It is a nine-acre green space on the East River devoted to appreciating its surroundings. While many folks claim that Sunset Park, the Brooklyn Bridge, or their kitchen window has the best Manhattan- - New York view, we at New York Habitat crown the Empire-Fulton Ferry State Park as the best place in Brooklyn to gaze at the Manhattan skyline. Whether you're coming or going, laying out on the lush lawns, visiting Jane's Carousel, or being a shutterbug, this go-to location, nestled between the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges, is not to be missed. Don't miss out rooftop- Housed in a former warehouse and coffee roasting facility, Empire Stores features retail shops, restaurants, a rooftop beer garden, and a museum of the Brooklyn Historical Society. read more

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This is where they filmed the movie Empire Of The Sun (which was originally to be called Empire Of The Fulton Ferry State Park). This is an absolutely stunningly beautiful park, with one of the best views in any city in the world. The view of Manhattan here is absolutely unrivalled and unparalleled. I'm so in love with it that I would give it 10 Stars if that were an option. I come here just for the view, basically every time I'm in BKLN, especially if I'm with a girl. read more

Gorgeous at any time of day! If you want to save a trek and go through less traffic into the city, I highly recommend making a visit. The park is very well kept and clean. Countless benches and places to take a break and sit. Scenic every turn you make. You get a gorgeous view of the city from this area. Perfect place for a picnic or bike ride! Parking may be difficult, but you can get lucky with street parking. read more

I can't believe how empty this place is every time I visit considering that it boasts one of the best views of New York City I can possibly imagine (see photos). Call me a cornball. Call me a schlemiel. But I love walking on the aged planks of the Brooklyn Bridge on top of all that traffic. OK, so I don't like to be asked to take snapshots just because I am Japanese and know how to point and click with conviction. And I don't care for the beer-bellied Europeans who trundle their way with nary a concern for the path I'm taking. And I especially don't like venturing into that dark, urine-saturated passage at the Brooklyn end of the bridge. But once off the bridge, you find yourself strolling through the yuppie-rejuvenated DUMBO area and eventually to this little riverside park with the spectacular views. There is a nice boardwalk with plenty of picnic tables and bench seating where you can see the boats sputter by with Lower Manhattan as your background. The views of the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges can't be beat, even on a cloudy day. So take a load off, grab a cone at the Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory, a hot chocolate at Jacques Torres' or a slice of pizza at Grimaldi's, and just take in one of the best cityscapes in the world. Overstatement? I think not. read more

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Whoever gives this place anything lower than 4 stars obviously has no appreciation for something perhaps NICE in New York City. Call Brooklyn what you want. DUMBO is an exceptionally relaxed, laid-back area (at least for New York) any busy New Yorker can only dream of. Firstly, if you're under the Manhattan bridge, you're obviously going to hear subways passing; try living on the intersections of Market Street, from East Broadway to Cherry Street; I guess you're not complaining then. As a native Queens resident, I am already fortunate that Gantry State Park and Socrates Sculpture Park have that relaxed, full grass park setting, overlooking the city within a river. But there is no view like Empire-Fulton, coming in between 2 of New York's finest and notable bridges, the Manhattan Bridge and the Brooklyn Bridge with a killer skyline view. I am not complaining. I am praising. read more

Empire-Fulton Ferry State Park - Parks Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Love Love Love this park! A great escape from the hustle and rush of the city. Its nestled in between the beautiful Brooklyn bridge and the not as pretty Manhattan Bridge. There are benches to sit and view the Manhattan sky line and a big grassy area to lay down or have a picnic. An area where u can sit on these huge concrete steps leading down to the water. The neighborhood (DUMBO) is also great. Plenty of great restaurants and cafes. Also a photographers dream. read more

Empire-Fulton Ferry State Park - The Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan Skyline as seen from the park during sunset. - Parks Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Honestly one of the most beautiful spots in NYC. No one talks about this for some reason, you are directly across the river from some of manhattans most attractive skyline. So why isn't it on every tourist pamphlet? read more

Gorgeous park with a beautiful view of the city! Take a blanket and lay on the grass with a 180+ degree view of Manhattan and the East River. This part of the park is slightly less crowded than Brooklyn Bridge Park but during the summer expect tourists to wander aimlessly and disrupt your NYC speed walking. It seems as though there is always a new art installation or event. Check out the dumbo website for more info! read more

Empire-Fulton Ferry State Park - Brooklyn bridge at sunset - Parks Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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The view of Manhattan is simply BEAUTIFUL day or night!! This park hosts summer time outdoor "free movies under the stars" at this park. Bring your own mats or blanket for sitting though and arrive very early for good seats. The movies do not start until 9:30pm with lots of non-sense local commercials or homemade movies. It is great for family BBQ's, joggers, bikers, and couples for romantic walks. This park needs more restroom facilities especially when there's a "movie under the stars" event. N.B. The promenade is the perfect spot for men to propose to their girlfriends, which makes it romantic having a magnificent backdrop for the setting. read more

Best spot to see lower Manhattan and catch a tan. The amenities of DUMBO within an easy walk, close to a subway station (York St.), something for all ages and the family dog. Don't just check it out in the light of day- there's a "screen-on-the-green" program here with outdoor movies all summer long. read more

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This is one of the most beautiful and peaceful parks in New York-- you feel like you're being cradled by the city; downtown and the Manhattan Bridge on one side, majestic Brooklyn Bridge on the other, and grass and trees and art and amazing quiet all around, all oddly level with the East River (I'm used to seeing the river below me). The free summer outdoor movie nights (held by the Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy) are great, but note: When they say the movie starts at sundown, they MEAN sundown. As in the sun actually being down. So bring a blanket by dusk to claim your space and be prepared to wait. read more

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I've been coming here for years. In 2010, my cousin did her wedding shoot here. Over the past few years, the pier has extended. There's now a man-made beach with sitting areas and a kid's playground. In the warmer months, Smorgasburg is hosted here--- a large food fair with multiple vendors and a variety of foods. Great for pictures or just for an outdoor stroll. read more

Empire-Fulton Ferry State Park - Parks Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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Very picturesque place to walk along the water and see both the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan Bridge. Shopping and food and ferry rides nearby read more

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We could spend minutes maybe hours in this park without growing tired for a very good reason, the Empire Fulton Ferry State Park offers undoubtedly one of the most wonderful points of view at the same time on the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan. It was formerly the boarding place for the ferry when that this made the shuttle between both borought of New York. When the Brooklyn Bridge was built, its utility became old-fashioned but it has of it nevertheless to keep its original name. The place is hardly frequented by families which come there the time of a spade falls or to leave their children played under the big glass shop window of the Jane's Carousel. ----- On pourrait passer des minutes voir des heures dans ce parc sans se lasser et pour cause, l'Empire Fulton Ferry State Park offre assurément l'un des plus merveilleux points de vues à la fois sur le Brooklyn Bridge et Manhattan. C'était autrefois le lieu d'embarquement pour le ferry lorsque celui ci faisait la navette entre les deux borought de New York. Lorsque le pont de Brooklyn a été construit, son utilité est devenu désuète mais il en a malgré tout garder son appellation d'origine. L'endroit est fort fréquenté par les familles qui y viennent le temps d'un pique pique ou pour laisser leurs enfants s'amusé sous la grande vitrine en verre du Jane's Carousel. read more

Empire-Fulton Ferry State Park - Parks Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Wowzers-wow-wow-wowzeronis! Is this Brooklyn? Am I really watching a movie while sitting on the grass with my then new chica and brother and friends in one of the many areas that was great to get shot back when I was a kid? They did a spectacular job. I have nothing more to add except that I will be back next year! I wish I had known about it sooner! read more

What a beautiful spot! Situated between the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges, it offers one of the most perfectly scenic views of Lower Manhattan. The sun was slowly beginning its descent, and the sky was emanating the kind of late afternoon glow that makes everything just a little bit more romantic. Out on the esplanade, it felt like such a secluded little spot because there is only one entrance to the park. There were very few passersby at that time. Either this is the best kept secret in NYC or we were lucky that the blistery cold kept everyone else inside. The rocks along the water's edge remind me of seaside towns in New England, and tempt me to climb down. The big "No Climbing" sign, however, reminds me of where I really am. I love the old tobacco warehouse that lines the entrance pathway. It's a memento of times past and reminds you of NYC's industrial history. It also provides a barrier between regular city life and this little oasis of calm. I love finding special places like this in NYC. It proves yet again that you don't have to exit the city limits in order to find a little peace and beauty. read more

I love this area in DUMBO. It is located between the Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges. It can be reached by taking the (A)(C) trains to High Street or the (F) to York Street and walk. This area is especially great after dark because the view of all the Manhattan lights is beautiful. There is a ferry, a carousel, a few stands for food, picnic tables and a playground. It can get crowded sometimes but not too bad. read more

How many parks are located in between 2 amazing bridges and have a view of the Manhattan Skyline? It was such a treat coming here this past weekend when it was well over 80 degrees to have a picnic with my girls ^_^ The park was full of people but not crowded so the 8 of us could still find a spot to settle down and enjoy a slow afternoon of talking, reading, playing cards, and napping. We didn't forget the SPF! It was literally June/July heat in April! We all brushed up on our tan and were ready for a few ice cold drinks after a few hours out in the sun! read more

I've always loved seeing the combination of a bridge over still water. (insert Simon and Garfunkel). There's something deeply symbolic about it; the water can represent anything in your life and the bridge itself becomes the euphemism behind that travel. A crossing over of sorts, where you actually feel the change within, and when you look back trying to remember why you traveled in the first place, nothing resonates. All is fresh and new. All you see are new beginnings and a wondrous outlook on the world. I certainly had that moment standing on the edge of the water and staring up at the bridge. The wind gently caressing my face, the subtle background noise of laughter from children behind me, and of course standing idly by while watching a lost bee frantically buzzing around trying to find its next nectar. It reminded me of one of my favorite quotes from Ray Bradbury who once wrote, "Bees do have a smell, you know, and if they don't they should, for their feet are dusted with spices from a million flowers." :) When people are caught staring into space or have their heads lost in the clouds, they're not really confused, for "not all those who wander are lost," (said the space traveler) but rather taking in the beauty around them, one flower at a time. And just like the bee, once its belly is full, it will give back a bountiful amount of sweet honey. read more

This park makes a great back-up plan if you don't want to go to the beach on some nice weekend in the summer. It's at an amazing spot between the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges, with views of the river and Manhattan skyline. There are big wide expanses of grass to picnic on, sunbathe, read a book... People sitting on the grass here remind me of that painting by Seurat -- "A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte." When you feel like it, later in the afternoon, you can repair to the Water Street Lounge in DUMBO to get out of the sun and have a couple drinks, or stroll the byways of DUMBO, which are extremely quiet and peaceful once you get away from the central commercial area. read more

Really well maintained park with lots of people. Can get a little over run with tourists during the weekend but it actually gives the park a good energy. Really great view of the city over looking the east river. read more

There is love and there is LOVE... I am truly in love this place. It has been going under a makeover recently and is looking better than ever. I started coming here when I first moved to New York. I wasn't living in Brooklyn then, but I was always making the trip from Astoria all the way down here. To me this place is very RELAXING. You see the ships and ferries go by the the water. See the trains cross the Manhattan Bridge and breathe the fresh air all at the same time. If I was having a really bad day at work I would stop by Chinatown, grab some food and hop on the F from East Broadway. I would sit on the steps that surround the water and just take time out to relax. When someone asks me what my FAVORITE part of Brooklyn is. This would be my answer. read more

If you have one day in NYC, ride this ferry around all day. Hits all the major spots: mIdtown manhatty, Willyburg, dumbo, Wall St, and even the Ikea on Red Hook (free on weekends w. Ikea validation- Hell ya!) Most beautiful way to check out the city for $4!!!!!!!! That's $1.50 more than the subway. I wish I still lived near the water. I'd use the boat and my skateboard every day. read more

This is a beautiful park, like no other. Smacked between the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridge is an area of lush green grass, where you can frolick and play on a sunny afternoon! This place is wonderful! Great date place also ;-) read more

+ A trail under the Manhattan Bdg from the rocks leads to a little "shore" with sand. Oh delicious solitude. + Really creative and interesting installation art pieces all around the gravel trail. + Not too populated + The closest you can get to that "waterfall". - Sometimes the Tobacco Warehouse is off limits b/c of events. Better luck in the winter? * Loud subway overhead but it doesn't bother me. You can never get away completely! read more

Walked through quickly at night mid-winter. Couldn't beat the views, even then (or especially then, I'm not positive). read more

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I visited this park on a sunny September afternoon. It's situated between the Brooklyn and Manhattan bridge. After a brisk walk across the Brooklyn bridge, I decided to grab a slice of pizza nearby and sit here to enjoy the view. There are steps where you can sit and look across the water to Manhattan. And a tiny shore made of small stones. On a weekday, there were several students drawing and some young professional enjoying their lunch. Also present were a couple, very jersey shore-y getting their engagement pictures taken. I was amused. Judging from the experience and numerous engagement/wedding pictures on Yelp, I'm guessing this is a popular spot for that sort of thing. I understand it, it's beautiful here. Relaxing place. read more

It's kind of weird that this park has a different name than Brooklyn Bridge Park. Actually, maybe I'm slow, but until I checked in on Yelp earlier, I had forgotten that it wasn't officially part of Brooklyn Bridge Park. Given the recent construction, they all blend together into one long glorious stretch (or they will one day soon, once all of the sections are stitched together). The thing that I don't like about this section of the waterfront over the areas a bit south of there (Carousel on down) is the noise from the subways roaring and clunking over the Manhattan bridge directly overhead. It's fine for a bit, but rather noisy and distracting if you're lounging in the park and trying to escape from it all. The view is killer, of course, so 5 stars for that. Minus one for the clink, clank, clunk of the subway. read more

This maybe my favorite park. And the area is great too. Nice little flea market under the Bklyn Bridge (get the pickles!), steps away from two great ice cream spots and there are endless raves about the neighboring pizza (line was too long for me). Amazing views and great vibe. If you haven't been, you should, if you don't, you should have. read more

Nice resting spot beneath the Manhattan bridge. Clear views of the Manhattan skyline, boats rowing by, people sitting along the shore, and more. read more

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A little slice of bucolic heaven wedged between the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges. Reminds you that even in NYC, while you may not, nature has still got a home. read more

Empire-Fulton Ferry State Park - "Heaven, I'm in heaven." - Parks Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Great for sunset photos.

I came here on a saturday for a stroll... there was so much going on! There was a wedding taking place at the waters edge, and 6 yes 6 (SIX) other wedding parties taking pictures.. and a few couples taking engagement shots... and some other modeling photo shoots... this seems to be THE place to take pictures.... read more

Weddings Weddings Weddings and a few Quinceaneras and Engagement photo shots were going on all at once. They are fun to watch but you know why they are here. The shots are beautiful! There is the Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan skyline in the background. Wow. read more

This park was awesome. There is a carousel, a coffee shop, a playground and excellent green spaces and views. Let me tell you what it needs: picnic tables (maybe it was just my low vision but I didn't see any, probably in a different section of the park?) strategic and permanently placed food carts, a brewery. If it had those 3 extra things I would give it a 5 star review. read more

4.5 stars...Great little park. This park has what no other park in Manhattan has, a view of Manhattan. This is the best park to get a great photographic point of view of both the Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges. This is the park were tons of commericals and television spots are filmed to get that Brooklyn Bridge/Mahattan backdrop. The park is constantly holding free events and concerts throughout the year (mostly during the warmer months) and was the obvious spot to host the Brooklyn Bridge's 125th year anniversary celebration a couple years ago. It's also one of the best spots to watch the 4th of July Fireworks every summer. The surrounding area of DUMBO has some great places too like Grimaldi's Pizza, Jacques Torres Chocolate, and a number of other book stores, galleries, and eateries along the many historic cobble-stoned streets. The park is extremely clean and well cared for and despite it's small size doesn't get nearly as packed as places like the great lawn in Central Park. (The only reason I couldn't give it 5 stars is because it doesn't allow Bicycles or Pets where many of the greater Manhattan/Brooklyn Parks allow and embrace those things) read more

Benches, picnic tables, and grassy fields are set up for you to lounge around and enjoy the afternoon in DUMBO. We stuffed our faces with some ice cream sandwiches from nearby Jacques Torres' chocolate factory. Really loved this park, and they plan to expand it within the next few years. Walk to the end of the park and take a picture right by the Brooklyn Bridge. Truly a great way to spend the day in Brooklyn. read more

This is my favorite corner of New York City, and lucky for me, it's just one block away from my building. Empire State Park is the perfect backyard for anyone who wants to get outside without getting mobbed by the crowds in Central Park or Prospect Park. It's usually empty, and on afternoons & weekends I come here to get sun, read, have lunch at a picnic table (there are plenty), and stretch before a run. I'll always remember my first week living in Dumbo, when my roommates and I sat here to watch a fantastic fireworks show on the anniversary of the Brooklyn Bridge. This park has the *best view of the bridges, downtown, and Manhattan, and you'd be missing out if you didn't have a trip over. read more

Hands down the best view of the Brooklyn Bridge from the Brooklyn end. We walked the entire bridge one afternoon and stumbled upon this park. Absolutely stunning views! It seems to be a little known fact since there weren't many people there. You can rest up and enjoy the view along the shore of rocks and logs. There's an old restored carousel nearby for the kids and picnic table seating throughout the area. The best part though, is the view -- a person could spend all day here for that reason alone. read more

Now that it's summer, I try to come here and take in all of the sights of New York. It's very zen.