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Governors Island – The Hidden Gem of New York City

Governors Island – The Hidden Gem of New York City

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Governors Island New York City

Governors Island New York City

 

Whenever you think of open, green space in New York City, what comes to your mind? For most people, the obvious answer is Central Park.

What most tourists never get to know is that there is another great place full of vast, green spaces which is completely free from any vehicular traffic – Governor’s Island. The funny part is, even New Yorkers tend to forget this nice alternative to Central Park!

(Image by dougtone)

 

Governors Island Location

Governors Island is located in the New York Bay, about 0.5 mile South-East of the Southern-most tip of Manhattan. Although it is part of the Manhattan borough, physically it is closer to Brooklyn than Manhattan.

 

Governors Island Operation Schedule

Governors Island is not open year round. It is open only in the weekends during summer months, from May 27 to September 25. It is open on all Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and holiday Mondays between these dates.

Following are the timings:

Fridays: 10am to 5pm
Saturdas, Sundays and holiday Mondays: 10am to 7pm

 

How to go to Governors Island

Governors Island is accessible only by a ferry. There is no charge for the ferries – they are completely free.

The ferries run from downtown Mahattan on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and holiday Mondays.

The ferries also run from Brooklyn, but only on Saturdays, Sundays and holiday Mondays – there are no ferries on Fridays.

For complete ferry schedule from Manhattan / Brooklyn to Governors Island, please click here.

 

Governors Island, New York City - Concert

Governors Island, New York City - Concert

Governors Island Attractions & Activities

Governors Island’s main attraction is its vast green spaces, far from the traffic and crowds of New York City (cars are not allowed on Governors Island)! It also has free exhibits, outdoor sculptures and miles of biking lanes.

(Photo by The Trust For Governor’s Island)

Governors Island also plays host to many open air concerts and shows – which are also free. Attending these can be a great way to spend a sunny weekend afternoon!

The island also houses Fort Jay and Castle Williams, which are National Monuments.

To see a list of all the activities and current exhibits / events, please see the calendar of events.

 

Food and Amenities at Governors Island

Food

You can get your own food when you come to Governors Island – which is awesome if you are traveling with kids. If you prefer to not carry the food, there are various vendors on the island that sell a variety of foods.

Alcohol can not be brought on the island – although you can buy it from vendors at the Water Taxi Beach.

Bathrooms

There are indoor bathrooms in Building 110 which is right next to the ferry landing. The island also has many port-a-johns.

 

Castle Williams Governors Island New York City

Castle Williams Governors Island New York City

Governors Island History

Governors Island has been extensively used by the US Army and US Coast Guard till as recently as 1996.

The island was a US Army post from 1783 to 1966. From 1966 to 1996, it was a major US Coast Guard installation.

For a full history of Governors Island, please click here.

(Image source: Wikipedia)

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