Make sure to get your ticket in advance before heading to the terminal. The majority of Governors Island is run by New York City's Trust for Governors Island, and the focus of the Trust is to provide recreational and educational activities for visitors.The recreational aspects include green spaces, playgrounds and sports fields, bike rentals, ice skating, picnic areas, glamping, concerts and art exhibitions, water fountains that kids can splash in, and food and . My coffee latte and chocolate snack was very good, but I did not need travel, with my ice skates, family and friends to Governors Island's pathetic winter village. During the summer months, Visitor Guides are available at the Soissons Landing Welcome Center in English, Simplified Chinese, and Spanish. Governors Island Things To Do in 2023 | NYC's Best Day Trip February 3, 2023 New York Located in New York Harbor lays the 172 acre Governors Island. There are regular concerts, festivals, and parties with trendy DJs (Avicci, Laidback Luke and the Bingoplayers played here already). Space for bikes and strollers is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. 10 South Street, Slip 7 5 reasons why myNY will make creating your itinerary easy! The Governors Island National Monument Fort Jay and Castle Williams will remain temporarily closed. East River Ferry provides commercial weekend service between these points: It stops at Governors Island on weekends ONLY. Composting all organics collected on the Island at Earth Matters. And yes, all visitors will be required to wear face coverings while being on the ferry, or when social distancing is not possible. The City of New York through the Trust for Governors Island manages the rest of the 150 acres. Ferries run from the Battery Maritime Building in Lower Manhattan until 10pm Sunday-Thursday and 11pm Friday-Saturday during the summer months. All visitors, back packs, packages and vehicles are subject to search. For all other ferries to Governors Island adults can purchase $2 round-trip tickets online or at the dock for afternoon ferries. Your email address will not be published. This must have been a beautiful fort back in the day. Fishing is permitted on Governors Island in the designated area along the western promenade. Walking around the island was easy but there was bikes and trikes you can hire if require. Public art and free exhibitions have always been a vital part of the Trust for Governors Island's vision for the park, with long-term sculptural installations including the likes of Mark Handforth's whimsical oversized Yankee Hanger at Liggett Terrace, Rachel Whiteread's brooding Cabin near Picnic Point, and Shantell Martin's scrawled-upon Church at the base of the Parade Grounds. Specialties: The National Park Service invites you to Experience Your America at Governors Island National Monument. This island came recommended to us by a local and we were not disappointed. And with our recommendations, youll have a really good time in New York, too, and youll have plenty left for your next visit. You can rent a bike, or walk around. We didnt have time to tour the forts but hope to return soon to do so. And of course, always be on the lookout for the working dogs, who are there to help keep the geese away. Pets or other animals. You can pretty much have a picnic with an amazing view. It's going to be really cool to witness this change and grow over the coming years. You can take the 1 train to South Ferry station, then walk to the Battery Maritime Building to catch the ferry to Governors Island. Visitor maps are available in Simplified Chinese and Spanish. You may leave the Island on any ferry you choose, no reservation required. Alternatively, take the free Downtown Connection bus to Battery Maritime Building, from where the ferry departs. Because even as the non-profit Trust for Governors Island continues to develop the land and repurpose those beautiful old buildings--adding amenities and amusements, art exhibitions and eating options--the 172-acre island still has plenty of room to enjoy some solitude. All tickets purchased below are round trip. Check select days/times for free bike rentals. If you own a bicycle, you are encouraged to bring your bike with you over on the ferries. Stay up to date on events, activities and all things Governors Island by subscribing to our newsletter. It has some interesting history. Governors Island NYC offers breathtaking views of the Manhattan Skyline. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Whether you prefer biking, ferrying, or public transportation, there are plenty of options to suit your needs and budget. A cafe, several ice cream trucks (great organic ice cream made in Brooklyn), New York City-known food trucks are also on-site. Pier 17- South Street Seaport. We will share all updates here. Over in the Urban Farm, a pair of goats help out by eating weeds from the Teaching Garden, and a noisy brood of chickens are vital to the operation at the Compost Learning Center. Among the items worth your attention here: Fish and Chips, an intriguing Crawfish BLT, Wellfleets and Navy Points by the half dozen, one of the best lobster rolls in town (get it with a side of their equally great fries), and a dish called Big Pickle which is exactly that, served push-up style in a bag. Schedules listed below are subject to change. . This year most events on Governors Island are canceled. 10 South Street, Slip 7 Don't miss the views from Outlook Hill (the best!) Try this ride You can also take the Brooklyn Bridge, which has a pedestrian and bike path. Are you looking for more ideas for cycling in New York? But the reason why you're here--or, at least, the reason why we would be here--are the two outdoor heated pools, complete with submerged "hydro loungers" situated to take full advantage of those spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline. Governors Island is home to unique historic and natural resources. Creating a community of Island tenants, partners, vendors and events that are committed to composting and recycling. And everyone has access to in-tent breakfast delivery, drinks on the sunset terrace, dinner from the wood-burning grill, and s'mores around the nightly campfire. Just avoid the worst crowds by going to the right or the left on the sand- unless you want to be in the middle of dense crowds. In fact, there are a few different ways to get your bike to the island. .WHICH CATER FOR MORE THAN TWO TYPES OF TOURISTS. After serving the public in a military capacity since 1755 . Ferry runs hourly starting at 10 AM. It is car-free and therefore very bike-friendly. You feel you're so far away from the city! 4. There are now Governors Island-operated ferries leaving from three locations: the Battery Maritime Building in Lower Manhattan, which runs every day, year-round; and the seasonal, weekends-only Brooklyn boats, from Pier 6 at Brooklyn Bridge Park, and from Red Hook/Atlantic Basin. Visit their website at ferry.nyc for more information. Make sure to book your ferry tickets in advance. Please note, if you travel to the Island on a Trust-operated ferry but want to leave on NYC Ferry, you will need to purchase an NYC Ferry ticket. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Drones Prohibited Activities Smoking of tobacco, e-cigarettes or other products that produce a vapor or smoke Commercial activity or solicitation Littering Picking flowers or plants Securing items to trees or buildings Feeding any animals in the park, including birds or squirrels Creating any disturbances, nuisances, or unsafe conditions Liggett Terrace Food Court, King Avenue Food Court a other locations on Governors Island feature a variety of food truck and tent vendors that serve a variety of meals, snacks, and beverages. There's a nice picnic area with great views of both the Statue of Liberty and the Verrazano Bridge on the southern part of the island. The Trust for Governors Island offers special waived ferry fares for non-profit community-based organizations, youth camps, and senior centers throughout New York City, subject to availability. Governors Island, New York, NY 11231. For the visitors, green spaces, a small miniature golf course, and many resting places were built which invites you to enjoy the island. Now you are on northbound South Street and the Governors Island Ferry Terminal is the large green building on your right. The subway is an economical way to get to Governors Island but involves a bit of walking. Additionally, there are three Citi Bike docks on Governors Island, at strategic locations near both ferries and down at Picnic Point. 95% of travelers recommend this experience. I love the boardwalk food, the water is clear and calm and clean. Blazing Saddles Bike Rentals open daily at 9am. Groups visiting Governors Island are encouraged to limit themselves to 40 individuals or fewer. Boat Tour NYC Skyline, Statue of Liberty, Private Yacht Tour, Go City: New York Explorer Pass - Choose 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 10 attractions, QC NY Luxury Wellness Spa on Governors Island, Circle Line: New York City Harbor Lights Cruise, Brooklyn Bridge & DUMBO Neighborhood Tour - from Manhattan to Brooklyn, Underground Donut Tour - New York's Only Donut Tour, Boroughs of NYC: Harlem, Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn & Coney Island, Private Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour, City Climb: The Ultimate Skyscraping Adventure at Edge, Grand Palisades Fall Foliage Cruise in New York, Official NYC Horse Carriage Rides in Central Park since 1979 , VIP Horse Carriage Ride through Central Park in NYC with Photo Stops. The island is busiest on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. What restaurants are near Governors Island? Please consult the ferry fares. In February 2023, the Trust for Governors Island began work on the phased demolition and reconstruction of Tango Pier on the Eastern side of Governors Island. Be prepared to walk or better ride a bike. The bike trail offers stunning views of the harbor and the Statue of Liberty. Firstly, you should plan ahead and research the various transportation options to determine what works best for you. The entire island is only 2.5 miles in circumference and completely car-free, so ride around the whole thing and explore along the way! In some cases, youll want to explore the historic and really imposing houses. Fourth of July 2023 Governors Island is open from 7am to 10pm on Tuesday, July 4. All weekend ferry runs before 11:30 AM are free, otherwise r. ound trip ferry service to Governors Island costs $2 for adults, $1 for seniors, children under 12 ride the ferry for free at all times. So, can you bring your bike to Governors Island? In partnership with Earth Matter NY, Inc. the Trust aims to reduce the amount of waste from the Island going to landfills by: Visitors can participate in the Zero Waste Initiative by practicing Think Before You Throw when putting waste in a bin, and can appreciate the results by enjoying the Islands vibrant landscapes that thrive on nutrients from Island-made compost. Three's Brewing has all the beer you could want, the Meat Hook next door grills up excellent burgers, and Little Eva's offers a full lineup of crowd-pleasers like Mac n' Cheese, BBQ Chicken, and Rice Krispie Treats. We strongly recommend you bring water on your day trip outing. During last years season ferries would run from Brooklyn Bridge Park. They even have free hammocks! With no cars allowed, biking here is safe and fun for everyone. UPDATE 2021: Governors island will be open all year round! So get ready for food, coffee, ice cream and drinks by our friends from Island Oyster, Taco Vista, Fauzias Heavenly Delights, Kimchi Taco, Makina, Threes Brewing and the Meat Hook, Melt Bakery, Peoples Pops, Perros Y Vainas, Joe Coffee, Three Peaks Lodge, Little Evas, Sea Biscuit, Pizza Yard, Everything About Crepes, Wings Lovers, Terry & Yahi, and Wafels & Dinges. Governors Island is open year-round. In fact, the views throughout were fantastic and allowed us to look back over towards Manhattan from a different perspective. All cyclists must operate their bicycles in a safe and responsible manner. The biggest opening so far this season is the QC NY Spa, a luxe Italian import that has completely taken over one of those brick buildings between the Manhattan ferry and Castle William on Andes Road. Top 10 Things To Know About The Empire State Building, The Best Hotels near the Empire State Building, One World Observatory The Complete Guide, The Complete Guide to Broadway Shows in New York, The 11 Best Helicopter Tours in NYC for 2023. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. What the 172-acre island does offer is a wealth of outdoor activities, seasonal. Car-free biking - you can bring your own bike over on the ferry, or rent one from Blazing Saddles. An 8 minute ferry ride takes you to this island with wide open green spaces and clean air (no cars and no smokers). Getting to Governors Island: Ferry service to Governors Island is offered daily from late May until late September. Start your trip to Governors Island by taking a quick ferry ride from either Lower Manhattan or Brooklyn Bridge park. Fort Jay and Castle Williams will be open on Saturdays and Sundays, 10am - 5pm Free public water fountains and bottle filling stations are available at a few locations. Wheelchair-accessible trams are available for all Island visitors from 10am to 6pm Wednesday through Sunday beginning May 27, with stops at both ferry landings and key areas around the Islandclick here to view a route map. Very limited air conditioned indoor spots. A great outdoor bar. Established in 2003. If you arrive earlier than your departure time or have missed your designated departure time, available spots on other ferries will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Your email address will not be published.