Visit Governors Island NYC
Governors Island NYC is a great destination to be in during the summer. There are activities for all age groups and even the well-known Governor’s Ball. If the weather is nice in New York City and you want to escape the noise of the New York City atmosphere, then head down to Governors Island NYC.
This year, the Governors Island Ferry will take you across the East River from July with the Governors Island Ferry until the end of September. The great thing about Governors Island is that it does not feel like New York City at all, which is probably one of the reasons why many locals come here. A lot of tourists really don’t know much about this island.
Since 2021 you can visit Governors Island all year round!
How do you get to Governors Island?
From Manhattan: Ferries to Governors Island, managed by the Trust for Governors Island, depart daily from the Battery Maritime Building at 10 South Street in Lower Manhattan.
From Brooklyn: Seasonal ferries to Governors Island run on Saturdays, Sundays, and Holiday Mondays from May 25 to September 2, 2024, departing from two locations: Pier 6 in Brooklyn Bridge Park and Red Hook/Atlantic Basin.
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Is all of Governors Island open right now?
The Governors Island National Monument Fort Jay and Castle Williams is open Wednesday to Sunday and Federal Holidays from 10 am to 5 pm. All art installations on the island are on view as well. You can also rent a bike on Governors Island and explore the area by bike. The best part is the island’s vendors will be open as well.
So get ready for food, coffee, ice cream, and drinks on this nice island in New York City’s harbor.
Landmarks on Governors Island NYC
Governors Island has a lot of history. The 70-acre island served as the US Army base for decades until the 1960s. It was considered a top-secret location, so therefore on older maps of New York, the island is not to be found. After the cold war, the military retreated. Unfortunately, the island became more and more neglected.
In 2003, the federal government sold the island to the City of New York for a (rather symbolic) $ 1 to transform it into a recreational area. If you go today you will see all of the preserved old houses, Fort Jay barracks, various schools, Castle Williams prison, a hospital, a church, and old supermarkets, as well as an old theater.
It seems like a scary movie because everything is abandoned, but that’s what makes it exciting. For the visitors, green spaces, a small miniature golf course, and many resting places were built which invites you to enjoy the island.
Bike Tour and Bike Rental on Governors Island NYC
The best way to explore the island is by bike. You can rent one on Governors Island for $21/2 hours. Blazing Saddles provides Free Bike Mornings, where you can enjoy a one-hour cruiser bike rental for free between 9 am and 12 pm on weekdays, excluding holidays. Of course you can bring your own bike as well. The best part is, you don’t have to pay an extra fee on the ferry.
Governors Island NYC has routes specially designed for bike riders. Are you looking for more ideas for cycling in New York? Just be aware that pedestrian lanes, former residences of the US military, Castle Williams and Fort Jay are bicycle-free zones.
In some cases, you’ll want to explore the historic and really imposing houses. We left our bikes in front of the site and it seemed to be ok. Around Colonens Row you will find the most beautiful houses on the island. Large terraces, sumptuous rooms with fireplaces, and a lot of space inside and outside were for the officers.
A Great View of the Statue of Liberty
Governors Island NYC offers breathtaking views of the Manhattan Skyline. But, it also has a wonderful view of the Statue of Liberty. You can pretty much have a picnic with an amazing view. This really is very unique that it’s even worth the visit alone. If you do want to visit Miss Liberty, here are our tips for visiting.
Picnic on Governors Island
In the middle of the island, you will find many playgrounds, as well as picnic spots that can be used. A cafe, several ice cream trucks (great organic ice cream made in Brooklyn), New York City-known food trucks are also on-site.
Also, Governors Island has a small beach including Beach Club. There are regular concerts, festivals, and parties with trendy DJs (Avicci, Laidback Luke and the Bingoplayers played here already). The food here is just as fantastic as the cocktails.
The Most Popular Events
Usually, it is a must to visit Governors Island NYC in the summer because there are a lot of activities that take place. This year most events on Governors Island are canceled. We’ve put together our guide for you so you do not miss any of the spectacular events on the island in the future when events are happening again. You’ll find the best events on Governors Island in this detailed article.
Best time to visit Governors Island?
The early bird catches the worm. Come as early as possible to escape the big onslaught (especially on weekends). The first ferry departs at 6:00 am from Pier 6 (the pier can be found if you turn left at the South Ferry Terminal / Subway Line 1 to South Ferry).
The full schedule of the Governors Island Ferry can be found here.
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