City Island New York City
A charming residential island in the Bronx, famous for its seafood restaurants and nautical atmosphere. A unique NYC escape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Less traffic, easier parking
City Island New York City
Best Time
Less traffic, easier parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming residential island in the Bronx, famous for its seafood restaurants and nautical atmosphere. A unique NYC escape.
"A taste of coastal New England right in the Bronx, with plenty of seafood to go around!"
🚗 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.
Quick Facts
Rating
4.6 · 1,168 reviews
Type
Natural Feature
Address
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
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.
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.
City Island Nautical Mile
Waterfront
Stroll along the waterfront, taking in views of the marinas and boats. Enjoy the salty air and maritime scenery.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Traffic & Crowds
Seafood is the Star
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Patience
Parking can be tough on busy days. Arrive early or be prepared to circle. +1
💰 Budget-Friendly Bites
Johnny's Reef offers good value for seafood lovers.
🚴♀️ Bike or Walk
Consider biking or walking to avoid traffic and enjoy the journey.
🦀 Feast Mode On
Crab Shanty is highly recommended for generous portions.
A Question About City Island
Hey guys I live in the Bronx and I’m planning on biking to City Island and going to eat somewhere. I’m not really on much of a budget so I would like to just go to the absolute best restaurant for seafood. Also I would like to know if there is any good restaurant/other place…
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Patience
Parking can be tough on busy days. Arrive early or be prepared to circle. +1
💰 Budget-Friendly Bites
Johnny's Reef offers good value for seafood lovers.
🚴♀️ Bike or Walk
Consider biking or walking to avoid traffic and enjoy the journey.
🦀 Feast Mode On
Crab Shanty is highly recommended for generous portions.
🌊 Waterfront Views
Some restaurants offer great water views, enhancing the dining experience.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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. Some visitors have found biking to be a feasible option, though it involves navigating some road crossings.
Driving to City Island can be convenient, but be prepared for significant traffic, especially on weekends and during pleasant weather. Parking can also be challenging, so arriving early is recommended.
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.
Public transportation involves a combination of subway and bus. The 6 train to the Bronx and then the BX29 bus is a common route. It can be a long trip from other boroughs like Brooklyn.
Currently, there is no direct ferry service to City Island. The primary access points are by road or bicycle. 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.
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.
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.
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. Some places can get crowded.
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.
🍽️ 🍽️ 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.
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. Johnny's Reef is also mentioned for more budget-friendly options.
Options for non-seafood eaters are quite limited, as the island's culinary identity is strongly tied to its seafood offerings. +1 It's best to go with an open mind for seafood.
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.
Some restaurants offer waterfront views, enhancing the dining experience. However, not all establishments have direct water views, and some can be quite crowded.
📸 📸 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.
The waterfront areas can offer beautiful sunset views over the water, especially from the marinas.
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.
Generally, photography is allowed in public areas. However, always be respectful of private residences and individuals.
The lighthouse is a prominent landmark and can be photographed from various vantage points on the island.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit