Governors island
Governors Island offers an idyllic escape from the noise and hustle of the city. It is a place the entire family will enjoy exploring.
Governors Island is a little island situated in upper New York Harbour at the junction of the Hudson and East Rivers. It is about half a mile or roughly a 7 minute ferry ride from either Brooklyn leaving from pier 6 going across Buttermilk Channel or from the southern tip of Manhattan.
Things to See and Do
This historic island and National Monument offers so many fun things to do for the entire family. Play some free miniature golf, relax in one of 50 hammocks in hammock grove or gently rock in one of the comfy rocking chairs on the porches of the old buildings. There are children's hands on art programs, art exhibits, a flea market, a book store, and several historic brick buildings that were once homes belonging to commanding officers. These are open for you to walk in and look around. Old fortifications such as Castle Williams and Fort Jay give visitors a look at the area's military history. There are places to eat and drink and trails to enjoy walking along (with a free tour guide for those that wish). Rent or bring your own bike — you can enjoy 5 miles of safe cycling on this car free island. Go for some free kayaking or play beach games at the man-made sandy beach on the northern tip of the island. Or, you can just enjoy the beautiful views offered by the island such as the Statue of Liberty and other New York landmarks and of course the Manhattan skyline.
History
The 172 acre island was once called Paggank by the Native Americans of the Manhattan region which means : nut island, referring most likely to the abundance of nut trees found there.
In 1784 the island's current name was made official. This came from the British Colonial era, when the island was used exclusively for the British Royal Governors in the early days of the New York Colony. They used the island for several purposes including a summer residence but never a permanent one.
On Governors Island you will find historic buildings such as the Governors House and Admirals House. Fort Jay, a fortification built in 1794, has the original gate house topped with a sculpture of an eagle that is the oldest structure on the island. Viewed from above Fort Jay forms the shape of a star. Castle William built between 1807 and 1811 and made of red sandstone is the first American circular defence structure ever built. It stands proud on the west point of Governors island. Later during the War of 1812 the structure along with other installations proved to be powerful deterrents to the British Navy. During the Civil War, Castle William was first used to house newly recruited union solders and later it and Fort Jay were used as military prisons. Fort Jay was used for the captured officers, while Castle William held the Confederate prisoners and deserters from the union army.
From 1783 the island was a military army Post and in 1939-1966 Governors island became the headquarters of the U.S. First Army. Once it became a headquarters the officers were allowed to bring their family to the island to reside. In 1966 the Army left the island and it became a U.S Coast Guard base with their families joining them until 1996.
On January 19th 2001 Castle Williams and Fort Jay along with 22 acres on the island were proclaimed as the Governors Island National Monument. Castle Williams is reopened as a community center with a book store and theatre where you can go up to the roof and get a view of the Statue of Liberty. In 2003 the other 150 acre section was sold by the federal government to the city of New York to be used as an education and preservation. Governors Island Preservation & Education Corporation became the trust administered by the joint city-state.
Helpful Tip
On Saturdays and Sundays you can ride for free on the 10am, 11am and 11:30am ferries from Manhattan and on the 11am and 11:30am ferry from Brooklyn.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: NoAddress: Governors Island, New York, NY 11231, USA
Governors Island National Monument Reviews
Rated out of 5
I visited Governors Island after some friends recommended it and booked us the QC NY Spa experience. Honestly, I’d never even heard of Governors Island before they mentioned it!
We arrived at the Battery Maritime Building at Slip 7 just before 10 a.m., and the ferry line was already long. Pro tip: if you have a QC Spa reservation, the ferry is free. Boats run every 30 minutes, and the ride is only about 7 minutes, perfect for anyone like me who gets seasick, since it’s literally just across the water.
With about 15 minutes to spare before our spa check-in, we wandered over to Castle Williams (aka the Haunted Fort). Built in 1811 as part of New York’s harbor defenses, it later served as a military prison and picked up a reputation for ghostly sightings and eerie stories. Rangers told us to come back at 4 p.m. for the historical artillery demonstration, where they show how cannons were loaded and fired back in the 1800s. Unfortunately, a heavy rainstorm cut our plans short, so we just lined up early for the ferry back.
I was bummed we didn’t get to explore more of the island. I spotted food trucks and bike rentals that I’d love to check out next time. That’s okay though, it just gives me the perfect reason to come back and explore this historic and unique island a little deeper.
Karen Greene - 4 weeks ago
Governors Island is simply breathtaking — a true hidden gem of New York that combines history, nature, and pure beauty in the most wonderful way. The moment you step off the ferry, you feel like you’ve entered a completely different world, far removed from the noise and rush of Manhattan.
What makes the island so special is its unique blend of wide open green spaces, quiet shaded corners, and stunning views of the Statue of Liberty and the skyline. The natural beauty here is remarkable: rolling meadows, tree-lined paths, colorful flowers, and art installations that blend perfectly with the landscape. It’s the kind of place where you just want to slow down, breathe deeply, and take it all in.
Walking or biking around the island is pure joy. Everywhere you look, there’s something beautiful — from the old historic buildings to the peaceful waterfront. The atmosphere is calm and inviting, and you can always find a spot to sit by yourself and simply admire the view.
In the middle of a bustling metropolis, Governors Island feels like a green sanctuary. It’s where nature, history, and relaxation meet, and it leaves you with the feeling that you’ve discovered something truly special.
Marc Goebel - 3 weeks ago
What an experience !
I highly recommend to do it.
It is a little adventure to go and spend the day over there.
First you have to take the boat (the public one at $2,90 the trip)
After you can spend the day in an empty "city".
It looks a bit like a "ghost town".
You can rent a city bike over there and just enjoy the day without any cars around you with some amazing photo spots of NYC/status of liberty in the background.
Follow this account if you want to discover more fun activities to do in NYC, the Big 🍎.
Victor
Victorandmanuela - a month ago
A peaceful escape just a short ferry ride away, perfect for a relaxed date or weekend hangout. Renting bikes is a fun way to explore the open spaces and scenic views, and there are plenty of cute spots to grab food or drinks. It feels calm but still full of things to do — from lounging in hammocks to walking by the water. A great mix of nature, good eats, and a little adventure without leaving the city.
Mimi Coleman - 4 months ago
It was awesome. I felt like I had traveled back in time. The organizers paid major attention to detail and made the experience smooth and enjoyable, from check-in to the time I left. My only suggestion is regarding the baskets for 2. There should have been 2 cookies and 2 pastries (one for each person). I'm already planning for next year.
Tita Concepcion - 2 months ago
Directions
| Subway Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Ferry | 4 minutes |
| N or R | Whitehall Street | 5 minutes |
| 4 or 5 | Bowling Green | 5 minutes |
How to get to Governors Island National Monument by Subway
Take the 1 train to South Ferry, turn left into Battery Park or take the N or R train to Whitehall Street, head north toward Pearl Street, turn left on Bridge Street, follow path into park or take the 4 or 5 train to Bowling Green, head south on Broadway, turn right on Battery Place, turn left on Greenwich Street and continue into park.
Look for the Brooklyn Ferries wharf at the Battery Maritime Building which is just east of the Staten Island Ferry Terminal.
There are also ferries from Pier 6 in Brooklyn Bridge Park.
Governors Island Ferry Schedule
Map & Instant Route Finder
Click&Go Map and Route Finder with public transit, walking, driving or cycling directions. Get up-to-the-minute transit times for your route.
Accommodations near Governors Island National Monument:
Photo Gallery
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Williams Castle on Governors Island cc licensed photo by Chris Ruvolo -
Historic Buildings on Governors Island cc licensed photo by Liana Kyle -
Governors Island Ferry Wharf cc licensed photo by Michael Pick -
Admirals House cc licensed photo by Edwardhblake -
Photo Credit: Jack and Dianne - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Jack and Dianne - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Jack and Dianne - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Jack and Dianne - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Jack and Dianne - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Jack and Dianne - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Jack and Dianne - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Jack and Dianne - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Jack and Dianne - cc license via Flickr
