A seven-minute ride on a free ferry takes you to this island sanctuary, a scant 800 yards from lower Manhattan. Thanks to its strategic position in the middle of New York Harbor, Governors Island was a military outpost and off-limits to the public for 200 years. It finally opened to summer visitors in 2006. The verdant, 172-acre isle still retains a significant chunk of its military-era architecture, including Fort Jay, started in 1776, and Castle Williams, which was completed in 1812 and used as a prison. The 22-acre area containing the forts and historical officers’ residences is now a national landmark. Today, the island is jointly run by the city, the state and the National Park Service, and it provides a peaceful setting for cycling (bring a bike on the ferry, or rent from Bike and Roll once there). The island hosts a program of events, such as concert series and art exhibitions (see website for schedule), and where else can you have a picnic directly across from the Statue of Liberty?
Governors Island
Time Out says
Details
- Address:
- Governors Island
- New York
- 10004
- Contact:
- View Website
- 212-440-2200
- Price:
- Ferry is $2 roundtrip
- Opening hours:
- 7 days/week, 10am–7pm. May 23–Sept 27
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- Sign in & claim business
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