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.
Visiting New York City? If you haven’t decided where to stay (yet) check out our helpful guide on Where to Stay in New York City (The 10 Best Neighborhoods for First Timers & 3 to Avoid). Don’t have time? Here’s my favorite hotel in NYC, hands down.
How to Get to Governors Island
Governors Island is only accessible via ferry, which departs daily (every 15-30 minutes) from the Battery Maritime Building in Lower Manhattan. Tickets can be purchased online or at the terminal ($4 round trip for adults).
Note: On Saturdays and Sundays before noon ferries to Governors Island are free.
Alternatively, the NYC Ferry (part of the city’s public transportation) offers year-round service to the island. Single tickets are $4 per person (one way), but must be purchased in advance through the NYC Ferry app.
Visiting Governors Island in New York City
Table of Contents: Visiting Governors Island
Table of Contents: Governors Island Guide
- How to Get to Governors Island
- Visiting Governors Island in New York City
- Bike the Seven Mile Loop
- Soak Up the Views From Outlook Hill
- Tour the National Monument
- Spend a Night Glamping
- Check Out New York City’s Longest Slide
- Bring a Book and Relax in Hammock Grove
- Explore Liggett Hall
- Relax at Picnic Point
- Take a Tour of the Public Art Installations
- Visit Governors Island Teaching Garden
- Unwind at QC NY Spa
- Cut Your Kids Loose at The Yard
- Governors Island Things to Do (Post Summary)
- Activities on Governors Island (Map)
Bike the Seven Mile Loop
Website: Blazing Saddles Bike Rentals
Address: 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. The flat path is paved so you won’t be struggling to catch your breath as you pass epic views of Lower Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty.
I suggest allocating around 30-45 minutes to complete the loop, depending on how often you stop for photos. You can even bring your personal bike aboard the ferry, but there’s plenty of Citi Bikes (the city’s bikeshare program) available on the island.
Grab a Citi Bike ($5 for 30 mins) or stop by Blazing Saddles Bike Rentals ($20 for 2 hours), both of which are within walking distance of the ferry terminal. Blazing Saddles offers mini pedal-carts and 6-person surreys as well.
Local’s tip: Blazing Saddles offers free one-hour bike rentals between 9am and 12pm weekday mornings.
Soak Up the Views From Outlook Hill
Website: Outlook Hill
Address: 950 Craig Rd N, New York, NY
Reaching heights of 70 feet, Outlook Hill is the highest vantage point on the island. Located at the southern tip of Governors Island, climb to the summit and take in the panoramic views of New York City’s iconic skyline. You can reach the top by trekking up a winding path or semi-bouldering up granite rocks, nicknamed the “scramble.” The views are worth the effort!
Tour the National Monument
Website: Governors Island National Monument
Address: 10 South St, New York, NY
Governors Island National Monument is one of the most important National Park sites in NYC. Once a fort and military training ground for more than 200 years, the monument preserves the island’s military past.
Sign up for free guided tours of Fort Jay and Castle Williams (open May-November) to learn more about the military operations that took place on the island. Taking time to learn about the island’s role in harbor defense will give you a deeper appreciation for the area while visiting Governors Island.
Spend a Night Glamping
Website: Collective Governors Island
Address: 825 Gresham Rd, New York, NY
In collaboration with Collective Retreats, Governors Island offers luxurious glamping experiences with unparalleled views of NYC. Think plush beds, morning yoga, private decks and evening cocktails. Breakfast is delivered directly to your air-conditioned yurt and farm-to-table dinners are served every evening.
While visiting Governors Island, you can choose from spacious Summit Tents, Vista Bubble domes, group-friendly Social Suites, or rustic McKinley Tents. It’s a perfect escape for couples and friends, but be prepared for steep price tags (this is NYC, after all).
Check Out New York City’s Longest Slide
Website: Slide Hill
Address: 910 Half Moon Rd, Brooklyn, NY
Slide Hill is a must-visit for anyone visiting Governors Island with kids because it’s home to the the longest slide in NYC (57-foot slide). Too ambitious for your kid? Fret not, there’s three shorter slides that offer a similar thrill at a more managed pace.
Bring a Book and Relax in Hammock Grove
Website: Hammock Grove
Location: Hammock Grove, Governors Island
Hammock Grove is a grassy area dotted with woven hammocks strung between wooden poles. Park yourself for a while with a good book in hand to experience one of the most relaxing things to do on Governors Island.
As you lie back, you might catch glimpses of the Statue of Liberty and the Lower Manhattan skyline peeking through the trees. Hammock Grove is open year-round, making it a perfect escape for a sunny summer day or an autumn afternoon.
Explore Liggett Hall
Website: Liggett Hall
Address: Liggett Hall, New York, NY
Liggett Hall is a giant historic building you won’t want to miss while visiting Governors Island. Designed in 1929, it was once the largest army barracks in the US (long enough to fit a football field). The building is slated for restoration, however, it does serve as a venue from time to time (like the 2023 Winter Solstice viewing party).
Relax at Picnic Point
Website: Picnics and Food on Governors Island
Address: 910 Gresham Rd
One of the best things to do on Governors Island is enjoying a picnic at Picnic Point. Found on the southern tip of the island, this area offers unparalleled views of the Statue of Liberty. There are plenty of tables and grassy patches to spread out.
Feeling extra? Rent a grill to impress your guests, but be sure to reserve ahead of time ($30). If all else fails, grab a bite once you’re on the island! In the summer the island hosts a rotating selection of food trucks.
Take a Tour of the Public Art Installations
Website: Governors Island Arts
One of the joys of visiting Governors Island is getting access to the various art exhibits scattered around the island. From thought-provoking art centered around themes of social change to quirky installations the kids will love.
Make sure to check out the “The Open Orchard,” a living art exhibit by Van Aken, who seeks to restore some of New York’s lost biodiversity by planting 50 hybridized trees on Governors Island. Each tree bears multiple varieties of peaches, plums, apricots, cherries and apples once native to the area but that have since disappeared.
Since most exhibits are temporary, take a look at the Governors Island Arts website before your visit to see what’s new.
Visit Governors Island Teaching Garden
Website: Governors Island Teaching Farm
Address: 778 Enright Rd, New York, NY
Learning about the Teaching Farm is one of the best things to do on Governors Island, especially if you’re keen on getting your hands dirty. Managed by GrowNYC, this one-acre farm serves to educate sustainable farming practices within the city.
From planting seeds to attending informative workshops, there’s never a shortage of fun things to do. The garden is open weekends from May through October and hosts fun activities like scavenger hunts and tours. Best part? All the produce is donated to locals in need (over 20,000 pounds so far).
Unwind at QC NY Spa
Website: QC NY Spa
Address: 112 Andes Rd, New York, NY
Need a break? Who doesn’t, right? Swing by QC NY Spa for soaking saunas, steam rooms and dedicated relaxation zones. The spa offers all-day passes that make for a great gift.
Cut Your Kids Loose at The Yard
Website: The Yard
Address: 40 Barry Rd, New York, NY
Inspired by the Nordic tradition of letting kids enjoy nature without adult interruption, The Yard is a unique playground designed for kids 6+. Instead of typical swings and slides, The Yard offers a treasure trove of “loose parts” like wood scraps, tools, tires, and fabrics.
Kids work together to build forts, ramps or whatever they desire without influence from parents. Parents take note: this is an adult-free zone (with trained supervisors for safety). The purpose of the playground is to encourage children to be independent by taking calculated risks in a safe environment.
The Yard is open on weekends from late March to October and requires a waiver (available online). Visiting the Yard is one of the best things to do on Governors Island with kids, just note, closed-toed shoes required.
Governors Island Things to Do (Post Summary)
- Take Advantage of the Seven Mile Bike Loop
- Snap a Photo on Outlook Hill
- Take a Self-Guided Tour of Governors Island National Monument
- Spend a Night Glamping
- Take a Turn on New York City’s Longest Slide
- Bring a Book and Relax in Hammock Grove
- Explore Liggett Hall
- Enjoy the Most Scenic Picnic in NYC
- Take a Tour of the Public Art Installations
- Play Farmer at The Urban Farm
- Unwind at QC NY Spa
- Cut Your Kids Loose at the Yard
Activities on Governors Island (Map)
Frequently Asked Questions: Governors Island Guide
Governors Island is worth visiting for its attractions, including the Urban Farm, adventurous playgrounds, and opportunities for outdoor activities with views of the Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty.
Yes, it’s free to visit Governors Island, but there might be fees for some activities or attractions such as bike rentals, food vendors, and certain events, and the ferry costs $4.
Governors Island is open daily year-round, but access is limited by ferry hours which typically run from 7am to 10pm.
Governors Island is not currently a residential area and there are no full-time residents.
The ferry ride to Governors Island takes about 10 minutes from either Manhattan or Brooklyn.
A half-day is ideal for Governors Island, depending on how much you want to see and do. You can bike around the island, visit historic sites, relax at the hammocks, or explore the art installations – all in a few hours.
More Places to Explore in NYC
25 Unique Things to Do in New York City
20 Epic Things to Do in Times Square (Perfect for First Time Visitors)
15 Things to Do in New York City at Night (Night Owls Guide)
15 Exciting Things to Do in The Bronx (New York City’s Coolest Borough)
20 Epic Things to Do in Queens (Well Worth the Trek)
15 Best Things to Do in Brooklyn (Helpful Guide & Tips)
Cheers!
Leave a Reply