Grand Ferry Park Brooklyn NY

Looking to catch a glimpse of the downtown Manhattan skyline? In need of a quiet getaway in beautiful Williamsburg? Want to sit back and enjoy the relaxing waves of the East River? Look no further than Grand Ferry Park.

water views at grand ferry park. — Decent Manhattan skyline views and historic Williamsburg Bridge

Table of Contents

Getting to the Park

As with much of coastal Williamsburg, the easier way to get to Grand Ferry Park from any of the boroughs would be by ferry. The East River Ferry has a ferry stop at North Williamsburg. The North Williamsburg ferry landing is approximately 5-6 blocks north of Grand Ferry Park.

To those that enjoy taking the bus, the B32 and Q59 lines have a stop at Kent Ave/South 1st Street. This bus stop is only a block away from the park!

Unfortunately, there are not any convenient subway locations ‘close’ to the park.

As with most of New York City, you may hail a cab or ride share to get to the park. Just beware, the traffic in Williamsburg can be rough depending on the time of day. Be sure to plan accordingly!

Depending on the time of day and where you are coming from, it may be quickest to walk! Grand Ferry Park is located near the heart of downtown Williamsburg!

grand ferry park walkway. — Waterfront views of the East River

Unique History

This quaint, pocket sized green space in Williamsburg has quite the history. The park’s original use was serving as a ferry landing with ferry service to bring people across the East River from lower Manhattan. A steam ferry provided the original transportation across the East River.

The area was also home to industrial manufacturing. The red brick smokestack rising from the park is all that is left of the old manufacturing facility that used to be at the site. The smokestack was part of the Pfizer Pharmaceuticals plant that followed the abandoned ferry landing.

brick thin building. — Last remains of the old Pfizer plant

What to Do

Be sure to take in the waterfront views of an abandoned landing. You will have incredible views of the Manhattan skyline and Williamsburg Bridge. It serves as a great escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Get comfy on the benches and stay awhile!

Note, the park does offer benches away from the waterfront if you want some shade out of the sun!

The park is also home to a number of birds. While my family and I visited, we found large flocks of pigeons. No two pigeons were the same! Some other birds also rest along the river’s edge, so keep an eye out for various birds of prey looking for their next meal.

Nearby Attractions

While in the area, be sure to head over to neighboring Domino Sugar Park. There is also a great brewery adjacent to the park, Other Half Brewing Domino Park. The brewery featured a wide selection of beers that hit the spot on a hot summer day.

There is also an ice cream shop nearby which can provide a cool relief during hot summer days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there parking at Grand Ferry Park?

The park itself does not have parking; but, there are a number of other garages nearby!

What are the hours at Grand Ferry Park?

The park is open daily from 6AM-1AM.

Looking for more to do while you’re in Brooklyn?

Enjoy more water views at Bushwick Inlet Park!
Another great place to get some water views with the city skyline is North 5th Street Pier and Park!
Grab a bite to eat at Botte Brooklyn NYC.
Check out the picturesque Pebble Beach NYC in-between the Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan Bridge.