Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum

Next to the Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises and the New York Passenger Ship Terminal on Manhattan's Hudson River lies the world's largest naval museum, the Intrepid. Constructed in Newport News, VA, the Intrepid was commissioned in 1943 and served in the United States Navy for 31 years. The ship survived five kamikaze attacks during its tour of duty, serving as a recovery vessel for NASA and playing a key role in World War II, Vietnam and the Cuban Missile Crisis. At 900-feet long and weighing 42,000 tons, this aircraft carrier-turned-floating museum opened in 1982. Today, this national historic landmark is dedicated to honoring those who serve our nation and educating the general public.

The Intrepid recently re-opened in November 2008 after a two-year, $115 million renovation project. This venture included the rebuilding of the ship's home at Pier 86, a 6,500-gallon paint job and the restoration of 16 aircraft on board including an FJ-3 Fury jet fighter and an F-3D Skynight night fighter that guests can explore during their visit.

A popular attraction for both adults and kids, the Intrepid brings in more than 750,000 visitors each year. A variety of interactive exhibits include re-creations of historical events, a cockpit simulator, access to tight hallways and narrow entranceways and the Virtual Flight Zone -- a wind tunnel that blasts giant gusts of air to demonstrate how planes are lifted. The museum also boasts two of the world's fastest airplanes, the French luxury Concorde and the A-12 Blackbird spy plane, as well as the Growler, the only submarine open to the public that once fired nuclear missiles.

- Lauren DeFilippo