Just a quick minute from the Narrows Botanic Garden and Owl's Head Park is the 69th Street Pier (officially, Veteran's Memorial Pier).
It's a simple pier, nothing fancy just some benches and picnic tables. There is a small sculpture memorial for 9/11 in the center as well. On any given day, rain or shine, you can find fishermen set-up along the pier railings, people relaxing on the benches, kids running around or on bikes and scooters. It's a busy and beautiful place.
In the summer, an ice cream truck sets-up shop right by the pier (it's questionable, as most ice cream trucks are) and there is a kayak launch (never seen anyone actually use it). I've even heard chatter about ferry service resuming to the pier this year?!?
The appeal of the pier is definitely the fantastic views of the New York Bay, Lower Manhattan, Staten Island, and the Verrazano Bridge.
Connected to the pier is a beautiful promenade that runs along the water from the pier all the way down to the bridge and then continues all the way to Caesar's Bay. The pathway is called a lot of different things, Bay Ridge Promenade, Belt Parkway Promenade, Shore Road Promenade, whatever. It's a basic pathway along the water and is great for running, biking, or or any kind of recreation.
When I first moved here (and was motivated and had cartilage in my knees) I would run along the promenade nearly every morning. It was so peaceful and comforting. The routine of that run and the familiar views and faces really helped me to feel like Brooklyn was home.
Now, Dan and I like to take walks along the promenade in the summer and we love taking our bikes over there as well. It isn't a fancy promenade, it doesn't have lush trees or beautiful landscaping like some of the other promenades in the city, but that's okay. Basic is Bay Ridge.
There are footbridges that connect the Promenade to Shore Road over the Belt Parkway and many places to sit and admire the views. Sunset is our favorite.
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