City Island
New York City, NY
You’d be forgiven for confusing this tiny island for a fishing village in New England. But no, this tranquil slice of the Long Island Sound coast is part of New York City, located in the northeastern corner of the Bronx. The area draws sailing and boating aficionados, locals looking to tuck into a meal at a seafood shack, and travelers in search of a quiet escape.
The basics
While it’s popular with New Yorkers, many out-of-town visitors also come to City Island, whether to bike around the seaside neighborhood, hit the beach, or admire the island’s Victorian-style painted houses and quirky galleries. Anyone interested in maritime history and culture shouldn’t miss the City Island Nautical Museum, where you can learn more about the island’s past. There are also a number of restaurants overlooking the water—ideal for a laid-back day trip.
Things to know before you go
- Seafood is a big draw here, so vegetarians and vegans take note. You may want to consider bringing a sandwich, or else making do with side dishes.
- Some restaurants don’t take reservations, so be prepared for a long wait—especially on busy summer weekends. The island participates in Restaurant Week throughout the year.
- City Island is an excellent destination for families with children. Consider coming in October, when the neighborhood plays host to a Halloween parade.
How to get there
If you’re driving from Manhattan, take the FDR Drive to the Bruckner Expressway, then head north on I-95 until Exit 8B. Follow signs to City Island. From Queens or Long Island, take the Throgs Neck Bridge to I-95. Traveling without a car? The express BXM8 bus from Manhattan goes to Pelham Bay Park; from there, transfer to the BX29 to City Island, which can also be reached by bike.
When to get there
Summer is the most popular time—and also the busiest. Consider going in May or September to enjoy the views without all the buzz. (Parking can also be a challenge during busy times.) City Island hosts festivals throughout the year, including the Nautical Mile Street Fair in early summer, the Arts and Crafts Fair in June and September, and various regattas during the boating season, which lasts from spring to fall.
Exploring NYC’s largest public park
City Island lies on the eastern edge of Pelham Bay Park, known for its waterside promenade and crescent-shaped shoreline overlooking the Long Island Sound. You can also take in views of City Island from this natural and recreational site, which is three times the size of Central Park. Forests, meadows, and salt marshes make for scenic hikes and bird-watching trails, while a historic 19th-century estate—the Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum—is open for tours.
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