Verrazano-Narrows Bridge Tours

Crossing the mouth of upper New York Bay and linking the New York City boroughs of Brooklyn and Staten Island, the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge (previously Verrazano-Narrows) is the longest suspension bridge in the U.S. A marvel of engineering, the bridge was completed in 1964, and more than 200,000 vehicles pass on it daily. 

The only way to admire the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge and its two 693-foot (211-meter) towers close up is by driving across the 4,260-foot (1,298-meter) span, commissioned by mid-century planner Robert Moses. Brooklyn’s Coney Island, Shore Park, and Parkway path, and Liberty Island provide more expansive views. Alternatively, admire it on harbor ferry or Jet Ski tours; or on a city or Brooklyn coach tour. Book a helicopter tour to see it against the Manhattan skyline.

You can view the bridge from the edges of Brooklyn or Staten Island, both accessible by car or public transit. The nearest Brooklyn subway station is Bay Ridge-95th Street, just a few blocks’ walk from the Shore Park and Parkway walkway, while the closest Staten Island rail station is Grasmere. By car, take the Battery Tunnel from Manhattan to Brooklyn—a toll applies—following it onto the I-278 West straight to the bridge.

If you want to drive the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, it’s best to avoid the busy weekday rush hours. If you just want to see it, hit one of the viewpoints at either of its ends. Brooklyn’s Shore Park and Parkway is renowned for offering sunset panoramas over the bridge, Statue of Liberty, and Manhattan.

The bridge is named after 16th-century explorer Giovanni da Verrazzano—the first European to sail into New York Harbor. Its official name was spelled with just one “z” until 2018, when it was corrected. The bridge has something to teach about our planet, too. The Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge's two towers are more than 2.5 inches (6.35 centimeters) farther apart at their tops than their bases—the distance between them required compensation for the earth’s curvature.