Located in New York Harbor, Governors Island is a great destination for a daytrip with the family. The 172-acre island is a brief ferry ride from Brooklyn or Manhattan.
Ferries depart from 10 South St. in Manhattan and from Brooklyn Bridge Park at Pier 6 and Red Hook/Atlantic Basin in Brooklyn. Departures to the island begin around 9:45 a.m., depending on the location. The last ferry out of Governors Island is 7 p.m.
There are 120 acres of open park space on Governors Island. Take a free walking tour with one of the volunteer docents, or opt for a self-guided tour using the Urban Archive app. Bike and scooter rentals are available on the island. Visitors are also permitted to board the ferry with their own bikes. There are restrooms and separate hand washing stations throughout the island. WiFi is free. Glamping from Collective Retreats is available for booking.
Governors Island boasts numerous dining options, including outdoor cafés, beer gardens and food trucks along Liggett Terrace, Soissons Landing, Colonels Row and Western Promenade.
The island is home to several pieces of public artwork, from murals to sculptures. Governors Island also hosts various cultural and educational programs and events throughout the year. There are two historic sites open to visitors of the island: Castle Williams and Fort Jay. These two 19th-century fortifications together comprise the Governors Island National Monument. Learn about urban agriculture at Urban Farm. The farm boasts a teaching garden, compost learning center and bee sanctuary, open weekends, 12–4 p.m. There are playgrounds, slides, water features and climbing structures throughout the park, perfect for kids of all ages.
The island is open daily May 1–Oct. 31.
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