The 15 Best Things To Do In Port St. Lucie, Florida
Stick a pin anywhere on a map of Florida, and you're likely to have identified a great vacation destination. Between bustling, energy-filled cities like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Orlando and a never-ending parade of picturesque beach towns, there's quite literally always someplace new to explore in the Sunshine State. If you're seeking a destination that gives you the best of both worlds—the dining and attractions of big cities, plus the nature and serenity of smaller towns—look no further than Port St. Lucie. Located on Florida's Treasure Coast, a 21-mile stretch of eastern coastline from Vero Beach to Stuart, Port St. Lucie has all that—and then some. As the largest city in St. Lucie County, Port St. Lucie is home to big draws like the 54-hole PGA Golf Club and Clover Park, a major spring training site for the New York Mets. At the same time, you'll find easy access to gorgeous natural preserves and pristine beaches. Keep reading for the 15 best things to do in Port St. Lucie, Florida.
Celebrating 15 years in 2025, the Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens is a bedrock of the community, welcoming all to enjoy its shaded walkways, flowering native gardens, and acres of wetlands and mangrove forests. Spend an afternoon exploring the 21-acre property situated on the St. Lucie River. Major points of interest include a colorful hibiscus garden, orchid room, palm walk, and butterfly garden that's also popular among hummingbirds.
pslbg.org; 2410 SE Westmoreland Blvd., Port St. Lucie, FL 34952; 772-337-1959
It doesn't get more idyllic than Town Center at Tradition Square, a large greenspace in the heart of a healthy-living community that's surrounded by local boutiques, restaurants, and businesses. The popular gathering space hosts near daily events ranging from exercise classes to paint and sip classes. Every Sunday brings the Tradition Neighborhood Market, an open-air farmers featuring buyable goods from farmers, bakers, artisan crafters, artists, and more.
traditionfl.com/community; 10807 SW Tradition Square, Port St. Lucie, FL 34987; 772-207-0057
Join Eddie and Steph Hamrick for a cruise around the North Fork of the St. Lucie River Aquatic Preserve on their 36-passenger boat called The River Lilly II. The local couple and wildlife enthusiasts offer both jungle-eco (departing daily at 11 a.m.) and relaxation cruises (departing daily at 5:30 p.m. or 6:30 p.m.) year-round. On either you'll have the chance to see and learn about native wildlife including alligators, turtles, and dozens of species of native aquatic birds.
riverlillycruises.com; 500 East Prima Vista Blvd Port St Lucie, FL 34985; 772-489-8344
Florida is known for having a huge number of gorgeous golf courses across the state, but perhaps none are as prestigious as the PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie. Owned and operated by the PGA of America, the renowned facility features 54 holes, designed by legends like Tom Fazio and Pete Dye, that are all open for public play. Book a tee time or spring for a Stay and Play package. if you've ever dreamed of becoming a pro golfer, this might be the next best thing.
pgavillage.com; 1916 Perfect Drive, Port St. Lucie, FL 34986; 800-800-4653
Port St. Lucie's location on the St. Lucie River and near the Atlantic Ocean has created the perfect environment for some truly remarkable natural preserves. Hiking biking, and horseback riding trails abound at McCarty Ranch Preserve. Folks can enjoy the 300-acre lake system by fishing, canoeing, or kayaking and even spend the night at a primitive camp or RV site. Another great day-use site is Spruce Bluff Preserve, which includes two self-guided interpretive trails, a prehistoric Native American mound, and excellent birding. For time in nature with a bonus educational component, visit the Oxbox Eco-Center and Nature Preserve, where you can explore boardwalks, pedestrian trails, and observation towers to see native flora and fauna, then head into the eco-center to learn about what you saw through displays, workshops, lectures, and public events.
stlucieco.gov; 5400 NE St. James Dr., Port St. Lucie, FL 34983; 772-785-5833
For scenic views as far as the eye can see, take a sunset stroll along Port St. Lucie's Boardwalk at The Port District, which runs along the St. Lucie River for nearly 1,000 feet between Tom Hooper Park and Veterans Park at Rivergate (where you'll also find boat ramps and a pavilion). Access the boardwalk from either end using paths that wind through mangrove forests before opening to the 10-foot-wide boardwalk and observation deck.
cityofpsl.com; 772-878-2277
Every year locals look forward to the return of the New York Mets, who play their spring training games at Clover Park. It's a great opportunity to see some of your favorite MLB teams pay for a fraction of the cost of a regular-season game. If you don't happen to visit during the spring training season, you can catch the Port St. Lucie Mets minor league team playing home games at Clover Park all summer long.
stlucieco.gov; 31 Piazza Drive, Port St Lucie, FL 34986; 772-871-5476
Open for breakfast seven days a week, there's hardly anything you can't find on the menu at Berry Fresh Café. The popular breakfast and lunch spot's m.o. is making sure everything is fresh as can be. Juices are pressed fresh daily, fruits and veggies are almost always sourced locally, and all proteins are farm-raised and cage-free. Start your meal with an order of cinnamon-sugar dusted blueberry fritters for the table, then make the very difficult choice between sweet (think challah French toast or lemon ricotta pancakes) or savory (omelets, hashes, Benedicts, and biscuits).
berryfresh.cafe; 1718 SW St. Lucie West Blvd., St. Lucie West, FL 34986; 772-336-5291
Folks have been extolling the wonders of Think Greek's excellent dishes since it began as a food truck in 2014. Owned and operated by a family of first-generation Greek Americans, you can count on all the classics like spanakopita, souvlaki, dolmades, and moussaka, as well as some fun fusion dishes like Greek honey garlic wings and their award-winning Gyropitakia (fried wontons loaded with a blend of lamb and beef, goat cheese, chives, and cream cheese).
thinkgreekfl.com; 644 SW Port St. Lucie Blvd., Port St. Lucie, FL 34953; 772-800-3128
Another great spot to grab lunch is Babablu's Cuban Café, which like Great Greek was featured on Guy Fieri's Best Bite in Town TV show. You can't go wrong with a Cuban sandwich during any time of day, but if you're looking for something a little heartier, try a plate with a meat of your choice, rice, beans, and plantains, or French fries. Popular options include ropa vieja (shredded beef stewed in Spanish wine sauce with peppers, onions, and tomatoes) and churrasco (skirt steak served with housemade chimichurri).
babaluscubancafe.com; 1002 SE Port St. Lucie Blvd., Port St. Lucie, FL 34953; 772-207-5165
Located off Tradition's Town Square overlooking Tradition Lake, Meating Street Seafood & Steakhouse is the place to go for a delicious dinner with a view. The modern, light-filled dining room provides the perfect atmosphere to enjoy anything from an indulgent surf and turf meal to plated house creations like short rib ragu or Tuscan shrimp. Reservations are recommended. If you're an early diner, take advantage of the restaurant's Sunday through Thursday pre-fixe special that includes a choice of salad, entrée (bouillabaisse, pork chop, prime rib, salmon, and more), and chef's dessert for just $34.95. Not ready for a full meal so early? Happy hour at the bar is another great option.
meatingstreet.com; 10553 SW Meeting St., Port St. Lucie, FL 34987; 772-348-3805
It's hard to imagine a Florida vacation without at least one seafood-centric meal on the itinerary. In Port St. Lucie, you can get your fill at Kyle G's Oyster and Wine Bar. At this elegant restaurant, you can always get an excellent chilled oyster and martini, but the fun doesn't stop there. Middleneck clams, whole Maine lobster, and snow crab legs are also great starters. For dinner, fish dishes range from Cajun Cod with crawfish-oyster stuffing to Floribbean Mahi-Mahi with jasmine rice, coconut rum sauce, and mango salsa.
kylegoysterandwinebar.com; 1724 SW St. Lucie West Blvd., Port St. Lucie, FL 34986; 772-807-1220
For a comfortable place to set up home base in the heart of all the action, snag a room at the Courtyard Port St. Lucie Tradition, which is conveniently located in easy walking distance to all the shops, restaurants, trails, parks, and gorgeous greenspaces of the Tradition community.
marriott.com; 10251 SW Innovation Way, Port St Lucie, FL 34987; 772-732-9300
One of the best things about Port St. Lucie is its easy access to the beach. The white sands and crystal-clear waters of Jensen Beach and Hutchison Beach are just over 10 miles away, so it's a quick drive to have a day of fun in the sun. If you want to wake up with a view of the water, reserve a room or suite at the sprawling Hutchinson Shores Resort & Spa, for all the amenities you could dream of, or opt for its sister stay The Lucie, which offers a more intimate boutique experience.
If you've got a larger travel group or simply desire a little room to spread out, consider booking a rental home. Right Direction Rentals offers a large collection of all-sized homes in Port St. Lucie, as well as in the nearby community of Jensen Beach for those seeking waterfront views.
rightdirectionrentals.com; 772-873-0515
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Yahoo
7 days ago
- Yahoo
Love pink sand beaches? Here's your essential guide to visiting Bermuda
Bermuda's famed pink sand beaches have drawn travelers to its shores for decades. Still, travelers shouldn't miss the rich cultural traditions, historical landmarks, and annual events that are just as alluring. The 21-square-mile island encompasses neighborhoods and natural wonders that provide enough options to inspire any trip. Summer: Join the bacchanalia of Bermuda's annual Carnival celebration in June. Parties commence on boats and in the streets with soca music and reggae as the soundtrack to the lively events. Head to the famous pink sand beaches of Horseshoe Bay, or experience an exhilarating water sport like freediving through the island's reefs, deep-sea fishing, or a cruise under the Somerset Bridge. In August, the island's largest event, the Cup Match Cricket Classic is a can't-miss event for anyone who wants to truly feel the spirit of Bermuda's excitement for the sport. Spring: Revelers take over the streets in May for Bermuda Day, which commemorates the island's rich heritage through a variety of events, including parades and local art showcases. As temperatures become warmer, enjoy a round of golf with ocean views at one of the island's world-class PGA championship golf courses, Port Royal. Spring is also an ideal time to embrace outdoor adventures like cycling, hiking, rock climbing, and more. Water activities to consider include whale watching, paddleboarding, parasailing, and exploring Bermuda's Crystal Caves. Fall: In October, Taste of Bermuda and Art Month offer culinary and cultural experiences around the island. Indulge in a month-long festival featuring wine tastings, walking tours, a three-day chef competition, and an all-day food fest showcasing the best of the City of Hamilton's restaurants. Art enthusiasts can explore Bermuda's rich artistic heritage with events that include a Sip n Paint in an underground crystal cave and intimate conversations with local artists. Winter: Though temperatures get cooler in winter, there are still plenty of ways to explore the island of Bermuda. Save your appetite for restaurant week, a month-long event in January that includes discounted menus at restaurants and exclusive tasting menus with celebrated chefs from around the world. The Driving Horse and Pony Club of Bermuda is home to a weekly race evening throughout January and February, and golf lovers can try their hand at the sport at night at Turtle Hill Golf Club, where glow-in-the-dark balls are provided and light-up sticks mark the courses. For a truly immersive way to visit Bermuda, there are three distinct parts of the island to discover. Royal Naval Dockyard & The West End: As the island's maritime hub, West End features the historic Royal Naval Dockyard—now the main cruise ship port and destination for sightseeing, shopping, and dining. It's also home to the National Museum of Bermuda, which features over 500 years of the country's history via exhibitions, artifacts, and educational programs. Hamilton & Central Bermuda: Every trip to Bermuda should include a trip 'to town,' better known as the City of Hamilton. Front Street glows with pastel-colored buildings that house great restaurants, shopping, and art museums. On the Hamilton waterfront, a sculpture entitled 'We Arrive,' honors 72 slaves who were eventually freed after their American ship sailed off-course and landed in Bermuda in 1835. The sculpture is one of 13 sites across the island that encompass the African Diaspora Heritage Trail. St. George's & The East End: Located on the northeast end of the island, St. George's Parish is one of the oldest continuously inhabited English settlements in the New World and holds the distinction of being a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Winsome 18th-century cottages, cobblestone lanes, and preserved historic buildings offer a glimpse into the island's rich past. Here, you can visit St. Peter's Church, the oldest Anglican church in continuous use outside of the United Kingdom. One of the island's newest hotels, The Loren at Pink Beach offers 45 suite-and villa-style resort rooms with ocean views on a blush-colored beach. Large groups will find ultimate relaxation in their private Residence, a six-bedroom retreat that includes a private beach. The property is also very close to two of the island's best golf courses, Tucker's Point Golf Course and the Mid Ocean Club. For five-star service perched on a prized hilltop, check into Rosewood Bermuda. After a multi-year, multi-million-dollar renovation, the 92-room property received upgrades that include a lobby gin bar with a retractable roof and a trendy open-air beach club. With 250 acres for guests to explore, it may be hard to leave. Make a reservation at the island's latest upscale dining experience, Intrepid, located inside Hamilton Princess & Beach Club in Bermuda. Prime-aged steaks and a raw seafood bar are just a few of the highlights on the menu. Enjoy a rum swizzle—the country's national drink–at the oldest and most famous pub in Bermuda, The Swizzle Inn. No trip is complete without a visit to Art Mel's Spicy Dicy for a generously sized sandwich that consists of a lightly fried filet of wahoo or snapper cushioned between house-made raisin bread. Fish chowder is another popular dish with a distinctive flavor imparted by the island's own Outerbridge's Original Sherry Peppers and black seal rum. Head to The Lobster Pot or Wahoo's Bistro and Patio to try a steaming bowl. By bus: Bermuda's public buses are safe and operate year-round. 11 bus routes cover 14 zones that reach most major attractions. Travelers can purchase a Transportation Pass, offering unlimited rides for periods ranging from one to seven days. View the bus schedule here. By taxi: One of the most common ways to get around Bermuda is by taxi. Taxis are readily available outside the island's larger hotels, at the airport, and throughout the City of Hamilton, the Town of St. George, and the Royal Naval Dockyard. By electric microcar rental: Tap into one of the most fun and flexible ways to explore Bermuda by renting an electric car. Available to anyone 18 and older with a valid driver's license, electric cars provide a convenient and eco-friendly way to see the island at your own pace. By ferry: Explore Bermuda by sea on the ferry, accessible from a terminal on Front Street in Hamilton. Travelers can purchase a transportation pass that offers unlimited ferry rides for one to seven days — making it a convenient way to hop between key points across the island. View Ferries's schedule and routes here. Ride-share app: For a ride-sharing service option, download the Hitch app. Similar to Uber or Lyft, Hitch lets you enter your destination, uses GPS to determine your location, and provides fare estimates. Hours: On Sundays, many shops, restaurants, and businesses are closed or operate at reduced hours. Public transportation, including buses and ferries, also runs on limited schedules. Check local listings for up-to-date hours and availability. Driving: Driving on the island is on the left, British-style, and the maximum speed limit is 15 mph in Hamilton and 21 mph on the rest of the island. Support reef conservation by adopting a coral garden or baby corals with the Living Reefs Foundation, the first organization dedicated to preserving the island's coral reefs. On the southeast end of the island, take an eco-tour of Cooper's Island Nature Reserve, which features 12 acres of untouched wilderness. Keep your eye open for the seabirds and giant land crabs that live in Bermuda's diverse ecosystem. To get around the island, there are several low-emission transportation options, including electric buses, e-bike rentals, electric mopeds, scooters, and Microcars. Transportation: Visitors can explore the island via electric cars, which help reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Hotels: The Hamilton Princess & Beach Club's sustainability efforts include the installation of refillable water stations across the property, customized PATH aluminum water bottles in each guestroom, and a new solar panel system as part of its recent renovations. Rosewood Bermuda is the island's only hotel to receive Green Globe Certification, recognizing its excellence in sustainable management. In partnership with the Living Reefs Foundation, Rosewood Bermuda offers guests the chance to support coral reef restoration through guided snorkeling or kayaking tours of the Coral Gardens. Guests can also adopt and plant coral, directly contributing to restoration efforts and research. Kristin Braswell is a travel journalist and founder of Crush Global Travel. She has penned pieces for Vogue, Bon Appetit, USA Today, NPR, Architectural Digest, and the Los Angeles Times, among others.
National Geographic
7 days ago
- National Geographic
The essential guide to visiting Bermuda
Bermuda's famed pink sand beaches have drawn travelers to its shores for decades. Still, travelers shouldn't miss the rich cultural traditions, historical landmarks, and annual events that are just as alluring. The 21-square-mile island encompasses neighborhoods and natural wonders that provide enough options to inspire any trip. Best time to visit Bermuda Horseshoe Bay Beach is touted as one of the prettiest pink sand beaches in the world. Photograph by Don Mennig, Alamy Stock Photo Summer: Join the bacchanalia of Bermuda's annual Carnival celebration in June. Parties commence on boats and in the streets with soca music and reggae as the soundtrack to the lively events. Head to the famous pink sand beaches of Horseshoe Bay, or experience an exhilarating water sport like freediving through the island's reefs, deep-sea fishing, or a cruise under the Somerset Bridge. In August, the island's largest event, the Cup Match Cricket Classic is a can't-miss event for anyone who wants to truly feel the spirit of Bermuda's excitement for the sport. Spring: Revelers take over the streets in May for Bermuda Day, which commemorates the island's rich heritage through a variety of events, including parades and local art showcases. As temperatures become warmer, enjoy a round of golf with ocean views at one of the island's world-class PGA championship golf courses, Port Royal. Spring is also an ideal time to embrace outdoor adventures like cycling, hiking, rock climbing, and more. Water activities to consider include whale watching, paddleboarding, parasailing, and exploring Bermuda's Crystal Caves. Fall: In October, Taste of Bermuda and Art Month offer culinary and cultural experiences around the island. Indulge in a month-long festival featuring wine tastings, walking tours, a three-day chef competition, and an all-day food fest showcasing the best of the City of Hamilton's restaurants. Art enthusiasts can explore Bermuda's rich artistic heritage with events that include a Sip n Paint in an underground crystal cave and intimate conversations with local artists. Winter: Though temperatures get cooler in winter, there are still plenty of ways to explore the island of Bermuda. Save your appetite for restaurant week, a month-long event in January that includes discounted menus at restaurants and exclusive tasting menus with celebrated chefs from around the world. The Driving Horse and Pony Club of Bermuda is home to a weekly race evening throughout January and February, and golf lovers can try their hand at the sport at night at Turtle Hill Golf Club, where glow-in-the-dark balls are provided and light-up sticks mark the courses. Key Areas to Explore in Bermuda The Clocktower Mall, located in the heart of Bermuda's Royal Naval Dockyard, was once a naval warehouse but now functions as a shopping center in Sandy's Parish and features restaurants, local shops, and art galleries. Photograph by Greg Balfour Evans, Alamy Stock Photo A photo captures a modern scene in Bermuda's Hamilton Business District. Photograph by George Oze, Alamy Stock Photo For a truly immersive way to visit Bermuda, there are three distinct parts of the island to discover. Royal Naval Dockyard & The West End: As the island's maritime hub, West End features the historic Royal Naval Dockyard—now the main cruise ship port and destination for sightseeing, shopping, and dining. It's also home to the National Museum of Bermuda, which features over 500 years of the country's history via exhibitions, artifacts, and educational programs. Hamilton & Central Bermuda: Every trip to Bermuda should include a trip 'to town,' better known as the City of Hamilton. Front Street glows with pastel-colored buildings that house great restaurants, shopping, and art museums. On the Hamilton waterfront, a sculpture entitled 'We Arrive,' honors 72 slaves who were eventually freed after their American ship sailed off-course and landed in Bermuda in 1835. The sculpture is one of 13 sites across the island that encompass the African Diaspora Heritage Trail. St. George's & The East End: Located on the northeast end of the island, St. George's Parish is one of the oldest continuously inhabited English settlements in the New World and holds the distinction of being a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Winsome 18th-century cottages, cobblestone lanes, and preserved historic buildings offer a glimpse into the island's rich past. Here, you can visit St. Peter's Church, the oldest Anglican church in continuous use outside of the United Kingdom. Where to stay in Bermuda One of the island's newest hotels, The Loren at Pink Beach offers 45 suite-and villa-style resort rooms with ocean views on a blush-colored beach. Large groups will find ultimate relaxation in their private Residence, a six-bedroom retreat that includes a private beach. The property is also very close to two of the island's best golf courses, Tucker's Point Golf Course and the Mid Ocean Club. For five-star service perched on a prized hilltop, check into Rosewood Bermuda. After a multi-year, multi-million-dollar renovation, the 92-room property received upgrades that include a lobby gin bar with a retractable roof and a trendy open-air beach club. With 250 acres for guests to explore, it may be hard to leave. Taste of Bermuda Make a reservation at the island's latest upscale dining experience, Intrepid, located inside Hamilton Princess & Beach Club in Bermuda. Prime-aged steaks and a raw seafood bar are just a few of the highlights on the menu. Enjoy a rum swizzle—the country's national drink–at the oldest and most famous pub in Bermuda, The Swizzle Inn. No trip is complete without a visit to Art Mel's Spicy Dicy for a generously sized sandwich that consists of a lightly fried filet of wahoo or snapper cushioned between house-made raisin bread. Fish chowder is another popular dish with a distinctive flavor imparted by the island's own Outerbridge's Original Sherry Peppers and black seal rum. Head to The Lobster Pot or Wahoo's Bistro and Patio to try a steaming bowl. Getting around Bermuda By bus: Bermuda's public buses are safe and operate year-round. 11 bus routes cover 14 zones that reach most major attractions. Travelers can purchase a Transportation Pass, offering unlimited rides for periods ranging from one to seven days. View the bus schedule here. By taxi: One of the most common ways to get around Bermuda is by taxi. Taxis are readily available outside the island's larger hotels, at the airport, and throughout the City of Hamilton, the Town of St. George, and the Royal Naval Dockyard. By electric microcar rental: Tap into one of the most fun and flexible ways to explore Bermuda by renting an electric car. Available to anyone 18 and older with a valid driver's license, electric cars provide a convenient and eco-friendly way to see the island at your own pace. By ferry: Explore Bermuda by sea on the ferry, accessible from a terminal on Front Street in Hamilton. Travelers can purchase a transportation pass that offers unlimited ferry rides for one to seven days — making it a convenient way to hop between key points across the island. View Ferries's schedule and routes here. Ride-share app: For a ride-sharing service option, download the Hitch app. Similar to Uber or Lyft, Hitch lets you enter your destination, uses GPS to determine your location, and provides fare estimates. Here's what you should know Hours: On Sundays, many shops, restaurants, and businesses are closed or operate at reduced hours. Public transportation, including buses and ferries, also runs on limited schedules. Check local listings for up-to-date hours and availability. Driving: Driving on the island is on the left, British-style, and the maximum speed limit is 15 mph in Hamilton and 21 mph on the rest of the island. How to sustainably visit Bermuda Support reef conservation by adopting a coral garden or baby corals with the Living Reefs Foundation, the first organization dedicated to preserving the island's coral reefs. On the southeast end of the island, take an eco-tour of Cooper's Island Nature Reserve, which features 12 acres of untouched wilderness. Keep your eye open for the seabirds and giant land crabs that live in Bermuda's diverse ecosystem. To get around the island, there are several low-emission transportation options, including electric buses, e-bike rentals, electric mopeds, scooters, and Microcars. Transportation: Visitors can explore the island via electric cars, which help reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Hotels: The Hamilton Princess & Beach Club's sustainability efforts include the installation of refillable water stations across the property, customized PATH aluminum water bottles in each guestroom, and a new solar panel system as part of its recent renovations. Rosewood Bermuda is the island's only hotel to receive Green Globe Certification, recognizing its excellence in sustainable management. In partnership with the Living Reefs Foundation, Rosewood Bermuda offers guests the chance to support coral reef restoration through guided snorkeling or kayaking tours of the Coral Gardens. Guests can also adopt and plant coral, directly contributing to restoration efforts and research. Kristin Braswell is a travel journalist and founder of Crush Global Travel. She has penned pieces for Vogue, Bon Appetit, USA Today, NPR, Architectural Digest, and the Los Angeles Times, among others.
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- Yahoo
Billionaire Steve Cohen Wants NY to Expand Taxpayer-Backed Ferry
(Bloomberg) -- New Yorkers know that getting to LaGuardia airport and Citi Field in Queens from Manhattan has long been a logistical mess, with congested highways, crowded public transit options and frequent traffic snarls making the trip unpredictable. NYC Congestion Toll Brings In $216 Million in First Four Months Now With Colorful Blocks, Tirana's Pyramid Represents a Changing Albania The Economic Benefits of Paying Workers to Move NY Wins Order Against US Funding Freeze in Congestion Fight Billionaire Steve Cohen Wants NY to Expand Taxpayer-Backed Ferry The frustrations compound during big events like Mets games, which draw an average of 37,217 people, or the US Open where more than 1 million fans descended on Queens last summer. Now, public transit advocates are getting a powerful ally in their bid to ease the pain. Hedge fund billionaire Steve Cohen, who's pushing to bring an $8 billion casino and entertainment complex to Citi Field, is backing a bid to extend New York City's ferry system to two new stops nearby. 'Ferry service is a key part of mitigating parking and traffic issues,' Cohen, the owner of the New York Mets, said in a letter to Mayor Eric Adams and Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. Officials from the New York City's soccer team, Billie Jean King National Tennis Center and LaGuardia Gateway Partners also signed the missive which says it would help alleviate congestion. The Willets Point neighborhood in Queens, which sits adjacent to Citi Field, is poised for significant development in the coming years. The New York City FC is expected to open Etihad Park — the city's first dedicated soccer stadium — in 2027. And earlier this month, the US Tennis Association announced an $800 million revamp of Arthur Ashe Stadium. Ahead of those plans, 'it would be an ideal time to begin this service to provide construction workers, fans and community members a convenient alternative to coming to the area by car,' the letter reads. Best known for its ferries gliding in and out of Manhattan, NYC Ferry, as the system is called, is used by 7 million travelers each year on routes that cover 70 nautical miles to all five boroughs. While it's overseen by the city's Economic Development Corporation, the system is operated by a private company. The city chose Hornblower Group as its operator in 2023, awarding it a five-year contract. While scenic, the boats are heavily subsidized by taxpayers. The city had pitched in about $13 per ferry passenger, according to a six-year audit City Comptroller Brad Lander released in 2022 that criticized the system for high cost and financial mismanagement. That support has dropped down to $8.55 per rider. Richards has been pushing for a ferry connecting North Queens to other parts of the city. He said the letter came after a request to business leaders for support. --With assistance from Alex Newman. (Updates story with length of contract with operator in ninth paragraph.) YouTube Is Swallowing TV Whole, and It's Coming for the Sitcom Mark Zuckerberg Loves MAGA Now. Will MAGA Ever Love Him Back? Millions of Americans Are Obsessed With This Japanese Barbecue Sauce How Coach Handbags Became a Gen Z Status Symbol Trump Considers Deporting Migrants to Rwanda After the UK Decides Not To ©2025 Bloomberg L.P.
