EXPLORING BROOKLYN BRIDGE PARK + FULTON FERRY LANDING

 Brooklyn Bridge Park and Fulton Ferry Landing are like a living museum of New York’s waterfront history—where cobblestone charm meets skyline views. Brooklyn Bridge Park stretches 1.3 miles along the East River, transforming former industrial piers into an 85-acre urban oasis. Designed by Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates, it includes playgrounds, lawns, sports fields, and historic structures like the Empire Stores and Tobacco Warehouse. It’s also part of the Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway, making it a haven for cyclists and walkers alike.                                  

Fulton Ferry Landing, nestled at the foot of Old Fulton Street, is one of Brooklyn’s most historic sites. It marks the spot where the first ferry service between Brooklyn and Manhattan began in 1642. The current pier, reopened in 1997, features bronze reliefs of local history and railings etched with lines from Walt Whitman’s Crossing Brooklyn Ferry. It’s a poetic perch to watch the harbor sparkle beneath the Brooklyn Bridge. A Trip to Brooklyn is incomplete without visiting Brooklyn Bridge Park, and then taking the Ferry from Brooklyn to Manhattan.

                                 

History

Brooklyn Bridge Park’s story is a classic New York tale—gritty, ambitious, and ultimately transformative. The land it occupies was once a bustling maritime hub. Fulton Ferry Landing is one of Brooklyn’s most storied waterfront sites—where centuries of transit, commerce, and poetry converge beneath the Brooklyn Bridge. It began as a humble crossing in the 1630s, when Cornelis Dircksen operated a rowboat ferry between what’s now Manhattan and Brooklyn. By 1814, Robert Fulton’s steam-powered ferry revolutionized the route, offering reliable 12-minute trips that helped transform Brooklyn Heights into America’s first commuter suburb. The ferry’s heyday lasted until the Brooklyn Bridge opened in 1883, and by 1924, the original ferry service ceased. But the site’s legacy endured. During the Revolutionary War, it was the escape route for George Washington’s army after the Battle of Long Island—a pivotal moment in American history.

The area boomed with warehouses, rail lines, and finger piers—most famously the Empire Stores and Tobacco Warehouse, which still stand today. By the 1970s, the waterfront had fallen into disuse. Shipping had moved elsewhere, and the piers were largely abandoned. In 1984, the Port Authority proposed selling the land for commercial development, sparking a grassroots movement to reclaim the space for public use. Local residents, activists, and the Brooklyn Bridge Park Coalition (now the Conservancy) spent decades lobbying for a park. Their vision became reality in 2002 when the city and state signed a joint agreement to develop the site. The first section, Pier 1, opened in 2010, and the park was completed in 2021. Today, it’s a model of adaptive reuse and sustainable design—an 85-acre green ribbon that honors its industrial past while offering a vibrant public space for the future.

                                 

Today, the refurbished pier—reopened in 1997—is a poetic tribute to its past. Bronze reliefs depict historic scenes, and the railings are etched with lines from Walt Whitman’s Crossing Brooklyn Ferry, written about this very place. It’s a favorite spot for watching the harbor glow at sunset, with views of the Statue of Liberty, Lower Manhattan, and the Brooklyn Bridge arching overhead.

                            

Brooklyn Bridge Park Attractions

Brooklyn Bridge Park is packed with attractions that blend recreation, history, and jaw-dropping views. 

Here are some highlights to anchor your visit:

- Jane’s Carousel: A restored 1922 carousel housed in a glass pavilion by Jean Nouvel, offering a whimsical ride with skyline views.

                             

- Main Street Park: A quieter corner with pebble beaches, native plantings, and a dog run.

- Empire Fulton Ferry: Where history meets leisure—home to Jane’s Carousel and the historic Tobacco Warehouse.

- Pier 1: The park’s grand entrance, with sweeping lawns, a salt marsh, and unbeatable views of Lower Manhattan and the Brooklyn Bridge.

- Pier 2: Sports central—basketball courts, handball, roller skating, and even a fitness zone.

- Pier 3: A peaceful lawn surrounded by groves, perfect for picnics or a quiet read.

- Pier 5: Home to soccer fields and the Picnic Peninsula, where you can grill with a view of the harbor.

- Pier 6: A family favorite with themed playgrounds, a seasonal ferry landing, and lush gardens.

You’ll also find kayaking, birdwatching, public art, and seasonal events like outdoor movies and fitness classes.

Best Photo Spots in the Park

Brooklyn Bridge Park is a goldmine for skyline shots—whether you're chasing golden hour glow or dramatic nighttime reflections. 

Here are some of the best vantage points for capturing the Manhattan skyline:

- Pier 1: The elevated lawns and granite steps offer sweeping views of Lower Manhattan, especially striking at sunset. The framing of the Brooklyn Bridge here is iconic.

- Empire Fulton Ferry: Near Jane’s Carousel, this spot gives you a layered view of the bridge, the East River, and the skyline beyond. It’s especially magical when the carousel is lit up at night.

                             

- Pebble Beach: Nestled between the Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridges, this rocky shoreline gives you a low-angle, cinematic view of both bridges and the skyline—perfect for long exposures.

                            

- Main Street Park: A quieter corner with a direct line of sight to the Manhattan Bridge and skyline. Great for moody, minimalist compositions.

- Brooklyn Heights Promenade (just above the park): Not technically in the park, but it offers a panoramic, elevated view of the entire waterfront and skyline—ideal for wide shots.

East River Ferry

The East River Ferry, now part of the expanded NYC Ferry system, is one of the most scenic and affordable ways to travel between Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens. Originally launched in 2011 as a pilot program, it’s evolved into a full-fledged commuter and sightseeing route with modern boats, onboard concessions, and a flat fare of $4.50 per ride.

                                           

The East River route connects:

- Wall Street/Pier 11

- DUMBO/Fulton Ferry

- South & North Williamsburg

- Greenpoint

- East 34th Street (Manhattan)

- Hunter’s Point South (Long Island City)

The ride takes about 43–49 minutes end-to-end, offering panoramic views of the Brooklyn Bridge, Empire State Building, and Lower Manhattan skyline. It’s especially popular at golden hour or twilight, when the city lights start to shimmer on the water. If you're planning to hop off and explore, just note that it’s not a hop-on, hop-off service—you’ll need a new ticket each time you reboard. 

Combine a Trip with DUMBO

If you're planning a day trip through DUMBO and Brooklyn Bridge Park, you’re in for a perfect blend of history, skyline views, and creative energy. Here’s a curated loop that hits the highlights:

Morning: Start at the Brooklyn Bridge

- Walk across from Manhattan for iconic views and a dramatic entrance into Brooklyn.

- Snap photos mid-bridge with the skyline behind you.

                                

Late Morning: Explore DUMBO

- Head to Washington Street for that famous shot of the Manhattan Bridge framing the Empire State Building.

- Wander the DUMBO Archway—often home to art installations and live music.

- Grab coffee and a pastry at Butler or Almondine Bakery.

Noon: Empire Stores & Jane’s Carousel

- Explore the Empire Stores—Civil War-era warehouses turned into shops, galleries, and the Time Out Market.

- Ride Jane’s Carousel, a restored 1922 gem in a glass pavilion with river views.

                               

Afternoon: Brooklyn Bridge Park

- Stroll through Empire Fulton Ferry and Main Street Park for skyline views and Pebble Beach.

- Head south through Piers 1–6: Pier 1 for lawns and views, Pier 2 for sports, Pier 5 for picnic spots, and Pier 6 for gardens and playgrounds.

Late Afternoon: Ferry Ride

- Catch the NYC Ferry from the DUMBO/Fulton Ferry landing for a scenic loop on the East River.

- Or just relax by the water with a scoop from OddFellows Ice Cream.

Evening: Sunset & Dinner

- Watch the sunset from Pier 1 or the Brooklyn Heights Promenade.

- Dine at Celestine (Mediterranean with river views) or Juliana’s Pizza, a local legend.

Conclusion

Brooklyn Bridge Park and Fulton Ferry Landing aren’t just scenic—they’re where New York’s past and present collide in the most photogenic way possible. From the park’s piers and Pebble Beach to the boardwalk at Fulton Ferry Landing, you get front-row seats to the Manhattan skyline, Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges, and even the Statue of Liberty. Fulton Ferry Landing marks the site of the first ferry service between Brooklyn and Manhattan, dating back to 1642. Today, it features bronze reliefs of historic scenes and railings etched with Walt Whitman’s Crossing Brooklyn Ferry. The park hosts outdoor movies, concerts, kayaking, fitness classes, and art installations like Photoville. It’s a place where you can picnic, play sports, or just people-watch with a lemonade from Lizzmonade. The Empire Stores and Tobacco Warehouse are prime examples of adaptive reuse—19th-century warehouses reborn as cultural spaces, eateries, and galleries. 

Whether you walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, hop on the NYC Ferry, or bike along the Greenway, getting there is part of the adventure. It’s not just a park—it’s a portal into Brooklyn’s layered identity.