Whether you’ve made the trek from New York City to the Hamptons and Montauk, to the North Fork wineries or perhaps to the Revolutionary War spy town of Setauket, you’ve likely either sat on a crowded Long Island Railroad train or been in bumper-to-bumper traffic on the Long Island Expressway. A water alternative, The Sea Jitney (operated by Seastreak and Hampton Jitney), has just opened, bringing passengers from East 35th Street in Manhattan to Port Jefferson, from where you can either explore the historic area or board a Hampton Jitney that goes to Southampton, East Hampton, Sag Harbor and Calverton.

We recently took a ride to the ferry’s ribbon cutting ceremony and we realized the best part of the ride, in addition to be just under two hours, is what you get to see going in and out of Manhattan. One after another, “untapped” gems from abandoned islands to notable lighthouses passed into view. Here’s a preview of what you’ll see:

1. FDR Four Freedoms Park

As the Seastreak heads north (at what felt like breakneck speeds compared to the usual speed of the leisurely boat arounds around Manhattan), you’ll see FDR Four Freedoms Park, the monument to Franklin D. Roosevelt finally completed forty years after initial plans began. Next to it is the city’s only landmarked ruin, the smallpox hospital designed by James A. Renwick.