To be honest, I didn’t come to New York planning to hop around its islands. But one look at a ferry map, and I was suddenly on a mission. It turns out that the city isn’t just a borough; it’s got a whole list of islands no one talks about unless they’re on a history tour or lost on the subway.
I visited eight of them. Some were peaceful, some chaotic, and one felt like it didn’t want me there at all.
Now, my trip wasn’t just about ticking off tourist spots. I made sure to do both touristy and not so touristy things to actually get a good feel of those places. So, if you’re curious what’s out there, here’s what each NYC island gave me and why it was (mostly) worth the ferry.
Governors Island
I kept hearing people call this place “New York’s backyard,” and I didn’t understand why. I was curious, so I felt like I had to be there. Glad I did because I finally understood, and it’s mostly because it’s where you can find peace from the busy side of NY.
Governors Island has plenty of art installations, old military buildings, bike rentals, and even a hammock grove. I know that sounds like a weird mix, but somehow it all works.
I went there on a weekday to dodge the weekend crowds and took the ferry from the Battery Maritime Building. It was quick (barely eight minutes), and the ride gave a solid view of Lower Manhattan fading behind me.
As soon as I stepped onto the island, it felt slower. Quieter. Like the city had exhaled and left you alone for a bit.
Morning Bike Ride and Governors Island Attractions
The first thing I did was rent a bike from Blazing Saddles. They had a weekday special: $25 for the whole day if you picked it up before noon. The loop around the island was flat and easy, maybe 2.5 miles all around, with barely any cars.
I stopped at Fort Jay halfway through. The moat and the star-shaped layout looked cool from the outside, but it was the inside that had a weird stillness to it. I didn’t see any staff there, and it was pretty quiet. Most moments were just me, the brick walls, and some old cannons.
Later on, I rode past a sculpture made of shipping containers stacked like dominoes. There wasn’t any sign explaining it, but a kid nearby told his mom it looked like “Minecraft in real life,” which wasn’t wrong.
Hammock Grove and a Quick Nap
Mid-loop, I hit up Hammock Grove, which is just what it sounds like. It’s a field with hammocks tied between poles. Most of them were already taken, but I found one in the far back, near some shade.
I stayed there for maybe 30 minutes. I couldn’t fully nap because two seagulls were having a fight nearby, but I did close my eyes for a bit and didn’t check my phone. It’s a good thing I didn’t bring much with me, so I wasn’t really worried about getting robbed, even if I took a deep nap.
From there, you can actually see the Statue of Liberty from certain angles, especially if you climb the artificial hill nearby. I skipped the climb. I just enjoyed the view while eating the peach I brought with me. It felt good doing nothing for a while.
Lunch at Island Oyster
By noon, I was starving. I headed to Island Oyster, which sits right on the waterfront and looks like the kind of place you’d find on a beach vacation, and not in New York.
I ordered the lobster roll, and it was $28, which hurt a bit. Good thing it came with kettle chips, and it was actually good. It had the right balance of buttery and lemony. I also got their frozen paloma for $14, which was solid but didn’t last long in the heat.
The view from the barstools overlooked the harbor, and even with ferries going by and the hum of conversation, it didn’t feel like the city. It was weirdly calm. The kind of calm you don’t expect until you’re sitting in it and realize you haven’t heard a siren in hours.
Ellis Island & Liberty Island
I wasn’t sure if this one would feel too textbook, but visiting two of the most well-known islands near New York City felt like something I couldn’t skip. I expected long lines and loud tourists, and yeah, those were there, but so were quiet moments that hit harder than expected.
I booked the earliest ferry out of Battery Park and went to both islands in one go. The combo ticket was $24.50, which included audio guides and access to the museum. It was already filling up when I got there, so if you want fewer crowds, early is the move.
Liberty Island and the Statue
Our first stop was Liberty Island, and seeing the statue up close felt different from all the postcards and skyline photos.
The crowds were heavy by 10 a.m., but I walked around the base, stopped by the museum, and spent time looking through old design drafts and photos of its construction.
My favorite part was the old torch on display. It’s kind of surreal seeing it separated from the statue. When I took a break from exploring, I went to the Statue of Liberty Crown Cafe, where I grabbed a cold brew and a muffin.
Ellis Island: A Quiet Gut Punch
Next stop was Ellis Island, and I was surprised at how quiet it was compared to Liberty. The museum inside the main immigration building was huge and way more detailed than I expected.
I walked through room after room of documents, photos, passenger manifests, and quotes from people who came through in the early 1900s.
I found a computer station where you could search for relatives who might’ve passed through. Typed in my last name just out of curiosity, and sure enough, two names popped up from 1913 and 1920.
Unfortunately, I have no way to know if they were actually related to me, but I took a photo of the screen anyway.
By the time I got back on the ferry, it was already early afternoon. The on-board café was limited, but I grabbed a bottle of water and a sad turkey sandwich for $12 because I didn’t want to deal with the Battery Park crowd yet.
Staten Island
Most people probably only know Staten Island because of the ferry, and that’s usually where the story ends. You take the free ride, grab a photo of the Statue of Liberty on the way, and head straight back.
That’s what I planned to do at first. But after watching Nonna’s on Netflix, I made a note to check out Enoteca Maria (Nonnas of the World). I figured if I was already on the ferry, I might as well follow through.
The ride from Whitehall Terminal took about 25 minutes. It was packed, even on a weekday afternoon, but there’s something kind of nice about standing at the back of the boat, watching Manhattan shrink behind you while seagulls try to photobomb everyone.
Once we docked at St. George, I didn’t expect much. Staten Island isn’t known for drawing in out-of-towners. But if you know where you’re going, or at least have a decent map, you can piece together a good few hours.
Enoteca Maria
This was the main reason I even got off the ferry. The place isn’t flashy, and it’s tucked inside the Staten Island Ferry Terminal building. I’d say it’s more of a food court than fine dining, but I didn’t care.
I ordered the Dominican chicken stew with rice. It came in one of those white paper bowls with steam pushing up the lid. The flavors were deep and slow-cooked, like the kitchen had no clocks. Definitely not fast food.
I sat near the window with a ginger beer and low expectations, but I cleaned the bowl and would’ve eaten another if I wasn’t heading to the Staten Island Greenbelt after.
Staten Island Greenbelt
After lunch, I grabbed a bus headed toward the Staten Island Greenbelt. I didn’t know much about it, but figured I’d stretch my legs before getting back on the ferry. The ride took around 25 minutes. Not too bad.
The Greenbelt turned out to be this huge chunk of wooded trails and open space. It felt strange after spending the whole morning on tourist-heavy islands. I followed a short trail near High Rock Park. It was quiet, but not in a creepy way.
City Island
I didn’t know what to expect from City Island NY. The name alone threw me off, as it didn’t sound like it belonged in the Bronx.
I pictured something industrial or overbuilt, but what I got instead was a laid-back fishing village with diner signs, seafood joints, and a pace that felt completely disconnected from the rest of the city.
That contrast made it worth the trip. I’d seen a few people call it a hidden gem, but what got me curious was how many locals mentioned it like a summer tradition. I took the 6 train to Pelham Bay Park, then transferred to the Bx29.
The ride was long, but once you cross that tiny bridge into the island, the vibe just flips.
Johnny’s Reef and a Lot of Fried Food
The bus stop left me right near the end of the island, so I headed to Johnny’s Reef. That’s mostly because every City Island article and local I asked mentioned it like it was required. The building looked like a cafeteria from the outside, with faded signage and a long counter-style setup.
Inside, it was loud, straightforward, and smelled amazing. I got the fried shrimp platter with fries and coleslaw. It was $21, came in a plastic tray, and didn’t need to be fancy to be good. Everything was crispy, salty, and satisfying.
I sat outside at one of the picnic tables facing the water, just picking at my food and watching boats come in. It felt like summer even though it was barely 65 out, and it was a relaxing moment.
Strolling the Island and a Weird Little Shop
After lunch, I walked back toward the center of the island. The sidewalks were uneven in some places, and the houses all had that weathered coastal look with nautical decorations and boats parked in driveways.
There was this weird little antique shop called Focal Point Gallery that sold everything from vintage photos to hand-painted driftwood signs. I spent a good 30 minutes there flipping through old postcards and trying not to knock anything over.
It wasn’t crowded, and it was just me and the shop owner. I left with a $6 metal sign that said “The Captain’s Quarters” because it felt like the right level of random.
Seafood Market and a Sad Attempt at Restraint
I also stopped at Seafood City Market to see if I could bring something back, and ended up buying a small container of marinated octopus for $10. I ate half of it while waiting for the bus back and gave up pretending I had willpower.
Overall, City Island didn’t feel like New York at all. There were no skyscrapers, not a lot of noise, and people were relaxed. I wouldn’t say it’s exciting, but that’s kind of why I liked it.
Long Island
Long Island was the only place on this list that didn’t feel like a side trip. It’s massive, lived-in, and packed with neighborhoods that all have their own thing going on.
I didn’t have time to explore the entire island, obviously, but I wanted to carve out a quiet afternoon that didn’t feel like the city. That led me straight to wine country.
Yes, there’s a wine region. A surprisingly chill one. I focused on the North Fork, where most of the Long Island wineries are. I took the LIRR to Mattituck, which took a couple of hours from Penn Station with a transfer at Ronkonkoma.
Kontokosta Winery and Some Accidental Fancy
I picked Kontokosta Winery mostly because I liked the name, and it had a decent view of the water. It’s about a 10-minute Uber from the station and way more put-together than I expected.
The main tasting room was this huge barn-style setup with open doors and clean wooden tables. It’s definitely a “you’re gonna want to take photos here” kind of place.
Their sauvignon blanc was my favorite. It’s crisp, slightly herbal, and kind of perfect for the breezy weather. I sat outside, away from the bigger groups doing their Instagram rounds, and watched someone try to carry three wine glasses with one hand and fail.
They had cheese plates, but I passed and instead bought a bottle of the rosé for $26 to bring back. I regret not grabbing a second one the second I left.
Small-Town Wandering and a Snack Stop
After the winery, I walked around Mattituck’s tiny main street. It was just a couple of blocks, but it had a bakery, a bookstore, and a few boutiques that I peeked into out of habit more than interest.
I stopped at Love Lane Sweet Shoppe and got a scoop of cookies and cream in a sugar cone for $5. Not sure if it was the setting or the fact that I hadn’t eaten much, but I remember feeling like it was the most delicious treat I had.
The town itself felt like the kind of place you end up in by accident and wish you had more time to explore. I didn’t plan on staying overnight, but I saw a few bed-and-breakfast signs and made a mental note to maybe come back when I can stay longer and try a couple more vineyards.
Fire Island
I saved Fire Island for last, mostly because I didn’t want to rush it. After hopping between museums, memorials, and crowded ferries, I wanted the kind of place where you do almost nothing and somehow that still feels productive.
Now, I had the phrase Fire Island travel guide saved in my notes from weeks ago, but I didn’t open it. I figured I’d just go, see what’s there, and follow whatever felt easy.
Getting there was quite an effort. I took the LIRR to Sayville, then caught a shuttle to the ferry terminal. From there, I took the ferry to Ocean Beach, which is one of the more visitor-friendly sections of the island.
That day wasn’t really the best with train delays and a missed shuttle. I ended up arriving a little past noon, but once I stepped onto the boardwalk, it felt worth it.
The Beach and Zero Urgency
So, I didn’t make any plans for Fire Island. No restaurant reservations and no packed itinerary. I just walked.
The houses there looked like they belonged in a coastal dream Pinterest board. They had weathered wood, striped umbrellas, and name plaques like “Sea La Vie” and “Shore Thing.” I passed a few sleepy cafes, a general store, and some kids selling lemonade.
I ended up at CJ’s, which is famous for a drink called Rocket Fuel. It’s basically a piña colada with 151 rum and a float of amaretto. Yes, it’s strong, but that didn’t stop me.
I sat at the bar for a while, talked to no one, and just watched people come and go in flip-flops and bathing suits like it was their uniform.
Thinking About Island-Hopping Around NYC? Here’s What Helped Me
If you’re planning to hop between the islands near New York City, don’t treat it like a casual stroll through Central Park. It takes actual planning. You can go winging it, but there’s a good chance that you’ll waste hours in transit or land somewhere with nothing open.
Here’s what I learned (the hard way, in some cases):
- Weekdays are golden: Weekend ferries and island attractions can be really packed. If you can swing on a weekday, do it. The difference between a chill hammock nap and fighting off stroller traffic is real.
- Ferries don’t run all night: Some of the islands have limited ferry hours, especially in the off-season. Check the last return trip before you go, so you’re not panicking with a 3% phone battery and no plan B.
- Google Maps will not save you: It’ll get you close, but not always accurately. Bring screenshots of directions, especially for places like Fire Island or City Island, where transfers get weird.
- Carry snacks and water: A lot of these islands have food, but not all of them have what you’ll want when you’re tired and hungry. A protein bar and refillable bottle saved me more than once.
- Don’t overschedule: Some islands are better when you give them space. Pick one or two things you want to do, then let the rest unfold.
What the Islands Near New York City Gave Me
I didn’t expect island-hopping in New York to feel this personal, but it ended up being one of the best things I’ve done in the city. It made the city feel bigger, but also slower in the best way. I’d do it again without changing a thing, except maybe bringing better shoes.
Visiting the Islands Near New York City – FAQs
What’s the easiest NYC island to visit without planning ahead?
Governor’s Island is the easiest for spontaneous visits. Ferries run frequently, it’s close to Manhattan, and you don’t need tickets in advance unless you’re doing something specific like a guided tour or a big event.
Are any of the NYC islands good for overnight stays?
Most don’t offer overnight options, but Fire Island has beach rentals and small inns if you’re staying longer. Long Island obviously has plenty of places to stay, especially if you’re near the North Fork or the Hamptons.
Is island-hopping in NYC kid-friendly?
Definitely. Liberty Island and Governors Island are especially good for kids, with lots of space to run around and easy walking paths. Just pack snacks and check ferry times ahead of time to avoid meltdowns.
