There are over 2 million people who walk across the historic Brooklyn Bridge. The magnificent steel structure allows you to get an unhindered view of New York City.
Batul Nafisa Baxamusa
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Brooklyn Bridge Park has something to offer to everyone. You can spend time grilling meal with your family or play sports with your pals. Just spread a blanket over the grass and lie down with an interesting book. You can do this and more at the Brooklyn Bridge Park as discussed in this story.
Reaching The Park
You can get there via multiple Subway lines in Dumbo and Brooklyn Heights. Or you can take the A/C subway station to High Street, the St. 2/3 to Clark Street or St. F to York Street as an easy shortcut. The New York City Ferry is the most scenic way to reach the park.
What to do in Brooklyn Bridge Park?
It is the first-ever suspension bridge built to connect Brooklyn and Manhattan. As interesting as the walk over Brooklyn Bridge may seem, you have plenty of other things to do around it.
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1. The Fulton Ferry Landing Pier
It is located at the foot of Old Fulton Street. This is one of the most historic sites as it marks the location of the first ferry service between Brooklyn and Manhattan in 1642.
The Attractions:
Bargemusic- This renovated coffee barge allows you to enjoy great music 5 days a week, every week of the year. Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory- Located in a landmark fireboat house, this is where you can enjoy homemade ice creams and shakes. Luke’s Lobster- This small shack offers you lobster, crab, or shrimp rolls that are supposed to be the best in New York City.
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2. The Gardens
Beautiful gardens can bring nature closer to people. Visitors can explore and enjoy various gardens, relax on a lawn, or discover native wildflowers while strolling through the Park Paths.
The Attractions
There are different types of ecosystems you can enjoy through these Gardens:
Ornamental
Freshwater
Native Woodland
Salt Marshes
Lawns
Meadows
Green Roofs
3. The Greenway
Enjoy a bicycle ride through the twists and turns of Brooklyn Bridge Park. You can ride from Pier 1 to Pier 6 designated bikeway travel path. If you don’t own a bike, you can always try Citi Bike. It is an efficient bike sharing system where visitors can rent a bike from any station in the system and return it to any designated station within the system.
4. Pier 3 Greenway Terrace
The Pier 3 Greenway Terrace is a peaceful space that brings you away from the hustle and bustle of the noisy city.
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The Attractions
Sound Attenuating Hill- The berm at the park dampens the traffic noise, allowing visitors to spend time in peace and solace.
Lawns- Relax on Glade Lawn and enjoy the serene view of Governors Island along with the Statue of Liberty. Granite Terrace- Built with salvaged granite blocks. It gives a spectacular view to spend some ‘me time’ in peace.
5. Pier 4 Beach
The Pier 4 is built from the remnant of a railroad float transfer bridge that settled on the river bed. The beach allows you to get sand between your toes but swimming and wading are not permitted. Some pools are accessible to visitors where you get to view an interactive demonstration related to the park habitats for marine animals and plants.
6. Empire Fulton Ferry
Nestled between Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges you cannot miss visiting Empire Fulton Ferry. It is filled with attractions that will keep you busy all through the day.
The Attractions
Empire Fulton Ferry Lawn- Get mesmerized with the mind-blowing views of New York Harbor and Lower Manhattan at this sweeping lawn.
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Jane’s Carousel- Families can enjoy a ride at this beautiful, antique carousel. It was built by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company in 1922. The carousel was restored and donated by Jane and David Walentas to the park.
The Attractions
Picnic Grove- Get your friends and family over to the picnic areas located at Pier 5, Pier 2, Pier 6, as well as the Picnic Grove at Empire Fulton Ferry.
St. Ann’s Warehouse- A 19th century Tobacco Warehouse has been redeveloped into a 21st Century theatre. Today it is one of the most important and happening live performance destinations in New York City.
Max Family Garden- This triangular, intimate garden inhabits the historic brick walls of the Tobacco Warehouse. This charming garden has welcoming seating areas where visitors can sit and enjoy the peaceful interiors.
BHS DUMBO- This is an interactive satellite museum that informs visitors of the coastline’s rich history and its global significance.
Other Places to Explore
Apart from these Brooklyn Bridge attractions, you can also visit John Street, Main Street, Pier 2, Pier 3, Pier 5, and Pier 6. Each of these things to see near Brooklyn Bridge has something unique and interesting to offer.
Evidently, Brooklyn Bridge Park has innumerable activities. To enjoy them, a single weekend won't be enough. You need to walk down the Brooklyn Bridge a number of times to explore the various hidden gems at Brooklyn Bridge Park.