Key Takeaway:
- Bay Ridge sits in the southwest corner of Brooklyn, on the Narrows, with the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge at its southern edge.
- The waterfront along Shore Road, Owl's Head Park and the 69th Street Pier are the neighborhood's best outdoor spots.
- Third and Fifth Avenues are the main streets for restaurants and shops, and the R train and NYC Ferry connect you to Manhattan.
Bay Ridge feels like a small town at the edge of the city. It began as a rural summer resort in the mid-19th century, grew into a residential neighborhood after the subway arrived in 1916, and still looks out over the water toward Staten Island and New York Bay. Here is what to see and how to get there.
Getting to Bay Ridge
Bay Ridge is bounded by Sunset Park to the north, Dyker Heights to the east, the Narrows and the Belt Parkway to the west, and Fort Hamilton Army Base and the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge to the south.
- Subway. The R train runs along the BMT Fourth Avenue Line to its terminal at Bay Ridge-95th Street.
- Ferry. NYC Ferry's South Brooklyn route stops at Bay Ridge, at the American Veterans Memorial Pier. It continues to Sunset Park/Brooklyn Army Terminal, Red Hook, Atlantic Ave/BBP Pier 6, Pier 11/Wall Street, DUMBO and Corlears Hook.
Top Attractions in Bay Ridge
The 69th Street Pier and the shore promenade
The American Veterans Memorial Pier, known locally as the 69th Street Pier, at Bay Ridge Avenue and Shore Road, is the community's main seaside spot. Its sculpture sends up a beam of light in memory of those who died in the September 11 attacks. A seawall promenade runs south from the pier to the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge and east along Gravesend Bay, and people fish along it.
Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge views
The Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge is a suspension bridge across the Narrows between Brooklyn and Staten Island. Its upper level opened on November 21, 1964. Walk the shore promenade for a view of the bridge over the water.
Owl's Head Park
Owl's Head Park is a roughly 24-acre park in the northwest corner of Bay Ridge, once the private estate of the Bliss family. It has a well-known skate park, the first concrete skatepark built in Brooklyn, plus a dog run, a playground, a spray pool and basketball courts. Its slopes are popular for sledding in winter. The park is open from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m.
Shore Road Park
The park strip along Shore Road follows the water. New York Road Runners hosts a weekly 3-mile open run there.
The Gingerbread House
The house at 8200 Narrows Avenue, known as the "Gingerbread House," was designed by James Sarsfield Kennedy in 1917 and is a New York City landmark. It is a private home, so view it from the street.
Harbor Defense Museum at Fort Hamilton
Fort Hamilton Army Base, on the neighborhood's southern edge, houses the Harbor Defense Museum. Admission is free. The museum may close on short notice, so call before you plan your visit.
Dining Options in Bay Ridge
Bay Ridge has many ethnic restaurants, especially along Third and Fifth Avenues, its main commercial strips. The food follows the neighborhood's communities. Bay Ridge is known for its Norwegian community, and it also has Irish, Italian, Arab and Greek communities. Pick an avenue and walk it. Restaurants change often, so check recent listings for specific places.
Shopping Recommendations
Third Avenue and Fifth Avenue are where most of Bay Ridge's shops are. Walk either avenue for local stores and services, and plan a stop for food along the way.
Events in Bay Ridge
Bay Ridge hosts the annual Norwegian Constitution Day Parade, also called the Syttende Mai Parade. Hundreds of people in folk dress march down Third Avenue, and the celebration ends in Leif Ericson Park. Check local listings for the date.
Getting to the airport from Bay Ridge with BLADE
For a flight out of JFK or Newark, take the South Brooklyn ferry to Pier 11/Wall Street, or the R train into Manhattan, and fly with BLADE. BLADE offers seats on scheduled helicopter flights between Manhattan and JFK or Newark, about 5 minutes from $195 per seat. BLADE Downtown is at the Wall St. Heliport, and BLADE Lounge West and BLADE Lounge East are at the West 30th Street and East 34th Street Heliports.
Conclusion
Bay Ridge rewards a slow day. Walk from the 69th Street Pier along the water toward the bridge, spend an hour in Owl's Head Park, then eat your way along Third or Fifth Avenue. For more Brooklyn ideas, see our guides to Cobble Hill and Red Hook, both on the same ferry route.
FAQs about Fun Things To Do Near Nyc'S Bay Ridge
What are some fun things to do near NYC's Bay Ridge?
Walk the shore promenade from the 69th Street Pier toward the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, visit Owl's Head Park, see the Gingerbread House, stop at the Harbor Defense Museum and eat along Third and Fifth Avenues.
Is Bay Ridge a family-friendly neighborhood?
Owl's Head Park has a playground, a spray pool and a skate park, and the waterfront promenade is an easy walk for all ages. The Harbor Defense Museum has free admission.
What transportation options are available to get to Bay Ridge?
The R train ends at Bay Ridge-95th Street, and NYC Ferry's South Brooklyn route stops at the American Veterans Memorial Pier.
What are some notable cultural attractions in Bay Ridge?
The Harbor Defense Museum at Fort Hamilton, the Gingerbread House at 8200 Narrows Avenue and the annual Norwegian Constitution Day Parade on Third Avenue.
What are some nearby neighborhoods worth exploring in Brooklyn?
Sunset Park borders Bay Ridge to the north, and the South Brooklyn ferry connects Bay Ridge with Red Hook, Atlantic Ave/BBP Pier 6 and DUMBO.