Things to do in New York, United States: The Best Islands

June 12, 2021 Myesha Cogley

New York State has it all – booming metropolises, majestic waterfalls, mountains, wine country, chicken wings. Yes, NYC is a magnet for tourists, but an exploration of the rest of the state can be equally thrilling. The Finger Lakes Wine Region is a vision of serene waters, quaint B&Bs, and pretty vineyards. Movie buffs will love Rochester, home of the George Eastman House and one of the world’s most comprehensive film archives. On your way to Niagara Falls, stop in Buffalo to fuel up on spicy wings.
Restaurants in New York

1. Antique Boat Museum

750 Mary St, Clayton, NY 13624-1119 +1 315-686-4104 http://www.abm.org
Excellent
83%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 423 reviews

Antique Boat Museum

This museum houses an impressive collection of wooden sea vessels.

Reviewed By spanglyanimal - Clayton, United States

Really amazing museum in the small vacation town of Clayton. Be sure to take an antique boat ride and to check out the race boat building. Wood Boat brewery is just across the street with amazing pizza and beer.

2. Frederic Remington Art Museum

303 Washington St, Ogdensburg, NY 13669-1517 +1 315-393-2425 http://www.fredericremington.org/
Excellent
76%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 126 reviews

Frederic Remington Art Museum

Museum focuses on the life and works of the great American Western artist, Frederic Remington, by displaying a wide collection of his oils, watercolors and sketches.

3. Cedar Island State Park

Cedar Island, Chippewa Bay, NY 13646 +1 315-482-3331 http://www.stateparks.com/cedar_island_state_park_in_new_york.html
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 2 reviews

Cedar Island State Park

4. Heart Island

Heart Island, Alexandria Bay, NY 13640 +1 315-482-9724 http://www.boldtcastle.com/visitorinfo
Excellent
81%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 195 reviews

Heart Island

This five-acre island located in the Thousand Islands area is home to the Boldt Castle.

Reviewed By AudEE698 - Grafton, United States

We ended a boat tour on Heart Island and it is a beautiful island and a must see for anyone touring Alexandria Bay! The grounds are immaculate and it is extremely handicap friendly as they have carts that can assist with getting up to the crown jewel of the island, Bolt Castle. There are benches all over the island (in shade or sun, depending on your preference) where you can sit and watch the river traffic. There's a snack bar and an ice cream stand for refreshments as well. The Castle is also a must-see and there are elevators in the castle so you can go to the higher levels of the castle for the spectacular views of St. Lawrence Bay. The island was originally named Hart Island but the owner of the island changed it to Heart Island as he was building the castle for the love of his life, his wife. Alas, the castle was never completed as his wife passed away unexpectely. Such a tragic love story of the island the it's castle - highly recommend visiting if you are in Alexandria Bay!

5. Fire Island National Seashore

120 Laurel St, Patchogue, NY 11772-3596 +1 631-687-4750 http://www.nps.gov/fiis/index.htm
Excellent
79%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 192 reviews

Fire Island National Seashore

Reviewed By LollysLook - New York City, United States

Fire island beaches are the spectacular jewel of the south shore of Long Island New York. The beautiful sandy beaches line the barrier island. Each town on fire island has its own unique draw-some are quiet, some have bars and restaurants that are lively. Find one that you love !

6. City Island

Long Island Sound, Bronx, NY 10464 +1 718-885-0300 http://www.seashorerestaurant.com
Excellent
58%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 550 reviews

City Island

Island off the east coast of the Bronx that transforms into a seaside resort on weekends during the summer.

Reviewed By 639hedym

I have visited City Island pretty much bi-weekly...the atmosphere, its tranquility, as you are 'transported' to a community sorrounded by water, makes you feel as though you're in Cape Cod...in a boating & fishing community. In this fishing village, you must visit shops like "Captain Mike's Diving" you can learn scuba diving, book fishing excursions, and so much more. It has been at that location for over 27 years!...learning its history alone is mind boggling. ...and eateries like "The Lobster Box", Sammy's Fish Box", "Ohana Japanese Restaurant" are awesome. The church, the school, & businesses...its community is not harried like us on the other side of the City Island bridge...when you go, visit the little mom and pop businesses, where you can buy trinkets, your worms or tackle for fishing or wolf down dessert at the "Black Whale", and stop there, if only to gaze at a very old gnarled tree on its corner. A beautiful place!

7. Wellesley Island

Alexandria Bay, NY +1 315-507-0755 http://www.wellesleyisland.net/
Excellent
57%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 162 reviews

Wellesley Island

Wellesley Island is home to a state park, a nature center and museum – with trails taking you through marshland, forest and shoreline – and three golf courses.

Reviewed By SharonH764

This former Methodist camp is a must see. There are beautiful Victorian houses, historic buildings and views.

8. Thousand Islands

Alexandria Bay, NY 13607
Excellent
76%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 543 reviews

Thousand Islands

This area of 1,600-plus islands was discovered by French explorers in the 16th century.

Reviewed By AngelaC321 - New Jersey, United States

The Thousand Islands area is a must see travel destination. We will definitely be back. While visiting, boating is a must. If you rent a boat, avoid Bayside Marina! See my other reviews. We had to file a police report and a fraud report with our bank. There are several other much more reputable marinas in the area just make sure you check reviews. Wellesley Island state park in a beautiful place to camp and visit. Lots of wineries and breweries and of course, make sure you get a bottle of the original Thousand Island dressing. End your day with an incredible sunset and a gorgeous nighttime sky.

9. Roosevelt Island

New York City, NY +1 423-923-4564 http://www.rioc.ny.gov
Excellent
51%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 856 reviews

Roosevelt Island

Reviewed By nossas_ferias - Sao Paulo, Brazil

Getting there is already a must-see, the modern, efficient Tramway (paid with Metro Card) gets you at Roosevelt Island in 4 minutes with a stunning view. There you'll find the visitor's center, where the island monuments will be explained to you. An MTA Hybrid Red Bus rounds the island for free so that visitors can catch a glimpse of the Island. The Franklin Roosevelt Four Freedom Park is the main attraction there, it honors the longest term president ever in the American History, and showcases an amazing view to the city’s skyline.

10. Three Sisters Island

Niagara Falls, NY +1 716-278-1796 http://www.niagarafallsinfo.com/history-item.php?entry_id=1293&current_category_id=162
Excellent
59%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 524 reviews

Three Sisters Island

Reviewed By N4156PHbillb - Pueblo, United States

We have visited Niagara Falls several times over the years and it seems to change slightly by season but this is the first time we visited Three Sisters Island. The amount of water flowing down the river made this trip different from the others. Access the island through Niagara State Park was easy...bypass the paid parking area and go straight to the island where parking is free. The paths on the island are wide and not crowded. The view from the island to the top of the Horseshoe Falls is truly incredible. Great place to spend an hour.

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