Chelsea Piers Sports & Entertainment Complex

The Basics

In addition to a range of sports leagues, Chelsea Piers offers drop-in programs, exercise classes, youth summer camps, and childcare services. From the piers, visitors and locals can easily access the High Line, a public park built on a former elevated railway; the Manhattan Waterfront Greenway, a walking and bike path that stretches the length of the island; and the Whitney Museum of American Art.

Cruises that depart from the Chelsea Piers Marina usually include views of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, while dinner and evening cruises typically promise sunset photo ops as the city lights come up under the night sky. Helicopter tours also often depart from Chelsea Piers and provide a rare bird’s-eye view of Manhattan and the Hudson River. Hop-on hop-off cruises typically offer several stops around Lower Manhattan, including Battery Park, Wall Street, and Dumbo, Brooklyn.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Chelsea Piers is a must for families with children and sports players of any skill level.

• Visit the Chelsea Piers website for a full calendar of sports leagues, drop-in classes, and services.

• On-site restaurants include a salad bar, pizza joint, and members-only café. Plenty of other food options in Chelsea are just steps away.

• Hourly parking is available, and frequent guests can prepay for 50% off the regular rate.

• The complex is wheelchair accessible.

• Free Wi-Fi is available.

How to Get There

Located on Manhattan’s West Side between 23rd Street and 18th Street, Chelsea Piers is easily accessible using public transit. The nearest stops are 23rd Street on trains A, C, and E and Hudson Yards on train 7. Crosstown bus M23 stops at the entrance. If traveling by car, take the West Side Highway (12th Street) to 23rd Street.

When to Get There

Chelsea Piers facilities are generally open from 5:30am to 11pm on weekdays and 8am to 9pm on weekends. A wide range of adult sports leagues and after-school children’s activities means that the piers are busiest during the late afternoon and evening. Go at off-peak morning hours for a quieter experience. Most activities are offered year-round, making Chelsea Piers a perfect break from the summer heat or winter cold.

How to Add Chelsea Piers to Your NYC Itinerary

Facing out onto the Hudson River, the Chelsea Piers driving range is a popular spot for visiting golfers and locals alike. Drop in to rent clubs and purchase punch cards for an automatic ball tee-up system. Visitors can also stop by Bowlmor for a bowling session and bite to eat, or head over to the Sky Rink, which offers year-round open skating sessions and equipment rentals. Alternatively, the marina offers a scenic 1-mile (1.6-kilometer) stroll along the riverfront.

Ways to explore

Before visiting Chelsea Piers, it’s worth checking the schedule and prebooking any classes or activities. The center offers drop-in sessions, fitness classes, youth camps, and childcare services. Many visitors also use the piers as a launch point for cruises or helicopter rides. Sightseeing cruises often feature views of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, while evening options include dinner as the sun sets. Helicopter tours from the piers offer a bird’s-eye view of Manhattan, and hop-on, hop-off cruises stop at key spots like Battery Park, Wall Street, and Dumbo in Brooklyn.

Accessibility

Many areas of Chelsea Piers offer step-free access, though some activities may not be suitable for wheelchair users.

Age limits

Certain activities may have age restrictions, so it’s a good idea to check the details for each one in advance.

What to pack

Bottled water, portable phone charger, snacks, towel

What to wear

Closed-toe, non-marking shoes, sportswear, layers

Not allowed

Cell phone use is prohibited in certain areas, such as locker rooms, saunas, and group fitness classes.

Amenities

Ice rink, fitness center, restrooms, restaurants

Address

Chelsea Piers Sports & Entertainment Complex is on Manhattan’s West Side, between 23rd and 18th Streets along the Hudson River. It’s easy to reach by subway, bus, or rideshare, though some travelers arrive on hop-on, hop-off boat trips.

Driving

Take the West Side Highway to 23rd Street. On-site parking is available 24/7 on Piers 59, 60, and 61, and there’s also a complimentary 20-minute drop-off window.

Public transportation

Ride the A, C, or E train to 23rd Street, or the 7 train to Hudson Yards and walk west. The M23 crosstown bus stops right outside the entrance.

Best times to visit

Chelsea Piers is busiest in the late afternoon and evening due to sports leagues and kids’ activities. For a quieter visit, go in the morning.

Best days to visit

Weekdays are ideal for avoiding the weekend rush, so try and come between Monday and Thursday if you can.

Best months to visit

Most activities run year-round, so the complex is a great indoor escape—whether you’re avoiding the summer heat or looking for something to do during NYC’s colder months.

Special events

For those with kids, there is a summer camp, which typically starts in June and offers activities such as ice skating, gymnastics, and golf.