The suburbs of New York are very attractive, and excursions to nearly
every point within reach of the city are made every day during the summer
months. The fares are low, and a day may be pleasantly spent on the
water by leaving the city about 8 o'clock in the morning and returning at
6 or 7 P.M.
One of the pleasantest excursions of this kind, is up the Hudson. One
may go as far as West Point or Poughkeepsie, and enjoy the magnificent
scenery of the famous river, or he may leave the boat at West Point, and
spend an hour or two at that place before the arrival of the down boat.
The steamers on the Hudson are the best of their kind, and afford every
opportunity for enjoyment.
Staten Island, in New York Bay, seven miles from the city, and in full
sight of it, offers many attractions to the pleasure seeker. There are
several lines of steamers plying between the city and the towns on that
island, and making hourly trips. The sail across the bay is delightful,
and the fare is only ten or twelve cents each way.
Another trip, and one which should never be omitted by strangers visiting
the city, is from Peck Slip up the East River to
One-hundred-and-thirtieth street, or Harlem. The route lies along the
entire East River front of the city, with Brooklyn, Williamsburg, and
Long Island City on the opposite shores. Blackwell's, Randall's, and
Ward's islands, with their magnificent edifices, are passed, and Hell
Gate is an additional attraction. One is given a better idea of the size
of New York and Brooklyn in this way, than in almost any other. Not the
least of the attractions is the United States Navy Yard, at Brooklyn, an
admirable view of which may be obtained from the deck of the steamer in
passing it. The boats run hourly from Peck Slip and Harlem. The fare is
ten cents each way. In the summer time there is a line of steamers
plying between Harlem and the High Bridge, and connecting with the Peck
Slip boats.
[Picture: U.S. NAVY YARD, BROOKLYN.]
The towns on Long Island Sound are also connected with New York by lines
of steamers. These are among the pleasant objective points for
excursionists within reach of the city.
The old route to Philadelphia, by way of South Amboy, offers another
attraction. The boat is a fine and powerful steamer, and makes two trips
daily between New York and South Amboy. Sometimes the route lies through
the picturesque Kill Van Kull, or Staten Island Sound, or through the
Narrows, into the Outer Bay, and around Staten Island into Raritan Bay.
[Picture: WEST POINT.]
The famous resorts of Rockaway and Coney Island are reached in from one
to two hours by steamer. At either of these places a day may be spent on
the sea shore. The surf-bathing is excellent at both, and each may also
be reached by a railway. Of late years, Coney Island has become a
favorite resort of the roughs of New York and Brooklyn, and, as a
consequence, is not as attractive to respectable visitors as formerly.
Perhaps the pleasantest of all the excursions, except the trip up the
Hudson, is the sail from the city to Sandy Hook and back on the Long
Branch boats. These are magnificent steamers, and make several trips
each day during the summer season. They connect at Sandy Hook with the
railway to Long Branch. One may leave the city in the morning, spend the
day at the Branch, enjoy a bath in the surf, and reach the New York pier
again by 8 o'clock in the evening. The round trip fare is about two
dollars. The boats are provided with every luxury, and are famous for
their excellent table. A good band accompanies each, and discourses
delicious music during the sail. The route lies down the harbor through
the Narrows, and down the Lower Bay to Sandy Hook, in full sight of the
Atlantic, and near enough to it to feel the deep swelling of its restless
breast. Those who do not care to visit Long Branch may make the round
trip in four hours.