Sunrise and Sunsetin Brooklyn, United States

Brooklyn sits on the southwestern tip of Long Island, with Upper New York Harbor to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the south. The varied coastline, from harbor piers to open Atlantic beach, offers good conditions for both sunrise and sunset throughout the year.

Best sunrise spots in Brooklyn

1. Coney Island Beach

   The boardwalk faces south-southeast along the Atlantic shore, giving a flat, open ocean horizon for watching the sun rise. Take the D, F, N, or Q train to Coney Island-Stillwell Av; the beach is about 200m from the exit and free to access.

2. Williamsburg Bridge Pedestrian Walkway

   The pedestrian path on the south side of the bridge sits about 36m above the East River and faces east over the rooftops of Brooklyn and Queens. Brooklyn-side entrance at Broadway and Bedford Av (J/M/Z to Marcy Av).

3. Prospect Park - Lookout Hill

   At 54m, Lookout Hill is Brooklyn's highest natural point; in winter and early spring, bare trees open up views to the east over the flat terrain of Brooklyn and Queens. Enter from Parkside Av or Ocean Av near the park's southern edge; no admission fee.

4. Canarsie Pier

   This 180m pier extends south into Jamaica Bay with an unobstructed water horizon to the east and southeast, well away from Midtown's light pollution. Free on-site parking; the pier is open daily from 6am, managed by the National Park Service.

Best sunset spots in Brooklyn

1. Brooklyn Heights Promenade

   The 0.8km esplanade sits above the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway and faces west-southwest over the East River toward Lower Manhattan. Closest subway stop is Clark St (2/3 lines); no entry fee, open 24 hours.

2. Williamsburg Bridge Pedestrian Walkway

   From the bridge's midspan, the view west opens onto the Manhattan skyline with no obstructions. The walkway is free and open 24 hours; Manhattan-side access from Delancey-Essex St (F/J/M/Z lines).

3. Prospect Park - Lookout Hill

   From the summit, the horizon to the south extends toward the Atlantic; in winter there are also filtered views westward over Prospect Park's meadows. Park hours are 5am to 1am.

4. Valentino Pier, Red Hook

   The pier in Louis Valentino Jr. Park faces west-northwest over Buttermilk Channel and Upper New York Harbor, with a direct sightline to the Statue of Liberty. Red Hook has no subway service; take the B61 bus to Coffey St or drive (street parking on Coffey St). Free entry.