Driving past New York City - Skyline Vantage Point?

[dtrayers]

I'm going to be driving from Boston to Philly next weekend (on Sunday morning) and I am planning to take Interstate 95 most of the way.

I'm looking at the map and 95 passes pretty close to Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty. I was thinking if the weather is clear and the sun is right I might take a small detour and try to get some shots of the skyline and the statue.

Being that I'll be there on a Sunday morning, can anyone recommend a good vantage point for some shots, like a park or parking lot with a good view? A place that's easy to find and not too far off the highway?

I have a pretty good mapping program so if you give me an address or intersection with basic directions I can probably find my way.

Thanks!

[spaceman]

I got some really good shots a few years ago from Liberty Park in NJ. I'm not real familiar with the area, so hopefully others can help you out.

[Kinger]

Unfortunately I-95 (New Jersey Turnpike) will not give you a great view of NYC Skyline. I would do what spaceman said, stop off at Liberty State Park to get those shots.
Also just out of curiousity what is your planned route to philly from Boston, maybe I can make some suggestions seeing how I live in the Philly area and grew up in northern NJ so I know the different ways from NJ/NYC area to Philly very well.

[dicky109]

http://www.PhotoShare.co.nz/PhotoShareGallery1/100191/103933/1231EndofDay2186_S.jpg
http://www.PhotoShare.co.nz/PhotoShareGallery1/100191/103933/1229EndofDay9690_S.jpg Photoshare.co.nz

I recently took these shots of the midtown NYC Skyline at dusk from Alexander Hamilton Park in Weehawken, NJ. It affords a great panorama of the Hudson River & Manhattan from an elevated viewpoint.

While Liberty State Park is certainly worth a stop, and gets you closer to lower Manhattan, Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island, IMO the lower Manhattan view is less dramatic, the Statue is partly obscured, & Ellis Island is not all that pictureseque from a distance. If you're making only one stop, I would definitely try to get to the Weehawken vantage point. If you can get there late in the day, the views are more stunning.

From 95, follow signs to the Lincoln Tunnel, I believe its exit 16-E (Route 3 into I-495 right by Giants Stadium). Exit the approach to the tunnel at the top of the helix ramp (the last exit in NJ), and go down to the bottom of the hill. Turn left and follow the road for about 5-10 minutes as it goes up hill, and suddenly, it will sweep to the left, and on your right will be the skyline. Hold your breath and don't crash into any cars or run over pedestrians as you try to drive & gaze at the same time. A couple of hundred yards down the road will be the park, and you should be able to park on the main street or a side road.

If you're going to Liberty State Park, there are signs from 95 (NJ Turnpike), I believe around exit 14 or 15. Its the same exit as Liberty Science Center, which if you have kids with you is a great stop on its own.

If you have problems mapping this out, re-post, & I'll try to get better directions for you.

Good luck,

P.S. Particularly with the Lincoln Tunnel area, be prepared to deal with some pretty heavy traffic.

[scottbergerphoto]

You could take a break and go for a Circle Line Cruise of NYC.

http://www.pbase.com/image/31607969.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/image/31578319.jpg

Regards,
scott

[NJPete]

Port Imperial Blvd and JFK in weehawken have a number of good locations. Port Imperial will give you a "from the water" perspective, while the JFK has an elevated view of midtown.