Brooklyn Beaches For Dogs, Horseshoe Crabs, Mermaids, and More!

When you think of Brooklyn, the beach might not be the first thing that comes to mind – but at Brooklyn Org, we know that the borough has everything to offer, including summer fun on the shore.

Though not your quintessential beach town, Brooklyn has a long and storied history defined by our waterfront. From the industrial legacies of the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal to the Brooklyn Navy Yard, to close-knit shore communities like Red Hook, and Marine Park, Brooklyn bears the hallmarks of a coastal city if you know where to look. Did you know that New York City is outlined by ~520 miles of coastline – more than Miami, Boston, Los Angeles, and San Francisco combined? Brooklyn accounts for a quarter of NYC’s total coastline, with our waterfront clocking in at ~131 miles, encompassing some of the city’s most popular beaches for sunbathing, swimming, and other outdoor activities to suit your mood.  These beaches are stewarded by City and State parks departments, as well as their partner nonprofits that provide safe and healthy recreation opportunities for New Yorkers.

Explore our list of the borough’s best beaches below, where you can join all kinds of Brooklynites, including dogs, horseshoe crabs, mermaids, and more, to beat the heat this summer.

Pebble Beach (DUMBO)

Across from Jane’s Carousel in DUMBO you’ll find Pebble Beach, a modest stony strip perfect for watching the waves, boats, and passers-by while taking in the breeze off the East River. Located at the top of Brooklyn Bridge Park, walk south to enjoy local restaurants and activities from Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy along the piers, including free public kayaking throughout the summer!

Dog Beach (Prospect Park)

Dogs (and their humans) love Dog Beach, a canine swimming spot nestled in Brooklyn’s backyard, Prospect Park. This beach is proof that you don’t need to be on the ocean to have a boatload of fun, but you may still want to bring a towel in case you get in the puppy splash zone.  Explore programming around Dog Beach run by the Prospect Park Alliance, including nature activities for kids on July 19 to learn about the park’s aquatic wildlife!

Gerritsen Beach & The Point Lookout (Marine Park)

The Point Lookout is one of many special areas in Marine Park, the largest park in the borough. Featuring a sandy beach with a view of Jamaica Bay, Manhattan, and White Island, this spot is particularly popular for fishing.  West of The Point, located at the end of Gerritsen Avenue, is Gerritsen Beach – there you can join Marine Park Alliance and NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation to learn to fish (rods and reels provided) on August 4!

Plumb Beach (Sheepshead Bay)

Plumb Beach is part of the Gateway National Recreation Area near the Belt Parkway,  and is a popular spot for kayaking, kiteboarding, windsurfing, and observing horseshoe crabs in their natural habitat. Join NYC H2O for their upcoming Horseshoe Crab Discovery Walk on July 20!

Coney Island, Brighton Beach, and The Boardwalk (South Brooklyn)

The most famous of the borough’s beaches is of course, Coney Island – a name synonymous with thrills, chills, bright lights, and even mermaids, thanks to the annual Mermaid Parade run by Coney Island USA. Visit the New York Aquarium to learn about local wildlife, shop the small businesses and restaurants along the boardwalk, and lay out on the sand in Brighton Beach to catch some sun.  Join the Coney Island Museum for programs including an author talk and book signing this August with Venessa Vida Kelley, writer of “When the Tides Held the Moon,” to learn about the real local history behind her book.