East River
Navigable tidal strait in New York City
About
The East River is a saltwater tidal estuary in New York City. The waterway, which despite its name is a tidal strait, not a river, connects Upper New York Bay on its south end to Long Island Sound on its north end. It separates the boroughs of Brooklyn and Queens on Long Island from Manhattan Island and the Bronx, which is on the mainland.
Because of its connection to Long Island Sound, the East River was once also known as the Sound River. The strait changes its direction of flow regularly, and is subject to strong fluctuations in its current, which are accentuated by its narrowness and variety of depths. The waterway is navigable for its entire length of 16 miles (26 km), and was historically the center of maritime activities in the city.
Nearby
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1 Hanover Square
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Downtown Manhattan Heliport
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0.2 mi awayPlaces to eat nearby
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Tickets & tours
Tickets and tours for East River
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