CITY ISLAND

A quaint main street, salty air and views of Long Island Sound have led some people to compare this neighborhood to Cape Cod. That’s an exaggeration, but the small town marine feel is an unusual slice of the big city, and it can be a shock when an N.Y.P.D. patrol car or Bx29 bus reminds you that you’re still in Mayor Bloomberg’s jurisdiction.

In the spring and summer, crowds come for fried seafood and festive (locals might say too festive) atmosphere. Restaurants range from Johnny’s Reef, with outdoor seating, water views, fried clam strips and beer at the far end of the island, to Le Refuge Inn, a French restaurant (and bed-and-breakfast) closer to the other end. There are also art galleries, cafes and antiques shops.