What is Giovanni da verrazano best known for?

Giovanni da Verrazzano is best known for being the first European to explore the Atlantic coast of North America, particularly the area that is now New York Harbor and Narragansett Bay. In 1524, he sailed under the French flag and mapped parts of the coastline from Florida to Newfoundland. His voyages contributed significantly to European knowledge of the North American continent, paving the way for future exploration. Verrazzano's legacy is honored in various geographical names, including the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge in New York.