Three Beautiful Places to Take Photos of the Brooklyn Bridge

The Brooklyn Bridge is one of the most popular and recognizable sights in all of New York City. Even if you plan to mainly tour around Manhattan, the Brooklyn Bridge will undoubtedly still be on your NYC to-do list. Starting from either side and taking a walkover (or even just halfway over) will give you incredible views of the skyline and a little bit of a workout. It’s just over a mile long!  The bridge took 14 years to build. When it was finally completed in 1883 it was the world’s longest suspension bridge in the world. Today, it remains one of the oldest suspension bridges in the USA and it was the very first permanent East River crossing.

We all know the super iconic view of the Brooklyn Bridge photographed from DUMBO. Down a cobblestone street, the bridge is perfectly situated between two brick warehouse-style buildings. If you look close enough you can even see the empire state building right in between the arches. I’m sure you can picture exactly what I’m writing about. Tourists and locals alike flock to this area to get “that” shot of the Brooklyn Bridge.

On a recent trip I took to Brooklyn, I set out to do the exact same thing. However, I got so sidetracked by other incredible views of the bridge and the Dumbo waterfront that I never ended up getting the iconic shot. But what I did get was some new perspective on great places to get an incredible photo of the Brooklyn Bridge from DUMBO. And I couldn’t be happier with my discoveries.

If you’re visiting New York City or Brooklyn for the first time, you will undoubtedly want to take photos of the Brooklyn Bridge. The iconic shot is an incredible one to have but I would recommend exploring some other areas of DUMBO as well. There are just too many incredible views not to! Here are three beautiful places I discovered on my last trip that you could start with:

Max Family Garden “Inside” St. Ann’s Warehouse

St. Ann’s was a 19th-century tobacco warehouse that was transformed into one of the most important live performance destinations in NYC. For decades now St. Ann’s Warehouse has celebrated the traditions of American and world cultures through multi-artist concerts and incredible theater collaborations right on the DUMBO waterfront. 

While walking by St. Ann’s, you will most definitely notice the beautiful open-garden space located just inside the brick wall arches. This is Max Family Garden. It was established in 2012 and lives steps from the Brooklyn Bridge overpass. Once you step inside, you will feel as though you’ve completely removed yourself from the hustle and bustle of the busy Brooklyn waterfront. The garden is an 8,000-square foot public space with winding pathways, beautifully carved stone benches, and an incredible array of greenery. I’d say one of its most notable features is the unique view of the Brooklyn Bridge. It’s quite literally right overhead. To not only have this up-close view of the bridge but placing it inside of a stunning, peaceful garden, really makes for an incredible shot! What do you think? 

Max Family Garden is located at 3-99 New Dock St, Brooklyn, NY 11201.

Pebble Beach

This may seem like a more obvious location but if you’ve never been to Brooklyn or DUMBO before, then chances are you may not be familiar. Along the DUMBO waterfront, you’ll discover Main Street Park. This is a beautiful, expansive area of grassy lawn space and lovely walking paths. While walking in the direction of the Brooklyn Bridge, you will eventually find yourself on the steps of Pebble Beach. At Pebble Beach, you can either relax and take in the sights or dip your toes in the East River. In the summer you’ll see people out jet skiing, and there are areas nearby for kayaking. But here, you will also have one of the most fantastic views of the Brooklyn Bridge. You can’t go wrong with having the Manhattan skyline in the background, especially with such recognizable buildings as the One World Trade Center. It is an absolutely breathtaking view for a memorable photo. You will also be able to spot Jane’s Carousel close by! 

Pebble Beach is located at 65 Plymouth St, Brooklyn, NY 11201. 

John Street Park

Now, in the opposite direction walking away from the Brooklyn Bridge and towards the Manhattan Bridge, you will find yourself in John Street Park. This park is a little bit more secluded and quiet compared to Main Street Park, which is much more open. John Street Park is right on the riverside and features some great walking paths as well. These walking paths will eventually lead you to Main Street Park, so essentially it’s all connected. But, one of the main reasons for walking down this way is for another fabulous view. Down here you will be able to get a great shot of not only the Brooklyn Bridge but also the Manhattan Bridge. I particularly liked this view for that reason. Granted, from this angle, the Brooklyn Bridge is in the far background. But you can really capture the essence of how long the bridge actually is. And again, you cannot beat that Manhattan skyline as the backdrop of your photograph!

John Street Park is located at John St, Brooklyn, NY 11201.

For me, NYC is and always will be one of the most magical cities in the world. There is so much character, charm, history, and incredible views between the five boroughs that you could explore them for a lifetime and still not see everything. But for anyone visiting NYC for the first time, the Brooklyn Bridge should definitely not be missed. If you take my advice and explore its views from DUMBO, Brooklyn, I can assure you will not be disappointed! Thank you for reading & happy travels!