If you think bridges are just things you drive over without a second thought, get ready to see them in a whole new way.
This road trip from NYC to the Hudson Valley is all about epic river crossings, jaw-dropping views, and a little bit of history hiding in plain sight.
You’ll walk across the longest elevated pedestrian bridge in the world, drive over a bridge that once held a world record, and cross one that’s straight out of The Great Gatsby.
Whether you’re walking, biking, or driving, each one has a story—so let’s hit the road and prepare to see some bridges way cooler than you’d expect.
1. Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge
The Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge is a massive double-deck suspension bridge that stretches 13,700 feet across the New York Harbor, linking Brooklyn and Staten Island.
When it opened in 1964, it was the longest suspension bridge in the world, and while it’s since lost that title, it’s still among the longest in the U.S.
It has towers so tall (693 feet!) and far apart that they had to account for the Earth’s curve when designing it.
If you’ve ever watched the New York City Marathon, you’ve seen thousands of runners kick things off right here, sprinting across its upper deck with epic skyline views.
2. Brooklyn Bridge
The Brooklyn Bridge isn’t just a way to get across the East River—it’s an icon, a legend, and the ultimate NYC photo-op all rolled into one.
Finished in 1883, it was the first-ever steel‐wire suspension bridge and, at that time, the world’s longest, proving Brooklyn and Manhattan were officially linked for good.
Walking its wooden pedestrian path, you’ll get views of the Statue of Liberty in the distance and the kind of skyline that makes you stop mid-step just to soak it all in.
3. Queensboro Bridge
The Queensboro Bridge doesn’t get as much love as the Brooklyn Bridge, but it’s still a total stunner with its steel cantilever design stretching over the East River.
Opened in 1909, this double-decker workhorse connects Manhattan and Queens, carrying cars and bikes.
If you have the time, hop on the Roosevelt Island Tram, which glides alongside the bridge for one of the coolest sky-high views in the city.
Fun fact: F. Scott Fitzgerald name-dropped this bridge in The Great Gatsby, so if you ever drive across it at night, just know you’re basically living a literary moment.
4. Robert F. Kennedy Bridge
The Robert F. Kennedy Bridge—better known as the Triborough Bridge to longtime New Yorkers—isn’t just one bridge, but three.
It links Manhattan, Queens, and the Bronx in one big feat of engineering.
Opened in 1936, this maze of steel and concrete was a game-changer for NYC traffic, offering people an alternative route that significantly eased congestion.
It’s also a prime spot for skyline views, especially along the Randall’s Island section, where you can catch a postcard-worthy shot of the East River with the city behind it.
5. The High Bridge
The High Bridge is NYC’s oldest standing bridge, and while it once carried the city’s drinking water, it’s now a dreamy pedestrian walkway linking Manhattan and the Bronx.
Originally built between 1837 and 1848 as part of the Croton Aqueduct system, this beauty sat closed for decades.
It made a grand comeback in 2015, giving walkers and bikers a car-free path with awesome Harlem River views.
Strolling across you won’t find any traffic here, just old-school brickwork on an old-school bridge.
6. George Washington Bridge
Spanning the Hudson River between Manhattan and New Jersey, the George Washington Bridge features two levels of nonstop traffic and is the world’s busiest motor vehicle bridge.
When it opened in 1931, it had the longest main span ever, and its massive steel towers were originally intended to be covered in stone.
If you walk or bike across, you’ll get unreal views of the Palisades cliffs on one side and the Manhattan skyline on the other.
7. Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge
The Tappan Zee Bridge got a serious glow-up between 2013 and 2018 when it was replaced by the sleek, modern Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge.
Some locals still call it the Tappan Zee because, well, old habits die hard.
Stretching 3.1 miles across the Hudson River between Westchester and Rockland counties, this cable-stayed beauty has wide bike and walking lanes.
It also has scenic overlooks called ‘belvederes,’ where you can stop and take in the river views.
At night, the bridge lights up in different colors for holidays and special events, turning your drive (or stroll) into a full-on light show over the water.
8. Bear Mountain Bridge
The Bear Mountain Bridge might not be the biggest, but it wins for best scenery, sitting right in the middle of the Hudson Highlands with mountains rising up on both sides.
Opened in 1924, it was the first suspension bridge to cross the Hudson River, and for a hot second, it even had the longest main span in the world.
If you walk across, you’ll get gorgeous views of the river, Anthony’s Nose (yes, that’s a real mountain name), and the Appalachian Trail, which actually connects to the bridge.
9. Walkway Over the Hudson
The Walkway Over the Hudson isn’t just a bridge—it’s the longest elevated pedestrian bridge in the world, stretching 1.28 miles between Poughkeepsie and Highland.
Originally built as a railroad bridge in 1889, it survived fires and decades of neglect before getting a second life as a scenic walking path with views of the Hudson River.
Whether you’re biking, jogging, or just soaking in the fresh air, this spot is all about wide-open skies, peaceful river breezes, and unforgettable panoramic views.
10. Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge
The Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge keeps it simple—no flashy towers or suspension cables, just an under-deck truss spanning the Hudson River between Kingston and Rhinecliff.
Opened in 1957, it was built to make life easier for drivers who used to rely on ferries to cross.
Today, it’s the quickest way to hop between the Catskills and the charming towns of the Hudson Valley.
Driving across, you’ll get river views, rolling hills in the distance, and that perfect moment when the bridge curves just enough to make you feel like you’re floating over the water.
11. Rip Van Winkle Bridge
The Rip Van Winkle Bridge wins for best name, paying tribute to Washington Irving’s legendary character who took a 20-year nap in the Catskills.
Opened in 1935, this steel cantilever bridge stretches over the Hudson River, connecting Hudson to the village of Catskill.
Crossing it, you’ll be treated to beautiful views of the Catskill Mountains, making the drive incredibly scenic.
If you pull over at the small riverside park on the west side, you can get an even cooler perspective.
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