Do you feel that? The warmth of the sun, the lengthening days, the flowers budding, and the smiles on New Yorkers’ faces? Spring is upon us, and we’re all itching to get out and about. One of the easiest—and safest, socially distant—ways to explore Manhattan and neighboring boroughs is on wheels. Whether you have your own bike or want to rent one for a few hours, Seaport business Blazing Saddles has some great ideas for scenic bike routes. Guided tours and packages are available for those who like direction, but there are also self-guided tours if you like to blaze your own trail but could use a little inspiration. 

Speaking of which, here are three fun bike routes you can take from here in the Seaport to other areas of NYC, courtesy of the team at Blazing Saddles:

Discover Governors Island By Bike
Governors Island, just a 7-minute ferry ride from Manhattan, is the perfect place to take a relaxing bike ride with amazing views. You’ll get a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and can linger to explore the Island’s cultural and recreational offerings. Biking is a breeze here—you can pedal around the 172-acre, car-free island to check out public art, historic forts and buildings, and brand-new park features. Enjoy bike paths, gardens, and Hammock Grove with its more than 1,500 trees, play areas, and, yes, hammocks for some laidback hang time. Check out the Hills, which opened in 2016, for even more incredible views and your chance to try out New York City’s longest slide.

Explore Williamsburg on Wheels
A short ride via the East River Greenway and the bike-friendly Williamsburg Bridge will take you to one of Brooklyn’s most vibrant neighborhoods. Williamsburg is home to stylish boutiques, street art, renowned restaurants, and world-class breweries. Miles of bike paths throughout Williamsburg will take you thorough industrial buildings and down calm residential streets. Be sure to bike down Bedford Avenue from the Williamsburg Bridge all the way to McCarren Park, where you’ll find tons of murals and street art, shops, and fun places to eat. Take a break at Domino Park, the repurposed Domino’ Factory Site, and meet some local doggos or just relax and take in views of Manhattan across the river. Smorgasburg, the popular open-air food market, may be opening this spring or summer, so stay tuned to their social media for updates; it’s a great place to refuel for your return ride.

Bike the Brooklyn Bridge and Check Out Red Hook
This picture-perfect ride is known for its beautiful views of the Manhattan skyline, historic architecture and charming eateries. Even if you’re a New Yorker, you can’t help feeling like a bit of an awestruck tourist when you bike the Brooklyn Bridge. The DUMBO area below the bridge, on the Brooklyn side, is filled with lush lawns, gardens and great activities for families, such as Jane’s Carrousel. After taking a break, you can pedal through and continue along the bike path to Red Hook. This quirky neighborhood was the site of the Battle of Brooklyn during the American Revolution. Now, Red Hook is known for its eclectic restaurant scene, with some of the best seafood and key lime pie in NYC. Lobster Pound, Grimaldi’s Pizzeria, Ample Hills Creamery, and Steve’s Authentic Key Lime Pie are among our favorite stops on this ride, so come hungry. 

Blazing Saddles bike rentals include a helmet, lock and custom map. For more information on their tours and rentals, visit the Blazing Saddles website.