This past weekend, the weather was too lovely to stay inside. I decided to walk with temperatures reaching the 50s and the sun shining. While considering where to go, one beautiful park came to mind, one with a niche history and spectacular views and just a few minutes away from Hoboken: Battery Park City (BPC).
BPC is a stretch of land along the southwestern portion of Manhattan. Consisting of 92 acres of land, BPC features parks, museums, memorials, schools, stores, fitness centers, and residential housing. The area is one of the most desirable areas in Lower Manhattan.
The history of BPC is fascinating in terms of its development. Up until about 50 years ago, BPC did not exist. In the late 1960s, New York State passed a bill that created the Battery Park City Authority (BPCA) to build the neighborhood. To make room for BPC, the conglomerate of organizations used excavated soil from the development of the World Trade Center (opened in 1973) to fill in part of the Hudson River to make the land for the neighborhood to exist.
Coming from Hoboken, getting to BPC was very easy. Since it was so lovely, I took a ferry to sit outside. The ferry leaves from Hoboken Terminal and lands at Brookfield Place Ferry Terminal, right in the center of BPC. However, BPC is also adjacent to the World Trade Center, which also has a stop for the PATH. Once there, I enjoyed a nice, leisurely walk down to the tip of Manhattan and Battery Park (where BPC got its name from). En route, I passed landmarks and attractions like the World Trade Center, North Cove Harbor (as seen in The Wolf of Wall Street), the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, the Museum of Jewish Heritage, and countless photo opportunities with the New York City skyline, the World Trade Center, and views across the Hudson River.
BPC is a beautiful and fascinating location in Manhattan with a rich history and many attractions. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, it’s worth a visit to experience the stunning views, parks, museums, and residential areas. Easy access from Hoboken via ferry or PATH makes it a convenient and enjoyable destination for anyone looking for a relaxing day out.
