, 10corsocomo.nyc
Garden Bar
Just outside 10 Corso Como is a picturesque outdoor bar filled with greenery. Garden Bar serves cocktails, wine, and beer, plus Italian food furnished by 10 Corso Como Cafe. This open-air bar welcomes all to relax in the middle of this historic neighborhood. Garden Bar is currently open Thursday through Sunday. 19 Fulton St., seaportdistrict.nyc
Fulton Stall Market
There’s nothing like a farmer’s market to usher in the taste of summer. Visit the Fulton Stall Market every Sunday at Pier 17 for local and regional produce, meats, and specialty foods. The indoor market is open daily all year round, with even more regional goods for sale that support New York small farms and businesses. Outdoor market: Pier 17 Square; Indoor Market: 91 South St.; 212-349-1380; fultonstallmarket.org
Big Gay Ice Cream
Nothing says summer quite like ice cream. Grab a cone at New York’s own Big Gay Ice Cream, purveyors of The Salty Pimp and the Gobbler sundae. This is loud, luscious ice cream made with no additives—just the good stuff. At the shop you can even take home a pint of Lunchbox or another signature flavor. 11 Fulton St., biggayicecream.com
