Parks and outdoors · Parks · 2026
The best things to do on Governors Island.
Every one from my own visits, updated September 2026. 8 places.
As a local, I consider Governors Island an underrated gem. Hell, if I’m being honest, it was completely off my radar until a friend invited me out for a day trip last summer. I agreed, showing up without expectations and found myself charmed by the relaxing vibes and sprawling green spaces.
When I got home I did a bit more research on the island. Turns out the 172-acre island was used as a military base until it opened to the public as a hub for outdoor recreation in 2005. Offering unparalleled views of Lower Manhattan (and the Statue of Liberty), there’s so many fun things to do on Governors Island, let’s cover some of the best activities.
- Governors Island National MonumentMuseum · Governors IslandIf you only do one thing on this list, make it this one.
- Hammock GrovePark · Governors IslandI brought my mom here on her first visit. She still talks about it.
- Liggett HallLandmark · Governors IslandLiggett Hall is a giant historic building you won’t want to miss while visiting Governors Island.
- Picnic PointPark · Governors IslandOne of the best things to do on Governors Island is enjoying a picnic at Picnic Point.
- Public Art Installations (Governors Island Arts)Museum · Governors IslandOne of the joys of visiting Governors Island is getting access to the various art exhibits scattered around the island.
- Seven Mile Loop (Blazing Saddles Bike Rentals)Other · Governors IslandBiking the seven-mile loop along the water is one of the best things to do on Governors Island, regardless of your fitness level.
- Slide HillPark · Governors IslandSlide Hill is worth visiting for anyone visiting Governors Island with kids because it’s home to the longest slide in NYC (57-foot slide).
- The YardPark · Governors IslandVisiting the Yard is one of the best things to do on Governors Island with kids, just note, closed-toed shoes required.
Governors Island National Monument
Museum · Governors Island · 10 South St, New York, NY
If you only do one thing on this list, make it this one.
Hammock Grove
Park · Governors Island
I brought my mom here on her first visit. She still talks about it.
Liggett Hall
Landmark · Governors Island · Liggett Hall, New York, NY
Liggett Hall is a giant historic building you won’t want to miss while visiting Governors Island.
Picnic Point
Park · Governors Island · 910 Gresham Rd
One of the best things to do on Governors Island is enjoying a picnic at Picnic Point.
Public Art Installations (Governors Island Arts)
Museum · Governors Island
One of the joys of visiting Governors Island is getting access to the various art exhibits scattered around the island.
Seven Mile Loop (Blazing Saddles Bike Rentals)
Other · Governors Island · 19 Hay Rd, New York, NY
Biking the seven-mile loop along the water is one of the best things to do on Governors Island, regardless of your fitness level.
Slide Hill
Park · Governors Island · 910 Half Moon Rd, Brooklyn, NY
Slide Hill is worth visiting for anyone visiting Governors Island with kids because it’s home to the longest slide in NYC (57-foot slide).
The Yard
Park · Governors Island · 40 Barry Rd, New York, NY
Visiting the Yard is one of the best things to do on Governors Island with kids, just note, closed-toed shoes required.
Best things to do on Governors Island, 2026
The seal
Every place on this list can show it. It links back here, so a reader sees the whole list and how it was made. No fee.
The full guide, with the ones that didn't make it and why: 15 Fun Things to Do on Governors Island (Local’s List).