Rooftop Garden to Bridge Views and Midtown Dining
Start with fish ponds and cultivated flowers on a second-floor rooftop in the Upper West Side, then find a volunteer-maintained park with George Washington Bridge views. Finish in Midtown with sports screenings or seasonal garden dining behind the library.
Plan around The Lotus Garden's Sunday public hours, 1 to 4 PM. Stairs lead to the second-floor rooftop at 250 West 97th Street. Bring a book to read among cultivated flowers, or pause by the fish ponds. A legacy peach tree links the garden to its history. The large stairwell makes access unsuitable for strollers and visitors with limited mobility.
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On Cabrini Blvd, George Washington Bridge Park pairs neighborhood play with a landmark view. Animal sculptures share the petite fenced grounds with a compact play structure. Direct sightlines reach the George Washington Bridge. Local volunteers maintain the park. It opens daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
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The Rutherford's open-air rooftop terrace overlooks Madison Square Garden. Sports screenings play across numerous TVs at the two-story bar. The bar also serves alcohol-free mocktails. Some visitors report slow service during peak hours. Leave extra time for this livelier Midtown stop if another commitment follows.
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Bryant Park Grill sits behind the library, with park views from its rooftop bar, garden patio and greenhouse. Summer opens the roof and garden for dining. Winter dinners take place beneath a heated holiday tent. For a rainy-day meal, consider the greenhouse, whose sides open toward the park. Reviewers praise steak frites and seafood appetizers.
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