Our Ultimate Summer Bucket List
What we're planning to eat, drink and do this summer in the neighborhood
Summer in Brooklyn always feels a little different. Maybe it’s the longer days, maybe it’s the collective memory of summers spent chasing ice cream trucks and staying outside until the streetlights came on, but something shifts this time of year. Suddenly, errands become walks, dinners become lingering evenings, and weekends feel full of possibility again.
This bucket list isn’t about checking off destinations. It’s about making the most of the season in our corner of Brooklyn, whether that’s taking the ferry just because, finding the perfect frozen drink on a hot afternoon, or pretending you’re spending the weekend upstate without ever leaving the neighborhood. Consider this your guide to a very Brooklyn summer.
Inside this guide: 25 ways to make the most of summer, 40+ local spots to visit, and a Google Map so you can plan your perfect Brooklyn summer.
Summer Treats
Summer and sweet treats go hand in hand. That’s hardly groundbreaking, but some traditions are classics for a reason. Whether you’re chasing childhood nostalgia with soft serve and candy or opting for the grown-up version in the form of a frozen margarita, these are the seasonal indulgences we’re embracing all summer long.
Enjoy frozen drinks at the newly opened Titán. Plus Lobo, Congress Bar, and Landmark Cevicheria
Try the neighborhood’s best croissants. Two local favorites, Brooklyn French Bakers and La Bicyclette, were recently named among New York City’s best croissants by French Morning. Sounds like the perfect excuse for a pastry crawl
Cool off with soft serve from Mister Cheeks, gelato from Dolce, or Italian Ice from Court Pastry Shop
Pick up candy and hot dogs from BonBon and walk along Brooklyn Bridge Park
Classic Summer Days
Who says field trips have to end after school? While they may look a little different these days, there's still something magical about a midday adventure. The kind that requires nowhere important to be, leaves room for a little spontaneity, and reminds you that summer is meant to be enjoyed outside of your usual routine.
Outdoor workout classes and movies at Brooklyn Bridge Park
Rooftop drinks and skyline views at Alma, Time Out, or 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge
Pastries and a stroll along the Promenade (Ferrane or L’Appartement 4F)
Catch summer music nights in Cobble Hill Park
Try out kayaking for free in the East River with the Brooklyn Bridge Park Boathouse
Below the paywall: the rest of this guide, including our list for summer nights, side quests, and rainy day plans, plus a Google Map of all the spots.
