Prospect Park Travel Guide

A comprehensive travel guide for Prospect Park, Brooklyn, including information on things to see and do, where to stay, what to eat, and more.


Introduction to Prospect Park

Prospect Park, located in Brooklyn, New York City, is a 526-acre park that was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, the same duo who designed Central Park. The park was opened to the public in 1867 and has since then provided a recreational haven for Brooklynites and visitors alike. From museums and historical landmarks to scenic views and outdoor adventures, Prospect Park has something for everyone.

List of Places to Visit in Prospect Park

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Brooklyn Museum: With approximately 1.5 million works, the Brooklyn Museum has one of the largest art collections in the country.
  • The Lefferts Historic House: Built in the 18th century, the Lefferts Historic House is a museum that showcases how people lived in Brooklyn in the past.
  • The Audubon Center: The Audubon Center is a nature museum that features exhibits on wildlife and conservation.

Natural Attractions of Prospect Park: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • The Boathouse: The Boathouse offers visitors a chance to see the lake from a different perspective while rowing a boat or a pedal boat.
  • The Long Meadow: The Long Meadow offers a vast expanse of green space perfect for picnics and playing frisbee.
  • The Ravine: The Ravine offers visitors a chance to wander through an idyllic forested area filled with streams and waterfalls.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Prospect Park

  • The Long Meadow Trail: This 1.5-mile trail circles the entire length of the Long Meadow.
  • The Peninsula Trail: This 10-mile trail loops around the whole park, offering stunning views.
  • The Ravine Trail: This 1-mile trail takes visitors through the park’s scenic Ravine.

Best Things to Do in Prospect Park: Activities and Tours

  • Picnic in the Long Meadow: Bring your own food and relax on the vast expanse of green grass in the Long Meadow.
  • Take a walking tour: Join a guided tour of the park to learn about its history and design.
  • Attend a concert at the bandshell: In the summer months, the bandshell hosts an array of performances, including music, dance, and theater.

Week-Long Itinerary for Prospect Park

Day Activity
1 Explore the Brooklyn Museum
2 Rent a boat and paddle around the lake
3 Hike through the Ravine
4 Take a walking tour of the park
5 Picnic in the Long Meadow
6 Attend a concert at the bandshell
7 Explore the Audubon Center

Food and Drink Scene of Prospect Park

Must-Try Dishes

  • Brooklyn-style pizza: This thin-crust pizza is a must-try when in the area.
  • Nathan’s hot dogs: Nathan’s hot dogs have been a staple in New York since 1916 and are a must-have at the Nathan’s location inside Prospect Park.

Local Beverages

  • Brooklyn Brewery beer: This popular brewery offers a variety of craft beers.
  • Brooklyn Roasting Company Coffee: This local roastery has several locations throughout Brooklyn.

Where to Stay in Prospect Park: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • The Union Hotel: This boutique hotel is located in the heart of Brooklyn.
  • The Pod Brooklyn: This affordable hotel offers modern amenities and a rooftop bar.
  • The Lookaway Inn: This historic bed and breakfast is only a short distance from the park.

What to Buy in Prospect Park: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Brooklyn-made goods: Look for locally made products such as artisanal foods, vintage clothing, and handmade crafts.
  • Prospect Park merchandise: Bring home a piece of the park with t-shirts, hats, and other souvenirs.

Local Culture and Customs of Prospect Park

  • Respect the park and its wildlife: Keep the park clean and take note of any signage about the park’s wildlife.
  • Bike etiquette: If using a bike in the park, follow the designated bike paths and yield to pedestrians.

Best Time to Visit Prospect Park

The best time to visit Prospect Park is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild, and the foliage is picturesque.

Do’s and Don’ts of Prospect Park

Do:

  • Pack a picnic and spend a lazy afternoon in the Long Meadow.
  • Rent a boat and paddle around the lake.
  • Take a walking tour of the park to learn about its history and design.

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage the park’s foliage.
  • Fail to yield to pedestrians while biking in the park.
  • Ignore park rules and regulations.

Safety and Health

Safety in Prospect Park

Prospect Park is a relatively safe place, but visitors should still take basic safety precautions, such as not walking alone in secluded areas at night.

Health in Prospect Park

Prospect Park has several first aid stations throughout the park, but visitors should still bring sunscreen, insect repellent, and other essentials for outdoor activities.

Getting to Prospect Park: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Prospect Park

  • John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK): Approximately 12 miles from Prospect Park.
  • LaGuardia Airport (LGA): Approximately 8 miles from Prospect Park.

Bus Stations Near Prospect Park

  • Grand Central Station: Approximately 10 miles from Prospect Park.
  • Port Authority Bus Station: Approximately 10 miles from Prospect Park.

Other Options

  • Subway: The B, Q, and S trains all have stops near Prospect Park.
  • Car: Visitors can park at one of the several parking lots throughout the park.

How to Get Around in Prospect Park

Visitors can get around the park by walking, biking, or renting a boat to explore the lake.

Where to Go Next from Prospect Park: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Brooklyn Botanic Garden: Take a short walk from the park to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, which features several beautiful gardens and plant collections.
  • Coney Island: Head to the famous seaside destination of Coney Island, home of the famous Nathan’s hot dogs.
  • Brooklyn Heights: This historic district offers a beautiful view of the Manhattan skyline.

Conclusion

Prospect Park is a must-see destination for nature lovers, history buffs, and anyone looking to explore Brooklyn. With its range of attractions and activities, visitors can easily spend several days exploring the park and the surrounding areas. Whether you want to relax with a picnic in the Long Meadow or explore the park’s museums and galleries, Prospect Park has something for everyone.

Some of the beautiful brownstones in Prospect Heights Some of the beautiful brownstones in Prospect Heights The Soldiers' and Sailors' Arch in Grand Army Plaza The Soldiers' and Sailors' Arch in Grand Army Plaza Cherry blossoms in bloom at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Cherry blossoms in bloom at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. The Nethermead in Prospect Park The Nethermead in Prospect Park The Main Branch of the Brooklyn Public Library on Grand Army Plaza is a distinctive and much-beloved Art Deco architecture The Main Branch of the Brooklyn Public Library on Grand Army Plaza is a distinctive and much-beloved Art Deco architecture