If you want to feel like you got away for the day without actually leaving the Bronx, head to City Island. This little island at the edge of the Bronx has always been one of my favorite places for a change of scenery. You can have coffee, go horseback riding, eat seafood by the water, browse quirky shops and galleries, poke around some local history and finish the day with ice cream — all without leaving the borough.
Here’s how I’d spend a full day on City Island.
Time: Full day
Best for: Families, couples, visitors and anyone looking for a day that feels like a getaway
Cost: $$–$$$ depending on activities and where you eat
Getting there: Car or public transportation
Best time to go: Spring through fall
Reservations: Recommended for horseback riding
Start with coffee at Clipper Coffee
Begin your day at Clipper Coffee, a cozy neighborhood coffee shop on City Island Avenue. Grab a coffee and something small to eat before getting started.
Go horseback riding
Next, head over to City Island Stables for a trail ride.
Yes, you can actually go horseback riding in the Bronx.
The stable offers guided trail rides, making this one of those City Island experiences that feels very different from a typical day in New York City. It’s especially pretty in the fall and even in the snow. You’ll want to check ahead for trail ride availability and reservations.
Have a casual waterfront lunch at Johnny’s Reef
After your ride, make your way to the southern end of the island for lunch at Johnny’s Reef- or Tony’s if that is your vote. This is the casual City Island seafood experience: order at the counter, grab a seat and enjoy your food with views of the water. Johnny’s has been serving City Island for more than 60 years and has indoor and outdoor picnic-style seating.
Go down a nostalgia rabbit hole at Dan’s Parents House
This is one of the stops that makes a City Island day feel different from your average Bronx outing. Dan’s Parents House is a vintage collectibles shop filled with the kind of things that can send you straight back to childhood — old toys, records, cameras, pop-culture memorabilia and other random nostalgic finds.
If it’s the weekend, stop at the City Island Nautical Museum
If you’re visiting Saturday or Sunday, make time for the City Island Nautical Museum. The museum is open Saturdays and Sundays from 1–4 p.m. during the 2026 season, April 25 through October 25. Admission is $10 for adults and free for children under 12.
It’s housed in a historic school building and focuses on the maritime history that helped shape City Island, including boatbuilding, sailmaking, fishing and the island’s community history.
Wander City Island Avenue and browse the galleries
One of the best parts of visiting City Island is simply walking around. Wander along City Island Avenue and the side streets, look at the old houses, peek into the shops and galleries and stop wherever something catches your eye. City Island has a distinctly small-town feel, with older homes, marinas and boats constantly reminding you that you’re surrounded by water.
Have dinner at The Black Whale
For dinner, head to The Black Whale. It’s a longtime City Island favorite with a cozy atmosphere and garden patio. It’s a nice way to transition from the casual daytime exploring into dinner.
End with ice cream at Lickety Split
Finish the day at Lickety Split, the little City Island ice cream shop that’s become a classic stop for visitors and locals alike. Grab a cone or cup and take one last walk before heading home.
The itinerary at a glance
Start: Clipper Coffee
274 City Island Ave., Bronx, NY 10464
Horseback riding: City Island Stables
9 Shore Road, Bronx, NY 10464
Lunch: Johnny’s Reef
2 City Island Ave., Bronx, NY 10464
Nostalgia stop: Dan’s Parents House
239 City Island Ave., Bronx, NY 10464
Museum: City Island Nautical Museum
190 Fordham St., Bronx, NY 10464
Dinner: The Black Whale
279 City Island Ave., Bronx, NY 10464
Dessert: Lickety Split
295 City Island Ave., Bronx, NY 10464