Sheepshead Bay might not make the top of a Brooklyn travel guide, but the waterfront neighborhood is home to exquisite food, attractions and a mix of old- and new-school charm. Located along Brooklyn’s southern shore near Coney Island, it’s historically been home to fishing communities and Jewish and Russian enclaves. Looking for something to do in Sheepshead Bay? Here are five ways to spend a day in the quaint neighborhood.
Indulge in seafood at Randazzo’s Clam Bar
For nearly a century, Randazzo’s Clam Bar has been a crown jewel of Sheepshead Bay. Opened in 1932, the restaurant remains a seafood institution, with dishes like steamed mussels, fried clams and fried calamari. The greater New York City community agrees, as it’s included in The New York Times’ “100 Best Restaurants” list.
Now in their sixth generation of family business, they call themselves “The Pride of Sheepshead Bay,” and for good reason. The location has sat at Emmons Avenue since 1986, and the owners say they hope to “continue this tradition by always providing great customer service and customer satisfaction.”
Whale watch with American Princess Cruises
If you’d rather spend your day on the water, Sheepshead Bay’s marina offers no shortage of options. American Princess Cruises departs from Pier 5 in a “95-foot cruising vessel,” offering whale and dolphin watching tours that take passengers on a multitude of different cruises.
Cruises run on select Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and weekends from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. or 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tickets run from $50 to $69, and children under five cruise free.
Take a stroll through Lew Fiddler Park
Sheepshead Bay is home to picturesque views, especially at the southern Lew Fiddler Park. Named after the former Brooklyn city councilman, the park offers picnic seating, playgrounds and top beach views. Many locals fish at the beach, adding to the neighborhood’s famous fishing culture.
Relax in an authentic Russian bathhouse
For people looking to slow down, the neighborhood is home to several spas that draw on Sheepshead Bay’s Eastern European influences. Bath Club of NY, modeled after a traditional Russian banya, offers a wet spa, saunas and steam rooms to help “rid muscle fatigue” and “remove unwanted materials from the body.” The spa also hosts a beer garden and cafe on the premises. Tickets run from $70 to $90.
Wander through Plumb Beach
In eastern Sheepshead Bay, Plumb Beach is known for its extensive shoreline, horseshoe crab sightings and wetlands. It is a part of the Gateway National Recreation Area, which contains 27,000 acres of beaches and historical buildings and areas. Locals also participate in windsurfing and kiteboarding at Plumb Beach.
Swimming is prohibited, and the beach itself is named after “beach plums indigenous to the area,” according to NYC Tourism.
