Things to do nearGovernors Island
Governors Island is a car-free retreat in New York Harbor offering sweeping city views, rolling hills, and a rich layer of military history.
Governors Island sits roughly half a mile from the southern tip of Manhattan and a quarter mile from Brooklyn, making it one of the most accessible escapes in the New York metropolitan area. For nearly two centuries the island served as a military installation, first under the Continental Army and later as a major United States Army and Coast Guard base. That long history left behind a remarkably intact collection of Federal-era architecture, including Fort Jay, completed in the early 1800s, and Castle Williams, a circular sandstone fortification that once held Confederate prisoners during the Civil War.
Today the island operates as a public park and cultural destination from late spring through early fall. Visitors move freely between the historic district in the north and the Hills, an elevated landscape built from material excavated during the construction of New York City subway tunnels. From the top of those hills, the panorama takes in New York Harbor, the Statue of Liberty, and the Brooklyn waterfront in a single sweep.
The arts programming on Governors Island draws installations and residencies from artists working at an unusually large scale, with the open grounds and repurposed military buildings providing a canvas that few urban venues can match. Food vendors, pop-up markets, and seasonal events keep the atmosphere lively without overwhelming the island's essential quality of calm.
Governors Island rewards visitors who give it more than a quick afternoon, offering enough history, landscape, and cultural programming to justify a full day away from the city grid.
7-day forecast
Chance of rainTips for visiting Governors Island
Visit on a weekday morning in late spring or early fall when crowds are thinnest and the harbor light is at its most flattering.
Rent a bike near the ferry landing to cover the island comfortably, including the hills at the southern end that offer some of the best views of the Statue of Liberty.
Bring a blanket and plan time on the Lawn, a large open green where you can sit with an unobstructed view of lower Manhattan.
Explore Fort Jay and Castle Williams, two of the oldest and best-preserved fortifications in the northeastern United States, both free to enter.
Pack your own food or arrive early, as the on-island vendors can sell out of popular items on busy summer weekends.
Top tours & experiences near Governors Island
Cruise Manhattan on a Climate Change & Architecture Tour
Circle Manhattan by yacht and learn how NYC is adapting to climate change
Single Tub Hot Tub Boat Tour of NY Harbor & Statue of Liberty
Soak in a private BYOB hot tub boat for up to 10 with skyline and Statue of Liberty views
Private New York Harbor Sailing Cruise
Private sail around New York Harbor for up to 6 guests
New York Harbor 2.5-Hour Group Sailing Cruise
Sail New York Harbor in a small group, with skyline and Statue of Liberty views
Cruise New York City Harbor & Statue of Liberty
See the Statue of Liberty and Lower Manhattan on a 1.5-hour yacht cruise
NYC Harbor Sunset Cruise Past the Statue of Liberty
Cruise NYC at sunset on a 1920s-style yacht with a complimentary drink
Evening Jazz Cruise in New York City
Cruise NYC at night with live jazz and skyline views
Statue of Liberty Tall Ship Cruise
Sail New York Harbor aboard a historic tall ship with close Statue of Liberty views
Sparkling Wine, Cheese & Caviar Cruise in NYC
Cruise NYC Harbor with sparkling wine, cheese, and caviar on a classic Manhattan yacht
New York City Live Jazz Cruise
Savor live jazz and crooner classics aboard a 1920s-style yacht
Sail250 New York Harbor Cruise to Tall Ships
Cruise NYC Harbor during Sail250 and view tall ships from a classic yacht
New York Golden Hour Cocktail Sail
See New York Harbor from a historic tall ship in pre-sunset light
New York Sunset Jazz Sail
Live jazz, harbor landmarks, and sunset views aboard a tall ship
3-Hour Private Sailing Charter in New York Harbor
Private New York Harbor sail with views of the Statue of Liberty
1.5-Hour New York City Lights Sailing Charter
Private moonlight sail past the Manhattan skyline and Statue of Liberty
2-Hour Private Sailing Charter in New York Harbor
Sail New York Harbor on a private 2-hour charter for up to 6 guests
Photo Speedboat Tour of New York City
Capture New York Harbor landmarks from a fast, photo-focused speedboat
Sail a NYC Sunset Cruise Past the Statue of Liberty
Private sunset sail from Chelsea Piers with skyline and Statue of Liberty views
Sunset Sailing Charter in New York Harbor
Private 2-hour sunset sail with New York Harbor landmarks
Cruise New York Harbor Fleet Week Military History Tour
Sail NYC’s Fleet Week military history tour on a classic yacht
Cruise The NYC Skyline With Dinner & DJ Dancing
Sail the NYC skyline with a buffet dinner and rooftop DJ dancing
3-Hour Private Sailing Charter in New York Harbor
Sail New York Harbor on a private 3-hour charter for up to 6 guests
2-Hour Private Daytime Sailing Charter in NYC
Sail New York Harbor on a private 2-hour daytime charter
Private Sunset Sailing Charter in New York Harbor
Private 2-hour sunset sail for up to 6 with Statue of Liberty views
Private New York City Lights Sailing Charter
Sail past Manhattan’s night skyline on a private 1.5-hour charter
Cruise New York Harbor on a 3-Hour Private Sail
Private 3-hour sail past the Statue of Liberty from Jersey City
Private Daytime Sailing Charter in New York City
Sail NYC on a private charter with a U.S. Coast Guard licensed captain
New York City 1.5-Hour Live Jazz Cruise
Hear live jazz as you cruise past Lower Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty
2-Hour New York Harbor Sailing Charter
Private sail past the Statue of Liberty and New York Harbor landmarks
Jersey City Sunset Sailing Charter
Golden-hour harbor views from a private classic sailboat
Private Daytime Sailing Charter in New York Harbor
Sail past New York Harbor landmarks on a private daytime outing
City Lights Sailing Charter From Jersey City
See Manhattan's illuminated skyline from a private evening sail
New York City Romantic Proposal Sail Charter
Plan a proposal sail on a classic yacht with New York City landmark views
NYC Skyline Lunch Cruise
Buffet dining, DJ dancing and New York Harbor views aboard the Skyline Princess
Lower Broadway Walking Tour in New York City
Explore New York Harbor views, Wall Street landmarks, and the World Trade Center site
Walking Tour & Statue of Liberty Cruise in Lower Manhattan
Trace Lower Manhattan’s financial history before cruising past the Statue of Liberty
Governors Island Bike & Pedal Car Rentals
Choose a bike, surrey, or pedal car for your island ride
Statue of Liberty 1-Hour Sightseeing Cruise
Cruise the East River for close views of the Statue of Liberty and New York landmarks
Manhattan Island Jet Ski Tour
Jet ski around Manhattan’s rivers and landmarks on a guided ride
Statue of Liberty 20-Minute Flight Tour
See Lady Liberty and Lower Manhattan from the air
4-Hour Guided E-Bike Tour of Manhattan & Brooklyn
Cross Manhattan and Brooklyn by e-bike on a route with mostly protected lanes