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Governors Island
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Categories: Landmarks & Historical Buildings, Local Flavor [Edit]
Govenors IslandNew York, NY 10004
(212) 440-2200
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
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52 reviews for Governors Island
i visited governors island about a half dozen times this past summer. initially my friends and i went just to have a picnic, but the psycho art, free putt-putt and views of southern manhattan et. al. kept us coming back.
i even did a fun run there, toward late summer/early fall. it was nice to have something interesting to look at during the run, instead of the usual same loops around central park.
and yes, yes, there are a couple cons to visiting. prepare yourself for the use of port-o-pottys (but at least they have hand sanitizer ;-)), and unless you're the first one there don't expect much hammock time. and bring food and water with you! its kind of like scout camp. (but um, don't bring any knives. those aren't allowed. learned that one the hard way.)
Now that there is a considerable chill in the autumn air, I am already bemoaning the fact that I'll have to wait until May of next year to revisit the lovely, idyllic and tranquil Governors Island. Of course, depending on what changes and additions they make to the island in the off-season, it might not be so tranquil and idyllic anymore. I sincerely hope that they preserve the details that make Governors Island seem like a special getaway that only a select few know about.
The really cool thing about Governors Island is that it provides so many perfect picnic spots, whether you want a wide open grassy knoll, a view of the water, or a place that makes you feel like you're back on a college campus. There are hammocks, forts, churches, beautiful houses, and thanks to the Water Taxi, a beach. With so much variety of space, you really can't go wrong. And if you bring a bike (or rent one from Bike & Roll - free on Fridays), you'll quickly be able to explore all the nooks and crannies of the small island.
You can even have an outdoor wedding there, as my fiancé and I once saw. The reception was on a patch of grass overlooking the Statue of Liberty, and the couple made arrangements for all their guests to have a free bicycle so they could roam around the island on wheels. We thought that was a very clever way to celebrate their nuptials in such a unique setting.
My hope is that Governors Island remains a place where you can feel like you're miles away from city life without actually going too far. There are very few places in New York that I would describe as quaint and serene, but Governors Island is one of them, and I'm thankful for my proximity to it.
So Surprising. It is a secret (not really much of a secret anymore) get away from the city with the city still at a stones throw distance. Cool breeze. Bright Sun. Perfect company. Not so many people.
ADVICE:
Get to the ferry early.
Bring your own water.
Bring your own bike.
Try the $4.00 Ice Cream from Blue Marble Ice cream bicycle cart.
Good luck in finding a hammock.
Go on Fridays for free Biking for an hour. Was plenty of time for me to traverse the island a few times, but I pedal fast. I liked the old feel to the place and think the ferry schedule is perfect, considering the amount of people that go. Thrilled to see the development on the Island.
Coolest concert venue ever! I've only been to Gov. Island for a Lupe Fiasco concert so I can't speak for the rest of the island, but the beach is a spectacular place to see a show!
Imagine if you chartered a private (nontropical) island with several hundred of your best friends to see a concert right by the water, with a great view of the manhattan skyline and giant light-up palm trees on fake sand... you'd have the Beach at Governor's Island. Not only was this venue surprisingly intimate for a well-known hip hop artist, but you have the feeling that the concert is the only thing going on around for miles. Outdoor concerts are the best, especially when you're secluded and surrounded by water.
$6 beers (including Stella and Newcastle) and $7 for strong sangria isn't bad AT ALL for concert booze prices, especially in nyc. Combine that with the free ferry ride and pristine bathrooms and you have yourself a great deal. I'm not sure why anyone was using the porta-potties when right next to them were trailers with full, nice bathrooms and no lines, but to each their own. The staff was pretty friendly too, especially the accommodating bartenders who obliged our request for a better sangria-to-ice ratio.
The sound didn't get lost in the open air as you might imagine, and Lupe put on a fun show. The crowd ranged from flat brim hat wearing homeboys to popped collar connecticut frat boys, without much in between. But I was just happy the male-female ratio was skewed in my favor.
I'd love to see another show here... definitely one of my top 5 concert experiences!
NOT Cool:
No potable water on the island save the overpriced bottled water. Drinking fountains? fuhgeddaboudit.
Bathrooms are scarce and have long lines.
Boats only to/from the island once an hour.
Bike rental line takes about 30-45 minutes.
Cool:
It's nice to be on an island in the middle of Upper New York Harbor with some cool views of lower Manhattan/Jersey City, Brooklyn, Statue of LIberty, etc.
Getting to go inside the old fort, the beautiful old homes....
Random art projects.
But... is it just me... or would this island be better as a hybrid park/prime real estate for this overcrowded metropolis? The houses still have dishwashers and fridges. Perhaps a location for research labs or a university? I can has new place to live closer to work?!
- dont understand this place.. they security guys shooed me over to another part of the island.. was i trespassing??
- free ferry ride... a great way to step out of the city.. but not really.. the island is cute... cuter than central park? eh-- but it does have that whole island thing going for it...
- no bathrooms, no vendors really.. maybe one food truck.. bring your own picnic!
.
- ill be back
I hate to say it, but Water Taxi Beach - Governors Island, could be the worst thing to happen to that island. I don't want some drunk asshole sneaking off the beach, beer in hand and attempting to ride his bike around the island, beer sloshing from his cup while my friend and I are trying to enjoy a leisurely stroll.
I liked Governors Island because it was pristine, it was virtually untouched, it was quiet. Now, with Water Taxi Beach there, with DJ blaring hip-hop and techno and people getting sloshed it feels like its lost something.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/14/2009
Formerly home of the Dutch Governor of New Amsterdam and the US Coast Guard, how could anyone not… Read more »
Free ferry ride, weird abandoned island so close to Manhattan, no cars, only bikes, a Water Beach bar, when are they turning this into some kind of horror movie?
Not that the place isn't super cool and a great place to go on a nice weekend (it isn't open during the week) but all we kept thinking about was this would make for a pretty cool setting for a horror movie.
That aside, enjoy the views, the quiet, the lack of cars and the free ferry ride escape.
There are two free ferries that come to Governor's Island, from the Battery Maritime building on the south tip of Manhattan, and at the Fulton Ferry Landing (end of Old Fulton St. in Brooklyn). Bicycles and carriages can also be ferried over free of charge, though they only allow ~10 bikes per ferry, so you may have to wait a couple ferries if there's a long line of cyclists.
Once you make it to Governor's Island, you are free to roam around the island, for the most part. There is a paved loop around the island for cyclists, rollerbladers, joggers, and even the casual walkers. Along the path, you will experience nice views of Manhattan, Statue of Liberty, and Jersey. There are also a few swing sets and food carts along the way, selling simple items such as drinks, ice cream, hot dogs, sausages, and knishes. There is also a Water Taxi Beach along the New York city waterfront, serving beer, sausages and more. There is also a large sanded area, though it smelled like rotten eggs when we rode by.
We came here during the Dutch festival and also an art festival, so a large portion of the buildings were open. Some buildings you could just walk in and view the art galleries, while others had artistic flare open for viewer's interpretation, and there were also a few stations where kids could play with clay. In the Fort Jay Theater, near the center of the island, was an 18-minute movie, called Isle of the Dead, where the art world has died in New York City, and the zombies representing the dead, have all moved to Governors Island. You have to be very open-minded when viewing a lot of these artsy interpretations.
While perusing around the island, there is an eery feeling as you will see many buildings boarded up and abandoned, for what, I believe, used to house the Coast Guards and other military personnel. One on end, you'll see all the windows open and can see inside the open complex, making you wonder what lurks inside. The majority of these places are fenced off, but I suppose you could find a way in if you so desired.
One major disadvantage on Governors Island is that there are no public bathrooms, just portapotties, so bring some clean-wipes. For the most part, Governors Island is a fresh take from the busy urban life, for what is only a boatride away. It almost feels like you're in a total different location, though just along the water, you will be reminded of New York City and New Jersey. Enjoy reading a book here on one of the many grassy fields, enjoy the art, or maybe even have a picnic in this rather peaceful area.
This is a great place to visit.
You can come here to take in it's history. Or, you can come here to enjoy the many grassy areas. Have a picnic here. Enjoy a peaceful walk, a run or a bike ride, all whilst taking in the beautiful scenery. Great views of manhatan. Every once in a while, you'll be able to catch a polo match there.
As well, the (free) boat ride to/fro offers great views to take in.
Enjoy it.
I know a place where ferries run free,
'Tis this island filled with acres of green space, trees, & history.
The centuries old military buildings are now abandoned,
Thanks to preservation these beautiful structures are still standing.
We climbed up the grassy hills like Jack & Jill,
And rolled down like playful children will.
We found a spot underneath the shade of a sycamore tree,
Sat down on a patch of grass & stared out into sea facing Lady Liberty.
We lied down & looked upwards into the deep blue sky,
While sunlight seeped through the tree leaves from above & kissed us in the eyes.
Peace and tranquility is what we need,
Far from city crowds, noise, and traffic indeed.
If you need a land to escape and run free,
I promise you this is the place to be.
It's impressive and scenic, especially if you go out in the morning. Everything seems a bit pristine. And the buildings make it feel like a secluded, rural college campus. The video features that I've seen here were a bit strange and perhaps too expermental/avant-garde, so I'd say skip those.
If you're going for cycling you can rent from them, but if you have a bike, it's worth bringing your own. Unfortunately you can't get a decent ride in - the circumference of the island itself isn't terribly large. So you always feel like you're stopping and starting over quite often. But good fun nonetheless.
Well hello Gov'nah....
A free ferry ride from south street seaport to an island that looks like Colonial Williamburg with views of Brooklyn, Jersey and the Financial District? Yes please!
As fun as Central Park and McCarren Park can be, Governor's Island beats the pants off of them. There are free bike rentals, art hanging in all of the historic buildings and tons of space to lay out, play frisbee, do gymnastics and frolic. A group of rogue women fairies (literally....) came by our roosting area and sprinkled us with glittery fairy dust and cooed at us. For reals - I can't even make these stories up.
There is a really cool fort in the center of the island that reminds me a lot of the fort in St. Augustine, FL. Neat - and a cool place to sneak away and make out under the hot summer sun. Umm...what?!
They check your bag for alcohol so be stealth with your smuggled booze. I recommend making punches, premixed drinks, etc. There are places to get food/bevs on the island too so don't freak out if you forget food.
I am a lush.
Fun, fun, fun in the sun on Governor's Island! As soon as I hopped on that downtown ferry on a gorgeous, sun-shiny Friday, I completely forgot about the hustle and bustle of Manhattan. Once off the ferry, I hightailed it over to Bike & Roll (to the left of the ferry exit) so I would not get caught in a looooong line of tourists and "staycationers" like myself, who sought an hour of free biking fun 'round the island.
Good call, too, because the line quickly grew into a long, windy snake and the many available bikes got snatched up fast! I don't know if this was just a symptom of "free" bike Fridays, or the sunny weather, but it didn't look fun. That's right, I'm not ashamed to say I power-walked my way to the front of that line!
Ohhh and how glorious it was once started pedaling my way around that island, taking in the views of Lady Liberty and Manhattan. I can't wait to go back, maybe next time with some grub and a good book so I can park my behind in one of the many cozy hammocks in the picnic area!
One of the best free things you can do in the city. Unfortunately they only open Governors Island during the weekends in the summer months but this may be something they change in the future seeing how the island has only been open to the public since 2003. To get to the island you take a free ferry (about a 7min ride) from the Battery Maritime Building (not too far from the Staten Island Ferry terminal). The island was a military base (see history below) until 1996 so you can walk through the complete town complete with everything from homes and forts to a hospital and movie theater. A few of the buildings get opened up to explore while most of them are closed off. The island boasts a great amount of green space (both open lawn areas and quieter areas with lots of trees) as well as a fantastic view of both lower Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty (from the southern tip of the island). The island has bike rentals (or you can bring your own) and a paved street that goes around the island as well as food carts if you didn't feel like packing your own picnic.
As far as questions I've either had myself or heard many times here are the answers: No one currently lives on the island; other than maintenance and security vehicles there are no vehicles on the island; there are bathrooms on the island; the big structure at the corner of the island is the ventilation system to the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel below; there are no other ways in or out of the island other than the free ferry from lower Manhattan; there are no ferries from here to the Statue of Liberty or Ellis Island; it is currently open only during weekends in the summer
Fun Facts: The Smothers Brothers (Tom and Dick) were both born on Governors Island (1937 and 1939 respectively). Legendary comic book artist Neil Adams, the man responsible for redoing the image of Batman in the late 60s (among many other achievements) was also born on the island in 1941.
A Brief History:
1776: First Fort Built on island during the American Revolutionary War in anticipation of the Battle of Brooklyn
1783-1966: Island occupied by the US Army
1800s (early)-In anticipation of the War of 1812 Fort Jay and Castle Williams were built (currently two of the best examples of American Coastal Fortification)
1860s- Castle Williams was used as a prison for Confederate soldiers during the Civil War
1900s (early)- During the excavation for the cities first subway line (the Lexington Ave line- now called the 4/5/6) the dirt was used to expand Governors Island by 82 acres (where they eventually built a number of apartment complexes for the military and their families)
1966-1996: Island occupied by the US Coast Guard
1985: Governors Island becomes of US Landmark
2001: Governors Island becomes a National Monument
2003: 87% of the Island remains under NY State control while 13% is controlled by the National Park Service under the US Department of the Interior
2003: The Island is opened to the public for the first time with free ferry service from lower Manhattan, the city occasionally holds concerts, events, and artist exhibits to draw more attention to the island
Recipe for a perfect day:
2 good friends
1 free ferry
172 acres of pristine, quiet, not crowded island
1 free bike rental (on Fridays)
1 swing set
2 amazing views (Statue of Liberty and Manhattan)
1 ice cream bar
1 pink lemonade courtesy of Water Taxi Beach
80 bouts of laughter
2 sunburned shoulders
Mix well and serve immediately during a picnic in the shade. Sprinkle with naps in a hammock, if desired.
I'm hesitant to write this review because Governors Island seems to be one of the best kept secrets in NYC. Beautiful old buildings, lots of lush green lawns, kayaking, great views of New York harbor, a bicycle path (rent or bring your own), and not very many people. It felt less like Central Park, more like walking around a quiet New England college campus. A great place to spend a nice day. The free ferry runs from the terminal next to the Staten Island ferry (to the left of the Staten Island terminal if you're facing south).
Helpful hints: (1) ferry schedules (and some history) are listed on the Governors Island website: http://www.govisland.com; (2) there's an Au Bon Pain a block from the terminal on State Street; you can pick up a last minute picnic lunch before getting on the ferry, although there are also some places to get food on the island; (3) if you're bringing a bicycle, get there a little early; I arrived a few minutes before the next ferry and they had reached their bicycle capacity; (4) the supply of rental bikes was almost wiped out by the arriving ferry; at peak times I'm guessing there might not be one available.
The Governors Island secret is definitely out. I went last Saturday - a beautiful, sunny summer day following the NYT article and the NYM feature on the Island - and had to stand in line for an hour before I actually boarded the ferry (at which point the separate "Sheep" and "Goats" boarding areas caused me a moment of existential angst).
The disembarking scene on the other end of the ferry was chaotic and Ellis Island-y; when we got out my heart sank at the thought that I spent an hour leaving crowded Manhattan to be pressed up against hundreds of New Yorkers on an even tinier island. However! We surged up the hill directly in front of us and emerged onto a wide-open, grassy plateau from which we couldn't see any other people whatsoever. It was a serious Sound of Music moment - I truly almost burst into song.
When I eventually got back on the ferry to head home, I felt rested, relaxed, and peaceful down to my very soul. We had spent about an hour having a little picnic on some goat cheese salad and Jacques Torres chocolate chip cookies (there is food on the island, but it's a street fair concession-type menu, so plan ahead if you're not in the mood); then we spent two hours wandering around the island, including peeks at a couple of odd art exhibitions (one was an independent film about art school zombies, which sounds funnier than it actually was); half an hour touring a sustainable off-the-grid barge that houses five artists and is temporarily docked at Governors Island; and one final, glorious hour reading on a little hill directly across from the Statue of Liberty while sea (okay, river) breeze ruffled my hair.
So far, this is my favorite Weekend Escape from New York: it's free, simple, and completely different from the city. Sheep or goat, either way, it was glorious.
I feel the same way as Grant C. I'm not sure I want to spread the word about how great Governors Island is...but if the New York Times is writing articles about the day trip then I can write a yelp review.
Governors Island is a great trip! The ferry is free and quick (7 minutes) and once you are on the island you have great views of the city. The island has hammocks and bikes and kayaking and miniature golf! There are so many great spots to spread out on the grass and relax or picnic or even play Frisbee! Being at Governors Island really feels like you are on vacation. I'm already planning my next trip back! I went on a Friday when it is significantly emptier than during the weekend.
Here's something you don't get very often in NYC: Location (Close), Price (Free) and Spacious (92 available acres to wander around!).
My friends and I packed up picnic supplies and blankets and headed over to the Jazz Age Picnic this past weekend. You catch the ferry on South St, next to Staten Island Ferry Terminal. It's kinda silly how close it is - i would love to just hop in a kayak and row across.
It's a perfect spot to lay around, play games, throw around a ball or go exploring. Of course we totally only remembered food and drinks. Various refrains of: I wish I had a ball, I wish I had my book, I wish I had my bike could be heard on the ferry trip across. So, I'm giving you the heads up now: take 'em! Or not and just enjoy the significantly higher grass to human ratio and the great views of downtown.
Very relaxing, very peaceful. NO OUT-OF-TOWN-TOURISTS!!!! yippee!
Reminded me of home a little, where you can go to parks, enjoy the grass/green/scenery. Loved sitting on the grass/steps/ledge and not have people bother. Good place to collect your thoughts, relax, rest.
Views reminiscent of Alcatraz; you have some buildings you venture into, look around. Good view of NYC, Battery Park City, Statue of Liberty. Ferry ride over was excellent.
-1 for all the construction
Mini-golf seemed a little on the "meh" side.
Sculpture & artwork were good.
Bike rentals available.
No booze, unfortunately.
unFREAKINGbelievable!
One of the coolest spots in all of NYC. We went this past Saturday and were blown away by the sheer awesomeness of the place. It was almost surreal - We're where??? 7 minutes from Manhattan? What in the heck happened here? Where did all of these buildings come from? Why haven't we heard of this this?
Check out Picnic Point - bring some delicious foods and beverages to enjoy in the sun. Clean and new picnic tables and hammocks (!) and boundless acres of grass to pass a lazy Saturday - the kind you might have in the countryside, but only a few minutes from the madness. Explore the randomness and all of the abandoned buildings.
More peaceful than Central Park, though I'm not condoning tearing that down and turning into a Wal-Mart. But its like the city all of a sudden has a beautiful new Central Park (kinda) for even more people to enjoy.
To wrap up your awesome day, enjoy a bunch of cold beers and some BBQ and awesome DJ grooves at Water Taxi Beach. I wrote a separate review about that amazing place.
Mother of God - what a treasure to have in NYC.
hmmm, this is another huge park, seemingly hanging in a set-time rewinded back sometime, and that's set away by a free short-ferry ride either from manhattan (or brooklyn, but am not sure if this is also free). i just wonder what will happen to all the buildings that are unoccupied, and looking useless.
bring your own water, food, and other picnic accoutrements plus your bike (if you're up to it). you will have to go a portalet if you need to use the bathroom---which is a disappointment. but it's a lovely park to behold & spend at least 3 hours of your day lounging, walking around.
Fun daytrip from the city. I enjoyed renting a bike and taking a quick tour of the island. However, the island doesnt have the normal things you need to really enjoy it....food, bathrooms and water. Tons of portapotties all over the island but I prefer to NOT use them if possible. The couple of food trucks located on the island charge tourist prices for food. Mostly I enjoyed the view and serenity when bicycling around the island. Like some people said, it does have the feeling of a college campus with the bike riding and the style of buildings. Interesting gettaway but not too exciting.
How the heck did I live in New York my entire life and just find out about Governor's Island this summer?! With the economy so shaky these days, it's great to find someplace that offers so much for free. I rode in a kayak, saw some amazing art and an abandoned castle, rode a bike and the ferry and saw a play all for free! The view of Manhattan is just breathtaking.
Fair warning: Bring comfy shoes and your own water since you will be walking a lot and unless you want to buy a water bottle, there's no water fountains anywhere.
CrEEEpy! Something about the abandoned buildings, church bells and bomb shelter signs just freak me out. This would be a perfect setting for a Silent Hill remake.. replete with little zombie school children. That aside, the island was quite pleasant. Picnic point has a great view of the Statue of Liberty. We also saw some very cool art sculptures. It's serene and you can definitely get lost just walking around. The ferry line looks absolutely ridiculous, but don't worry that thing can hold a ton of people. I would go early and rent a bike.
Beautiful getaway from the city. Check out the historical buildings and rent a bike for the day...Bonus: The ferry to get there is free!
Really one must visit the Gov to understand its allure.
if you are looking for a spot without thousands of other people around this is the place.
The most underestimated part of the Gov is how easy it is to get there. it's a 6 minute free ferry ride. The ferry is at the end of the M15 bus line. Door to door it's much easier, roomier and much more peaceful than a trip to Central Park.
I suggest you bring provisions for the day and take the first ferry out there.
Note: Save for the rare event, there is no booze on the island. No booze is allowed to be brought onto the island either, so, you know, be careful.
Go today (9/20/09) for the last day of the New Island Festival, an arts fest put on by the Dutch. It's wacko and fun. Especially the (fake) archaelogical dig and the giant dining table in the middle of the Heinekin Beer Garden. If you don't make it today for the New Island Fest, find another time before winter to visit. Governors Island is historic, beautiful, easy to reach. If you have a bike, take it with you. If there's an event, the line for the ferry gets long but it moves very fast so don't let that deter you.
Governers Island is a great get away that takes no time to get there....
Free ferry ride.........check!
Free bicycle rentals....check!
Free Kayak rentals......check!
This places is great for picnics with no cars, tree lined walkways and streets....great views of the city or Lady Liberty, there is some shady spot waiting for you.
Governor's Island is great. Quiet, lots of walking paths, great views of everything on all sides of the harbor, and a free ferry to and from Brooklyn Heights.
Lots of people have mentioned the bike rentals and free bikes on Fridays. I went specifically to try out the bikes on free bike day once, and the line was not moving quickly at all. Over half an hour in line and I wasn't more than 10 feet closer than where I had started.
Luckily, there are lots of other things to see, depending on the weekend, and if you're just looking for a place to relax, there are hundreds. The oak trees are immense and gorgeous, and the fort in the middle of the island is a neat way to spend 10 minutes getting away from your picnic partners.
The only other complaint I have is just another echo of what other people have said. The bathrooms are few and far between. The food (I have seen nothing vegetarian, by the way) is kind of gross. And I don't think I saw this mentioned, but the people they have stationed outside the ferry exit to welcome you to the island weird me out a little bit.
utterly fucking awesome.
God bless the empire state development corp and whoever else is responsible for turning this island into a free park. I brought my bike on the ferry and spent a wonderful afternoon by myself, biking around, exploring the forts and old buildings. There were two different art shows on the island, both with some fantastic art. Even if it's becoming more popular, there's still an astonishing amount of beautiful, green, open space. The buildings are wonderfully preserved and, of course, the views are killer.
One more reason to love New York City.
It's great. Be early because it is actually quite spread out and it takes quite a while to get where you are going! It's not like there's a cab or a subway.
Oh my gosh! I arranged to have our office picnic on Governors Island and we had an awesome time. Since we went on a Friday, we got to borrow bicycles for free and watch Twelfth Night performed by Pulse Theatre.
It was just so nice to picnic along a tree- and stately-house- lined street. You can't tell you're in NYC unless you're near the water. Where we were, you couldn't see the City at all, so I felt like I was in a quaint New England town.
Another hidden treasure. Its free...And its amazing. A perfect place to picnic and be alone. I take my niece and her cousins out there from time to time. I pack a lunch, lots of water and juice and we go...yes...it sounds crazy but single men can be family men...for a day anyway...then i give them back.
This place is amazing...the views...the grounds...be ready to hike. It is a good distance. There are bike trials, and the like. get there early. Its free and there is only one ferry and it leaves either every hour or half hour. You either make it on or you are on the next. So Bring a blanket. Bring food, as of last season there was only one vendor to be seen and he was in the front of the island...sucks to get hungry later. Then go explore this amazing place filled with old historic houses and civil war era forts and jails. The military gave it back and now its a treasure.
went to governor's island for the 2nd time last weekend for a bike ride. it was a beautiful day although slightly on the humid side!
i brought my bike and headed down to the free governor's island ferry (near the staten island ferry). the ferry left on time. it's a quick 8 minute ride over to the island. we disembarked and i was off!
the bike ride was very nice. the path around the island was smooth and wide. the island has some spectacular views. it is the closest land mass to the statue of liberty. it also has fantastic views of lower manhattan and jersey city.
on the ride, you pass by a pretty cool picnic area complete with picnic tables and hammocks!
the island does not have any water fountains, which was disappointing to me. either bring your own water or you can buy bottled on the island.
times visited: 2
time on the island: 1 hour
overall: B
http://museumhopper.bl.../
i was debating whether or not to review governor's island bc i want to prevent it from becoming more popular...yes, i am selfish.
it is my FAVORITE place in nyc...it's so surreal! its 10% creepy (abandoned ex-coast guard living quarters are scary and remind you of an urban horror movie, but its also cool at the same time - can't help staring into the empty windows and daring a ghost to show it's face), 90% amazing...some parts of it look like someone took a quaint little town from upstate NY and plopped it in the middle nyc! i absolutely love what they are doing with it, there are tons of activities for little/big kids throughout the summer, the ferry is free, there are tons of art exhibits, hammocks/chairs througout...this place is seriously amazing and i can't believe i haven't come here until now...
the island is super kid friendly, so i would advise against excessive pda around picnic point/open spaces, but you can find a few private spaces to canoodle if you go explore. the more open areas are pretty crowded but wandering through the fort and down some streets, you feel like you are completely alone...i love how they keep ALL the roads open and only block off the buildings...it's like they really want you to explore.
my one complaint is that i wish they would have more "real" bathrooms throughout the island rather than port-a-potties...i walked from picnic point to the ferry terminal so i could pee in a real bathroom with a real toilet/sink.
i can't wait to see what else they do to this place!
i seriously hope no one ever sees any of these rave reviews for governors island.
Totally recommend it!!
You can't really beat free ferry ride, free 1 hour biking on Fridays, free tram/walking tours, and the freedom to run around like you are 10 again.
I went last Friday with a small group. It was like having a park all to ourselves. We spread out a beach blanket, brought some Banh Mi Sandwiches, some snacks, and water and just chilled out. Later, we played some nerf football and then rented free bikes for an hour and rode around the island 8 times. We stopped to take some pictures of the Statue of Liberty. By two we were ready to go but it was a nice, inexpensive way to spend a Friday off.
Some advice: Go earlier rather than later as the lines get really long.
I can't add much to the good reviews already posted, but ... there was a group of us that hit the island during last year's Jazz Age Picnic and I have to say it was a brilliant venue.
Good view of the city, free ferry ride, often good to excellent free concerts (looks like some good folk music this summer - Janis Ian about a month ago), it truly is a hidden gem.
Forgot to mention : it's a great space if you're a camera hog - so many things to take photos of - city, Jersey docks, falling apart buildings, fort, ferries, bugs, birds ... it's really got a bit of everything.
