City Island
A 1.5-mile New England-style fishing and yachting village tucked inside the eastern Bronx.
Connected to Pelham Bay Park by a single bridge across Eastchester Bay, City Island feels like you’ve teleported to coastal Maine or Cape Cod without ever leaving the 718 area code. Once a world-famous shipbuilding hub where winning America’s Cup yachts were framed and launched, this 1.5-mile island swaps subway grates and skyscrapers for active boatyards, nineteenth-century Victorian cottages on dead-end side streets, and waterfront picnic tables piled high with steamed lobster and fried whole-belly clams.
Must-Visit Spots
Johnny’s Reef Restaurant
At the very southern tip of the island since the 1950s: carry a cash-only tray of fried clams, shrimp, and steamed little-necks out to the seawall picnic tables.
2 City Island Ave
Pelham Bay Park (6 Train + Bx29 Bus)
City Island Nautical Museum
Housed inside an 1897 red-brick public schoolhouse, showcasing vintage America’s Cup yacht models, sailmaking lofts, and island boatbuilding history.
190 Fordham St
Pelham Bay Park (6 Train + Bx29 Bus)
The Black Whale
Charming neighborhood spot with a leafy backyard garden patio serving crab cakes, lobster rolls, and house-made desserts since 1961.
279 City Island Ave
Pelham Bay Park (6 Train + Bx29 Bus)
Tony’s Pier & Sammy’s Fish Box
Watch sailboats and Throgs Neck Bridge lights from Tony’s Pier at the tip of the island, or tackle giant family-style seafood platters at Sammy’s.
1 City Island Ave & 41 City Island Ave
Pelham Bay Park (6 Train + Bx29 Bus)
Clipper Coffee & Kaleidoscope Gallery
Grab an espresso and house pastry at Clipper Coffee, then browse maritime antiques, nautical charts, and local art along City Island Avenue.
247 City Island Ave & 280 City Island Ave
Pelham Bay Park (6 Train + Bx29 Bus)
Orchard Beach & Bartow-Pell Mansion
Before crossing the City Island bridge, walk the 1.1-mile crescent promenade of Orchard Beach or tour the 1842 Greek Revival Bartow-Pell Mansion.
895 Shore Rd (Pelham Bay Park)
Pelham Bay Park (6 Train + Bx29/Bx12 Bus)
Stories from City Island
City Island by Bx29 Bus: The Nautical Bronx Fishing Village That Feels Like Coastal Maine
Ride the 6 train to Pelham Bay Park and cross a short causeway into a 1.5-mile island where yacht yards, maritime museums, and waterfront seafood shacks replace the city grid.