Most people don’t think of islands when they picture New York, but after exploring the state for years, I’ve discovered some of its coolest escapes are surrounded by water. From the wild beauty of the Thousand Islands on the St. Lawrence River to the hidden gems of the Hudson Valley and the iconic stretches off Long Island, these spots deliver way more than just pretty views. I’ve visited each of these islands myself, and whether you’re after adventure, history, or pure relaxation, these seven New York islands deserve a spot on your travel list.
1. Fire Island
Fire Island is honestly the ultimate summer escape that most New Yorkers don’t even know about. I’ve been coming here for years, and it never gets old – 32 miles of pristine beaches with zero cars allowed. Ferry tickets cost about $22 round-trip, and the operator depends on where you’re headed. Fire Island Ferries runs from Bay Shore to communities like Ocean Beach, Kismet, and Fair Harbor, while Sayville Ferry Service sails from Sayville to Cherry Grove, Fire Island Pines, and Sailors Haven
The ferry to Cherry Grove and Fire Island Pines runs every 30 minutes during summer, and honestly, Ocean Beach is where most day-trippers go for the boardwalk scene. I love that you can walk between Cherry Grove and Fire Island Pines in about 20 minutes – two completely different vibes. Fire Island Lighthouse climbs are worth the effort, and the Sunken Forest in Sailors Haven is this wild maritime forest that’s basically untouched.
What makes Fire Island special isn’t just the beaches – it’s the community feel. Everyone gets around by bike or walking, though bikes aren’t allowed on some ferry services. Davis Park on the eastern end is quieter, and Watch Hill has camping if you want to stay overnight. I always pack a cooler since restaurants can be pricey, and the last ferry back is usually around midnight on weekends.
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2. Rock Island
Rock Island in the Thousand Islands region is pure wilderness vibes with that iconic lighthouse everyone’s always posting on Instagram. The Rock Island Lighthouse State Park sits right on the Saint Lawrence River, and honestly, it’s worth the boat ride just for the views.
Getting there requires either your own boat or booking a Thousand Islands tour from Alexandria Bay or Clayton. I’ve done the Uncle Sam Boat Tours route, which runs about $25 for adults and includes stops at multiple islands. The lighthouse itself is this gorgeous stone structure from the 1800s, and you can actually climb to the top when it’s open seasonally.
What I love about Rock Island is how untouched it feels. There’s no tourist infrastructure, so bring everything you need – water, snacks, sunscreen. The hiking trails wind through dense forest, and if you’re into fishing or kayaking, the waters around here are pristine. I spent an afternoon here last summer and saw maybe 20 other people total. Alexandria Bay nearby has all the accommodations and restaurants you need for a base.
3. Governors Island
Governors Island is hands down the best deal in NYC – $5 round-trip ferry gets you to this 172-acre playground that feels completely separate from Manhattan chaos. Ferries run daily from Battery Maritime Building, with weekend Brooklyn service from Pier 6 and Red Hook.
Free ferry rides before 11am on weekends is the hack everyone should know. I always hit Slide Hill first – NYC’s longest slide at 57 feet is genuinely fun for adults too. The Hills give you incredible views of Manhattan and Brooklyn, and Hammock Grove is perfect for afternoon naps.
The island’s year-round now, with extended summer hours from 7am-10pm Sunday-Thursday and 7am-11pm Friday-Saturday. QC NY spa offers 3-hour stays starting at $89 if you want luxury, or just pack a picnic and use the free grills. Fort Jay and Castle Williams offer history buffs plenty to explore, and the weekend farmers market and Yard playground keep families busy. I’ve never had a bad day here.
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4. Heart Island
Heart Island and Boldt Castle are pure romance and tragedy rolled into one incredible destination. Adult admission is $17.00 for both castle and yacht house, or $14.00 for castle only (kids 5 to 12 are $10, and under 5 are free).
Uncle Sam Boat Tours runs shuttles every 30 minutes starting at 10:30am from Alexandria Bay, or you can combine it with a Two Nation Tour for the full Thousand Islands experience. The castle itself is this massive 120-room structure that George Boldt built for his wife Louise until she died suddenly in 1904 and he stopped all construction.
What gets me every time is walking through rooms that were 70% finished when the workers just dropped their tools and left. The restoration work since 1977 is incredible – the first floor is fully furnished to show what it would have looked like. There’s an elevator and wheelchair access, and the grounds with Italian gardens and outbuildings are stunning. Plan at least 2 hours to see everything properly, including the Boldt Yacht House on Wellesley Island.
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5. Roosevelt Island
Roosevelt Island gives you the best skyline views in the city for the price of a subway ride. The Roosevelt Island Tramway costs $3.00 each way, the same as the subway. The 4-minute ride takes you 250 feet above the East River.
Trams run every 7.5-15 minutes depending on time of day, and honestly, the best time to go is mid-afternoon for photos, then return around sunset for those golden hour shots of Manhattan. I always tell people to take the F train there and tram back for the best experience. Four Freedoms Park at the southern tip is this gorgeous Louis Kahn-designed space with unobstructed views.
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👉 Try Going Elite free →The island itself has this weird mix of residential buildings and historical ruins. Renwick Ruin – the old smallpox hospital – is hauntingly beautiful, and the Lighthouse Park on the north end gives you wide-angle views of the city. Best viewing times are 10am-4pm to avoid rush hour commuters. The red bus is free and hits all the major spots if you don’t want to walk the whole island.
6. Wellesley Island
Wellesley Island is the largest in the Thousand Islands region and honestly feels like a completely different world from NYC. The Thousand Islands Bridge connects New York to Canada right here, so you’re literally crossing international borders.
Wellesley Island State Park has some of the best hiking trails in the region, with paths that wind through old-growth forest down to hidden coves perfect for picnicking. The golf courses here are seriously impressive – Thousand Islands Golf Club has been around since 1893 and offers views of the Saint Lawrence River from most holes.
What I love is how you can camp right on the water or stay in one of the cabins. The fishing here is world-class – Northern Pike, Bass, and Walleye are common catches. Minna Anthony Common Nature Center offers educational programs and has trails that connect to the broader island network. It’s about a 3-hour drive from NYC, but the change of pace makes it worth the trip, especially if you’re into outdoor activities that actually feel wild.
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7. Little Island
Little Island at Pier 55 is one of NYC’s newest floating parks, and it’s wild how different it feels from the rest of Manhattan. The park is free and open daily, designed by Thomas Heatherwick with those distinctive tulip-shaped concrete columns.
The 2026 performance season runs July 29 to September 6, with 56 shows across music, theater, dance, and opera. Tickets at the 700-seat amphitheater, The Amph, are just $25, while shows at The Glade and parties at The Play Ground are free. The lineup this year features artists like Justin Vivian Bond, Cécile McLorin Salvant, and a series celebrating Allen Ginsberg’s centennial, and the setting with the Hudson River backdrop makes every show feel special.
The park itself takes maybe 15 minutes to explore fully, since it’s only 2.4 acres. I love the rolling hills and how the pathways frame different views of the city. Food options in the Play Ground are decent, but Chelsea Market is right there if you want more, and the performance quality rivals anything you’d pay triple for on Broadway. Just book early, because the good shows sell out fast.
Global Viewpoint is a personal blog. All content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute professional financial, medical, or legal advice.
