Located between Bay Ridge and Bensonhurst, the neighborhood of Dyker Heights is best known as a winter destination. Come during the holiday season to see over-the-top Christmas light decorations adorning the neighborhood's historical homes.
Consider booking a guided walking tour or bus tour of the neighborhood to see all of the most festive houses. Tours often provide transportation to and from Manhattan via one of Brooklyn's lovely bridges. They're a convenient option if you want to avoid spotty weekend subway service and simply enjoy the views.
Dyker Heights is great for families with kids who want to get into the Christmas spirit.
Dyker Heights has only one subway line, so make sure service is running on schedule before you venture out.
Winter in New York City can be very cold and windy, so wear warm layers.
Bring a camera, since you'll want to snap photos of the festively decorated trees and homes around the holidays.
To access Dyker Heights, take the subway's R train to 77th, 95th, or 86th Street station on Bay Ridge Avenue. From midtown Manhattan or Queens, take the Gowanus Expressway; from Long Island and eastern Brooklyn, take the Belt Parkway. Alternatively, consider booking a car-share service. There are many options available in Brooklyn offering reasonably priced rides around the borough.
The best time to visit the tree-lined streets of Dyker Heights is during the holiday season. Expect to see Christmas light displays and holiday decorations every evening from mid-November and early January. For a round of golf—or a stroll to the shops and restaurants on 13th Avenue—plan to visit during the warmer months.
In spring and summer, the Dyker Beach Golf Course is a great place to play a round. With views of the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, the course provides a unique vantage point on the city as you play 18 holes. After a day on the green, enjoy a drink and a burger at the course's full-service bar.