Your Brooklyn getaway won’t be complete without visiting its smaller local neighborhoods – and Bay Ridge is one of them. It is definitely worth a side trip for a day or two.
If you have the time to go down southwest, I suggest visiting Bay Ridge, a beautiful tranquil neighborhood with a total population of 57,524.
Bay Ridge offers more than just pristine seaside views as it is filled with staple coffee shops, long-running restaurants, and numerous attractions.
Whether you are into nature or keen on history, Bay Ridge is worth the trip to discover more about Brooklyn gems. Here are some places to visit in Bay Ridge on your next trip.
Some other neighborhoods you may want to check out. It is better to overview the complete neighborhoods of Brooklyn with the map before you continue.
- Bed Stuy
- Flatbush
- Fort Greene
- Coney Island
- Brooklyn Heights
- Green Point
- Bushwick
- Park Slope
- Dumbo
- Williamsburg
Where Is Bay Ridge
Located in southwestern Brooklyn in Kings County lies Bay Ridge. It is bordered by Sunset Park, Dyker Heights, and Fort Hamilton Army.
Moreover, it is bounded by the Narrow, the tidal strait that separates the neighborhood from Staten Island. Traveling to Bay Ridge from Manhattan is about 15.1 miles away or 30 minutes by car.
How to Get to Bay Ridge
Getting to Bay Ridge is possible via bus, subway, or ferry, depending on where the starting point is. If going by bus, the bus lines that pass near the neighborhood are B4, B64, B9, and X27.
The R transit line for the subway is another option to reach Bay Ridge. If passing through waters, the SB ferry line is the best option.
Things to Do in Bay Ridge
Narrows Botanical Garden
- 464 Bay Ridge Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11220
- Phone: 718-748-4810
- Visit Website
Established in 1995, Narrows Botanical Garden is called The Jewel of Bay Ridge and is known for having the biggest volunteer community for green initiatives.
It is a four-and-a-half-acre botanical garden comprising several exhibits, including Zen Garden, Native Plant Sanctuary, and Lily Pond.
Some of the many things to look forward to are their hosted yearly events where locals and visitors can partake such as the NBG Annual Spring Plant Event, movie night showing, and the Annual NBG Harvest Festival.
Fort Hamilton Army Base
- 114 White Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11252
- Phone: 718-630-4101
- Visit Website
Located next to the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge(One of the famous bridges in NYC), Fort Hamilton Army Base is the fourth-oldest US Army installation constructed on July 10, 1831.
It was named after Alexander Hamilton and became a Historic Landmark in the National Registry in 1974.
Visitors can learn more about history through their Harbor Defense Museum, which holds several military artifacts.
The Gingerbread House
29 83rd St, Brooklyn, NY 11209
If you are familiar with Hansel and Gretel, then you would recognize this whimsical house.
The Gingerbread House is one of the most popular attractions of Bay Ridge for its fairytale architectural design and detailed landscape.
Designed by architect James Sarsfield Kennedy in 1917, it was originally for Harry Jones, which is why the house is also called Harry and Jessy Jones’ House. The house eventually became a landmark in 1988.
Our Lady of Angels Church
- 7320 4th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11209,
- Phone: 718-836-7200
- Visit Website
Founded in 1891, Our Lady of Angels Church is one of the oldest in New York, located on the corner of 4th Avenue.
It is a beautiful Catholic Church for a regular mass or prayer.
Moreover, you can show support by contributing to or joining their support groups, including food pantries, respite programs, and caregiver support groups.
Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge View
Belt Pkwy, Brooklyn, NY 11209
Verrazzano-Narrows Bridgeas one of the most famous bridges in NYCis situated at the south of Bay Ridge, a bridge connecting to Staten Island.
Near the bridge is the Verrazzano View, the perfect spot to get stunning views of the bridge and catch the golden sunset.
The attraction is open 24/7 and is also a lovely area for exercise, biking, and simply hanging out with friends and family.
John Paul Jones Park
- Shore Parkway 101st Street, Brooklyn, NY 11209
- Phone: 212-639-9675
- Visit Website
John Paul Jones Park is just beside Verrazzano View, another perfect spot to get a glimpse of the Verrazzano-NarrowsBridge.
Park-goers love its breezy and quiet atmosphere, making it an ideal place for a walk or relaxation. Moreover, it is also where historical monuments are situated.
Old Glory Lookout
Shore Rd, Brooklyn, NY 11209
The Old Glory Lookout is a memorial plaza or a historical landmark with fantastic views.
It is another great location to view the bridge, walk the dog, and go fishing.
Families enjoy hanging out here for its inspiring scenery and picture-perfect views.
Shore Road Park and Parkway
- 9620 Shore Rd, Brooklyn, NY 11209
- Phone: 212-639-9675
Shore Road Park and Parkway is best for several recreational activities, including walking, playing sports, biking, and fishing. It is one of the most suitable places for children and people who simply want to relax and exercise.
Harbor views, Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, and sunsets are the typical scenery to expect here.
Places to Eat and Drink
The Family Store
- 6905 3rd Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11209
- Phone: 718-748-0207
- Visit Website
The Family Store opened in 1977 as a Middle Eastern restaurant, serving their home recipes to the table.
As time went on, the restaurant and catering service evolved and now cooks diverse dishes and fusions for every taste.
It is a desirable place for lunch or dinner as they offer plenty of options for appetizers, salads, sides, entrees, fish and shellfish, and desserts.
Gino’s
- 7414 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11209
- Phone: 718-748-1698
- Visit Website
It is worth mentioning that Bay Ridge had a large Italian-American community.
Thus, it comes as no surprise it is booming with Italian businesses – one of them is Gino’s.
Gino’s is an Italian restaurant that opened in 1964 and has been a neighborhood staple until today.
If you are looking for something to fulfill your appetite, Gino’s does not disappoint with its classic Italian food.
Skinflints
- 7902 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11209
- Phone: 718-745-1116
- Visit Website
Serving classic American food since 1975, Skinflints is a family-friendly pub and restaurant located on 5th Avenue.
If you are craving burgers and barbecues, this restaurant should be your go-to. Chicken, beef, and seafood dishes are part of their main entrees.
Chadwick’s
- 8822 3rd Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11209
- Phone: 718-833-9855
- Visit Website
Chadwick’s serves the best steak, seafood, and pasta in brooklyn. It is a steak house offering reasonable prices and generous portions.
It is a perfect place for dinner and private parties where you can choose from several party packages and a wide selection of wine options.
Three Jolly Pigeons
- 6802 3rd Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11220
- Phone: 718-745-9350
- Visit Website
Three Jolly Pigeons is a bar located at 3rd Avenue, a popular place for music and karaoke nights.
This neighborhood bar is loved for its affordable prices and classic pub atmosphere with dartboards and a jukebox.
It is best to come to the bar during bar events like St. Patrick’s Day for an entertaining experience.
The Harp Bar
- 7710 3rd Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11209
- Phone: 718-745-4277
- Visit Website
The Harp Bar is an Irish pub and sports bar with a casual and warm atmosphere.
They offer a selection of beers including 16 ice cold draft beers and 24 bottled beers.
It is a relaxing place to have a drink or two with friends and family for having a fireplace and outdoor patio.
Coffee Shops to Try
Blend: Coffee + CoWork
- 6808 4th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11220
- Email: info@blendbayridge.com
- Visit Website
One of the best local coffee shops, Blend: Coffee + CoWork is a perfect cozy place for study or work.
You can get your coffee essentials too from their selection of coffee beans.
Moreover, they serve the freshest pastries, including croissants, muffins, and even some vegan options too.
Coffee Rx
- 6903 3rd Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11209
- Phone: 646-820-8095
- Visit Website
Coffee Rx or Coffee X Roasters has five locations: Greenwich Village, W3rd St., Greenwich Village E8th St., Bay Ridge, Bay Ridge 88st, and Dyker Heights.
They serve some of the best iced lattes and a customer-favorite, Nutella latte monster. It has a pleasant atmosphere and a nice small backyard for outdoor seating.
Clock Face Coffee
- 275 74th St, Brooklyn, NY 11209
- Phone: 347-578-7176
- Visit Website
Clock Face Coffee boasts its delicious latte, cappuccino, and macchiato.
They serve various flavors of lattes, including ginger turmeric latte, butterfly blue latte, lavender chai latte, and pink rose latte.
Other drinks available are green tropical iced tea, espresso palmer, and matcha lemonade.
Shops to Explore
Plaza Xochimilco
5518 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11220
Phone: 917-909-0355
Plaza Xochimilco sells all Mexican products – from fresh produce to snacks and staples. It is a small Mexican grocery where you can buy chili, pepper, hot sauce, cheese, and other cooking essentials.
Little Palestine
6900-7098 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11209
Little Palestine is an area in Bay Ridge where you can find several Middle Eastern restaurants and shops.
You can find a Yemenite restaurant called Yemen Whdah Restaurant, a Palestinian restaurant called Al Aqsa, and a Turkish restaurant called Hazar Kebab.
Check out Leader Halal Meat Market and Grocery for affordable and quality halal meat.
Cosentino’s Fish Market
6922 3rd Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11209
Phone: 718-745-4710
Cosentino’s Fish Market is a seafood market that is best known for its quality fish and reasonable prices.
They are popular for the freshest fish you can ever have and the store cleanliness.
Hotels to Book
Best Western Gregory Hotel
- 8315 4th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11209
- Phone: 718-238-3737
- Visit Website
Best Western Gregory Hotel is a 2-star hotel with decent reviews located at 4th Avenue.
Getting to the hotel is easy, just a three-minute walk from the subway. It is near shops, restaurants, and bars, making it a convenient location to stay in.
Holiday Inn Express Building 107
- 107 Schum Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11252
- Phone: 718-439-2340
- Visit Website
Located in Fort Hamilton is Holiday Inn Express Building 107, a 3-star hotel with a perfect view of the bridge and the harbor.
Guests enjoyed their clean rooms and comfortable beds. Its location and affordable price are something to look forward to.
Final Thoughts
From beautiful gardens of Narrows Botanical Gardens to historical landmarks of Fort Hamilton, Bay Ridge is your all-in-one weekend getaway.
When you get hungry after all the sightseeing, discover and taste various cuisines, all available in one small neighborhood.
Venture on Palestianian food, Italian, Mexican, and many more options to choose from.
Did I miss any must-visit places in this Bay Ridge guide? Let me know in the comments sections below!
You can also share your experiences with us if you have been to this charming neighborhood.
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