Best Things to Do for Fleet Week

Here for Fleet Week? Here are the Top 5 Things to Do for Fleet Week NYC!

One of the most exciting times in New York City is Fleet Week. From thousands of Marines, Navy, and Coast Guard service members flooding the streets, to daunting battleships collecting in the city’s harbors, Fleet Week is a time of excitement, celebration, and discovery.

The tradition began in 1984, and has come to the city almost every year since. If you find yourself at piers 86, 88, Manhattan’s Pier 92, or at Sullivan’s Pier on Staten Island, you’ll get to take in the sights of some of the country’s most powerful ships.

Along with the influx of service members, there are tons of activities to partake in during Fleet Week NYC that capitalizes on the newcomers to town. Below, we’ve compiled five great activities to explore during Fleet Week, which runs from May 23 to May 29.

1. Sea the City Jet Ski Tour

While taking a Sea the City Jet Ski Tour is a great way to see a different perspective of New York City almost any time of year, the excitement that Fleet Week brings is given a special flavor.

You will drive your own machine while being guided by an expert jet ski operator on a high-speed tour. You’ll be able to see visiting ships, and the NYC skyline from water level as you pass by the closest piers, 86 and 88. Taking in the legendary NYC skyline and the Statue of Liberty from such a low vantage point is at once breathtaking and awe-inspiring.

2. The Parade of Ships

To kick off Fleet Week, almost the entirety of the Navy, Coast Guard, and Marine Corp. entourage of ships pass through the Hudson River. Never a dull moment here—while enjoying lunch at either the piers or anywhere along the Hudson River, you’ll get to hear the roaring cry of jets as the Blue Angels soar high above the city.

As the weather will most likely be incredible this day, it would be a great way to get the family out for a picnic at the several parks that line the Hudson River. The best part? It’s completely free!

3. Aviation Demonstrations

One of the coolest ways to experience the technological might of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps is witnessing the various equipment demonstrations taking place throughout the week.

From fighter jets to helicopter gunships, and so much more, spectators are invited to watch all kinds of military equipment in action. While also being able to catch these machines close up, this makes for an extremely exciting opportunity to witness some of the best airborne vehicles the United States military has to offer.

4. Meet a Service Member

Nearly 5,000 Navy, Coast Guard, and Marine Corps servicewomen and men will be perusing the streets as they enjoy off-time from their duties. Often eager to share their experiences, it could make for an enlightening conversation to approach one or a group and ask them about their service.

This gives you the chance to step into the world of our country’s service members. From their training, to where they’ve been stationed during their duty, they are ready to tell their stories of being in the most widely-spread military force on the planet.

5. Fleet Week at the Intrepid

The Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum, located at Pier 86 on the corner of W 46th Street and 12th Avenue in New York, gives visitors an in-depth and impactful look at one of the greatest aircraft carriers ever deployed—the Intrepid.

Delving deep into the history of this grand vessel, you will be immersed in the specifications, lore, and sheer power of this iconic ship. Best yet, ticket prices are very affordable, and discounts are offered to military and veteran families.

While a full event listing for Fleet Week New York 2018 is not yet available, see their website and stay updated on the list of happenings here.

OFFERING 10% OFF JET SKI TOURS FOR ALL MILITARY & CIVIL SERVICE MEMBERS

6. Snag Yourself A Sailor

If you’re single and seeking your tide-white knight in shining armor this is the event for you.

SingleAndTheCity.com is hosting a Fleet Week Singles Mixer Friday, May 25th 2019 from 7pm to midnight at Hudson Station (440 9th avenue and 34th street).

Service men and women in uniform drink free from 7 to 8pm. There will be complimentary appetizers, icebreakers, a DJ, dancing and if you’re lucky…

If you haven’t got plans come out and share a drink or two with our admirable servicemen and women.

7. Fleet Week Silent Disco