Marsha P. Johnson State Park is a 7-acre waterfront park located at 90 Kent Avenue in the Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York. Formerly known as East River State Park, it was renamed in 2020 to honor the iconic Black transgender woman, LGBTQ+ civil rights pioneer, and Stonewall uprising veteran. I love the Namesake Tribute that features an arched entryway designed to mimic Marsha P. Johnson's signature floral hair crowns and is inscribed with her famous motto, "Pay it no mind." The park is beautiful, but the view is outstanding. The view offers sweeping, direct views of the East River and the Midtown Manhattan skyline. You can see iconic city architecture across the water, watch boats pass by, and enjoy popular sunset viewing spots along the open waterfront. read more

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First time in this park! Love the entrance! The staff, Cat, Emily, and Al were all wonderful. I went to a poetry walk that they were having on a Saturday. It was awesome and inspired me to write a poem. This is a great State Park in Williamsburg, not only is the park well maintained, they have a great view of the Manhattan skyline. There are plenty of picnic tables. Great park to relax, meditate and be at one with nature and still be close to great restaurants! read more

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I have been to several spots along the Brooklyn and Williamsburg water front to enjoy the sunset but this was my first time at Marsha P Johnson State Park. It was a run against time to get to water before it was too dark, but I made it and I loved it. This is a chill location, with just a few people and with one of the best views of the Manhattan skyline. I enjoyed every single minute I was there as the view was getting better and better with the change of light. Totally recommended! read more

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"He hears the ticking of the clocks Hunts her down by the waterfront docks" (Bob Dylan) As you're walking by the East River's waterfront docks, you'll find the entrance to the Marsha P. Johnson State Park when you see its beautiful and colorful glass flower arch at the entry gate. The park is named to honor a transgender woman of color who was a pioneer of the LGBTQ civil rights movement and a prominent figure in the Stonewall Uprising of 1969. The Marsha P. Johnson State Park is seven-acres along the East River waterfront with fantastic views and scenery. There are historical placards and displays about Marsha Johnson and social justice, mixed in among the cobblestone streets and picnicking and barbecue options. You'll also see some great views of the Williamsburg Bridge and Manhattan skyline across the river. It's a great way to spend some time. read more

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My favorite park in Williamsburg! Marsha P. Johnson Park has an incredible view of Manhattan. There's plenty of room to spread out, and it's the perfect place for a picnic. There are a couple of small bridges/obstacles that would be fun for kids (or kids at heart). read more

Marsha P. Johnson State Park - Parks Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

I came here for my goddaughters birthday party and we had a blast. You need a permit to have a party here but it was very affordable. The view of the nyc skyline was so beautiful and great for photos. They have two big gender neutral bathrooms to use which was cool. There isnt much shade so wear hat and sunscreen. I would go back and recommend this park to have an outdoor party! read more

I love that this park is dedicated to the memory of Marsha P. Johnson. It's such a wonderful thing that they are recognizing her importance. The signs around the park are informative and colorful. And there's nice views of the river and Manhattan, although not the best spot to get a picture with the tallest buildings. I do wish there was a bigger artwork commemorating Marsha P. Johnson though I heard they are having a gate designed that will honor her. It's a decent park, just wish it was laid out better. read more

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We love bringing our dogs to this Park! They have a dog park and public restrooms to use. The views are manhattan are pretty decent (the views from Gantry Park in Long Island City are even better) but these views are pretty nice too! There are plenty of restaurants and bars nearby. The smorgasbord is also hosted nearby during the summers! We usually walk or bike here from Queens. I think the G Train may be near by. There is also a ferry stop nearby (next to some luxury apts). It is not over crowded here and I felt like we had room to play with the dogs. Decent park and would recommend stopping by if you are in the are! read more

Great views over the East River. Nice little sandy area to read or just look out. Less crowded than Domino. Since the park is dedicated to Marsha, there are plaques around detailing trans history, which I appreciated! Picnic tables in the confines as well - love laying out a blanket and just relaxing here in the sun or shade read more

Marsha P. Johnson State Park - Sandy area next to water - Parks Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

This park gives you a really good view. As for the park itself, it's not all that nice. This is a pretty busy area, so it's not like you can wander quietly. A festival happens here every weekend on warmer months. This place gets packed on weekends. It has one of the best views of the Manhattan skyline in the city. It gives many opportunities for pictures. This park is right along the East River. It has a few areas where you can get right to it. You have to wade through some weeds. It also had a large open area. This was packed with people just lying around oblivious to everything. It is one of the best places to get pictures of the city. It's located along Kent Avenue. The best time to come is not on a weekend. read more

Marsha P. Johnson State Park - Path - Parks Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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The East River State Park has amazing views of Manhattan. It's worth the trek from the L train to check that out. There's also an ample amount of green where you can walk your dog, run, have a picnic, etc. It's a great place to just relax and take in the views and be by the water. During the summer, it can get crowded. Though in the summer, concerts are also held there. I saw a Coheed and Cambria summer concert there years ago. It was cool to see the band perform outside and the sound quality was great. However, I remember it rained that day and the event runners didn't allow people to take their umbrellas into the concert area. So people had to leave them at the entrance to pick up later. Of course, the majority people had black umbrellas, so it was impossible find your specific one, so people just took whoever's umbrella. Unfortunate for people who spent mad $$$ on a fancy umbrella. But I digress... East River State Park is highly recommended! read more

This park offers one of the best views of the Manhattan skyline and surrounding bridges, with none of the swarming crowds at the Brooklyn Bridge Park. There is a minuscule beach for kids and dogs, and plenty of space to stretch out, watch the sunset, and to take in the V I E W S. The East River State Park isn't exactly the most popular park with New Yorkers, and a couple of people who I asked about it helpfully corrected me by asking if I meant the East River Park, which is across the river on the Manhattan side. I took the 4/5 from the Financial District, and then switched to the L, got off at Bedford Avenue and tentatively made the 10 minute trek to the Google maps indicated location, and I was so glad I did! The park has a huge lawn area, and a dozen or so picnic tables. I read reviews about some belligerent Canadian Geese, and I'm mortally afraid of all water birds, so I was glad that there were none there when I visited in mid August this year. My one complaint is that the park was swarming with mosquitos, and I came away with plenty of bites. I'd recommend coming here before sunset, enjoying the sunset, and then getting dinner at one of the many restaurants in the area. read more

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The park has a nice dog run for after raining because they has rocks instead of sand or dirt. The size of dog run isn't very big but its not too small and very clean. Also It can be very hot in the summer. read more

Marsha P. Johnson State Park - Dog run - Parks Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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This is a great park in Williamsburg. It's a nice little urban oasis in a bustling part of the city. Huge lawn area. Plenty of space to lounge around on a beautiful day. Certain times of the year while walking on the lawn, you'll come across tons of Canadian Geese making a stopover. They aren't really afraid of humans so you'll be able to get super close! Being an animal lover, I find this extremely fun. If you walk closer to the water you'll get some great views of Manhattan. There's a few inches of sand and then rocks and the water line. There were a few people lying on the sand when I was there. Kind of icked me out because it was pretty dirty and littered. I really enjoy coming here. Makes me feel like I'm not even in the city anymore. read more

Marsha P. Johnson State Park - Parks Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Great view - and a bit of sand! The landscaping is nothing to write home about, but it's a very non-crowded beach and a great way to show visitors the NYC skyline for free. Closes promptly at 5pm! read more

Beautiful park with a gorgeous skyline view of NYC's better borough (waves at Manhattan!). Lots of open space here too which is great for children, dog walking, bike riding, roller blading, sunbathing, small picnics, etc. There's seating, a little greenery and it's a beautiful, inviting and romantical oasis at nighttime and I presume also in the day. I'm giving it 4 stars because it doesn't beat Chelsea Piers' waterfront property or the piers at DUMBO - but it's still romantical and as I learned the hard way that night...no where near a train. read more

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Thanks so much for having a dog park! I hope the northern end of Greenpoint will get a dog park soon! If you agree, please visit www.change.org and sign the petition "Create a New Dog Park on the Northern End of Greenpoint". Thank you so much! read more

What a great Sunday. Got some falafel from Oasis and ate it at the park. Seems pretty nice. Not too crowded. Sun was out. Not too loud. A great view at Manhattans skyline. Just a little dirty and a little too much trash for me. Seriously people! If you read this. F***** pick up your trash. read more

I love to come here and enjoy a nice summer breeze walk.. the east river is cool.. just to watch the cars drive by in the bridges.. look towards Manhattan is wonderful!! Very relaxed and never crowded. read more

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While waiting for the economic stimulus to kick in, FREE is KING! Armed with this as my new mantra we made our way to the L this past Sunday for the kickoff of free summer shows in East River Park. We had a blast. Went there thinking it was a completely dry event and were pleasantly surprised to find beer and wine tents set up for our enjoyment. FYI - you have to purchase $6/each alcohol tickets for use at the the tents, they dont accept cash there. In addition, some of the food was provided by Fette Sau which is among my more favorite williamsburg restaurants. Between the bands, view, sun and lightheadedness - its a great option in lieu of the beach or The frying Pan, which I can't seem to avoid lately NOTE - people working the beer tents were some of the nicest people ive encountered in a while- very friendly, not to mention attractive, and with a modest tip you can avoid purchasing more drink tix. An an excellent outdoor daytime drinking spot alternative - sorry again frying pan (you're done)! They even organize structured dodge ball games like the movie which we are definitely playing this week for the Dirty Projectors show. The spectacle factor should be high - in general I think its hilarious watching ultra hipsters participate in any athletic events (outside of operating a fixed gear bike with expert precision) I can only imagine the joy it will bring to compete in perhaps the most all-time humiliating game of childhood - happy times are sure to follow! read more

Marsha P. Johnson State Park - Parks Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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Great place to come for a walk around the waterfront. A very dog friendly place. I saw multiple owners with their dogs here. There are tons of place to seat and enjoy the city view across the river. People do their own thing. If you don't bother them. They won't bother you. read more

Marsha P. Johnson State Park - Parks Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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It will get there... This park obviously has the potential to be great. The view is awesome. However, right now it's little more than concrete slabs and muck. However, I saw a shipment of trees ready to be planted the last time I visited this past weekend. The fact that this is a state park is awkward. It's seven acres and is patrolled by state park rangers. One is always by the front gate and will tell you to leave if you bring Fido. Sometimes there's another one on a golf-cart type thing. Seriously, let's have a little home rule! Give this back to the city. There's not much more to mention about this park. The view is great, the amenities are not, and state rangers run a tight ship. read more

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What a great hangout - for friends, on a date or with family- plenty of local food vendors; offering a variety of foods and of different cuisines. There's small beach area to hangout with a great a view of the city. Though it was busy, it wasn't too crowded nor loud. There's also a bar in the back, several ATM machines in and around the park, and porter-potties available. Will return and will recommend read more

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I cannot freakin' wait for it to get nice out so I can sit in the sun. I love this spot. I know its industrial, and you best not drink too much water because there is no place to relieve yourself, but I truly love this park. It has the greatest views panoramic view of the city. You can sit there on a blanket in your bikini, read a book, nap, play Uno, and chill. It will take years for the trees to grow and the grass to settle, but I am taking advantage of it now before everyone else finds out. Its not a huge park, but there is room for all. This park has a ton of potential and I cannot wait to see how wonderful it can be for the neighborhood. Warning: Watch out for goose poops. read more

Marsha P. Johnson State Park - Parks Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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This is one of my favorite spots in Williamsburg. The only reason I dropped a star is because there seems to be weird construction of sorts always going on. But the place is absolutely beautiful. Its the perfect spot for views on the Manhattan skyline and the water. Awesome spot to take visitors. There are picnic tables and grassy areas that make it perfect for a picnic or an afternoon coffee. You can even get on to the little beach area. In the warmer months there is a food market every weekend. Its so fun to go grab lunch and sit in the sunshine while looking at that view. Its also an easy walk to the main drag of Williamsburg with lots of good shopping and restaurants. read more

Marsha P. Johnson State Park - What a view! - Parks Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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Beautiful views of the manhattan skyline clean well kept park love that the fairy stops here too read more

Marsha P. Johnson State Park - Parks Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Park, beach, playground, play field and a view of Manhattan. It is not packed, and there are benches for everyone, at least on a sunny March day. The main activity seems to be capturing Manhattan skyline, with or without oneself in the picture. Bring your camera, a blanket, a book or the family and enjoy! The advertise free wifi, but that is very weak. read more

Marsha P. Johnson State Park - A park with a view. - Parks Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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Finding this park on a Saturday last week was a miracle! Not only was the weather absolutely incredible, but my kid was elated at the festivities happening in the park. She loved the talk on migration being given by park rangers Annabel and Jenna, and the activities that were set up for kids. It wasn't just another walk around the park with her mama, but there were things for her to do too! So happy there is programming like this happening around the parks of NYC. Especially since over in McCarren park there was a boozefest going on (though cheers to celebrating the Biden win!). The energy of NYC was made 10X better by discovering this park. Thank you! read more

Marsha P. Johnson State Park - Parks Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Nestled in an emerging genre of recovered public spaces taking styles from dilapidated parking lots, endless construction jobs and grassy, halcyon fields, East Rive State Park provides a respite from city life while also offering one of the best free views of it around. I like this place whole bunches. It's not the best park in town but it's the closest to me, and there's just enough of a sea breeze smell on a windy day to make it feel like I've escaped both from Manhattan and its Williamsburg extension. It's at its best during the daytime. If you arrive before 11am on a weekend, the place is entirely yours. If you arrive after 1pm, you'll notice quite a crowd. On the summer days hipsters, Polish grandmothers and even the occasional Hasidic family will be out to catch some sun. Tourists and locals often come to take photos for their Facebook profiles - the skyline is muted by the distance, haze, and smog, and perfectly placed to bring out the most important part of any photo, your face. Bring a blanket if you want to lie around, the geese have marked territory everywhere. I feel bad for the cityfolk who don't know any better before they take a seat. Aside from the geese being bothersome, so are the frequently bored park rangers. They're well meaning but sometimes get all up in your space. You're not allowed to take photos here without a permit - it's a State Park - and the rangers enforce this at their discretion. The bigger your camera, the more likely it is you'll get the boot. It depends on the mood they're in. Also consider that you can't bring your dog in (you shouldn't, the social overload isn't fair to the pup and, thusly, the public), and can't ride your bike through. Chain the bicycle to the racks near the entrance. BBQ grills are only allowed on the concrete, erm, mesa thing. Since it's a NY State park, technically you can't spit, throw stones, make "unreasonable noise", gamble or tell fortunes. The park does close early, roughly at sunset, but the (solar powered) lighting system they're installing suggests that things may be afoot for an extension to traipsing times. Irrevlevant anecdote: I once helped the park rangers not set someone's pet freshwater turtle free into the briny East River. The poor little Red-eared Slider didn't have a chance but they were really trying to get the thing to swim out to sea. Eventually it (a she, I think) went home with one of the rangers. read more

If I were gonna rate Jelly Pool Parties I'd give them their own separate review and it would have 5 stars. But this park as simply a park sucks. Sure, there is a great view of the Manhattan skyline. But other than that its just a big ol field surrounded by construction on all sides. And they don't allow dogs. Its outside. There is dirt everywhere. You're gonna tell me my dog (who is more well behaved than most children under the age of 18) can't walk around and enjoy the view? Even on leash?! Go suck my nuts, New York State or whoever regulates this. And oh, they do regulate it. We hardly got 5 paces in before a crazy ol security dude on a power trip came a yellin. And this was on a cold Sunday afternoon in January when there were maybe 2 and a half people in the park. So I'll return this summer for pool parties (which I'd like to point out will surely wreak havoc on the grass, if thats what they are concerned about with the no dogs rule) and otherwise, never. read more

What the hell? I used to frequent this area when routinely trespassing it late at night several years ago. We memorized all the "ins" on this stretch of waterfront that spanned about 10? blocks (starting at Grand Ferry Park) and was guarded by a lousy chain link fence and roaming security. Sometimes we crawled under a folded part of the fence and sometimes it required a climb. Back in the day, there sure as hell weren't any ferries, flowers or benches. Some of my favorite memories include sitting on the rocks at the edge of one area or another and contemplating the swim across the East River. Then we'd get up and scale (via climbing treacherous stairways) one of the giant industrial buildings that house god knows what and climb to the roof. Another time, we climbed a watchtower (?) and got a bird's eye view of the city around us. Magic! Once, we had to run from security which caused me to rip a giant hole into the side of a favorite pair of pants. I also once ruined a pair of T-Strap heels when I decided that it would be a good idea to traipse around the rocks and loading docks. Ah, the days of urban exploration. Seems these days are over 'round these parts, but I sure enjoyed a less risk-taking time here on Saturday watching the sunset and people watching. I can't deny that for a second, I was a bit envious of those yahoos who can afford to pay 4K to live in the soulless high rise condos surrounding us. I mean, that view! Many times I found myself marveling over the fact that I was sitting in the midst of a waterfront park that didn't have crack vials instead of ornamental grass or men cruising for prostitutes instead of toddlers frolicking in the grass. So, I give 4 stars with some hesitation. I feel like I'm selling myself out a bit, but sometimes a girl just wants to be able to enjoy the looming Manhattan skyline without ruining her wardrobe. Wow, I sound like an asshole. read more

This is an awesome place to catch a few rays in an otherwise concrete jungle, and a great place to snap a shot of the Manhattan skyline, that is if you plan on defying the laws as clearly stated on their website. Apparently, you're supposed to have a permit or something in order to create a non-organic memory of the sights you're taking in. But when I came here, I didn't see anyone patrolling or anything... It's nice to have this splash of green in an otherwise concrete jungle. I had planned to visit Prospect Park and East River State Park, unfortunately time didn't allow for everything. As Samuel L. Jackson says, "You can shove your well laid plans up your well laid ass" This was a short walk from where we were staying at the King & Grove. I would come back again and maybe bring a picnic lunch along with a mat to lay on and read a book...or money for the ferry to take me away to parts unknown. I just wish there weren't any "restrictions" on photo taking. read more

Took my bike out to Williamsburg, and I stopped at this park. Read a book, for about an hour. It has nice views of the Manhattan skyline. It's great for picnicking. But I gave it three stars, for the lack of shade, I wish it had more trees. I'm not a fan of the sun.* This park is not as nice as Brooklyn Bridge Park. Sorry! *As a Latino with dark skin,tanning is not required. read more

Nice place to relax, lots of grass. One thing no one mentioned: There is tons and tons of goose poop embedded in the grass. Look closely - they come at night and the early morning and leave what looks like poodle poop. Nope, its GOOSE poop!! But everyone lays all over it obliviously anyway. Guess its not harmful. It is a pretty roughed out park, no amenities in general. No shade on a summer day, if you crave that. And no drinking fountain. But they're developing it more and more - a sports-area (for school teams) will be alongside it pretty soon. And a cute kids park with wooden trains and swings and junk was installed last summer. So it keeps improving, very nice. I don't mind that dogs cannot go in there; there's tons of places for dogs nearby.* *I wouldn't object if people with goose-poop-eating dogs were allowed in. read more

We attempted to go to this park on multiple occasions, but it has always been closed and fenced off for construction or just randomly closed. So, we walked up and down near it just to continue to not gain entry because of all the hideous condo construction in the area for the young, rich, and skinny. You cannot even view the skyline through the tall fence and barricade around the area. I will continue to stop by here whenever I visit the area in hopes of one day being able to utilize this park without owning a million dollar cube in the area. read more

I'd give I'd like 2.5 stars overall but if it's just the view and atmosphere maybe a 3 stars. Honestly, the view is nice. Get super busy and crowded on the weekends especially with Smorgasburg. Lots of people with family, kids, or friends. Quite a few geese poop and grass could really use some work. It's generally clean and there's a staff that will clean the garbage quite often. No dogs allowed although the security let people in to the riverside as long as pets are not near the food which is understandable but then the other person that states "that guy don't know anything because he works for smorgasburg but I work for the park and no dogs allowed" as he stopped a couple dog and dog owners from going in and kicked me out and he didn't ask every dog and dog owners that was also in there at the time to leave so it was quite annoying. How can you call the place a park when pets can't go in? While I was waiting literally at the corner by the entrance and the parking lot the guy still said I couldn't be there. I told him that I'm waiting for someone in there and he's like "ok, fine just don't go any further into the park or else I'll get in trouble. All the time while I was waiting (around 10-15mins) since lines for the stands are quite long, that guy have been watching me and sneaking glance like I'm going to run just made me uncomfortable. After my friend came with the food, we literally left. At least my dog enjoyed his brief moment in there, the morals around the blocks, and McCarren Park though. With the good weather (finally) and everything else, that guy really killed the mood. If you don't have pets you'd enjoy it but honestly still a couple times in a lifetime if not just once kinda thing because it's a small park and other then the food and a decent view, there's not much. Also...so crowded it's not like you can really enjoy much in peace like a park supposed to. read more

Marsha P. Johnson State Park - My dog who got kicked out - Parks Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

I like this park, its a nice park. Its in the middle of hipsterville, but who cares. It's small, tiny and just like Gantry State Plaza, its in the middle of newly built condo's and the such and has a great view of the Manhattan skyline. Maybe, just maybe its a tad bit better than Gantry State Parks skyline (but its essentially the same, you just get more views of the sky scraper and the bridge). What I like about this park its that its right near all that's cool about Williamsburg and just walks away from it all. Its also good for a nice, romantic stroll or just to see the lights of the Manhattan sky line at night. PROS: -Awesome view of the Manhattan sky line -Clean park -Nice park for romantic strolls at night -Near all the Williamsburg coolness CONS: -This tiny as park can get PACKED on the afternoons, especially during the summer - Like others have mentioned, you can't take pictures of the park for some dumb reason. However, you can get away with it, especially with cell phone cameras. Just make sure no park rangers are around. -Geese rule this park. Geese shit can be bothersome. Regardless, this is a nice park and worth checking out if you want a great view of the East side of Manhattan and want a nice romantic stroll at night. read more

It's a great spot in Williamsburg in terms of the views, and the multitude of awesome events held here every week. Smorgasburg, Brooklyn Flea, concerts, festivals, what-have-you's -- it's definitely cool to be here for whatever's going down that day. The view is bawwssesome, and public waterfront space is a rarity in this part of BK. But's let's not kid ourselves. This isn't a "park" so much as it is concrete lot with some brave blades of grass defiantly growing through the gravel. The new Bushwick Inlet next door addresses some of this, but it would be nice to see more greenery in the space overall. read more

Now open 10:00 am to Dusk. The only place in Williamsburg where you can actually get down to the water, now that Grand St. Ferry Park is closed. Great view of Manhattan from here, but they close at dusk, which is too early to actually see the sunset. Oh well, maybe someday they will extend the hours. I'd give it 5 stars if it was open til 11pm. For now, its a great spot for a daytime picnic. read more

Yes, the views are great. But, why not just walk to Grand Ferry Park instead, where you can enjoy the same views much later into the evening and not have to look at condos (yet)? I did see Belle and Sebastian here, which was pretty magical. read more