It's an event that happens just a few times a year, but one definitely worth waiting for: the nights when the George Washington Bridge's tower lights are on.
The bridge's iconic criss-crossed steel towers are illuminated only during major holidays and September 11—coinciding with the days when the bridge flies the world's largest free-flying U.S. flag.
Those holidays include Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day and Veterans Day.
The towers are lit from dusk to midnight.
Some of the best views of the bridge at night can be found on the overlook in J. Hood Wright Park (between W 173rd and W 176th Sts from Ft. Washington to Haven Aves).
Or to see the bridge up close, follow the bike path on the Hudson River Greenway to Fort Washington Park, which snakes around the bridge's east towers.
Note: The Port Authority of NY/NJ only lists the bridge's flag schedule, but the tower lights are reliably lit on those same holidays. You can also keep track of any last-minute alerts here.
