If you’re ever visiting New York and want to experience an awesome outdoor space with spectacular views, check out Brooklyn Bridge Park. Located right on the waterfront along the East River, this park has become a popular hangout among locals and tourists. No matter when you go, there’s always something fun happening.
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Getting to Brooklyn Bridge Park
Getting to the park is really easy, with multiple subways and ferries dropping you off nearby:
- Subway lines: A/C to High Street, F to York Street, 2/3 to Clark Street or Borough Hall.
- Ferries: The East River Ferry’s got a DUMBO stop, and I always take the NYC Ferry right to Piers 1 and 6. Nice views of the bridge from the water!
- Driving? There’s parking at the piers but it fills up so fast. Take the train if you can!
The park’s open daily from 6am to 1am in the summer and till 11pm the rest of the year. Each pier keeps different hours though, so check their website before heading over.
Checking Out the Different Piers
One of my favorite parts of Brooklyn Bridge Park is how it’s split into a bunch of piers that all have their own personality. Let me give you a quick rundown:
- Pier 1
Pier 1 is definitely one of my top recommendations, especially if you’re looking for a good spot to picnic or just hang out and enjoy the views. With its big open grassy areas facing the Brooklyn Bridge and Lower Manhattan skyline, it’s perfect for laying out a blanket, grabbing some snacks, and spending time relaxing out in the sun.
- Pier 2
If you’re into beaches, Pier 2 is your spot. They’ve got the whole setup – courts for basketball, volleyball, bocce ball, plus these huge grassy areas perfect for pick-up games or just chilling. The Empire Fulton Ferry Park here is awesome too.
- Pier 3
Pier 3’s the little underdog of the bunch, but it’s got a nice maritime garden that’s worth quickly checking out. Pretty views of Lady Liberty and Governors Island too from here!
- Pier 4
Pier 4 is designed just for the kiddos, with these wild jungle gym structures and a massive sandbox. Your little ones will have an absolute blast.
- Pier 5
Pier 5 is known for its wide open space to toss a frisbee around or hold a random dance party up on the granite blocks. The outdoor movie nights in the summer are a local favorite also.
- Pier 6
Last but not least, Pier 6 is hands down my personal favorite. It’s huge! Playgrounds, basketball courts, a soccer field, a dog run – they’ve seriously got it all. I’d say bring the whole family.
Every pier has something cool to offer. Make sure to give yourself a few hours to properly explore ’em all!
Top Things To Do
Whether you wanna stay active or just soak up the scenery, there’s seriously so many awesome things to do:
Picnic
When the weather’s nice, picking up sandwiches and finding a grassy spot for an impromptu picnic is my go-to. The views and people watching are A+ at the Empire Fulton Ferry and Pier 1 lawns.
Jane’s Carousel
The vintage carousel at Pier 1 is such a vibe – don’t miss riding it! Pro tip: try to pick the black horse with the golden saddle.
Paddleboarding
Renting kayaks and paddleboards during summer is a must! Gliding on the water under the bridge with the city skyline is stunning.
Outdoor Movies
Might sound basic but watching movies outside on a summer night is such a fun experience. Grab a snack and cozy blanket!
Walk the Brooklyn Bridge
I mean c’mon, you can’t visit without walking over into Manhattan! The entrance is at Pier 1 – just make sure to stick to the pedestrian path.
Work Up a Sweat
With basketball courts, tennis courts, and a pop-up winter dome, there’s always a way to get your sweat on. I like shooting hoops or taking yoga on Pier 6.
Eats with a View
When all that playing works up an appetite, hit up Fornino, Grand Banks Oyster Bar, or Tacocina. Their food + those water views are killer!
No matter when you visit, there’s guaranteed to be cool events and activities happening at the park!
Nearby Neighborhoods Worth Exploring
Right by the park you’ve got some of the best neighborhoods in Brooklyn. Here’s some of my faves:
DUMBO
DUMBO’s only a quick stroll over the Brooklyn Bridge. Make sure to hit up Jane’s Carousel, Brooklyn Roasting Company, or browse the shops at Dekalb Market Hall.
Brooklyn Heights
I love wandering through charming, tree-lined Brooklyn Heights. The brownstones are seriously iconic, and Montague Street’s got cute boutiques and cafes.
Downtown Brooklyn
On the other side, Downtown Brooklyn’s got a more modern vibe. The dining and shopping at City Point mall is awesome, and events at Barclays Center are lit!
With so many dope neighborhoods surrounding it, the park really lets you experience the best of Brooklyn.
Handy Tips for Planning Your Visit
To make sure your trip goes smoothly, keep these tips in mind:
- Weekday mornings are way less crowded. Go then if you don’t want the weekend hustle and bustle.
- Summer is the best time to visit for weather, but spring and fall are nice too.
- Bring a blanket, some snacks, and a camera! Oh, and water for your pup if you’re bringing them.
- Give yourself at least 2-3 hours to really explore. Stay all day if you can!
- It’s very family-friendly, so let the kiddos run wild at the playgrounds while you guys picnic.
- Catching the sunset here with someone special is pretty romantic. Just sayin’.
- There’s elevators and wheelchair/stroller access to make it accessible for everyone.
Brooklyn Bridge Park really does have something for every type of traveler. Hopefully these tips help you plan an awesome visit!
Why Brooklyn Bridge Park is a Must-Visit
After reading all this, I hope you can see why Brooklyn Bridge Park is hands down one of my favorite spots in New York! Here’s a recap of what makes it so special:
- The views of the Brooklyn Bridge and Lower Manhattan skyline are iconic. You can’t get ’em anywhere else!
- It’s an awesome outdoor oasis to enjoy, right in the middle of the city.
- The history behind the old shipping piers is really fascinating to me.
- There’s seriously so many cool events, activities, and things to explore year-round.
- Right next door you’ve got amazing restaurants, shops, and neighborhoods.
- Where else can you picnic on the waterfront with that view of the skyline?
There’s seriously so much to do at Brooklyn Bridge Park, I don’t even think I could fit it all in one post! Whether you want to play a pickup game of roller hockey with some of the locals, shop for some cool artisan goods at the Dekalb Market, or just go for a relaxing stroll under the Brooklyn Bridge into Manhattan, this park’s got it all covered.
