When I started seeing the boy who was destined to become my boyfriend, he lived in Manhattan, and I was (and still am) a Brooklyn girl. We were texting one night, planning our first date, when he said he was happy to come to Brooklyn to meet me. And now I humbly come before you to share some of the most romantic Brooklyn spots to make your date swoon, and win their heart.
Green-Wood Cemetery
Your first reaction might be a big ol’ double take, but hear me out. Green-Wood Cemetery is a national historic landmark in Brooklyn, and it was designed as a park by the same folks who created Central Park. Like the name suggests, it’s full of greenery with large sprawling fields of grass (for the dead bodies), trees, and bright flowers. It’s massive, like the woods, and you have gorgeous views of Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty from some of the hillier points of the grounds.
The mausoleums are massive and ornate, with some of the most extra statues and tombstones ever. It’s also a great place to scout for fun old names.
The cemetery has serpentine paths so you can wander through and make up stories about the people buried there. Several architectural styles are on display including the Classical, Egyptian, Gothic, and Romanesque styles, depending on the mausoleum or monument. There’s also a chapel with multiple towers in a mixture of Gothic and Beaux-Arts style. Additionally, don’t miss the koi ponds or gates that act as entrance/exit points. They are from the 1800s, and they are gorgeous.
Green-Wood is a fantastic spot for its beauty, unconventional-ness as a date pick, and it comes loaded with fun conversation starters! It’s also quiet and a peaceful place to get to know the person you’re with, with beautiful views, too.
Prospect Park Boathouse
The second of romantic Brooklyn spots might be one you’ve heard of. Prospect Park hosts fabulous events all year round like outdoor concerts and Smorgasburg in the summer. It’s a great place to play, picnic, and enjoy the nature. But if you’re looking for a special place in the park, then look no further than the breathtaking Boathouse.
The Boathouse dates back to 1905, and is situated right on the lake. The building is so beautiful it is a famous choice for weddings. Like Green-Wood, it’s another landmark in Brooklyn.
Bring a blanket to hang out in the adjacent meadow, gaze at the Boathouse, or walk along the bridge across the lake to see it from a new angle.
See Also: How to Let Your Man Know You Love His Dad Bod
The Picturesque Streets of Brooklyn Heights
Brooklyn Heights is a gorgeous area of Brooklyn, and an iconic one. Streets are lined with brownstones and leafy trees, enveloping you in their warmth. Walk hand-in-hand down these quiet blocks, stop in at cute cafes and shops, and then make your way to the Brooklyn Heights Promenade via Montague Street to view spectacular sights of Manhattan and the bridges.
The 1,825 foot long promenade has been around since the 1950s. You’d never know it is directly above a busy portion of the BQE, the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. The promenade feels separate and otherworldly. Unfortunately, it is part of an old stretch of land, and the city has been working on plans to rebuild the old infrastructure to alleviate the congested highway. There have been talks of the promenade closing for repairs or being torn down altogether. We don’t know what the future will look like, so make sure to treat yourself to the promenade–one of the most romantic Brooklyn spots–before it’s too late.
Side note: From Brooklyn Heights, you’re also a short walk from Brooklyn Bridge Park, another beautiful space with ice cream, green space, and delicious pizza.
See Also: Drinking Al Fresco: Best Outdoor Bars in Brooklyn
Sheepshead Bay Marina
Another romantic spot in Brooklyn is the Sheepshead Bay Marina. There are ten piers, all active, with boats and yachts for your enjoyment. Some of the boats take people on tours or fishing trips (if that’s your thing), but there are also fancy dinner cruises to choose from. Some of the boats deliver fresh catches to the surrounding seafood restaurants.
Check out the video below the NYC Parks Department made to highlight the marina.
Come for a walk, and stay for lunch or dinner at any of the restaurants that line the marina. And don’t forget to peep the swans too.
The reason I love coming down to Sheepshead Bay is to walk across the Ocean Avenue Footbridge. This old wooden bridge with chipping paint is so low it feels like you’re walking right across the bay. It connects Sheepshead Bay with Manhattan Beach, and if you time it right, you can even be on the water for the sunrise or sunset.
See Also: 9 Things to Do in Brooklyn That You Won’t Find in Travel Guides
The Wonder Wheel at Coney Island
Is there a prettier sight in all of Brooklyn than the gorgeous blue monster known as the Wonder Wheel? You’re talking to a South Brooklyn girl, so the answer is no.
Take a sweet, romantic ride together for great views of the ocean. You have the option to choose between a swinging car or a stationary one. The swinging car will definitely make your stomach drop, especially the first time, but it’s a lot of fun and not that scary.
While you’re here you can hit the beach, grab gelato on the boardwalk, share a lobster roll from the amazing Paul’s Daughter, or see a show at the Ford amphitheater. There’s also the Cyclones Baseball stadium for anyone who finds sports romantic (I know you’re out there). Oh, and be sure to check out the Coney Art Walls for fun mural backgrounds to document your date and snap cute pictures.
Challenge your date to walk, bike, or skateboard the length of the boardwalk with you and go from Coney Island to Brighton Beach to Manhattan Beach. You’ll also see cute dogs on walks, which makes any date more romantic. As a fun game of trivia if you need an icebreaker, name every movie that features the Wonder Wheel or Coney Island.
Brooklyn Botanical Garden
The next romantic getaway on our list is the Brooklyn Botanical Garden. This gem is one of the best spots, full of lush green spaces and dazzling trees. Bring your date to the Whispering Benches to see if you can hear each other from a fair distance apart, and then rejoin each other and never be parted.
Visit the Shakespeare Garden for forget-me-nots, tulips, and more with some of Shakespeare’s most romantic sonnets. There’s a sweet bench tucked beneath an oak tree for canoodling and playwriting.
Absolutely be sure to visit the Cranford Rose Garden which boasts gorgeous statues and roses, roses, roses! There’s wildflowers too, adding a special flair to this wonderful spot. I have approximately a billion cute selfies of us here, just as a special fyi. I’m not even a rose person, but somehow the configuration of the garden is a work of art.
Dinner and a Movie at Dine-In Theaters
Finally, the last romantic spot on this list is a trip to Alamo Drafthouse, Nitehawk Cinema, or Syndicated, for a one-of-a-kind movie date night experience. I can personally say the milkshakes at Alamo are fantastic, in addition to the BBQ cauliflower wings.
These venues elevate a simple movie date to something a little extra special. Grab a drink or a treat, hold your date’s hand as the opening theme plays, and enjoy the show. Then afterwards, you can discuss the film and your food!
Which romantic spot will you go to first?
After The Boy asked me where we should go in Brooklyn, I suggested a cat cafe, unsure if it was even a good date spot. But what could go wrong with kittens involved? He trusted me and we ventured to a cat café in Brooklyn Heights and, afterwards, strolled to the promenade in the freezing rain; it was February. Happy romancing!
