With yachts bobbing in the marina, a salty breeze coming in off the bay and dozens of seafood restaurants lining its main street, City Island doesn’t exactly sound like a scene set in New York City. But that’s why it’s one of New York’s little-known gems. While it’s hard to believe that such a tranquil setting could be part of the bustling metropolis, this tiny seaside community located in the northern part of the Bronx is indeed just that.
Surrounded by the waters of the Long Island Sound and Eastchester Bay, City Island is steeped in nautical history. Originally home to the Siwanoy Indians, and later claimed by the Dutch and then the English in the 1600s, the island quickly became home to fisherman, oysterman and shipbuilders. In 1896 the island’s residents voted to become part of New York City proper. Today the population remains small, with only 5,000 residents, but the town is flooded with visitors in the summer.
The tiny isle offers a respite from urban living, especially when temperatures in New York City climb well into the 90s. The island’s main street, City Island Avenue, is where you’ll find seafood restaurants, art galleries, cafés and antique shops. Check out Johnny’s Reef or the Crab Shanty for some delicious fried seafood and cold beer. There’s also Le Refuge, a French bed & breakfast, if you’re looking for finer dining.
There’s only one hitch to City Island — getting there. The community’s only connection to the mainland is via the very tiny City Island Bridge, which means no direct subway access. For those without a car, you can get there by taking the No. 6 subway line uptown to Pelham Bay Park, and then transferring to the BX29 bus. The fresh sea breeze makes it absolutely worth the trip.
We have hundreds of amazing New York apartments that let you discover both the big island of Manhattan and the smaller (and calmer), City Island. Check out:
– This gorgeous 1-Bedroom Accommodation on the Upper East Side (NY-14746) located in a luxury building with concierge service.
– This spacious Studio apartment on the Upper East Side (NY-16080).
Have you ever been to City Island? Do you have a favorite seafood restaurant to recommend? Share your comments with us!
I just love this article! I think city Island would be a great place to visit. I’m a new yorker and I never even heard of it before. I guess I stay in manhattan too much, maybe I NYHabitat could even help me find an apartment in the Bronx so I can be closer. I need to relocate.
I am going! It is a far commute from my apartment, but I couldn’t pass on the chance.
I love going to the beach in New York, Jones Beach, Brighton Beach, and going to Coney Island is particularly fun. I haven’t yet been to City Island, but it and Governor’s Island are next on my list. New York in the summer is hot, but it’s a lot of fun, especially when your apartment has a/c!
It’s great to watch the sun set and then hop in one of those restaurant out and City Island and have a delicious seafood dinner.
I often think of the Bronx as the forgotten burough (well, maybe Staten Island), but it is such a nice place to visit when you know about hidden gems like City Island.
Your blog article is so full of infos, I love it! I lived in New York City for 5 years now and never heard of this island. But you really need to plan a whole day to go up there City Island is on my list before summer is over!
This is great, I thinking about going to The Bronx Zoo this coming Saturday and then head out to City Island to complete my day. Every time I go on your website I’m starting to see New York City Expand right before my eyes.
I’m going to check this island out. I hope I can go fishing out there.
Mark Anthony? Didn’t you just buy a share of ownership of the Dolphins, and now you want to go fishing in New York City? ….or is that Marc Anthony?
great place! i saw a place like this in Australia, and was a very wonderful place.
I’m off to City Island, I have the feeling for some fresh fish or lobster and the smell of the sea. I heard that there’s a club out there that is or was owned by the great Titio Fuentes. I also in the mood for a little sala music.