Visiting Governors Island - A Complete Guide
Governors Island is a unique destination right in the middle of New York Harbor.
The 172-acre island is only a 5-minute ferry ride from lower Manhattan and features 7 miles of car-free biking, excellent restaurants, a spa, overnight “glamping” accommodations, art exhibits, lots of military history, and world-class views.
Many of the restaurants on Governors Island take advantage of the fantastic view of the NYC skyline. This is the seating for the casual, yet excellent, Taco Vista. All photos by John O’Boyle/The Empty Nest Explorers
History of Governors Island
Because of its strategic location in the middle of New York Harbor Governors Island served as a military base from 1794 to 1995. Castle William and Fort Jay protected New York Harbor during the War of 1812, the Civil War, and World War 1 and 2.
Visitors can tour both facilities and there are usually National Park Service Rangers onside to answer questions.
Passengers arrive on the ferry from Lower Manhattan. There is also a ferry that’s part of the NYC ferry system that arrives on the other side of the island.
How to get to Governors Island
A ferry is the only way to get to Governors Island and there are two options.
The first option is a ferry operated by the Trust for Governors Island runs daily from the Battery Maritime Building located at 10 South Street in Lower Manhattan. This large ferry brings both passengers and vehicles for staff and operations.
We took this ferry on our most recent visit and purchased the $5 roundtrip ticket at a kiosk in the building.
You’ll be treated to wonderful views of lower Manhattan during the very fast trip.
The other option is NYC Ferry, the City's public ferry service. This ferry makes stops on Wall Street and along the Brooklyn waterfront.
This might be a good option if you want to visit the Brooklyn Bridge and DUMBO area after your trip to Governors Island.
You can find more info about both ferries here.
The NYC ferry arrives at the far side of Governors Island. There are many CitiBikes for rent right at the ferry dock.
Governors Island is open from 7 am to 10 pm from Memorial Day to Labor Day and 7 am to 6 pm the rest of the year.
6 pm seems very early in the spring and fall when it’s still sunny and warm at that time of day so keep a careful eye on the ferry schedule.
Note - there are later ferries for people staying on the island and customers of the restaurants and spa.
What to do on Governors Island
A great view of the NYC skyline from the area near Castle Williams.
Biking
Biking is our favorite activity on Governors Island. The paths are very well maintained and the views of NYC and the Statue of Liberty are fantastic.
You can bring your bike on the ferry or there are two options to rent a bike on Governors Island.
Citibike has three docking stations, including Soissons Landing (where the Manhattan ferry docks) and on the other side of the island at Yankee Ferry Terminal (where the Brooklyn ferry docks).
You can learn more about Citibike pricing and download the app here.
Blazing Saddles is a private bike rental operation that offers a wide variety of bikes. They offer 2-hour and all-day rentals. They are located between Castle Williams and Colonels Row.
Biking is a great way to find all the scenic views on Governors Island.
QC NY spa
Perhaps one of the most relaxing things to do in all of NYC is spend a day being pampered at the QC NY spa.
Any trip to a spa is fun but this one overlooks the iconic New York skyline.
The spa offers 20 different experiences including relaxation rooms, steam rooms, a sauna, a serene lavender room, and even an ice room.
You can even dine in your spa robe while taking in the skyline view at Casa QC. The restaurant offers a healthy buffet meal for $48.
The spa is open year-round from 11 am to 9 pm (10 pm on Fridays and Saturdays)
Tour Fort Jay
The origins of Fort Jay can be traced to before the United States was even a country. The Continental Army first erected an earthen fortification at the highest spot on Governors Island.
After various rounds of improvements, Fort Jay is now an excellent example of the classic star-shaped fort design.
The fort is open Wednesday through Sunday plus federal holidays.
You can sign up for a guided tour of Fort Jay here.
Visit Castle Williams
Take one look at Castle Williams and you’ll know that it served as a formidable defensive position for New York Harbor.
The fort is named after Lt. Col. Jonathan Williams, Chief Engineer of the US Army Corps of Engineers, who designed the structure in 1807.
It is open Wednesday through Sunday and federal holidays.
While there are often rangers around to answer your questions you can sign up for a guided tour of Castle Williams here.
The interior of Castle Williams.
Admire artwork on Governors Island
Governors Island has made a major commitment to serve as a showcase for artists.
The Arts Center, located right at the Soissons Landing ferry, hosts a wide range of rotating art shows.
There is also a snack bar and restrooms in the building.
It’s absolutely worth a visit.
Connect with Mother Nature
Governors Island offers several unique opportunities to connect with nature.
At the Bee Conservancy, you can observe bee hives and meet beekeepers.
The Soil Start Farm teaches people about composting, plus you can meet some resident chickens.
You can learn about urban gardening at the GrowNYC Teaching Garden.
These attractions are operated by volunteer groups and our experience has taught us that they are not always open but do host many events throughout the year. Your best bet is to consult the Governors Island website for updated information.
Guided Walking Tours
Free one-hour walking tours begin at the Governors Island Welcome Center at Soissons Landing on Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays at 10:45AM, 12:45PM & 2:45PM.
The tours are led by volunteers from the Friends of Governors Island.
Walking, taking selfies, riding all styles of bicycle, sitting in comfortable chairs, or pitching a tent for the day are all great Governors Island activities. You can do all this while watching cruise ships leave New York harbor.
Hammock Grove
Hammock Grove is a great place to relax in one of the Island’s iconic red hammocks. It’s about a 15-minute walk from Soissons Landing and a 5-minute walk from Yankee Pier.
Staying overnight on Governors Island
This is one of the many accommodations available on Governors Island. This room faces the Statue of Liberty.
While New York City is known for some amazing hotels, none of them can provide the unique experience of staying overnight on Governors Island.
Collective Retreats operates a high-end “glamping” resort on the island. Each accommodation is uniquely designed.
Imagine sitting on your private deck watching the sunset behind the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline glistening. In the morning you can rides bikes and enjoy te island before anyone else arrives.
Overnight guests can enjoy a “farm-to-island” dining menu and smores at the evening campfire.
Debbie and I have only admired the accommodations while riding by on bikes but it looks so cool we may need to treat ourselves with a visit in the near future.
Dining on Governors Island
Governors Island offers a surprising number of dining options.
Tacos from Taco Vista.
During our most recent visit, we arrived at the island starving so we headed to Taco Vista because it is located near the ferry dock. Not only were the tacos great but Taco Vista lived up to its name with picnic benches overlooking the lower Manhattan skyline.
This is the place to be if you’ve ever thought about becoming a cook but don’t want to work in a cramped basement kitchen, the open-air kitchen looks out directly on the NYC skyline.
Island Oyster offers fresh seafood
Threes Brewing offers locally brewed beers.
Sea Biscuit serves quesadillas, lobster rolls, crab cakes, and other dishes and drinks.
Gitano Island specializes in Mexican dishes in a unique Tulum-inspired atmosphere, a very cool place.
There are more than a dozen other spots to grab a bite on the island but many are only open during the summer or on weekends.
More info on dining on Governors Island here.
You can take advantage of great views on the ferry back to Manhattan.
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