Governors Island in Brief:
Located in the New York Harbor, Governors Island is a former military base that has been opened to the public and offers car-free biking, art exhibits, performances, picnicking, tours and more. Many of the things to do on Governors Island are completely free, including the ferry ride to get there!
Getting to Governors Island:
Free ferry service to Governors Island is offered on weekends when the Island is open to the public. On Fridays, service is offered from Manhattan's Battery Maritime Building (10 South Street), adjacent to the Staten Island Ferry Terminal. On Saturdays and Sundays, ferry service is also available from Brooklyn Bridge Park's Pier 6. Check out the for full details.
Governors Island Admission:
Free
Governors Island Visiting Hours:
Governors Island is open to visitors Saturdays and Sundays from May 26-September 30, 2012. The Island opens to the public daily at 10 a.m. and closes at 7 p.m. Governors Island will also be open on Holiday Mondays, including Memorial Day, the Fourth of July and Labor Day.
Good to Know About Governors Island:
- Governors Island has drinks and water for sale, but no water fountains.
- Dogs and pets are not allowed on Governors Island.
- There are public restrooms on Governors Island.
Governors Island Official Website:
About Governors Island:
Located in the New York Harbor, Governors Island was a military base for nearly 200 years before being closed by the Coast Guard in 1996. In 2003, the Federal Government sold most of Governors Island to the people of New York for $1. The Federal Government and the National Park Service oversee 22-acres of the Island - the Governors Island National Monument which includes two 1812-era forts.
The remaining 150-acres of Governors Island is managed by the Governors Island Preservation and Education Corporation. Governors Island offers a variety of educational, non-profit and commercial activities for visitors.
Things to do on Governors Island:
- Picnicking - Pack a picnic, bring a blanket, and enjoy yourself. Alternatively, there is plenty of food for sale from a variety of vendors on the island.
- Kayaking - Free kayaking is offered every weekend.
- Car-free Biking - you can bring your own bike over on the ferry, or rent one from Bike 'n Roll.
- Concerts - The Beach @Governors Island - hosts concerts throughout the season, including several that are free
- More Events - Check out This Week's Events on Governors Island to see the wide variety of different activities taking place on the island, including everything from art installations and food events to mini-golf and farm stands.
