The park was formerly the site of the Owl's Head estate, a mansion owned by Eliphalet Bliss, a pioneer of the steamboat industry.
The park's name originates from the shape of the promontory it sits upon, which reportedly resembled an owl's head to early sailors.
The skate park located within the grounds is recognized as one of the oldest and most well-regarded public skate parks in Brooklyn.
The elevation of the park provides a unique vantage point for observing the daily passage of container ships entering and exiting the Port of New York and New Jersey.
The park features a distinct 'crag and tail' geological formation, typical of the glacial remnants found throughout Brooklyn's higher ridges.
Owl's Head Park is a 24-acre public space located at the northernmost point of Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, overlooking the Narrows and the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge. The park features steep, hilly terrain that transitions from lush wooded areas to waterfront vistas. It includes a dedicated skate park, multiple basketball courts, and expansive playgrounds. The grounds occupy the former site of the 19th-century Bliss estate, once home to a prominent steamboat magnate. The park connects to the Shore Road Greenway, providing direct access to a long-distance cycling and pedestrian path. It hosts a public dog run and serves as a major recreation hub for the neighborhood. Native trees and varied topography distinguish it from the flatter, manicured parks found elsewhere in the borough. It remains one of the few places in New York City offering elevated, unobstructed views of New York Harbor shipping lanes.
The highest overlook point facing the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge.
Bring a pair of binoculars to watch the maritime traffic in the Narrows.
Stay on the paved paths during or after rainfall, as the hilly terrain can become muddy.
Visit the higher elevations of the park near sunset for the best lighting on the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge.
Attempting to climb the steep, unpaved wooded slopes, which are prone to erosion and hidden debris.
Leash your dog when outside the designated dog run area and carry out all trash to keep the slopes clean.
