Long Beach to Rhinebeck: A Scenic NY Road Trip Guide

This drive spans roughly 110 miles, from the Atlantic barrier island of Long Beach to the historic Hudson River town of Rhinebeck. The route follows the Southern State Parkway, then the Taconic State Parkway, a scenic byway that hugs the eastern Hudson Valley.

Notably, the Taconic is a legacy of the New Deal, and its stone bridges and rustic guardrails offer a glimpse into 1930s highway design. You'll pass through a geological transition from coastal plain to the rolling hills of the Hudson Highlands, a journey that takes about 2 hours without traffic.

For more on discovering stops along the way, check this guide: how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Home to family-friendly stops like the Walkway Over the Hudson (a former railroad bridge now a pedestrian park) in Poughkeepsie, a short detour from Route 9. Pets are welcome on the walkway, but note the park's leash rules.

For rest, the Mid-Hudson Bridge plaza offers a viewpoint, but the best fatigue break is at the Clarence Fahnestock State Park, where you can stretch on trails.

Road safety is high on the Taconic, but always watch for deer. Use cruise control to maintain speed and take breaks every 2 hours.

For pet-friendly dining, many Rhinebeck sidewalks allow dogs, and the Beekman Arms Inn welcomes well-behaved pets in its outdoor seating.

The drive offers diverse ecosystems: from salt marshes near the coast to the oak-hickory forests of the Hudson Highlands. You'll cross the Croton River and pass near the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Home (a National Historic Site) in Hyde Park, just south of Rhinebeck.

While no UNESCO World Heritage Sites lie directly on route, the nearby Statue of Liberty (a UNESCO site) is accessible via a detour to Manhattan.

Rhinebeck is a culinary hub with farm-to-table restaurants and the renowned Rhinebeck Farmers Market (seasonal). For hidden gems, detour to the small town of Red Hook, home to the historic Red Hook Public Library and a local creamery.

Climate-wise, you transition from the milder coastal zone to a more continental climate; expect cooler evenings in the valley, especially in the fall.

The primary route is the Southern State Parkway to the Taconic State Parkway, then NY-199 East into Rhinebeck. The Taconic is a divided highway with no commercial vehicles, making it smooth for cars.

Expect tolls on the Southern State? No, it's free, but you'll pay a toll for the Verrazzano Bridge if you choose that path.

• Fuel: Gas prices along the Taconic are higher than average; fill up in White Plains or before you leave Long Beach.
• Food: Rest stops are limited on the Taconic; plan for quick bites in towns like Carmel or Millbrook.
• Road Quality: The Taconic is well-maintained, but watch for sudden curves and wildlife, especially deer at dawn/dusk.