Roosevelt Island Astoria Walk

A colorful springtime journey into one of NY's trendiest and most cosmopolitan neighborhoods.

Start: Tramway Plaza, 59th St and 2nd Ave

Finish: Astoria

Distance: 10-14mi

Return: subway

Coordinator: TBD

Optional endpoints: loop return to 59th St

Optional start: NY Penn Station, depart at 9:45

Let's welcome spring by experiencing the hubbub of Midtown Manhattan, then escaping to the quiet sanctuary of Roosevelt Island, a narrow strip of land in the East River, before making a few more miles, with some stops for Greek and Middle-Eastern food, in Astoria, Queens, one of the trendiest nabes in NYC.

For those arriving via NY Penn Station, we will meet outside the station at 33rd St and 8th Ave to walk to the start, departing from there at 9:45am.

We take the Tramway to Roosevelt Island, visit the new Four Freedoms Park (FDR), circle north on the Island to the Lighthouse and Octagon, then cross the Roosevelt Island bridge on foot to Queens for the outdoor Socrates Sculpture Park, Greek revival era mansions, Astoria Park, Hells Gate Bridge, and downtown Astoria. We'll wrap up, socialize, and celebrate at the Czech Bohemian Beer Garden for the end of walk gathering, just one block from the Astoria Blvd. (N,W) stop for easy subway access back to 59th St- Lexington or 34th Herald Square - Penn Station.

Total mileage estimated at just under 10 miles. This walk will be "at your own pace" - push the speed for a workout or lazily explore the Sculpture Garden and/or take an extended lunch - you will end up at the finish with plenty of time for a pint or two.

Central Park Loop option: From Astoria, we will enjoy views crossing the RFK Bridge to scenic Randall's Island. The Ward's Island pedestrian bridge takes us to the upper east side and northern Central Park, and it's just a walk in the park back to the start at 59th Street. Distance of about 14 miles.

Map & Directions

Highlights:

-Midtown Manhattan-Roosevelt Island Tramway-Roosevelt Island cherry blossoms-Four Freedoms Park -Socrates Sculpture Park -Greek revival era mansions-Astoria Park-Hells Gate Bridge-Astoria-Czech Bohemian Beer Garden

Host or Publisher FreeWalkers