Russky Island is the large island immediately south of Vladivostok, connected since 2012 by the world's longest cable-stayed bridge. The island is a half-day excursion from the city — cross the Russky Bridge, which is worth driving or taking a bus across for the views alone, then explore the coastline and remnants of the Vladivostok Fortress system.
The fortress batteries on Russky Island are among the best-preserved on the peninsula. Several are accessible without guides, with original gun emplacements and tunnels you can walk through. The island's southern shore has a few beaches that are swimmable in summer (the water is cold) and the landscape is all rocky headlands, pine forests, and sea views. Far Eastern Federal University's campus occupies the northern end of the island and includes the Primorsky Oceanarium, a substantial aquarium and marine research centre open to the public.