Most Scenic Road Trips in Manhattan, United States
1. Hudson River Greenway
A scenic bike path along Manhattan's west side offering stunning views of the Hudson River and iconic landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty.
- Biking or Walking Trail: Offers a leisurely, active way to enjoy the city's skyline.
- Natural Beauty: Features various parks and green spaces throughout its length.
- Iconic Landmarks: Provides easy access to key Manhattan attractions like Battery Park and Chelsea Piers.
2. George Washington Bridge
A historic suspension bridge offering breathtaking views of the Hudson River and the Manhattan skyline.
- Suspension Bridge: Its unique design and scale make it an impressive sight.
- Historical Significance: Opened in 1931, it's named after one of America's founding fathers.
- Scenic Overlook: Offers scenic overlooks for photo opportunities.
3. Central Park Loop Drive
A picturesque road that encircles Central Park, offering a peaceful respite from the city's bustle.
- Car-Free Zone: Allows for a leisurely drive without traffic congestion.
- Urban Oasis: Provides a relaxing escape from the city's hustle and bustle.
- Iconic Sights: Passes by famous landmarks within Central Park like Bethesda Fountain and Strawberry Fields.
4. FDR Drive
A scenic highway running along Manhattan's East River, providing sweeping views of the city skyline and East River bridges.
- Scenic Highway: Offers a unique perspective of Manhattan's skyline and riverfront.
- Access to Bridges: Provides easy access to iconic East River bridges like the Brooklyn Bridge and Williamsburg Bridge.
- Diverse Neighborhoods: Passes through various neighborhoods, showcasing the city's rich diversity.
5. West Side Highway
A scenic roadway that runs along Manhattan's west side, offering stunning views of the Hudson River and the city skyline.
- Scenic Roadway: Provides a leisurely drive with breathtaking views.
- Access to Attractions: Passes by attractions like Lincoln Center and the Javits Center.
- Natural Beauty: Features various parks and green spaces throughout its length.
6. Palisades Interstate Parkway
A scenic road that connects Manhattan with the Hudson River Palisades, offering panoramic views of the river and the New Jersey Palisades.
- Scenic Road: Provides a peaceful drive through nature.
- Natural Beauty: Features various parks and scenic overlooks.
- Crosses State Border: Offers a unique opportunity to explore both New York and New Jersey.
7. Broadway-Seventh Avenue Viaduct
A historic elevated road that offers a unique perspective of Times Square and the city skyline.
- Historic Roadway: Opened in 1909, it's one of Manhattan's oldest roadways.
- Iconic Views: Provides stunning views of Times Square and the city skyline.
- Access to Attractions: Easy access to attractions like Times Square, Carnegie Hall, and Radio City Music Hall.
8. West Street Helix
A unique spiral ramp offering a bird's eye view of Battery Park and the Statue of Liberty.
- Unique Design: Its spiraling design is a striking feature.
- Iconic Views: Offers breathtaking views of Battery Park and the Statue of Liberty.
- Access to Attractions: Easy access to attractions like Battery Park and One World Trade Center.
9. Henry Hudson Parkway
A scenic road that runs along the Hudson River, offering beautiful views of the river and the city skyline.
- Scenic Road: Provides a peaceful drive through nature.
- Natural Beauty: Features various parks and scenic overlooks.
- Access to Attractions: Passes by attractions like Grant's Tomb and Riverside Park South.
10. Robert F. Kennedy Bridge (Triborough Bridge)
A bridge offering stunning views of the city skyline and East River bridges.
- Scenic Overlook: Offers scenic overlooks for photo opportunities.
- Historical Significance: Built in the 1930s and named after Robert F. Kennedy.
- Access to Attractions: Provides easy access to attractions like Randall's Island Park.
11. Verdant Avenue
A picturesque road in Inwood Hill Park, offering a peaceful drive through nature and stunning views of the Hudson River.
- Scenic Road: Provides a peaceful drive through nature.
- Natural Beauty: Features various parks and scenic overlooks.
- Historical Significance: Runs through Inwood Hill Park, one of Manhattan's last natural forests.
12. Jerome Avenue
A scenic road in the Bronx that offers views of the Palisades and the Manhattan skyline.
- Scenic Road: Provides a peaceful drive with stunning views.
- Natural Beauty: Features various parks and scenic overlooks.
- Access to Attractions: Easy access to attractions like the New York Botanical Garden.
13. Cross Island Parkway
A scenic parkway that connects Queens with Long Island and offers beautiful views of the water.
- Scenic Road: Provides a peaceful drive through nature.
- Natural Beauty: Features various parks and scenic overlooks.
- Access to Attractions: Easy access to attractions like Jones Beach State Park.
14. Grand Central Parkway
A scenic parkway that offers beautiful views of the city skyline and Queens neighborhoods.
- Scenic Road: Provides a leisurely drive with stunning views.
- Access to Attractions: Easy access to attractions like the Queens Museum and Flushing Meadows-Corona Park.
- Diverse Neighborhoods: Passes through various neighborhoods, showcasing the city's rich diversity.
15. Van Cortlandt Park Loop
A scenic road within Van Cortlandt Park that offers a peaceful drive through nature and beautiful views of the park's many landmarks.
- Scenic Road: Provides a leisurely drive through nature.
- Natural Beauty: Features various parks and scenic overlooks.
- Historical Significance: Runs through Van Cortlandt Park, one of Manhattan's oldest parks.