Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum

Standard admission to the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum generally includes access to the carrier flight deck, gallery deck, and mess deck, as well as the Space Shuttle Pavilion (where theEnterprise space shuttle is held), and theUSS Growler submarine. While the British Airways Concorde can be seen from outside, the interior can only be accessed by private tour. Visitors can pre-purchase an admission ticket that allows quick access via a dedicated advanced sales entrance, and upgrade to include the simulator rides. Multi-stop package tours often combine skip-the-line access to the museum with early access to the Empire State Building observation deck, a visit to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, guided bus tours, or hop-on hop-off boat tours along the Hudson River.

• The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum is a must-do for anyone with an interest in maritime, aviation, or military history.

• Many sightseeing passes, including New York CityPASS, New York City Explorer Pass, the New York Sightseeing Pass, and the New York Pass, grant holders free—and in some cases skip-the-line—entry to the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum.

• Allow at least two to three hours to properly explore the complex.

• Most of the museum is wheelchair-accessible with the exception of the forecastle (the forward deck), combat information center, the interior of theGrowler submarine, and the Concorde.

• In the hot summer months, bring a hat, sunscreen, and water.

The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum is located at Pier 86 (12th Avenue and 46th Street) in Hell’s Kitchen. Ride the A,C, or E subway line to 42nd Street and walk west toward the waterfront. Or, take the M34 (34th Street), M42 (42nd Street), or M50 (49th Street) crosstown buses to 12th Avenue and the Hudson River.

The museum is busiest during summer weekends and school holidays. Lines form but usually move pretty quickly. Mornings are the quietest time to visit. Book tickets in advance to save time.

For an even more immersive experience, opt for an overnight stay on theIntrepid. During sleepovers, visitors get to enjoy a buffet dinner, explore the exhibitions after hours, sleep on the hangar deck, and have breakfast onboard.

Plan to spend at least 2–3 hours viewing the exhibits at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in Manhattan—and longer to fully see the Aircraft Carrier, the Space Shuttle Pavilion, the Submarine Growler, and the Concorde plane. Guided tours covering the museum highlights take about 60 minutes.

Mostly. The museum restrooms, dining areas, and three decks are wheelchair accessible; the island, gallery deck, submarine Growler, and the Concorde are not. While the museum doesn't offer wheelchairs for public use, it does lend out lightweight stools from the Information Desk.

Yes, the Intrepid Sea Air & Space Museum allows photography and videotaping as long as it is for personal use—commercial shoots require prior approval from the public relations department. Remember that using tripods, selfie sticks, or any other professional equipment or camera-extension devices is prohibited.

No, no parking is on-site at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum. However, several paid public parking garages are nearby with entrances on West 50th Street, West 51st Street, West 43rd Street, and West 45th Street—the latter two are open 24 hours a day.

Yes, the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum offers three types of guided tours. A 1-hour museum Highlights Tour; the Concorde Experience, a short exploration of the plane's cabin and flight deck; and VIP tours granting access to the Space Shuttle Pavilion, Growler submarine, and other special areas.

The best time to visit the Intrepid Sea, Space & Air Museum is weekday mornings when the crowds haven't yet arrived—it opens at 10am. Weekends, holidays, and afternoons can get crowded. You can also try later in the afternoon during peak season—spring to early fall—when the museum stays open until 6pm.