Governors Island — Attraction in New York

Took my first trip on a ferry to Governor’s Island and the island lived up to the enigma and mystery I’ve felt before visiting. I thoroughly enjoyed the historical feel of the island. It gives - people lived here and existed, that people once here.

Although I didn’t get to explore the entire island in its fullness as I would like. I was able to visit notable sites including Castle Williams, the college campus, the military chapel and green space. We also stopped at a food truck to grab a couple hot dogs with cole slaw, they were divine. Whoever thought about slaw on a hot dog - good idea. I most definitely recommend trying it.

I visited in late Feb which is still winter here in NYC so a lot of the stuff I expected to be open were closed and are usually open in the spring/summer period, mostly summer.

The ferry to the island is very quick. I was very surprised that one could stand outside now given the COVID measures previously that would not have allowed this. Despite the cold, outside ferrying for the first time wasn’t bad. To get to the ferry station, take a train to a station like South Ferry or Bowling Green. I usually don’t recommend driving because of the limited parking on the south end and the need to pay usually exorbitant sums especially if you’re not sure how long you’ll spend on the island.

I recommend this island for solo travellers who want a break from the hustle and bustle of the city; friends who wanna explore and go sightseeing together or families with kids because there’s so much for them to explore and see, interact with.

Wear comfortable walking shoes. You’ll be doing a lot of walking as theres no public transportation. I also think that a bike would be best to travel and explore on if you really wanna see everything in time and not have to be walking and just...

Governors Island is a hidden gem in New York Harbor, offering a peaceful retreat from the city with lush green spaces, historic sites, and panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline, Statue of Liberty, and Brooklyn Bridge. Accessible by a short ferry ride from Lower Manhattan or Brooklyn, the island is a perfect day trip for those looking to relax, explore, or enjoy outdoor activities.

Once on the island, I was captivated by its unique blend of history and recreation. The historic forts, Fort Jay and Castle Williams, offer fascinating insights into the island’s military past and provide great photo opportunities. The expansive Hammock Grove and The Hills—a series of man-made elevations—offer stunning views and peaceful spots to unwind. Slide Hill features the longest slide in NYC, making it a fun stop for families.

Governors Island is also a hub for seasonal events, from outdoor art installations and music festivals to food markets and wellness activities like yoga on the lawn. Biking around the island is highly recommended, with both rentals available and ample space for leisurely rides along car-free paths. For food, the island has a variety of food trucks and pop-up vendors offering everything from local treats to international cuisine, or you can bring your own picnic.

The island is open seasonally from May through October, and visiting during weekdays or early mornings ensures a quieter experience. Whether you’re exploring its rich history, relaxing in a hammock, or enjoying outdoor adventures, Governors Island offers a unique and refreshing escape from the city’s fast pace, making it a must-visit destination in...

I think Governor’s Island has been massively overhyped on Instagram and other social media platforms/visit NYC promotional materials. Some things I wish I knew before I made the journey out here: The ferry ride is really short - like maybe generously 10 minutes but probably more like 5 min. I scheduled a much earlier ferry ride than I needed to to come out here! The best part is the panoramic view of the city - you get a great view of Manhattan, Brooklyn, Staten Island, and New Jersey but it will probably take you only a few minutes to document it. There is not much to do on the island other than bike, hike the outlook at the southern end of the island, and take in the view. You can accomplish that in about 1 hour (you do not need to plan for a longer visit). If you come on a weekday, prepare yourself for the fact that most things are shut down - and most establishments may not open until late morning/early afternoon. The operating hours on the website are a bit misleading. I would maybe only come here if you are coming on the weekend and there is a specific event that you are interested in that you’ve confirmed (independently) that it is happening on the island when you are visiting. If you want to bike, I would try to bring your own - renting a bike from the one vendor on the island is very expensive. The “lavender field” is pretty small and is more like a lavender patch. The island is frankly very run down with lots of old buildings that are abandoned or under construction (think smashed windows, overgrowth, lots of dirt/construction zones). Looks like it was an abandoned military fort...