Domino Park Review: This Quiet Park in Brooklyn Is Right On The River

Domino Park Skyline view

In 2020, I moved to Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Not only did I trade out a tiny East Village studio for a bigger space (2 bedroom with private courtyard!), I lucked out with location. I am now two blocks away from the gorgeous Domino Park right on the Brooklyn side of the East River. Here’s my review of Domino Park.

I moved to Williamsburg Brooklyn
Domino Park Williamsburg

Domino Park is a 5-acre public park located along the East River in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, New York, and it opened in June 2018. Here’s one of the entrances. They are still doing construction on the residences nearby, but you don’t hear any noise at all.

Domino Park entrance
Domino Park entrance

The park is built on the site of the former Domino Sugar Refinery, and you can definitely feel and see the ‘bones’ of it when you visit. One thing that I love about Domino Park is that it doesn’t get crazy crowded, and I will have to say that, during Covid-19, it was practically empty (especially winter months), so it was always my go-to when walking my dog and spending an afternoon there.

dog at domino park
Domino Park in winter (note: my dog’s pooping photo bomb)

One unique feature of Domino Park in Brooklyn is the elevated pedestrian walkway. It’s no Highline, but it’s got better views. The walkway is cantilevered off 21 columns preserved from the Domino factory’s original Raw Sugar Warehouse, and it flaunts commanding views of the river, the skyline and the park. One thing to note: it’s a walkway, not a bridge. It’s at best 150 – 200 feet.

Domino Park walkway
Domino Park walkway

As you can see, the walkway has amazing aerial birds-eye view of the sprawling park. The green grass hugs the pedestrian sidewalk along the river, and you have insane views of Williamsburg Bridge. if you look the other direction,  you’ll see the skyline of Midtown Manhattan.. How amazing is this?

Domino Park Skyline view
Domino Park Skyline view

One more view from the elevated walkway.

Domino Park East River view
Domino Park East River view

You’ll also see, below, the white circles in the main part of the park. Remember at the height of the pandemic, those photos going around on social media of the park with the white social distancing circles in them? Here it is. Domino Park was trending, and you had no idea.

Williamsburg Bridge
Williamsburg Bridge, Brooklyn NY

There is a playground for kids, as well as a small dog run for local pet owners. I swear, this dog run is busy any time of day. Even in the ‘off’ months, there was never a time I walked by the dog run when it was empty, so it was definitely a nice perk for local residents who own dogs. Tacocina restaurant is built right in the park. Unfortunately, I haven’t dined there yet because I’m a Tacombi guy, but I will. I promise.

Tacocina Domino Park
Tacocina Domino Park

Below, you’ll see the playground for kids. Oh, and the dog park is on the other side of Domino Park. I was going to take a photo, but you know what dog runs look like. If you don’t, it’s a run full of dogs. ?

Domino Park playground
Domino Park playground

The views are gorgeous and stunning from anywhere you are in the park. If you sit closer to Williamsburg bridge, you’ll definitely hear the JMZ go by. I love it. I hate the phrase “it’s so New York,” but it’s SO NEW YORK. Anyway, you can see there is tons of walkway space that goes the entire length of the park. And the park is super pet friendly, so bring your pups.

Pet friendly Domino Park
Pet friendly Domino Park

Domino Park has at least three fields of grass (some astroturf, some real grass), beautiful landscaping, a volleyball court, as well as plenty of benches. There is also a raised platform bench seating thing (akin to Times Square) with a sprinkler water fountain thing that spits out water from the ground.

Domino Park water fountain
Domino Park water fountain

Honestly, WTF do you call this thing? Who cares. It’s awesome in the summer months. Kids play in it.

Water fountain Domino Park
Water fountain Domino Park

The volley ball court is open to everyone. You have to sign up in advance. There’s also a bocce ball court, but nobody ever uses it. Hipsters are so not into bocce. The main thing about Domino Park is that the sunsets are UNREAL. You’ll see most people crowd at Domino Park during sunset hours. It’s something you can’t miss.

Domino Park sunset
Domino Park sunset

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Jimmy Im has traveled to 113 countries, stayed in over 600 hotels and has flown a million airmiles. He lives in New York City.

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