New York isn’t just about New York City; look beyond the city and discover enticing islands.
Sreedevi Nair
The moment someone mentions New York, an image of Times Square or Statue of Liberty pops up in the mind.
But New York is not just limited to grand landmarks and bustling attractions.
Not many know that New York is made up of a cluster of islands, some of which are inhabited, while some are out of the reach of the modern world.
Here are a few selected islands, one can visit in New York apart from the urban-hyped, clichéd attractions.
Located 800 yards away from the shores of Manhattan, Governors Island is an idyllic spot to enjoy nature and recreational activities. This is one of the islands in New York that lets its visitors enjoy a vehicle-free zone and spend time at outdoor picnics, hiking and biking experiences.
Governors Island
Located on the Hudson River, Iona Island is a part of Bear Mountain State Park. It is a well-known area to spot various species of birds and wildlife such as Bald Eagles, Willow Flycatcher, Swamp Sparrow, Waterfowl, Canada Geese and Snapping Turtles.
Iona Island
A beautiful island set ashore from Jefferson County in New York, Wellesley Island has some amazing collection of outdoor attractions among which The Minna Anthony Common Nature Center is quite popular. The island also has rustic ruins and nature trails like Eel Bay trail and Boldts Castle.
Wellesley Island
A short strip of land located adjacent to Long Island, this isle is popular among city dwellers to enjoy summers. The island is sheathed in tranquil white beaches and is a perfect spot for boating, kayaking and sauntering in scenic vistas.
Fire Island
Cocooned amid verdant woodlands, a few minutes away from Albany in New York State, Peebles Island is a haven for adventure and nature lovers. Venture out away from the city life to explore the scenic vistas of nature on hiking trails at this island.
Peebles Island
These two separate islands conjoined with landfill are located near Manhattan, Queens and Bronx and are surrounded by Harlem River, East River and Bronx Kill.
Randall’s and Wards Island
The islands are known for their music festivals and recreational events and are ideal for New York locals to enjoy a short break not far away from the city.
Another beautiful stretch of land located within the settings of Manhattan, this slender island is located on the East River. The island consists of some charming landmarks such as Four Freedoms Park, North Point Lighthouse and Blackwell House.
Roosevelt Island
Take a tram ride from Manhattan to Roosevelt Island and enjoy a couple of hours sauntering on the island viewing stunning city skyline of Manhattan.
The most populated island in New York, Long Island is an amalgam of scenic natural splendors of powdery white beaches and farms and vineyards. The island is famous for its wineries, distilleries and craft breweries.
Long Island
An ideal spot for outdoor activities and sports such as hiking, golfing, horseback riding and camping. The food scene on the island is also excellent to check out as it has some amazing waterfront dining restaurants that offer an eclectic range of seafood cuisine.
A cluster of small islands set away in the Long Island Sound, the Pelham Islands offer a peek into the history of Native America.
The Pelham Islands
Next time you visit New York, step away from the usual and explore the beautiful, understated islands of New York.