An Alfa Romeo - whether it’s the Giulia’s razor-sharp sedan dynamics or the Stelvio’s elevated perspective - is a car that asks for better roads. Not just faster roads, but roads with character: elevation changes, well-maintained surfaces, sweeping curves, and the kind of scenery that justifies getting up early on a Saturday morning. Long Island and the surrounding region have more of those roads than most Alfa owners realize.

This guide covers the drives worth taking - from routes you can reach before your morning coffee gets cold to day-trip destinations that reward a full tank and an empty calendar.

Bear Mountain Loop via the Palisades Interstate Parkway

Route: Cross the George Washington Bridge, north on Palisades Interstate Parkway to Bear Mountain, return via Route 9W Distance: Approximately 100 miles round trip from Nassau County Best time: Early Saturday morning, May through October

This is the drive that every performance car owner in the New York metro area should take at least once - and the Giulia and Stelvio are built for it.

The Palisades Interstate Parkway is a remarkable road. It follows the ridgeline above the Hudson River with sweeping curves, gentle elevation changes, and pavement quality that’s consistently among the best in the region. The speed limit is 55 mph, the road is well-maintained, and the canopy of trees creates a tunnel effect that’s particularly striking in early autumn.

The curves on the Palisades reward a car with communicative steering - and the Giulia’s steering is among the most communicative in its class. You feel the road surface, the weight transfer through corners, and the precise moment the front tires begin to load. The Stelvio delivers the same sensation from a slightly higher vantage point, with its rear-biased AWD adding traction confidence on the occasional damp morning.

At Bear Mountain, the Perkins Memorial Drive climbs to the summit - tight switchbacks, dramatic elevation gain, and panoramic views of the Hudson Valley from the top. The parking area at the summit is worth a stop. The descent back down tests braking and composure - exactly the kind of driving that Alfa Romeo’s chassis engineers had in mind.

The return via Route 9W hugs the west bank of the Hudson River, passing through small river towns with coffee shops and cafes that make a natural stopping point.

“The Palisades run is the drive I recommend to every Giulia and Stelvio owner who picks up their car at Westbury. That road was built for cars with steering like ours - you feel every curve, every surface change. It’s the drive that makes people understand why they chose an Alfa Romeo.” - Mike Mineo, General Manager, Westbury Alfa Romeo

Storm King Highway

Route: Route 218 between Cornwall-on-Hudson and West Point Distance: Approximately 5 miles of intense driving (within the Bear Mountain loop or as a standalone detour) Best time: Weekday mornings, spring through fall

Storm King Highway is short, intense, and unforgettable. This narrow, winding road carved into the face of Storm King Mountain above the Hudson River is one of the most dramatic driving roads in the Northeast.

The road features tight hairpins, dramatic elevation changes, and sheer drops to the river below. Stone guardrails are all that separate you from the Hudson several hundred feet down. The pavement is generally good but narrow - two cars can pass, but you’ll want to pay attention.

For the Giulia, Storm King is where the car’s compact dimensions, precise steering, and balanced weight distribution come together perfectly. You’re actively driving - hands at 9 and 3, eyes reading the curves, feeling the car respond to every input. In Dynamic mode, the throttle response and steering weight are tuned for exactly this kind of engagement.

For the Stelvio, the elevated seating position actually adds to the drama - you can see further into corners and the view down to the river is more visible. The Stelvio’s Q4 all-wheel drive provides additional grip on the tighter hairpins where the road surface can be uneven.

Note: Storm King Highway closes seasonally in winter and can be affected by rock slides. Check conditions before making the trip.

North Fork Wine Country

Route: Riverhead to Orient Point via Route 25 and Sound Avenue Distance: Approximately 30 miles one way Best time: Weekday mornings, spring through fall - weekend afternoons get crowded

The North Fork offers a completely different driving experience - not about speed or curves, but about scenery, relaxation, and the kind of quiet roads where you can appreciate the Alfa Romeo’s refinement at a gentler pace.

Sound Avenue is the preferred route for drivers. It runs parallel to Route 25 on the north side, passing through open farmland, vineyard rows, and stretches where the only traffic is the occasional farm truck. The road is well-maintained, gently curving, and peaceful in a way that Nassau County roads rarely are.

The Giulia and Stelvio both feel appropriately elevated in this context - Italian cars among Italian grape varieties (several North Fork wineries grow Sangiovese and other Italian varietals). The ride quality in Natural mode smooths the road surface perfectly, the cabin stays quiet, and the seats remain comfortable over the full route.

Coffee stop recommendation: Greenport is the eastern anchor of the North Fork drive and has several excellent coffee shops within walking distance of the harbor. The village is walkable, the waterfront is scenic, and the overall atmosphere complements the Alfa ownership experience.

For buyers researching the Giulia or Tonale, the North Fork drive is an excellent test-drive route that showcases the cars’ comfort and refinement alongside their performance character.

Montauk Highway Sunrise Run

Route: East Hampton to Montauk Point via Route 27 Distance: Approximately 20 miles one way Best time: Pre-dawn departure, arriving at Montauk Point for sunrise - best in fall and spring

The Montauk sunrise run is about timing and atmosphere more than driving dynamics - but the road itself is good, and the destination is spectacular.

Depart East Hampton before dawn and drive east on Montauk Highway. Through Amagansett, the road is residential and quiet. Then you hit the Napeague Stretch - the narrow barrier between the Atlantic and Napeague Harbor where the road runs straight between water on both sides. In the pre-dawn light, this stretch is extraordinary - dark ocean on the left, calm harbor on the right, and the sky beginning to color ahead of you.

Montauk Point Lighthouse at the island’s eastern tip is one of the first points in New York to catch the sunrise. The parking area is accessible early, the walk to the point is short, and the view - ocean in three directions, the lighthouse above, and the sky turning - is worth the early alarm.

The Alfa Romeo advantage here is the cabin experience. The Giulia’s sport seats are comfortable for the two-hour drive from Nassau County. The B&O sound system (available on higher trims) fills the cabin during the quiet highway portion. And arriving at the lighthouse in an Alfa Romeo - parked facing the ocean as the sun comes up - is the kind of moment that makes the ownership experience special.

The return drive along Montauk Highway in morning light is beautiful and relaxed. Stop for breakfast in Amagansett or East Hampton before the weekend crowds arrive.

Harriman State Park

Route: Palisades Interstate Parkway to Seven Lakes Drive within Harriman State Park Distance: Approximately 80 miles round trip from Nassau County Best time: Early morning, year-round (fall foliage is extraordinary)

Harriman State Park - just north of the Palisades Parkway - offers over 200 miles of roads through 47,000 acres of woodland, lakes, and mountain terrain. Seven Lakes Drive is the crown jewel - a winding road that passes alongside (true to its name) seven lakes, climbing and descending through forested terrain with excellent pavement and minimal traffic.

The road surface on Seven Lakes Drive is remarkably good - smooth enough to appreciate the Giulia’s suspension tuning and firm enough to transmit the kind of road feel that Alfa Romeo engineers obsess over. The curves range from gentle sweepers to tighter turns that require braking and turn-in precision. Elevation changes are constant - the road climbs and descends repeatedly, loading and unloading the suspension in ways that flat Long Island roads never do.

For Stelvio owners, Harriman is particularly rewarding. The Q4 system provides reassurance on the occasional shaded corner where moisture lingers, and the elevated seating position gives better sightlines through the park’s curving roads. The Stelvio’s ride height also makes unpaved parking areas at trailheads and lake access points stress-free.

Brunch stop: After the drive, the village of Sloatsburg just south of Harriman has several good brunch options. The timing works perfectly - an early-morning drive through the park, arriving in Sloatsburg by mid-morning hungry and satisfied.

Tips for the Perfect Weekend Drive

Timing Is Everything

Leave early. The best driving roads near New York are shared roads - they’re at their best before 9 AM on weekends, when traffic is minimal and the light is beautiful. Set your alarm, make coffee for the road, and enjoy the drive before the crowds arrive.

Fuel and Range Planning

Fill up before you leave Nassau County. Gas station options thin out on some of these routes - particularly on the North Fork, around Harriman, and along the Palisades. The Giulia’s fuel economy in highway cruising is competitive, and the tank provides comfortable range for any of these drives, but starting full eliminates the distraction of watching the gauge.

Drive Mode Strategy

Use Natural mode for the highway portion of any drive - it balances comfort, efficiency, and responsiveness well. Switch to Dynamic when you reach the interesting roads - the sharpened throttle, heavier steering, and more aggressive transmission behavior transform the car for engaged driving. All-Weather mode is there for rain, damp mornings, and leaf-covered roads in autumn.

Pavement Quality Awareness

Not all scenic roads have great pavement. The Palisades and Seven Lakes Drive are excellent. Storm King is variable. Some North Fork farm roads have rough patches. The Giulia and Stelvio’s suspension is firm but not harsh - you’ll feel imperfections, but the cars handle rough surfaces with composure. Just be aware of particularly rough sections and adjust speed accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best driving road near Long Island for an Alfa Romeo?

The Palisades Interstate Parkway combined with the Bear Mountain loop is widely considered the best driving road accessible from Long Island. The sweeping curves, excellent pavement quality, gentle elevation changes, and scenic canopy make it ideal for the Giulia’s communicative steering and balanced chassis. The round trip from Nassau County is approximately 100 miles - a perfect half-day drive with a coffee stop at Bear Mountain or along the Hudson.

Is the Alfa Romeo Giulia comfortable enough for a long weekend drive?

Yes. The Giulia’s sport seats are well-bolstered for cornering but also supportive and comfortable over extended driving. The cabin is well-insulated from road and wind noise at highway speeds, and the climate and infotainment systems are easy to use without distraction. The firm ride - a characteristic of Alfa Romeo’s chassis tuning - transmits some road imperfections, but most drivers find it engaging rather than fatiguing over multi-hour drives. Natural mode softens the experience for highway portions.

How far can I drive on a tank of gas in the Alfa Romeo Giulia?

The Giulia’s 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder paired with the fuel tank provides a highway range comfortably exceeding 350 miles under normal driving conditions - more than enough for any of the weekend drives in this guide without a fuel stop. Spirited driving on curving roads reduces efficiency somewhat, but even with Dynamic mode and aggressive driving, range is not a practical concern for day trips from Nassau County.

Are these drives suitable for the Alfa Romeo Stelvio as well?

Absolutely. The Stelvio shares the Giulia’s platform, steering character, and driving dynamics - delivered from a higher seating position. The Q4 all-wheel drive provides additional grip confidence on damp or leaf-covered roads, and the elevated driving position offers better sightlines on winding routes like Storm King and Seven Lakes Drive. The Stelvio’s additional ground clearance also makes unpaved parking areas and trailhead access more comfortable.

When should I avoid these driving routes?

Summer weekends - particularly July and August - bring heavy traffic to the Montauk Highway, North Fork, and Palisades routes. Holiday weekends are the worst. Weekday mornings and shoulder-season weekends (September through November, April through May) offer the best combination of light traffic and pleasant weather. Winter driving is possible on paved routes like the Palisades, but Storm King Highway closes seasonally and mountain roads can be icy. Always check conditions before heading out, especially in cooler months.