VIBE

Until the 1930s, the Chelsea Piers were the city’s docking point for luxury liners (this is even where the Titanic was supposed to land). It was the place where the well-heeled could hop on a cruise ship bound for an exotic locale when the pressures of city living got to be too much. These days, New Yorkers still head to the piers to get away from it all, it’s just that now they do so by driving golf balls into the Hudson River, striking yoga poses, or retreating to a pampering spa. The Chelsea Piers Sports and Entertainment Center, which inhabits four of the piers, offers pretty much every sporty pursuit under the sun–there’s a high-tech golf club with a driving range hovering over the Hudson (Pier 59); a bowling alley (Pier 59); a gym with a track, a pool, a rock climbing wall, and even a sand volleyball court (Pier 60); an ice rink (Pier 61); and a field house (Pier 62) which organizes countless classes, camps, and events for children and adults. For those for whom working up a sweat is not an ideal “escape,” there’s also a luxurious spa (housed in the sports center on Pier 60) and an elegant restaurant called The Lighthouse, plus a marina for private boats.

GO HERE WITH

Sports enthusiasts; kids; friends

WHY WE LIKE IT

There’s definitely something for everyone here–it’s a one-stop-shop if you want to exercise. We particularly like how the programs and classes at the Field House are run on a drop-in basis–it’s a perfect set-up for travelers (like us!) who want to jump in on a yoga class or salsa session but don’t want to buy a membership. We also dig their kid-friendly policies (there’s a day care center, a Toddler Adventure Center, and tons of sports programs for tots), which makes this a great spot for traveling families to get some exercise.

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

The food offerings in the Field House are mediocre and overpriced. Also, the bowling alley is under separate management from the rest of the complex, and sometimes its service isn’t as stellar as at the other venues.

GOOD TO KNOW

Although they’re all part of the same complex, the facilities on each pier keep their own hours and have their own entrance policies. (Check the website for details of each facility.) If you really want to be on top of your game, check out BlueStreak, the in-house training program. With top-notch instructors and privileged access to the facilities, you’ll likely make speedy progress. The ice rink, driving range, field house, and bowling alley can all be reserved for gatherings like birthday parties, while the upscale Lighthouse restaurant on Pier 60 is a popular corporate event and wedding venue.

CLOSEST COMPS

Lucky Strike Lanes (New York); Golf (Palm Beach)

Click here for our full-form mobile travel guide, The Purple Passport to New York City.