Louis Valentino Jr Park And Pier
Sunset at Louis Valentino, Jr. Pier, in Red Hook, Brooklyn, New York City. Jon Bilous | Shutterstock
Rating: 4.6
Address: Ferris St & , Coffey St, Brooklyn, NY 11231
- It is a waterfront lawn
- It was originally built in 1996
Why you should go: The Louis Valentino Jr. Park and Pier is located at the end of the Atlantic Avenue boardwalk in Brooklyn, New York.
It has a pier that extends over the ocean and offers great views of the New York skyline.
There are many things to do at this park, including biking, fishing, and picnicking.
Things to do: The Louis Valentino, Jr. Park and Pier is a great place to spend a day in Brooklyn.
Its also a great place for a picnic, as there are benches, tables, and plenty of grassy areas to spread out your blanket or set up a tent.
The pier is long enough that you can walk all the way out to the end.
There is also a playground in this park that offers plenty of fun for kids of all ages.
You can even rent out paddle boats or kayaks if you want to take an adventure on the water!
Head Out To Coney Island
In the warm weather months, head to the famous Coney Island. This is a great place to bring the kids.
Stroll the boardwalk, enjoy the beach, or ride the famous Cyclone roller coaster at Luna Park.
Be sure to grab a hot dog and fries at world-famous Nathan’s. See the Coney Island Walls murals.
In the summer, catch a concert at the Amphitheater. Go to the wacky Mermaid Parade held every June.
See our post on things to do in Coney Island for all the information you need to plan your visit.
Discover And Explore Industry City
If youve only got one day to spend in Brooklyn, you cant go wrong with the all-embracing amenities of Industry City.
Housed in 35 acres of repurposed waterfront industrial space are over 50 retailers and restaurants, art installations, music venues, and activities.
Start your day by sipping on some locally brewed beer, then work on your putting at the mini-golf course, try your hand at hatchet-throwing, visit a bookstore, or even take a class in blacksmithing as you can tell, theres something here for everyone.
You May Like: Is New York Presbyterian A Private Hospital
Visit The Good Parts Of Central Park
Heres a secret while every New York visitor wants to visit Central Park, the vast majority of visitors only see a tiny portion of it. Mostly they stick to the southern part of the park, or the edges of Central Park West or Central Park East.
While theres a lot to see here, from the Strawberry Fields John Lennon Memorial to The Lake with its boat rentals to the Central Park Zoo, I recommend going a bit deeper and further north to experience the park as New Yorkers do.
The Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir is so much bigger than you think its going to be, and surrounded by a 1.58-mile running track. Its one of the best places to run or walk in NYC .
The northern edge of Central Park, along 110th Street, is home to the Harlem Meer, a lovely little pond, and lots of nice places to sit and people-watch.
And if youre up for a part of Central Park that feels removed from the city, check out the North Woods, a thickly forested area with walking trails that is a haven for bird-watchers.
Learn About Brooklyn Habitats
Visit the Brooklyn Bridge Park Environmental Center, an indoor nature center located at the north end of Brooklyn Bridge Park, for hands-on activities and exhibits that teach kids about the unique wildlife and marine habitats of Brooklyn. The center is open to the public for FREE self-guided exploration on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 3-5pm, and Saturdays and Sundays from 1-5pm, with frequent workshops and expert-led weekend activities.
You May Like: Are The Beaches Open In New York
What Are Some Cultural Things To Do In Brooklyn New York
Brooklyn is full of culture. Catch a play at Bam Harvey Theater, admire contemporary art at Brooklyn Museum, or stop by Jefferson Street Sound Museum. Whether you want music, art, performance, or history, youll be well entertained in Brooklyn.
Now you have an idea of the best things to do in Brooklyn, lets get started on some quick FAQs. Heres what you need to know before arriving.
Back In Time At The Weeksville Heritage Center
History buffs, listen up.
Weeksville was founded by freed slaves in the early 19th century, before the Civil War. Through information-packed displays and expert staff, the popular Heritage Center preserves the memory of this, as well as a host of other 19th-and early-20th century freed Black communities.
When visiting, its not uncommon for guests to feel instilled with a sense of community and inspired to join the ongoing conversation on advancing humanity toward a just and equitable world.
After learning a thing or two about Brooklyn, New York, and Americas decorated and sad past, brighten things up with a casual stroll around the surrounding Crown Heights neighborhood, famous for its soul food restaurants and beautiful park.
Don’t Miss: How Much Are Tolls From Virginia To New York
Take The Slice Of Brooklyn Tour
If you want to get a sense of the Brooklyn pizza scene, some insider stories about movies filmed in Brooklyn, and to indulge in this is a great tour. We hopped on a bus and enjoyed sightseeing through Brooklyn while stopping at iconic pizza shops like Grimaldis in DUMBO and L& B Spumoni Gardens in Bensonhurst. You can book this highly rated tour for a walk through Brooklyn while sampling, different styles of pizzas at 3 pizzerias.
We took the Slice of Brooklyn Tour tour where we sampled Neapolitan and Sicilian-style pizzas. Plus, we saw movie locations from some of the most iconic New York movie settings like Saturday Night Fever and Goodfellas. Tours leave from Manhattan so you can tick off a lot of things to see in Brooklyn in one convenient bus tour. Check it out here.
Free Wednesdays At The Bronx Zoo
Submitted by Julie Dameron from Family Trips and Travels
Just a train ride away from Manhattan, the Bronx Zoo has over 265 acres to explore and more than 10,000 animals to see. Founded in 1899, the Bronx Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the United States and in 1916 opened the first modern zoo animal hospital. The Bronx Zoo focuses its mission on wildlife animal conservation and protecting its species.
The best part? Every Wednesday admission to the Bronx Zoo is free to all visitors! Hop on the #2 train and take a ride up for a full day excursion.
Make sure to pack a lunch if you want to keep things free, but theres also a food hall on site. Exploring the zoo can use up a lot of energy. There is a lot of ground to cover while seeing so many incredible exhibits. Check out World of Birds, Sea Lions, World of Reptiles, Baboon Reserve, African Plains, Himalayan Highlands, Tiger Mountain, and so much more.
For a small fee, there are also several add-on exhibits to choose from. The best offer will be the full experience which comes to around $17 for access to all exhibits. If you want to choose only one, go for the $7 monorail ride around the African Plains for an incredible view.
Whether youre a longtime resident of New York City or a first-time visitor, the Bronx Zoo is a great place to learn about wildlife and to see some of your favorite animals up close.
You May Like: What Jobs Can You Get At 14 In New York
Best Free Things To Do In New York City
With its bustling streets, world-renowned sights and a foodie scene that can rival most countries, New York City is a place that is as diverse as it is unique. Better still, theres a heap of the best free things to do in New York that are dotted all across the city.
Now, as with most global cities, New York has a reputation for costing lots of money, particularly when you want to see and do everything whilst youre visiting.
Of course, NYC has shed loads of glitzy restaurants and speak-easy bars where you can wine and dine the night away, though not everything has to cost the earth!
That being said, if youre looking to experience more of the city without the $$$ flying out of your pocket, then take a gander at some of the best free things to do in New York if youre a little savvy with your planning.
Oh, and dont forget to check out New York Citys Secret Spots that you must explore, too. These are great if youve saved a little dosh and want to find some other cool spots in the city.
With that in mind, take a look at these free things to do in New York City. Have the best trip!
Spend A Few Nights At The Williamsburg Hotel
A landmarked turn-of-the-century hotel that has long been regarded as one of the citys finest, The Williamsburg Hotel is an oftentimes pricey yet truly luxurious option for those looking to stay somewhere special.
Located on Wythe Avenue in hipster central , this upscale boutique property offers a variety of room types and suites all of which are awash with antiques, fine linens, and a timeless elegance that cant be found at your typical chain hotel not to mention the rooftop pool.
The Williamsburg Hotel offers some great last-minute deals from time to time so if youre looking for something special without breaking the bank, this is definitely one option worth checking out on Booking.com!
Where to stay?
If the Williamsburg Hotel isnt quite your kettle of fish, there are stacks of other different accommodation options all over the bustling Brooklyn borough.
From the high-end boutique charms of The Wythe Hotel in Williamsburg to several other great luxury spots scattered across trendy neighborhoods such as The William Vale and 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge Brooklyn has no shortage of fancy-pants accommodation.
If youre looking for somewhere truly special while staying within your budget then youll definitely want to check out Booking.com, a site that offers one of the widest selections of Brooklyn hotels on the web today.
Seeing Brooklyn on a budget:
Learn more about NYC city passes with our New York city pass comparison guide.
Also Check: Do Hotels In New York Have Parking
Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Submitted by Michele Herrmann from She Is Going Places
The Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge is in a section of Queens you wouldnt suspect at first a nature sanctuary in the boroughs Broad Channel neighborhood. As part of the National Park Services Gateway National Recreation Area, Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge is a sanctuary encompassed with fresh water ponds, woods and intertidal salt marshes of its namesake bay.
Its possible to do some bird watching, as accounts of over 300 bird species have been spotted at times within the refuge. Along with birds, you could spot turtles and butterflies. From woodsy trees to wildflowers, theres some amazing vegetation to be seen here as well. During warmer months, greenness is abundant and flowers are colorfully in bloom. You can come across all of this via walking paths.
The Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge is open to visitors year round except on Christmas Day and New Years Day. A visitors center is equipped with restroom facilities but you have to bring your own food and drink theres adjacent picnic bench seating, too, as a designated picnicking area. The refuge is situated across from Cross Bay Boulevard.
Fabulous Free Things To Do In Nyc
Trust me when you live in New York, you quickly learn all the free things to do in NYC. We joke that just leaving your apartment costs $20! It may be in jest, but its a little too close to the truth.
One of the secrets of surviving in New York is learning how to have fun on as little money as possible, because this city tends to be even more expensive than you imagine. And youll learn that on your trip to New York! Whether you love dining out, seeing Broadway shows, or dancing till dawn, I guarantee youll end up spending more than expected.
Luckily, there are tons of amazing free activities in NYC to enjoy. Amazing parks and museums. Historic sites. Cool neighborhoods where just walking around is an adventure. All you need is a Metrocard to enjoy your visit!
That said things change over the years, and New York in 2022 is not New York in 2012. On one hand, attractions like the Metropolitan Museum of Art are no longer offering pay-what-you-wish admission to all its now only for locals. On the other hand, fun free Instagram-friendly attractions like Little Island have popped up, becoming new classics.
And parts of Brooklyn, the borough once sniveled at by Miranda Hobbes, is now more expensive and trendy than much of Manhattan. Queens is right behind.
The National Museum of the American Indian, Museum at FIT, and Bronx Museum of the Arts always have free admission! Many others have free days or times each week.
You May Like: When Does The Bronx Zoo Open
Admire The Brownstones In Bedford
For an authentic Brooklyn experience and an insight into local architecture, youve got to see at least one Brownstone up close.
Most of the Brownstones were built between 1870-1900 and boast beautiful, hand-crafted architectural accents and the historic neighborhood of Bedford-Stuyvesant has plenty of them on display.
Bed-Stuy, as the locals call it, also has amazing community gardens, shops, and delicious restaurants worth checking out.
Explore Brooklyns Children Museum
Brooklyns children museum was the countrys first museum specifically made for children! Yup, you read that right!
Here, you can find a unique collection of around 30,000 objects, including musical instruments, masks, dolls, and fossils. Its a great place for kids to have fun and enjoy.
Though, if youre not travelling with family, you might wanna give this a miss and head over to the New York Transit Museum instead.
Don’t Miss: Used Car Dealerships In The Bronx
Go On A Free Tour Of The Brooklyn Brewery
Looking for more free things to do in Brooklyn? Brooklyn Brewery provides a free tour of its Williamsburg plant, where visitors can learn all about brewing. This is really one of the best free things to do in Brooklyn. Saturday tours are free and run every hour from 1 to 5 p.m. As part of these trips, the Brooklyn Brewery, which is amongst the greatest brewers around here, provides beer sampling. So you may drink up a few kinds on the spot. A free tour of this well-known microbrewery is well worth your time. Once you our residential movers Brooklyn settle you in, you could enjoy your free beer every day.
National Museum Of The American Indian
Located in lower Manhattan, the National Museum of the American Indian is a division of the Smithsonian Institution located right here in New York. And because of that, its free always!
The NMAI is an enormous collection of artifacts from Indigenous cultures in the Americas as far north as the Arctic and as far south as Tierra del Fuego.
The New York museum is home to rotating exhibitions that give voice to Natives. Here youll find works of art, clothing, and tools as well as exhibitions on Native artists. Youll see a spotlight on local tribes who inhabited the unceded land that is now New York State, including the Iroquois and Lenape peoples.
Also Check: Must Do In Manhattan New York
Explore History At Brooklyn Museum
If you are a history lover, then youll easily find the Brooklyn Museum as one of the best things to do in Brooklyn.
Inside the Brooklyn Museum, youve got a whopping space of 560,000-square-foot thats filled with over one millions pieces of art and artefacts. Inside, you can see historical artwork of Egyptian treasures, alongside African, European, Japanese, Oceanic art.
Give yourself a good few hours to stroll around, its huge! Oh, also, if youre blessed with a sunny day, head around the Brooklyn Botanic Garden thats right outside you might even catch the cherry blossom.
For some good coffee and bagels, head to Lincoln Station who brew up the best cup of joe!
The Shops At Columbus Circle
The Shops at Columbus Circle is a classic NYC indoor mall thatll keep you warm in the winter if you need a break from sightseeing near Lincoln Center and cool in summer if youve been running around Central Park. My honest truth is that Ill walk through the Shops at Columbus Circle to warm up or cool down, while also maybe hitting the Whole Foods in the basement level to pick up a snack or a juice.
One of the main attractions in this shopping mall are the huge Botero statues! To see more about Botero and his works, see our rather unrelated walking tour of Medellin, Colombia.
Recommended Reading: What Time Is The Fast Over In New York
Tour An Ice Cream Museum
At Ample Hills’ interactive ice cream museum, located in its 15,000-square-foot Red Hook factory, you can watch ice cream being made and even make flavor suggestions on the creamery’s “every flavor tells a story” board. If you get hungry after , try The Hook, a flavor unique to the factory made of burnt sugar ice cream mixed with salty fudge bites and Dutch stroopwafels.