New York City is justifiably known for its exciting offerings to residents and tourists, but it's also a great city to enjoy outdoors. As the city’s most populous borough, Brooklyn has no shortage of activities to enjoy in the sunshine and is a great place to walk or ride a bike. Discover some of New York City’s most iconic attractions (and get some fresh air) with these five adventures in Brooklyn.
Take a trip to Coney Island
New York City’s playground, Coney Island is a seasonal amusement park that features over 50 rides and games. The park is situated on Brighton Beach and has a boardwalk with numerous attractions, shops, restaurants, and bars.
Luna Park is the island’s amusement park, featuring popular rides like The Cyclone Roller Coaster and Deno’s Wonder Wheel. Other attractions on the boardwalk include The New York Aquarium at Coney Island, the Coney Island Circus Sideshow, and the Coney Island Museum.
Brighton Beach has become one of the most visited beaches in New York. During summer, you can even see fireworks at Brighton Beach every Friday at 9:30 p.m. If you prefer a typical beach day, you can get a tan on shore, go for a swim, or try your hand at surfing on the East Coast waves. Coney Island is the perfect day trip if you are looking for some seaside amusement, wacky rides, and exciting attractions.
Traverse the iconic Brooklyn Bridge
Connecting Lower Manhattan to Brooklyn Heights is the iconic Brooklyn Bridge. The Bridge features large stone arches and has six lanes of traffic that span over the East River. Since its construction in 1883, the Brooklyn Bridge has been a crucial crossing for millions of commuters. Each day, an average of 116,000 vehicles, 3,000 cyclists, and 30,000 pedestrians cross the bridge. So if you want to walk, bike, or drive over the Brooklyn Bridge, try to go early in the morning or late at night to avoid the large crowds.
The Brooklyn Bridge has been designated a New York City Landmark, a National Historic Landmark, and a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. Although it is no longer the largest suspension bridge in the world — as it was when it first opened — the Brooklyn Bridge offers picturesque views of the city and maintains its status as an NYC tourist destination.
Prospect Park
Take a break from city life and connect with nature at Prospect Park. Prospect Park was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, who also created Central Park. Since its opening in 1867, the Park has been a favored way to explore Brooklyn’s natural settings and bask in the warm weather.
There is an abundance of ways to enjoy Prospect Park. Have a barbecue or picnic with loved ones, take part in outdoor sports like soccer, football, or volleyball at the Parade Ground, or simply take an afternoon stroll in the sunshine. There is a separate Tennis Court and adult fitness area as well.
There are dozens of trails to walk or bike throughout the park, too. Take a guided hike through the Ravine (one of the last indigenous forests in New York City) and search for wild herbs. Or bask in the sunshine on a blanket in Long Meadow. With over 250 species spotted yearly, Prospect Park has been named one of New York’s 130 Important Bird Areas and is great for bird watching.
If you want to beat the heat with water activities, rent a boat or kayak from LeFrak Center and cruise along Prospect Park Lake.
Prospect Park’s Children Corner has attractions for the kiddos as well. The Park has a 53 seat Carousel and seven different playgrounds. The Prospect Park Zoo is also a popular spot for children, as there are nearly 400 animals of 100 species. Cool off at one of the park’s water play areas, like its large Splash Pad.
Prospect Park hosts all types of recurring, seasonal events. The BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn Festival is New York’s longest-running, outdoor performing arts celebration. Greenmarket is the Park’s farmer’s market, which features regional farmers selling organic, free-range products. Dubbed “The Woodstock of Eating,” Smorgasburg is a food festival that features a variety of cuisines from local vendors. Whether you’re looking to get active outdoors or want to check out local events, Prospect Park is the place to go.
Connect with nature at Brooklyn Botanic Garden
One of the best ways to get outside in the city is to visit the 52-acre flowering oasis of Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Next to Prospect Park and The Brooklyn Museum, this botanic garden is home to thousands of different types of flora. Daily guided tours of the garden are offered so that visitors can learn about the beautiful species of plants and flowers it houses.
Some of the Garden’s summer highlights include meadow flowers, water-lilies, and roses. Check out some of New York’s indigenous plants at the Native Flora Garden. The Water Garden features a winding stream that cascades into a pond full of water-lilies and wetland plants. At the Cranford Rose Garden, you can admire gorgeous hybrid tea roses and Grandiflora roses.
The Brooklyn Botanic Garden holds various events, so check their calendar before visiting. Art in the Garden features dance and musical performances every Thursday evening starting at 6:30 p.m. Previous performances have included Latin mambos, jazz ensembles, and Haitian dances. Family Discovery Days are a great way to learn about nature hands-on, where you can pot plants to take home or water fruits and vegetables throughout the Garden.
Other tranquil spots at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden are its Shakespeare Garden, Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden, and the first Japanese-inspired garden built in the United States. The Brooklyn Botanic Garden has a vegetable-focused restaurant called Yellow Magnolia Café, and if you’re looking to buy flowers, shrubs, and trees, stop by the Garden Shop.
Depending on when you visit, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden can be one of the best places to find peace and quiet in New York City.
Credit: Prunus ‘Kanzan’ (flowering cherry cultivar) on Cherry Walk. Photo by Steven Severinghaus.
Shop vintage at Brooklyn Flea
Find some of the best vintage pieces New York City has to offer at Brooklyn Flea. Brooklyn Flea was founded in 2008 and has since become one of the most popular flea markets in the five boroughs and beyond. Brooklyn Flea has received recognition as one of the best flea markets in both the United States and the world from Travel + Leisure, Country Living, Budget Travel, and Time Out.
Every weekend shoppers can choose from hundreds of sellers with unique vintage items like clothing, furniture, collectibles, and antiques. Popular vendors include Joan Van Hess (who sells retro apparel), Savannah Hope (who makes ceramics), and Van Der Most Modern (who sells furniture). There is also a unique selection of jewelry, arts, and crafts made by local artists and designers.
Brooklyn Flea also offers shoppers delicious, local food, and is operated by the same people as the Smorgasburg food festival. Popular bites include Indian dishes from Dosa Royale, pork buns by C Bao, pizza from Wood Fire Edibles, and shaved ice from People’s Pops.
If you’re searching for vintage products or are craving stellar food, check out New York City’s grand outdoor bazaar: Brooklyn Flea.
Brooklyn Real Estate
If you’re interested in purchasing Brooklyn real estate, contact real estate agent Steven Szczur. Szczur helps clients find hidden opportunities in Brooklyn’s off-the-market space, and his expertise has earned him the nickname of “The Investors’ Agent.” Steven specializes in Cobble Hill brownstones, Carroll Gardens homes, and Williamsburg mansions. If you’re looking to buy or sell a Brooklyn property, Steven Szczur is the trustworthy guide for you.
