Summer in New York City can be blistering, and by the time June rolls around, most New Yorkers start eyeing the calendar for a weekend out of town. Some of the easiest escapes are the islands just across the water.

Most are only a few hours away, and each has its own draw. Block Island rewards hikers with bluff trails and open moors. Shelter Island draws people who want quiet, with shorelines that rarely get crowded. Fire Island brings the buzzy boardwalks and a car-free pace.

There's an island for whatever kind of weekend you're after.

Check out more popular getaways.

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