Governors Island National Monument
Governors Island National Monument
Governors Island National Monument
4.5
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About
This former Dutch governor's estate, former military fort and former Coast Guard command post now enjoys its old age as a historic monument where you can take the occasional tour.
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
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Neighbourhood: Governors Island
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
797 reviews
Excellent
491
Very good
237
Average
59
Poor
6
Terrible
4
Nora H
Little Rock, AR67 contributions
Apr. 2023 • Friends
The only way to get to the island is by ferry. During our visit, there was only one place to eat and the food was okay. So bring food or a snack with you.
Written April 29, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tiana O
1 contribution
Feb. 2023 • Family
If you like fort totten, but dislike the limited access (noon-4pm), 60% of it off limits to the public; fort Jay gives you that space away from the city, with the view of the skyline in the distance. It’s worth the trip if you prefer the old world style or just nature in general
Definitely not for everyone, as there isn’t much access to provision outlets etc but it’s great if you come prepared!
Pictured below is also a tunnel in fort totten I took, it’s nice comparing the architecture throughout the East Coast
Greenwood cemetary is also pictured. Can you tell which is which? 😏
Definitely not for everyone, as there isn’t much access to provision outlets etc but it’s great if you come prepared!
Pictured below is also a tunnel in fort totten I took, it’s nice comparing the architecture throughout the East Coast
Greenwood cemetary is also pictured. Can you tell which is which? 😏
Written March 11, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Manicrose
Bourne, UK1,182 contributions
Sep. 2022 • Couples
We decided to visit governors island after seeing the statue of Liberty. Ferry tickets are $8 but it’s not worth it. Only a couple of food trucks were open (more should have been open according to the website) and there was nothing else to do. Probably worth visiting if an event on there but otherwise don’t bother.
Written September 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brendan S
Arlington, VA1,575 contributions
Jul. 2022 • Couples
Governor’s Island was the site of two forts that were used well into the 20th century. The forts and houses and other military structures remain but have been abandoned. Some have been repurposed into art installations.
The Island is best described as an escape from New York City. You can get here in a few minutes from a Battery Park ferry, but although the island is almost literally in the shadow of Lower Manhattan (and offers many terrific views of it), once you turn a corner or go over a hill, the city and cars disappear and it’s a big park with pedestrians and cyclists.
It’s perfect as a recreational escape for a picnic and a stroll or ride. As an attraction, it’s very limited. There are a dozen eateries, but they are mostly good trucks and stands, not restaurants. The art installations did not grab my attention. The two forts have impressive exteriors, but there’s little to see at either one except the courtyards. There’s history here, but this isn’t a place to go to learn and see a lot.
The Island is best described as an escape from New York City. You can get here in a few minutes from a Battery Park ferry, but although the island is almost literally in the shadow of Lower Manhattan (and offers many terrific views of it), once you turn a corner or go over a hill, the city and cars disappear and it’s a big park with pedestrians and cyclists.
It’s perfect as a recreational escape for a picnic and a stroll or ride. As an attraction, it’s very limited. There are a dozen eateries, but they are mostly good trucks and stands, not restaurants. The art installations did not grab my attention. The two forts have impressive exteriors, but there’s little to see at either one except the courtyards. There’s history here, but this isn’t a place to go to learn and see a lot.
Written July 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sameer k
London, UK95 contributions
May 2022 • Family
We went here having heard mixed views of ‘nothing there’ and ‘you have to go’
Spent 3h there with our 2yo on a weekday. It is true that after one or two historical sights, the primary activity is enjoying the quiet and relaxation and the views
We spent time on the hammocks and playground and kid ran under the water sculpture as it was a hot day
There’s also bike/other pedal- vehicle hire, some food trucks, a spa which had patrons on garden area which definitely looked interesting and a bar both with amazing views and food trucks (only 1-2 open on weekdays)
Well worth the trip if you’re done with sightseeing
Spent 3h there with our 2yo on a weekday. It is true that after one or two historical sights, the primary activity is enjoying the quiet and relaxation and the views
We spent time on the hammocks and playground and kid ran under the water sculpture as it was a hot day
There’s also bike/other pedal- vehicle hire, some food trucks, a spa which had patrons on garden area which definitely looked interesting and a bar both with amazing views and food trucks (only 1-2 open on weekdays)
Well worth the trip if you’re done with sightseeing
Written May 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NYTraveller_7
New York169 contributions
Oct. 2021
First time visiting, and will not be the last...quick ferry trip from Manhattan pier...rented bicycles from Blazing Saddles (Citibike also available). We rode around the island, but walking is just as enjoyable...plenty of photo ops of NYC buildings, and the Statue of LIberty...interesting history of the island through walking tour or display stands...the real treat...glamping on the island in one of the tents/trailers (bathroom included). This gem was off limits to visitors until several years ago. The old military barracks are just waiting to be repurposed into hotel rooms, or a hi tech campus, or expensive condos with all around water views.
Written October 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karru m
1 contribution
Aug. 2021
Frequent visitor to Governors Island with my sons. We love to rent bikes or pedal cars from Blazing Saddles. Its a nice way to see the island, which has no car traffic, and get from point to point. Friendly, helpful staff. It helps to reach some of the attractions on the other side of the island, like the slides and lookout hill, which has great views of Statue of Liberty and Manhattan.
Written September 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jonathan C.
La Jolla, California, USA472 contributions
Jul. 2021
There's a lot of recreational space on Governors Island, but also a lot of history - had a lot of fun learning about the importance of this island for the city of New York.
Written September 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CasaHoffa
Huatulco, Mexico11,804 contributions
Nov. 2019
We often go to Governors Island during the summer months and when we do, we prefer to ride around on tandems for two as well as the surreys if we are with another couple. The views of the Statue of Liberty and lower Manhattan are the best from here. (Note: the date shown here is not correct; summer months during 2019 were not available to be selected.)
Written October 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WesOrmond
Ormond Beach, FL214 contributions
Sep. 2020
Was looking for an easy way to get out of the city and enjoy the nice weather. The trip to the ferry at Battery Point was a medium bike ride from 48th and 3rd along the river. The ferry ride is cheap ($3) and was just a short ride but with a nice view. Picked up a Citibike at the ferry terminal and rode all the way around the island. There are a number of food venues/food trucks so you can get some interesting things to eat. Most things are not open due to Covid but it's still a nice green area with a lot of buildings left over from the military base days. Lots of folks renting bikes at Blazing Saddles as it's a great place to ride.
Written September 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ushep
11 contributions
What are the best option for going to governor island from north jersey ? Ferry from weehowken or bus to ny and then ferry ?
Kay C
50 contributions
I’d choose ferry to Pier 11 Wall Street, disembark and turn left, walk 0.3 mile to GovIsland Ferry. If you prefer bus to Port Authority, follow signs to subway, walk through underground passage to #1 line and take it southbound to end. Upstairs, you’ll be in front of Staten Island Ferry terminal; walk left for 100 yards to GovIs ferry. Enjoy the day - it’s a wonderful place!
what is plan for spa resort on the island?
Bonnie K
Jerusalem, Israel332 contributions
Saw some reference. Don't know for sure. Contact them directly.
Miriam
Bergamo, Italy229 contributions
hi, i read the ferry is free on saturday/sunday morning (before noon), but is the return free? in the site it'is not specificate, and the ticket is only round trip (3 $). thanks
Linda G
new Orleans82 contributions
Enjoyed your post about Governors Island. I lived there from 1989 - 1992 with my active duty husband and my two young children. It was a wonderful experience. Every day I took the ferry into the city, caught the subway to Greenwich Village where I worked as a nurse at St Vincent Medical Center, now also gone. It was the absolute best of both worlds, the city and coming home to our private little island. Thanks so much for posting!
TheaCTravels
New York City, NY44 contributions
You are quite welcome. I plan to go back with my daughter and share some of the history with her.
Silviamdq2019
Mar del Plata, Argentina40 contributions
Hola , quisiera saber si es posible tomar el mismo ferry que te lleva a la Estatua de la Libertad, y continuar hacia Long Island y a la Isla del Gobernador o si otro paseo.
divamom8
Queens, NY13 contributions
No es posible. Los ferries no están conectados entre sí , pero los terminales son aproximadamente 1/2 milla de distancia en el bajo Manhattan .
Ellen C
2 contributions
I have tickets to an event on Governors Island. Unfortunately I just found out I may be on call for work! I may not even get asked to turn anything around, so I hate to miss the event, but if I get asked to do something, I have to be able to do it.
I have a mobile hotspot, and I can bring my laptop. I just need to know - what is the cell phone service situation out there, and are there any places where one could plug in a laptop? Has anyone ever been in this situation in the past?
GStall23
Bronx, NY12 contributions
I have Verizon and never had a problem with cell service there. There is also a charging station which should accommodate any cell phone. I never brought a laptop with me but you should be able to at least answer emails via cell. Hope that helps! Have a great time :)
TxGramma
Texas1,026 contributions
Trying to sort out a good plan for governor's Island in late August. We will be there on a Saturday or Sunday. I read that there are various Ranger programs, and want to decide whether the 90 minute Ranger tour is different from the other ones listed on their website. Perhaps someone has been to several of these and can give some commentary....?
Explore Castle Williams - Courtyard open 10 AM till 5:30 PM. Tours on the half hour from 11:30 AM till 4:30 PM. About 30 minutes.
Experience Fort Jay: An Island Star! - On the half hour, 11:30 PM to 3:30 PM
Rangers Choice - 1:30 PM at Soissons Dock. About 60 minutes.
Hike through History – 2:30 PM at Soissons Dock. About 90 minutes. See the whole history of the island in one go.
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Claim your listingGOVERNORS ISLAND NATIONAL MONUMENT - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Governors Island National Monument
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Governors Island National Monument:
- New York Premier Lunch Cruise (From C$128.19)
- Manhattan Sky Tour: New York Helicopter Flight (From C$311.20)
- New York Lunch Cruise (From C$119.14)
- New York City Lights and Skyline Cruise on Yacht (From C$97.84)
- New York Manhattan Scenic Helicopter Tour (From C$379.15)
- Hotels near Governors Island National Monument:
- (0.33 km) Collective Governors Island - A New York City Retreat
- (1.64 km) Hilton Garden Inn NYC Financial Center / Manhattan Downtown
- (2.06 km) The Wall Street Hotel
- (2.15 km) Mint House at 70 Pine
- (1.86 km) Sonder Battery Park
- Restaurants near Governors Island National Monument:
- (0.02 km) Little Eva's Beer Garden
- (0.53 km) Island Oyster
- (2.31 km) Bill's Bar & Burger
- (0.53 km) GITANO Island NYC
- (1.69 km) The Dead Rabbit