Governors Island National Monument — Attraction in New York

Simply put, Governors Island is the most amazing juxtaposition to be found in NYC. I've had the great fortune of camping there five times during the annual City of Water Day festivities, usually held the second Saturday in July. This gift is open to very few people as it requires the campers arrive by human powered paddle craft. Most common have been kayakers, followed by canoeists (traditional North American types and Pacific outriggers), whitehall gigs (traditional rowboat and the yellow taxi of the 18th and 19th centuries and built by several local nonprofit groups and rowed by local teens), and the last few years even paddle boarders. Getting to the island this way is not for the feint of heart or the lazy---we have a lot of current in New York harbor and on its flooded estuarine and tidal rivers that change twice a day. In fact that is the reason for the camping in the first place. City of Water Day is a celebration both of our existence as a seaside port and water town and for the first few years when held just on the island, a celebration of the island being kept mostly public. That latter bit was at least in part due to the many active paddling and rowing clubs, boathouses and organizations in the city and their fight to keep Governors Island For The People. However, human powered vessels are still generally at the mercy of those currents and both getting too and departing the island on a single day in daylight was either impractical or impossible, hence the need to overnight. I'l leave you to read the many well-written pieces to be found about the island's history as military base, first for the Army and later the Coast Guard. Suffice it to say that camping among the island's many old, preserved and stately buildings and homes (that today lack electricity or water for the most part and hence would not make for good accommodations, aside from the issues of liability) makes for a quiet, almost surreal but beautiful stay. Depending on the part of the island where campers have been placed (for several years we were in Park but in latter years along Colonel's Row), the loudest noise was of fellow campers, and crickets, and very loud sea gulls at dawn. Other years the crickets were drowned out by an on-island private concession, a dance club blasting techno music and other years the loud pumps running around the clock to keep the baby oysters (known as spat) being raised by the island's unique high school, The Harbor School, alive. We have experienced drenching downpours, stagnant high humidity making sleep very difficult. While you may get home exhausted and sleep-deprived some years, the adventure always leaves me with a warm, affectionate, lasting memory, one of a real outdoor adventure in the heart of one of America's busiest waterways. And there is nothing quite like the night time view of walking from between darkened 19th century wooden houses, and their feel of a ghost town and glimpsing across The Battery at the dense, luminous skyscrapers of Manhattan or across Buttermilk Channel at the lower but equally bright skyline...

Governors Island is a unique and charming destination that offers a wonderful escape from the hustle and bustle of New York City. Located just off the southern tip of Manhattan, this 172-acre island has a rich history and provides a serene retreat with stunning views of the city skyline.

One of the best aspects of Governors Island is its accessibility. Visitors can reach the island by ferry, which adds an element of adventure to the experience. The short ferry ride itself is enjoyable, providing picturesque views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the Lower Manhattan skyline.

Once on the island, you'll find a variety of activities to suit different interests. The island's expansive green spaces are perfect for picnics, leisurely strolls, or relaxing in the shade. The bike rental services make it easy to explore the island at your own pace, allowing you to visit its numerous historic landmarks, art installations, and natural landscapes.

The island also hosts a vibrant calendar of events and festivals throughout the year. From food festivals to art exhibitions, concerts, and outdoor movie screenings, there's always something happening on Governors Island. These events add to the island's lively atmosphere and make it a popular spot for both locals and tourists.

Furthermore, Governors Island offers a range of dining options, from food trucks and casual eateries to upscale restaurants. You can enjoy a delicious meal while taking in the breathtaking views of the harbor and skyline.

One of the few drawbacks of Governors Island is its limited operating season. The island is typically open to the public from May to October, which means it may not be accessible during the colder months. Additionally, some visitors might find the island's relatively small size limiting, especially if they are seeking a more extensive outdoor experience.

Overall, Governors Island is a hidden gem in New York City, offering a peaceful oasis with stunning views and a wide range of activities. Whether you're looking for a relaxing day in nature, cultural events, or a family-friendly outing, Governors Island has something to offer everyone. It's a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists seeking a unique and memorable experience in...

Very cool place to visit!!

We went on a Saturday. I've never been there before.

LIRR to Penn Station. Then a cab because of construction (the subway wasn't running on the normal schedule). $22 for 4 people from Penn to the ferry. Not bad.

Now the really nice part... The first three (3) ferries from Manhattan to Governor's Island are FREE. Yes. FREE. Amazing!

(You're welcome to bring your own bicycle - or you can rent one on the island.)

So we have a very pleasant 15-minute ferry ride over to the island. The views from the ferry are spectacular!

Once you get to the island you have an absolute stunning view of lower Manhattan (including the Freedom Tower), the Statue of Liberty, Jersey City, & the Verrazano Bridge.

Learning the history of the old forts was very interesting.

There is an area filled with hammocks. Great for a 20-minute nap. :)

Free cell phone charging stations.

Bathrooms were a little... "Rustic"... But they serve the purpose. ;-)

For lunch... Food trucks! Yup! Food trucks! Everything from Waffles & Dinges, to cheesesteaks and burgers, to Asian, and more. One vendor was cutting open fresh (green) coconuts so you could drink the coconut water. It was delicious!

This place is definitely worth visiting! The history is fascinating. The role that it played during the Civil War... Really interesting!

And admission...