Governors Island

The Basics

Originally settled by the Lenape people, before being colonized by the Dutch and then the British, Governors Island played a strategic role during the Revolutionary War and became one of the longest continually operated military bases in the United States.

Technically part of the borough of Manhattan, the island—a popular summer day-trip destination for Big Apple denizens—is home to a National Monument of New York (administered by the National Park Service) and features on numerous New York Harbor cruise itineraries. You can also catch a bird’s-eye glimpse of the island during helicopter tours.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Governors Island is car-free, but bikes offer an accessible way to explore the island’s miles of trails.

• Leading contemporary artist Rachel Whiteread has a permanent installation on the island—Cabin—located on Discovery Hill.

• Free, ranger-led tours are available for both Fort Jay and Castle Williams.

• The island has two food courts—Liggett Terrace Food Court and King Avenue Food Court—although visitors are also welcome to bring alcohol-free picnic supplies.

• Governors Island, including Fort Jay and Castle Williams, are accessible for wheelchair users.

How to Get There

In season, daily ferries to Governors Island depart from Manhattan’s South Street Seaport; weekend ferries also depart regularly from Brooklyn’s Pier 6. Tickets can be purchased for a small fee from booths near the piers. All ferries are wheelchair-accessible and are free to ride on weekends before 12pm.

When to Get There

Governors Island is open to the public from May 1 to October 31 each year. It hosts a number of popular arts and recreational events, including the Jazz Age Lawn Party (a summertime event that invites participants to dress up in 1920s outfits and dance along to live jazz) and the New York City Poetry Festival (held on the last weekend of July).

Other New York Islands

You might not think of island-hopping in New York, but the state has lots of offshore appeal. Check out Rock Island, home to a historic lighthouse; go camping on popular Wellesley Island; visit Singer Castle on the ominously named Dark Island; or learn about US immigration history on well-known Ellis Island.

How long is the ride to Governors Island?

Whether from Manhattan or Brooklyn, expect the ferry ride to Governors Island to take about 10 minutes. Trust for Governors Island-operated ferries depart Lower Manhattan daily from the Battery Maritime Building and depart Brooklyn from Red Hook and Pier 6 by the Brooklyn Bridge on Saturdays, Sundays, and holiday Mondays.

Can I bring my car on Governors Island?

No, you cannot bring your car, and that’s a big part of the island’s charm. Motorized vehicles—including cars and motorcycles, but excluding motorized wheelchairs—are not permitted. No cars means there’s no way to drive to or on the island. Bring your bike on the ferry; walking and cycling trails abound.

Are there bathrooms on Governors Island?

Yes. Visitors can find indoor restrooms open to the public in multiple locations, including near Soissons Landing at the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council Arts Center, South Battery, Yankee Pier, and the west end of Liggett Terrace. You can also find portable toilets at Colonels Row.

Is Governors Island walkable?

Absolutely. If you’re planning on walking the 2.5-mile (4 kilometer) loop around the island, expect it to take around 40 minutes. Otherwise, head to the western side of the island for the best Statue of Liberty views. If you prefer to ride, Citibike stations and rental shops are available.

Can you bring beer to Governors Island?

No. While visitors are welcome to bring food, water, and soft drinks to enjoy at picnic tables or over a blanket on the grass, no alcohol can be brought onto the island. You can find plenty of alcoholic beverages available for purchase, including beer from a popular Brooklyn-based brewery.

Can you swim on Governors Island?

Not really. Visitors aren’t permitted to swim in the New York Harbor except with a permit. However, Governors Island is home to two heated infinity pools in two different on-site spa resorts, so you may want to bring that bathing suit after all. Visitors can sunbathe along the shore, too.

Ways to explore

Though technically part of the borough of Manhattan, Governors Island feels a world away, even while daily ferries from Manhattan and Brooklyn make getting there a breeze. Upon arrival, it’s worth learning about Governors Island’s military history at its national monument, making use of the bike trails, attending summertime festivals, and capturing skyline views of Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Jersey City. Governors Island additionally features on New York Harbor cruise itineraries and can be spotted from the air during helicopter tours.

Accessibility

All ferries to Governors Island are wheelchair accessible, as are many of the island’s attractions. An accessible tram runs on the island from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Handheld bag, snacks and non-alcoholic beverages, camera, sun protection

What to wear

Wear comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate layers—it can be colder and breezier on ferries and near the water.

Not allowed

Pets, drones, alcoholic beverages, motorized vehicles (except wheelchairs and mobility scooters)

Amenities

Bike racks, food and drink vendors, seasonal grill stations, restrooms

Address

Governors Island is located in the New York Harbor, directly south of the Financial District in Manhattan and west of Red Hook in Brooklyn. Daily ferries to the island depart from several locations in Manhattan and Brooklyn; departure points are well-served by public transportation.

Driving

Governors Island is a car-free island, and it’s not possible to drive there. It’s also not recommended to drive to ferry departure points in Manhattan and Brooklyn owing to traffic restrictions and limited parking. Instead, use taxis or rideshare services.

Public transportation

Governors Island ferries depart daily from Lower Manhattan’s Battery Maritime Building. NYC Ferry also links Governors Island to the Lower East Side, Wall Street, and the Brooklyn waterfront. In the summer, weekend ferries run from Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Pier 6 and Red Hook/Atlantic Basin.

Best times to visit

Visiting hours vary seasonally but generally range from early morning to evening. If you can, aim for mid-afternoon to enjoy the sun—and sunset—before some park attractions close at dusk.

Best days to visit

Governors Island is open daily throughout the year. The island is busiest on weekends, especially during the summer. Aim for a weekday if you’re after a more chilled-out experience.

Best months to visit

Summer is far and away the most popular time at Governors Island, when the island becomes an easy and affordable waterfront retreat for New Yorkers.

Special events

The Jazz Age Lawn Party, held in mid-June, is a longtime favorite event. Don’t miss other highlights, from June’s NYC Lavender Festival to July’s New York City Poetry Festival.