Best Things to Do in Battery Park

Battery Park is a wonderful place to spend the day.

It’s a great outdoor space, and there’s absolutely tons to do any hour of the day. We love operating Sea the City in close proximity to Battery Park so that we can enjoy the fun of it all after work!

If you’re planning on going on a trip to Battery Park, you won’t be disappointed. There’s many iconic sites, along with great places to eat and drink.

We’re going to take a look at two spots that are mainstays of any Battery Park outing, as well as some of the best dining spots in the area. Have you been to one of these destinations? Leave a comment below!

But before that, let’s dive into the area’s history.

History of Battery Park

Since the 18th century, Battery Park has served as a collection of fortifications meant to combat British aggression.

During the Revolutionary War, there were several battles fought at the site. After the War of 1812, where the park saw no combat, the U.S. government decommissioned the site as a military complex. It was then leased to the city of New York, which turned it into an amphitheater.

Until the construction of Ellis Island, the Barge at the Battery was the United State’s main immigration office in the area. People who came to the country before Ellis Island would stop at Battery Park.

The New York Aquarium opened in 1896, bringing over 300,000 gallons of water to house various species of fish and sea animals. The aquarium would remain open until 1941, when the Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel begins construction.

In 1994, The Battery Conservancy is founded to implement the Battery Master Plan, which aimed to revitalize the entire area to what we see today – a sprawling and bustling complex for recreation, fun, and food.

Battery Park Carousel

Also known as the Sea Glass Carousel, the Battery Park Carousel is like something out of a dream.

Designed as a dedication to the Battery as a location of the first New York Aquarium, the 30 fiberglass fish – which serve as the seats on the carousel – look like literal sea glass. Fabricated in plastic and steel with an artist’s eye, it’s one of those attractions that will linger in the memory forever.

It’s only $5 to take a ride, which makes the carousel an extremely affordable, Instagram-worthy site to check out!

Battery Park Cinema

Considered one of the best movie theaters in Manhattan, the Battery Park Cinema – now operated by Showcase Cinemas as the Regal Battery Park – is an incredible place to catch a great flick.

The sound and environment of the cinema was designed to be worthy of having a space in the greatest city in the world. If you’re looking for a great place to catch the next great film, don’t sleep on Battery Park Cinema.

Battery Park Restaurants

There’s tons of places to eat at Battery Park with cuisines of all types available. Here’s a list of the top picks here at Sea the City:

1. Gigino – A waterfront Tuscan restaurant with breathtaking views of the Statue of Liberty.
2. Rio Kitchen & Wine – If you love local food and smaller fare, don’t miss a table at Rio.
3. Blue Smoke – For the bourbon drinker at heart – a wide selection of whiskeys, along with great, hearty bar fare. Make a Reservation
4. Merchants River House – With incredible views of the Hudson River Esplanade and the Statue of Liberty, there’s no better way to experience the park than through Merchant’s big bay windows.
5. El Vez and Burrito Bar – Just getting off from your latest jet ski adventure? Grab some delicious Mexican-style food at El Vez! Make a Reservation