Seaport Plz, Lower East Side

I don't go to South Street Seaport for how much I love this place. The Seaport is a historic district in Manhattan that kind of reminds me of San Francisco. I remember the first time I went there and there was actual sunshine that broke through from all of the surrounding buildings as I walked onto the cobblestone. It still looks like an actual seaport and even though a lot of the buildings are newer, it still has a great, old-timey feel. There are even ships from the 1800's docked there as part of the museum.
The best part is that aside from the historical element of the area, there are tons of restaurants, bars and shops. It's kind of like a time capsule and a mall of sorts wrapped into one. You can go to J Crew and then hit up Heartland Brewery with a view of the boats. There is no way to have a bad time . . even though all of the businesses are chains.
Yes, it's a major tourist enclave. And, yes, it's a little far out of the way from actual nightlife and local haunts. But, it's really charming, in my opinion. I wouldn't even mind living there. I have a friend that lives in the seaport and she says every time she walks out of her place, she feels like she just entered the 19th century. It's my favorite tourist spot in the city. And, I highly recommend it.