New York's Shelter Island is one that is altogether very different from the rest of Long Island, including the North and South Forks which flank it on either side. While it's settled in a quiet body of water in between two major points of the fish-shaped island's East End, it feels like a totally different place. One won't find any of the summertime hustle and bustle that they would in the Hamptons, nor would they find the generous farm fields or vineyards that one would down the North Fork.
Rather, what visitors will find is a quiet, sleepy town, home to the essentials and maybe a bit more. The entire eastern half of the island is a protected nature preserve, and it's only accessible by ferry. Here's why it's the perfect alternative to the Hamptons, and how to get there.
Reaching Shelter Island By Ferry
In true island form, the only way that one can reach Shelter Island is by taking one of two ferries. Prior to that, though, one must first make their way to one of the ferry stations which requires a car or car service. Those coming from New York City can take the train out to the East End of Long Island, but must then find a way to the ferry station from there. For those taking the ferry from Greenpoint, they'd be in luck - the ferry is right next to the train station.
North Fork: Ferry From Greenpoint
Those driving East on the Long Island Expressway can head to either Greenport on the North Fork, or Sag Harbor on the South Fork - the distance to Shelter Island is equidistant. The ferry from Greenpoint is the North Ferry Co.
- Schedule: Runs every 15-30 minutes between 6 AM and midnight
- Tickets: $9/car one-way, $2/person or walk-on passengers (no car)
South Fork: Ferry From Sag Harbor
The ferry out of Sag Harbor is called the South Ferry, and it's here that those taking the train will need to find additional transportation to get them from the train station to the ferry.
- Schedule: Runs every 10 to 12 minutes between 5:40 AM and 11:45 PM, with extended hours in the summer and extended weekend hours year-round
- Cost: $12/car, $1/person or walk-on passengers (no car)
Getting Around On Shelter Island
While the ferry does take walk-on passengers, Shelter Island is best explored with a car. The island's lack of development is all part of its charm but also means that walking around isn't always the best means of travel. In order to get between places, visitors should board the ferry with their own car or opt to use the taxi service (Shelter Island Go-fors) to bring them from place to place.
Things To Do Once Visitors Have Arrived
There is a surprising number of things to do on this small island, from restaurants to beachside hiking and even a brewery.
Mashomack Preserve
Those looking to get up-close and personal with the island's ecosystem and wildlife should head to the eastern half of the island. There, the Mashomack Preserve provides a whopping 2,039 acres of protected wetlands filled with hiking trails that are all marked well with blazes. Stopping at the visitor center will provide all the information hikers need to observe seabirds, marine life, and maybe even a deer or two.
Restaurants
There are also a number of restaurants on Shelter Island that cater to a variety of budgets and cravings.
- SALT Waterfront Bar & Grill. Indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the water; $$.
- Vine Street Café. Offering local produce, seafood, and wine, features a quaint food shop; $$$
- Slice Pizza. Casual pizza restaurant; $
- Maria's Kitchen. Casual Tex-Mex restaurant; $$
- The Islander. Serving up traditional American pub fare; $$
- Shelter Island Brewery. Local brews with a laid-back atmosphere; $
- Shelter Island Whale's Tale. Ice cream shop that also serves pizza and coffee with an attached arcade; $
- Marie Eiffel Market. Bakery serving specialty foods and organic fare; $
- The Flying Goat. Serving traditional American pub fare; $$
- Eagle Deli. New York-style sandwiches and breakfast; $
- Tuck Stop. Traditional-style ice cream; $
- Stars Cafe. Serving gourmet sandwiches and breakfast; $
- Kyle's. Casual breakfast and lunch fare from scratch; $
- 18 Bay. Italian fare made with local ingredients featuring a price-fixed menu; $$$
Accommodations
Those who wish to extend their time on Shelter Island can find several hotels closer to the North Fork side of the island.
- Ram's Head Inn, $245/night
- West Neck Guesthouse, $244/night
- Shelter Island House, $215/night
Shopping
While there aren't nearly as many shops on Shelter Island as there are on either of the two Forks, there are boutique shops in the northwest corner of the island. Those interested are better off taking the North Ferry, as the shops are easier to reach from the north side.