While nowhere near the most famous of the 36 to 42 islands that make-up New York City, Governor’s Island is well worth a visit. Hop on a ferry to enjoy a ton of activities such as:
-
Hiking
-
Running
-
Biking
-
Picnicking
-
And outdoor drinking
In one of the most bucolic settings within the boundaries of New York City.
A year-round destination, Governor’s Island is an ideal spot for New York City vacations or staycations. The island, once a military base, is now a lively green space of:
-
Art
-
Bike paths
And much more.
Must-see spots include:
-
Castle Williams, a circular 19th-century fort built to fend off naval attacks
-
St. Cornelius Chapel, an English Gothic gem
-
And the Repurposed Barracks, now home to art exhibitions and events
The island is open year-round. Seasonal attractions include the Winter Village, an urban farm, and the Island Oyster restaurant.
Come for the historic forts or to bike through scenic paths. Regardless, Governors Island is one of the most unique spots in New York City for a day trip.
Ready to discover the best things to do on Governors Island to plan your Governors Island day trip? Let’s get into it:
Quick hits
-
Open Weekends: May to November
-
Activities: Historic sites, family-friendly playgrounds, public art, and seasonal events
-
Car-Free Zone: Great for biking and walking with stunning New York City views
-
Dining: Picnic areas and food trucks galore
-
Unique Stays: Try luxury glamping with Collective Retreats
-
Nearby: Explore the Financial District and Chinatown
Map design by Stanton House Inn with elements from Flaticon
A Brief Governor’s Island History
Originally called Pagganuck or Nut Island by Native Americans, it got its current name in 1699 when the British reserved it for their governors.
Colonial & Revolutionary Era:
-
1624: New Netherland’s first settlers landed, marking Governor’s Island as New York’s birthplace.
-
1633: Wouter van Twiller and his crew claimed the island, calling it Noten Eylandt.
-
1680: Known as Nutten Island, it had one house and grazing land for colonial governors.
-
1698: Renamed Governors Island for the exclusive use of British governors.
-
Revolutionary War: Military plans began in 1741, with real fortifications starting in 1755 during the French and Indian War. George Washington later ordered the design of forts for New York Harbor, including on Governors Island.
19th Century
After the Revolutionary War, New York State took over Governors Island in 1784, aiming to use it for education. But military needs soon took precedence.
-
1794: Fort Jay, originally built during the Revolutionary War, had fallen apart by 1805.
-
1812: Post-war, the island became a station for troops.
-
1832: The New York Arsenal moved in, adding an armory and other structures.
20th Century
-
World War I: The island was buzzing with action, full of barracks, tents, and temporary wooden structures. It was like the ultimate military pop-up camp.
-
1920s: Governors Island got a major promotion and became the headquarters for the Second Corps Area. Picture it: a hive of activity, with soldiers and officers scurrying about like ants at a picnic.
-
1930s: Thanks to the Works Progress Administration, the island got a facelift. They spruced up the landscape and fortified existing buildings. It was the 1930s version of an HGTV makeover.
-
World War II: The island switched gears to become an administrative hub. It had everything—three chapels, a movie theater, a YMCA, and even an officers’ club. Recreation was a big deal too. Soldiers played polo, golfed on the Governors Island Golf Course (established around 1925-1926), and enjoyed tennis courts and swimming pools.
Some big events went down here too:
-
President Ronald Reagan’s Visit: He came by during the Statue of Liberty restoration.
-
Summit: Reagan, President George H.W. Bush, and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev had a notable meeting here.
In 1985, the island became a National Historic Landmark.
Nowadays, the island is a beloved escape for New Yorkers and tourists alike. Added plus, it’s easy to get to via ferry from Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridge Park.
The Best Things to do on Governor’s Island
Governors Island packs a ton of fun activities for everyone within its tiny borders. Read on for top picks:
For the Active Explorer:
-
Bike Around: With no cars allowed, biking is the way to go. Rent a bike from Blazing Saddles or grab one from one of the three Citi bike stations on the island. Pedal at your own pace and soak in the sights. You’ll get amazing views of:
-
The Brooklyn Navy Yard
-
Statue of Liberty
-
Brooklyn Bridge
-
Lower Manhattan
-
For the History Buff:
-
Castle Williams and Fort Jay: These historic forts are open on weekends from May to November. They’re a step back in time!
For the Family:
-
Playgrounds Galore: Check out The Yard, Slide Hill Playground, and Hammock Grove Play Area. The kids will love it, and you can relax in the red hammocks at Hammock Grove afterwards.
While not a child, this writer got a kick out of the Slide Hill playground. To be fair, though, how could one not have a blast on the longest slide in New York City?
Don’t Miss:
-
Colonels Row: Historic buildings from the 1870s that once housed Army generals. Now, they host art exhibits and events.
Scenic Walks and Hikes:
-
Walking Tours: Friends of Governors Island host free New York walking tours. There’s no better way to learn the island’s history.
-
Hike the Hills: Climb up for panoramic views of Brooklyn, Manhattan, and the Statue of Liberty. The view is well worth the hike.
Family-Friendly Playgrounds
Planning a family outing? Governors Island has you covered! The Yard and Hammock Grove Play Area are perfect spots to keep the kids entertained. At The Yard, kids can build and play with nails, hammers, saws, paint, tires, and fabrics. It’s like a mini construction site for little builders. For the younger kiddos, the family play area is a safe haven for imaginative play.
Now, I might not be a kid anymore, but let me tell you, I had a blast at Slide Hill playground. Seriously, who can resist NYC’s longest slide?
Public Art Installations
Art lovers, rejoice! Governors Island hosts a bunch of public art installations. You’ll stumble upon both permanent and rotating exhibits as you stroll around. Massive installations and cozy exhibits are sure to catch your eye.
The best part? Many exhibits are open from Friday to Sunday between 11 am and 5 pm. So it’s easy to fit some art appreciation into your full day island adventure.
Hammock Grove
Need a break? Head over to Hammock Grove. This peaceful spot boasts 50 red hammocks. Surrounded by lush greenery and the occasional bleating sheep, it’s a slice of paradise in the geographic center of New York City.
QC NY Spa Indulgence
Fancy a bit of luxury on your island trip? The QC NY Spa is the place to be. They offer a range of wellness experiences like massages, saunas, water therapies, and relaxation areas. And those infinity spa pools? They come with jaw-dropping views of the Lower Manhattan skyline. Pure bliss!
Connecting with Nature
If you’re a nature enthusiast, Governors Island has plenty to offer. Here are a few activities to enjoy:
-
The Teaching Garden: Join an educational program or a workshop.
-
Composting Center: Learn about composting or volunteer to help out.
-
Bee Sanctuary: Get a peek at the island’s buzzing bee haven.
With its lavender fields and environmental programs, Governors Island is a serene, nature-focused escape from the city hustle and bustle.
Seasonal Events and Festivals
Governor’s Island is also a hotspot for seasonal events and festivals too. Ever wanted to party like it’s the 1920s? Check out the Jazz Age Lawn Party! It’s a weekend bash that transports you back to the Roaring Twenties. Prefer something more laid-back? Join a running event or catch an outdoor movie night.
From ice skating in the Winter Village to grooving at the Rite of Summer Music Festival, there’s always something fun happening. So, there’s no bad time to visit!
Restaurants on Governors Island
After a day of exploring, you’re bound to get hungry. Thankfully, Governors Island has some tasty spots to refuel. Island Oyster is a must-visit with stunning views of Lower Manhattan from their outdoor setting. Try the signature cocktails at Island Oyster like the Sunflower or Revolución, and don’t miss the fried North Atlantic cape shark.
Other yummy options include Jamaican fusion at Fauzia’s Heavenly Delights and top-notch pizza at Pizza Yard.
For a casual dining experience, head to Picnic Point. It’s perfect with breathtaking views and picnic tables. You can bring your own food or pick from the island’s food trucks. You can even reserve a grill in advance. Whether it’s a romantic picnic or a family BBQ, this spot is perfect for outdoor meals.
Directions to Governor’s Island from Greenwich, CT
Thinking of a day trip from our Greenwich, CT, bed and breakfast? Great idea, spoken from experience! Start with a Metro-North train ride, followed by a quick subway trip. The best part? A scenic ferry ride across New York Harbor.
A 10-minute ferry ride from Manhattan’s Battery Park or the Brooklyn waterfront gets you to the island. Ferries depart from:
-
The Battery Maritime Building in Manhattan
-
Atlantic Basin in Red Hook
-
Pier 6 at Brooklyn Bridge Park, a top free Brooklyn attraction
Remember, ferry tickets need to be booked in advance due to capacity limits. On weekends, you can also catch a ferry from Wall Street’s Pier 11 via NYC Ferry.
Hotels, Inns, and Places to Stay on or Near Governors Island
Guess what? You can actually stay overnight on Governors Island! Try the unique glamping experience with Collective Retreats. You’ll sleep in luxury tents with real beds and high-quality linens. Plus, you’ll get a morning basket of continental breakfast items and a complimentary Trail Bar.
Activities like morning yoga, meditation sessions, movie nights, lawn games, and evening s’mores make the stay even better. Prices for two guests range from $600 to $1,300 per night.
If glamping isn’t your style, Lower Manhattan has plenty of hotels. For amazing views, check out:
-
Mandarin Oriental, New York
-
1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge
-
Aman New York
And the ferry ride back makes all of the best New York City bed and breakfasts an option, too, obviously.
More Places to Explore Near Governors Island
So, you’ve had a blast on Governors Island, and you’re not ready for the adventure to end? Great news! There are some awesome neighborhoods just across the harbor, each each with its own unique charm. Read on to dive into a few of the top picks across the Five Boroughs of New York City:
NYC Financial District
First up, we have the NYC Financial District, or FiDi for short. This place is buzzing with energy and packed with iconic landmarks. Check out The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum, take a ride on the Staten Island Ferry, or marvel at One World Trade Center. Don’t miss the famous Fearless Girl and The Charging Bull statues.
If you’re feeling peckish, FiDi’s got you covered. Grab a bite at Le Gratin or the historic Delmonico’s. For a touch of history, explore the old Fulton Fish Market and the artisanal New Amsterdam Market.
Lower East Side of Manhattan
Next, head up to the Lower East Side of Manhattan, a neighborhood bursting with history and culture. Dive into the past at the Tenement Museum and soak up the vibrant street life.
Foodies, rejoice! Here are some must-visit spots:
-
Russ & Daughters: Traditional Jewish fare that’s a hit.
-
Yonah Schimmel Knishery: Delicious knishes that are hard to resist.
-
Dhamaka: Creative dishes that’ll surprise your taste buds.
-
Cervo’s: For a unique dining experience.
Chinatown of NYC
No trip to NYC is complete without a visit to the lively neighborhood of Chinatown. It’s another world of bustling streets, colorful shops, and incredible food.
Of the many fun things to do in Chinatown, NYC, be sure to:
- Visit the Mahayana Buddhist Temple
- Snap a pic with the Statue of Confucius
- And wander down Mott Street under the glow of Chinese lanterns
And, of course, you have to try the food. From dim sum to noodles, Chinatown is home to a ton of authentic dishes that will make your taste buds dance.
Tl;dr
Congrats! You’ve made it through the ultimate guide to Governors Island, a hidden gem packed with history and activities for everyone. Whether you’re exploring historic sites, biking around the island, enjoying a spa day, or chilling in Hammock Grove, there’s something for you. And with the Financial District, Lower East Side, and Chinatown nearby, the adventure doesn’t stop when you leave the island. So, hop on the next ferry and discover the magic of Governors Island for yourself!
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s special about Governors Island?
Governors Island is a peaceful retreat close to Manhattan and the Brooklyn waterfront. This urban oasis boasts an award-winning park, historic buildings, and loads of cultural and educational activities. Plus, there’s a 22-acre National Monument managed by the National Park Service. It’s like a slice of tranquility and history in the heart of NYC’s hustle and bustle.
Is it free to get to Governors Island?
Yep, it’s free to visit Governors Island on Saturdays and Sundays before noon. And good news for cyclists—bringing your bike is free anytime. Just remember, it’s first-come, first-served for bikes and strollers.
Can you walk around Governors Island?
Absolutely! You can stroll around Governors Island for free. The walks start from Yankee Hanger at Liggett Terrace near the Urban Farm.
Can I drive a car on Governors Island?
Nope, no cars allowed. Walking or biking is the way to go on Governors Island.
Are there any accommodations available on Governors Island?
Yes, you can stay overnight in luxury glamping tents with Collective Retreats. If that’s not your style, there are plenty of places to stay in nearby Manhattan.
Updated and republished: March 19, 2025
