City Island, New York City - A beautiful sunset over a large body of water
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City Island New York City

4.6
·1k reviews·, United States

A charming residential island in the Bronx, famous for its seafood restaurants and nautical atmosphere. A unique NYC escape.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Less traffic, easier parking

CrowdLow
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City Island, New York City - A beautiful sunset over a large body of water

City Island New York City

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Less traffic, easier parking

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A charming residential island in the Bronx, famous for its seafood restaurants and nautical atmosphere. A unique NYC escape.

4.6
(1k reviews)

"A taste of coastal New England right in the Bronx, with plenty of seafood to go around!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Parking Patience

Parking can be tough on busy days. Arrive early or be prepared to circle.

💰 Budget-Friendly Bites

Johnny's Reef offers good value for seafood lovers.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Seafood Feast

Seafood Feast

Various Restaurants

Indulge in a wide array of fresh seafood, from classic lobster bakes to fried platters. A true taste of the coast in NYC.

TikTok
Charming Island Atmosphere

Charming Island Atmosphere

Throughout the Island

Wander through this unique residential island with its quaint streets and nautical vibes. A refreshing escape from the city bustle.

Reddit
City Island Nautical Mile

City Island Nautical Mile

Waterfront

Stroll along the waterfront, taking in views of the marinas and boats. Enjoy the salty air and maritime scenery.

Reddit

Planning Your Visit

Beat the Traffic & Crowds

City Island's charm is best enjoyed without the stress of traffic. Weekends, especially during good weather, can bring significant congestion. Consider visiting on a weekday or arriving early to secure parking and enjoy a more relaxed experience. Reddit

Seafood is the Star

Prepare for a culinary adventure focused on seafood. While there are a few options, most restaurants specialize in fresh catches. If seafood isn't your preference, options are limited. Reddit+1

Best Times

When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Less traffic, easier parking
Crowd
Low
When
Summer evenings
Why
Pleasant weather, lively vibe
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekend mornings
Why
Beat the midday rush
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

First 55 degrees in new york & im already on the way to city island #iykykyk #fyp #fypシ #newyork #ny #fr
@janelleeeeex
135.7K likes • 827.2K views

🚗 Parking Patience

Parking can be tough on busy days. Arrive early or be prepared to circle. Reddit+1

💰 Budget-Friendly Bites

Johnny's Reef offers good value for seafood lovers. Reddit

We went ALL OUT at @sammysfishbox on City Island in the Bronx, NYC! 🍤🦞🦀🍗🤯🤤 What a DEVOUR-worthy experience. We can’t WAIT to go back. Where would you even start?! 🔥 #DEVOURPOWER #fyp #foryou #foodtikt...
@devourpower
116.2K likes • 1.2M views
Free things to do in New York City: ride the Staten Island Ferry! We share how to ride the Staten Island Ferry like a pro plus a few tips and tricks! #nyctips #newyorkcity #freethingstodoinnyc #stat...
@boboandchichi
49.6K likes • 912.4K views

🚴‍♀️ Bike or Walk

Consider biking or walking to avoid traffic and enjoy the journey. Reddit

🦀 Feast Mode On

Crab Shanty is highly recommended for generous portions. Reddit

reddit.com

A Question About City Island

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Parking Patience

Parking can be tough on busy days. Arrive early or be prepared to circle. Reddit+1

💰 Budget-Friendly Bites

Johnny's Reef offers good value for seafood lovers. Reddit

🚴‍♀️ Bike or Walk

Consider biking or walking to avoid traffic and enjoy the journey. Reddit

🦀 Feast Mode On

Crab Shanty is highly recommended for generous portions. Reddit

🌊 Waterfront Views

Some restaurants offer great water views, enhancing the dining experience. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

City Island is celebrated for its unique island atmosphere and abundant seafood restaurants, offering a distinct culinary experience within New York City. Visitors often praise the generous portions and the maritime charm. However, some find the dining options limited to seafood, and traffic congestion, especially on weekends, can be a significant drawback.

"Many memories from my childhood are at City Island. We’ve been loading the car with family to drive to the Island for decades. It’s not a summer without sitting outside having great seafood with a drink in your hand. Johnnys and Crab Shanty are the top favorites."

Chrystal Tyler

"Took my family today for dinner at the “Seafood City” wow what can I say! It was everything I thought it would be and more. Families enjoying and the food was amazing! Looking forward to returning to try more on the menu 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰"

Saby S

"Amazing. Everything was delicious and filling, and we all had leftovers to take home. I did feel that the service was a little rushed, and I'm sure it was due to being busy, but I was still a little disappointed. The server quickly got irritated when being asked for certain extras like water. And then he made a joke in regards to being tipped, sorta like he felt that he wasn't going be tipped well and acted sarcastically surprised when he received the first tip (it was separate checks).

I don't know, but I wasn't really feeling the service and would never ask for him again."

Shani Stanley

What People Like

Abundant seafood options
Island atmosphere
Generous portions

What People Dislike

Traffic congestion
Limited non-seafood choices
Can feel isolated

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Getting to City Island involves a bit of a journey, especially if you're relying on public transport. The most common way is to take the 6 train to the last stop in the Bronx, then catch a bus (like the BX29) to City Island. Reddit Some visitors have found biking to be a feasible option, though it involves navigating some road crossings. Reddit

Driving to City Island can be convenient, but be prepared for significant traffic, especially on weekends and during pleasant weather. Reddit Parking can also be challenging, so arriving early is recommended. Reddit

Yes, biking to City Island is definitely doable! Many locals bike there, especially in the summer. There are paths that connect to City Island, though be mindful of some road crossings. Reddit

Public transportation involves a combination of subway and bus. The 6 train to the Bronx and then the BX29 bus is a common route. Reddit It can be a long trip from other boroughs like Brooklyn. Reddit

Currently, there is no direct ferry service to City Island. The primary access points are by road or bicycle. TikTok mentions the Staten Island Ferry as a free NYC activity, but this is a different island.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, there are no tickets required to visit City Island itself. It's a residential island and a public destination. You only pay for food and any activities you choose. Reddit

There are no entrance fees to access City Island. The cost comes from dining at the numerous seafood restaurants or any personal purchases you make. Reddit

Restaurant hours can vary, but most seafood establishments on City Island are open for lunch and dinner. It's always a good idea to check the specific hours of the restaurant you plan to visit, especially on weekdays or during off-season. Reddit

Since City Island is known for its seafood restaurants, it's not about buying tickets in advance, but rather making reservations if possible, especially for popular spots on busy nights. TikTok Some places can get crowded. Reddit

While there isn't a specific 'attraction' with an entry fee, simply exploring the island, enjoying the waterfront views, and soaking in the unique atmosphere are free experiences. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

City Island is famous for its abundance of seafood restaurants. You'll find everything from lobster bakes and clam chowder to fried shrimp and oysters. TikTokReddit

Popular choices include The City Island Lobster House for generous portions, Crab Shanty for its BBQ feast, and Sammy's Fish Box for a classic experience. TikTokReddit Johnny's Reef is also mentioned for more budget-friendly options. Reddit

Options for non-seafood eaters are quite limited, as the island's culinary identity is strongly tied to its seafood offerings. Reddit+1 It's best to go with an open mind for seafood. Reddit

Prices can vary. While some places like Johnny's Reef offer cheaper fried seafood, others like The City Island Lobster House or Crab Shanty can be more of a splurge, especially for lobster. Reddit

Some restaurants offer waterfront views, enhancing the dining experience. However, not all establishments have direct water views, and some can be quite crowded. TikTokReddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the nautical charm by photographing the marinas filled with boats, the quaint residential streets, and the iconic lighthouse. The waterfront offers scenic views. Reddit

The waterfront areas can offer beautiful sunset views over the water, especially from the marinas. Reddit

A versatile lens for capturing both landscapes (marinas, water) and street scenes (residential areas) would be ideal. A wide-angle lens can be great for the expansive water views. Reddit

Generally, photography is allowed in public areas. However, always be respectful of private residences and individuals. Reddit

The lighthouse is a prominent landmark and can be photographed from various vantage points on the island. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

City Island can be a fun outing for families, especially if your kids enjoy seafood. The novelty of being on an island and seeing boats can be engaging. Johnny's Reef is often mentioned as a good spot for families looking for more casual and potentially more affordable fried seafood options. Reddit While there isn't a dedicated playground or beach, the general atmosphere of exploring a unique part of NYC can be an adventure in itself. Be prepared for potential crowds and traffic, which might require extra patience with younger children. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, City Island offers some value, particularly at Johnny's Reef, which is known for its more affordable fried seafood options. Reddit While some of the lobster-focused restaurants can be pricey, you can still enjoy the island's atmosphere and a decent meal without breaking the bank. Consider visiting on a weekday to potentially find better deals or less crowded, more relaxed dining experiences. Reddit

🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers

City Island is an ideal destination for a day trip from within the NYC area, offering a change of scenery without a long drive. Driving is convenient, but be prepared for potential traffic jams, especially on weekends. Reddit Plan to arrive early to secure parking and maximize your time. The island's compact size makes it easy to explore on foot once you've parked. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating City Island: Getting There and Around

Reaching City Island requires some planning, especially if you're not driving. The most common public transit route involves taking the 6 train to its northernmost stop in the Bronx and then transferring to the BX29 bus which will take you directly onto the island. Reddit This journey can be lengthy, particularly if you're coming from other parts of New York City like Brooklyn. Reddit For those who enjoy cycling, biking to City Island is a popular and feasible option, offering a more scenic and potentially less stressful way to arrive, though some road crossings require attention. Reddit

Once on the island, getting around is relatively easy on foot, as it's a small community. However, be aware that traffic can become a significant issue, especially on weekends and during peak tourist seasons or nice weather. Reddit This congestion can impact both driving and bus travel, making an early arrival or a weekday visit highly recommended for a smoother experience. Reddit

The Culinary Delights of City Island

City Island's reputation is built on its vibrant seafood scene. The island boasts a multitude of restaurants, each offering a unique take on classic maritime fare. Sammy's Fish Box, a long-standing establishment since 1966, is a popular choice known for its lively atmosphere and extensive menu. TikTokReddit For those seeking generous portions, The City Island Lobster House and Crab Shanty are frequently recommended, with Crab Shanty particularly lauded for its BBQ feast. Reddit If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, Johnny's Reef is often cited for its affordable fried seafood. Reddit

It's important to note that the culinary landscape on City Island is heavily dominated by seafood. While there are a few exceptions, visitors should generally expect seafood to be the primary offering. Reddit+1 This focus makes it a paradise for seafood lovers but can present a challenge for those with different dietary preferences. Reddit Many of these restaurants offer waterfront dining, providing a pleasant ambiance to complement the meal, though some can get quite crowded. TikTokReddit

Understanding the City Island Vibe

City Island offers a distinct atmosphere, often described as a small, working-class fishing community with a strong Italian-American heritage. Reddit+1 It provides a unique escape from the urban intensity of Manhattan, with a more relaxed, almost village-like feel. Reddit Visitors often appreciate the nautical charm, the marinas filled with boats, and the quaint residential streets. Reddit

However, it's also important to manage expectations. Some reviews suggest that the island can feel isolated, with limited activities beyond dining. Reddit There aren't extensive public beaches or many opportunities to directly access the water that aren't fenced off. Reddit The island's infrastructure, particularly the single causeway connecting it to the mainland, can lead to significant traffic bottlenecks, which can detract from the experience for some. Reddit+1

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