Governors Island
Island, Historic and Protected Site, and National Park
Governors Island, New York
Has a stamp of approval from The Wall Street Journal and Time Out New York
"Catching The Jazz Age Lawn Party during the summer is a must!"(4 Tips)
"short ferry ride from near Battery Park"(6 Tips)
"Lay out on the water taxi beach and enjoy a brew."(4 Tips)
"picnic point for an awesome view"(4 Tips)
217 Tips and reviewsFilter:
- biking
- picnics
- scenic views
- water taxi beach
- citibike
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Alison CurtinSeptember 2, 2016NYC's best idea-this National & Public Park space partnership. Have loved visiting over the past 6 or 7 years watching it grow and develop.
GadlingJune 19, 2010Beat the heat of the city by escaping to this island with epic views of Manhattan & the Statue of Liberty. Gorgeous old building dot the island. The West Indian food cart is amazing. -mb
Take a tour with a National Park Ranger every Friday, Saturday or Sunday @ 11:25, 1:25 or 3:25 to learn the history of this amazing and beautiful place.
John BurkeAugust 10, 2014Definitely rent a bike (or bring one) if you want to get around the whole island easily.
FunesAugust 16, 2015Come ready with a blanket and some grub and have a great picnic with amazing views of Manhattan.
Stuart BridgettJune 7, 2014Ferry from the end of Atlantic Ave in Brooklyn is no longer free, but is only $2 for a return trip. Only two sailings a day are free- 11am and 11:30am.
Ariane van DievoetJune 3, 2014Awesome getaway from the crazyness of the city. Free ferry from governor Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn.
Daniel BarnettAugust 28, 2015Wonderful colonial style buildings, museums, and public parks. Great biking.
Michael CalleiaJuly 13, 2013Heads up, mixed uses bike and pedestrian paths = danger. I was almost hit by a ranger going fast and using people as pylons.
Leah LabrecqueAugust 29, 2014Wear sunblock and bring a water bottle. Luscious mulberry tree in meadow near the traffic light sculpture, ripe in mid-late July.
HashtagNYUAugust 17, 2016They hold tons of events there all summer long! http://hashtagnyu.tumblr.com/post/146072079746/9-islands-beyond-manhattan-you-should-explore- Whomever decided that installing the art piece with the bell and a rope to ring it with needs to be tarred and feathered. It ruins the whole idea of a peaceful time with the constant noise.
RazorfishSeptember 20, 2011A little getaway from the City where the grass in greener, the air is fresher, the trees outnumber the people, and the ferry is free.
Michael BelluardoJuly 17, 2015Don't even remember that I was in NYC. Awesome place to hang and bring a picnic
Divya JosephJuly 27, 2013Go there early! It's a lot more fun to bike around the island when it's not too crowded.
YiannisAugust 28, 2012Wear bug repellent. Get grub at Perfect Picnic--delicious food, friendly service, excellent concept...what more could you want?
Jacob ShemkovitzAugust 31, 2013Island in NY Harbor which served various branches of the US Military from 1783 until the late 1990s; future uses are still being decided
Marq and Chriselle's Super Awesome WeddingNovember 15, 2011This became a venue we frequented a lot in summer '11 taking romantic ferry rides to Gov's Island and taking the ferry back feeling really dirty, smelly, hungry and tired from the concert.
D'Agostino SupermarketsJanuary 31, 2012After the American Revolution, the U.S. Army set up camp on the island in fear of another British invasion. The U.S. Army has since been there for the past 200 years. Talk about setting up camp!
Drew SicklerSeptember 21, 2016Rent bikes here $15/hour or $30/day to enjoy the entire island. They also offer Citibike if you are a member.
Absolute favorite place in the city! Great mini escape without truly leaving.
This used to be a great getaway for us folks Downtown / now it's a tourist attraction with Jazz Lawn parties and carnival grounds
Danielle KlingMay 28, 2011Attend Figment!! Visit Leggitt Terrace for Figment's Season Long Sculpture Garden and Mini Golf Course. Then, come out for Figment's event weekend June 10,11, 12. See over 400 interactive artists!!!
Great place to briefly escape the crazy city. Bring along a picnic lunch for a lazy Sunday afternoon.
AndreaMay 29, 2011awesome place outside of city. Bike ride for 2 hrs is $30 but worth the river view. Really unique spot.
Craig HSeptember 14, 2014If you don't like being constantly attacked by wasps (the bugs) don't come. This every corner of the island - makes it impossible to relax.
Dave DawsonSeptember 12, 2013The greatest place in this city! Worth the ferry ride over. It's an island, that is a park!
Kristelle RoMay 28, 2013A lovely pkace for family time and a picnic. Alcohol is not allowed, so leave your bottles at home.
2Plus2NYCReviewJuly 18, 2011Governor’s Island is now open to the public. It’s just a 10 minute ferry ride (FREE) from lower Manhattan, and an even quicker one from Brooklyn... Read more
Smithsonian ChannelJune 24, 2011In the early 1900s, this island was enlarged by more than 100 acres using earthen landfill produced by excavations for the New York subway system. (From Aerial America) Read more
Rex BelgardeSeptember 3, 2012Nice place to get away from the city, free bikes available and if your lucky unicycles!
AngelaJuly 14, 2013Great place to hang out with the kids! Bring blankets and bikes for a special picnic with the family
Connie KSeptember 13, 2010Pack a picnic, outdoor games and bring your bike. Just a ten min boat ride... and it's all free. A great way to spend a Sat or Sun.
Untapped CitiesAugust 6, 2012Captain William R. Webb, the only Confederate prisoner to escape from Castle Williams on Governors Island, went on to become a Senator from Tennessee. Read more
Lilah ZephyrMay 30, 2012Just BEAUTIFUL! Plenty of things to do with out the confounded NYC crowd. Love it!
Anthony KorkhinAugust 2, 2013If you're planning on renting a bike, be sure you return it before 5:30pm or you'll get charged more.
LauraSeptember 15, 2013Go early and skip the food court for Le Gamin by Fête Paradiso. Lovely day to be had by all.
Jenny KAugust 18, 2013Bathrooms in the building right by ferry dock are very clean and little to no line.
- Whoever installed the sculpture with the ringable bell needs to be tarred and feathered. Obnoxious ruiner of the peaceful vibe. And parents, don't let your kid be an asshole.
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A unit of the National Park Service in New York City.
Open seasonally from May to September.
Likely open (See when people check in)
People tend to check in during these times:
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- 10:00 AM–8:00 PM
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- 10:00 AM–7:00 PM
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- Noon–3:00 PM
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- 1:00 PM–3:00 PM
(212) 825-3054
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Places inside Governors Island
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"Visit in the Spring or Summer, there are multiple sports fields and bike/running paths around the exterior of the entire island. Nice break from the city with great views!"
Michelle Alexander- 8.9
"Cleanest beach in New York! Hands down. Love that the amenities."
Tasha Lee
Places people like to go after Governors Island
Upcoming Events
- Jeremy Olander and Korolova with Rao
5:00 PM on May 11, 2024
- Le Youth with Simon Doty and Rinzen
4:00 PM on May 24, 2024
- Aluna with Chapter & Verse
4:00 PM on May 25, 2024
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