What to do on Governors Island- The Adventuring Millennial

Updated May 2021

I know some people complain about summers in NYC. Sure, it’s hot outside and the subways are…hotter. But summer in NYC means people emerge from hibernation and start exploring the city again. And summer 2021 especially feels like a fresh start for NYC.

There are tons of ways to make the most of your NYC summer. But if you don’t visit Governors Island, you are missing out!

Not sure what to do on Governors Island (or what it even is)? Read on! Another instillation of my NYC Summer Series is here and I’m ready to get you on board with this incredible getaway!

Ok, getaway might be a stretch. This 172-acre island is only 800 yards from the bottom of Manhattan. But this tiny car-free island really feels like a getaway from the chaos of NYC.

What to do on Governors Island: Your Complete Guide

The Basics

Governors Island is a small partly man-made island just off the southern coast of Manhattan. This island is open seasonally from May 1 until October 31, 2021. Cars are not allowed on the island, but you can easily get around by biking or walking. On the island, you can tour a few historic sites, relax in a well-maintained park, or enjoy one of the many food carts that set up during the summer.

The island is open Monday-Friday from 10 am-6:15 pm. On Saturdays and Sundays, the island stays open until 7pm.

Safety Guidelines

Certain health and safety protocols are still in place from the 2021 season. Make sure to review these before visiting the island:

Face coverings are required on the ferries and in any indoor spaces on Governors Island
Maintain 6ft between groups on the Island where possible
Tickets are required for the ferry to maintain the reduced capacity (more details below)
Hand sanitizer and hand washing stations have been added throughout the Island

How to Get Here

You can reach Governors Island by taking a ferry from Manhattan or Brooklyn. Advanced reservations are required to board the ferry. Check out a detailed schedule and make reservations here. Ferries leave from:

Lower Manhattan’s Battery Maritime Building (10 South Street) every day starting at 10 am.
- Return trips starting at 10:20 am.
Brooklyn’s Pier 6 on weekends only starting at 10:15 am.
- Return trips starting at 11:00 am.
Atlantic Basin in Red Hook on weekends only starting at 9:45 am.
- Return trips starting at 10:30 am.

Ferry trips cost $3 each way for adults. You can bring a bike for free, but space is limited.

On weekends, Governors Island ferry trips taken before noon are free for everyone! Free tickets are also available every day to children under 12 years old, adults over 65 years old, residents of NYCHA housing, IDNYC holders, military service members (former and active) and Governors Island members.

History

Giovanni da Verrazzano was the first European explorer to create a record of the island. At that time (the early 1500s) it was known as Paggank, the Lenape term for “nut island.” In 1624 the Dutch settlers landed here to start New Netherlands so this island could be considered the birthplace of New York.

In the late 1600s, the British took control of New York from the Dutch. They renamed the island Governors Island and reserved it for “Her Majesty’s Governors.”

This island also served as a defensive site for the colonists during the American Revolution. Until 1996, this island played a role as a US military post.

Today, part of the island is operated by the National Park Service. You can tour multiple historic forts and military barracks to learn more about this island’s unique history.

Now that you know more about this island, let’s take a deep dive into everything you can do on Governors Island this summer!

1. Relax

One of the best things about Governors Island is the chance to relax. As I mentioned earlier, this island is car free, which make it such a peaceful escape from NYC. And even though it is a small island there is plenty of room to find a quiet spot away from crowds.

Hammocks– I’m not going to lie, an Instagram picture of the red hammocks first made me want to visit the island. And I wasn’t disappointed. You can find 50 red hammocks in Hammock Grove and they are available on a first come-first serve basis. Keep an eye out for the sheep who are helping keep the weeds under control in the grove!

Picnic– Pack a picnic and bring it to the island. There are plenty of shady and grassy spots to sit and relax. You can even reserve a grill to take your picnic up a notch!

Camp at the Collective Retreats– Ok, its really glamping but you can spend the night on Governors Island. When you visit the island you will notice a collection of white tents with an incredible view of the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan skyline. (Just know that prices start at $350 a night.) Learn more & reserve here. If you don’t want to spend the night, you can also dine at the Retreat’s eatery (more info below).

2. Eat & Drink

Besides bringing your own picnic, there are a few options for food & drinks on the island.

Island Oyster– This waterfront bar and restaurant was nominated for a 2019 James Bread Foundation award for Best Restaurant Design. Oysters, small plates, cocktails, wine, and beer are available.
Taco Vista– Located near Island Oyster, this stand serves tacos, margs, and beer with an incredible view of Manhattan.
Little Eva’s– You can find this beer garden in the Liggett Terrace food court. Enjoy laid-back island food and a variety of drinks.
Sea Biscuit– This is an outpost of Little Eva’s where you can sip frozen drinks while taking in the views of the Statue of Liberty and Lower Manhattan.
Kimchi Taco Truck– Korean-inspired street food favorites available Friday-Sunday.
Fauzia’s Heavenly Delights– A popular Jamaican fusion spot serving jerk chicken, cod fritters, and other Caribbean favorites on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Terry & Yaki– Teriyaki bowls for all types of diets are offered on Saturdays and Sundays.
Joe Coffee– Visit the stand in the Battery Maritime Building before boarding the ferry or stop by the cart on the Island to fuel up with some of NYC’s favorite coffee.
Makina Cafe– On Saturdays and Sundays you can try this unique food truck serving healthy Habesha food.
Mai Bpen Rai– Enjoy green papaya salads and other Thai treats on Saturdays and Sundays.
Melt Bakery– Delicious ice cream sandwiches served Fridays-Sundays.
People’s Pops– Refreshing fruit popsicles are offered Fridays-Sundays.
Malai– This ice cream cart serves delicious “Weekender Bars” made with South Asian flavors.
Threes Brewing– Brooklyn-based Threes Brewing offers beer and wine on the Liggett Terrace food court during the weekends.
Three Peaks Lodge at Collective Retreats– This lodge, located on the campground, serves lunch, cocktails, and snacks to all visitors, not just Retreat guests. You can enjoy their brunch service on the weekend.

3. Adventure

Ready to go on adventure? There are plenty of options for you on Governors Island!

Bike Ride– There are 7 miles of paved car-free bike trails on the island. You can bring your own bike on the ferry or rent one on the island. Blazing Saddles offers bike, scooter and surry rentals or pick up a Citi Bike from one of the Island’s docking stations.
Hike The Hills- Make your way up the paved trail to the top of The Hills. These man-made hills rise 70 feet above sea level. (These were mostly made from clean fill and reclaimed materials). Once you finish your climb, you will be rewarded with incredible 360-degree views of New York Harbor and the Manhattan skyline.
Adventures at Governors Island– This mini-theme park features a 300 ft-long zipline, 25-ft climbing wall and an 18-hole mini-golf course.
Playgrounds– There are a few different playgrounds scattered around the island. Slide Hill offers a 57-foot slide for kids that is very popular.

4. Learn

While on Governors Island don’t miss the historical sites, art displays and other opportunities to learn!

National Parks Sites– Two National Parks Sites are located on the island: Fort Jay and Castle Williams. Both are free to explore and guided tours are also offered. Fort Jay was the first fort built on the island. Castle Williams was added in the 19th century to help protect NYC from naval attacks. Climb to the promenade for a nice view of the city.
Art– There are a few art pieces displayed on the island including Mark Handforth’s Yankee Hanger and Rachel Whiteread’s Cabin.
Teaching Garden– On Saturdays and Sundays, a teaching garden is open for visitors to learn more about urban gardening. Here you can see over 20 vegetable beds constructed from recycled materials.
Walking Tours– Free walking tours are held on Saturdays and Sundays at 11:30 pm, 1:30 pm and 3:30 pm. These tours leave from Soissons Landing and are available on a first-come-first-serve basis. During the tour, you’ll learn more about the island’s history and preservation.

5. Events

Governors Island is offering a limited selection of socially-distanced events for the 2021 season. This is just a taste of what’s ahead this summer, You can find details about all the events here:

Jazz Age Lawn Party (June 12-13, 2021)- Travel back in time and enjoy a Prohibition-era party on Governors Island. Tickets often sell out early for this popular festival so purchase in advance. Then prepare your best 20s-inspired outfit and enjoy the festivities.
Porch Stomp (June 26, 2021)- This is a free folk music festival featuring tons of small concerts and workshops.
NYC Firecracker 5k and 10k (July 4, 2021)- Kick off the 4th of July with an NYCRUNS race on Governors Island.
The New York City Poetry Festival (June 24-25, 2021)- This free weekend festival includes lawn games, a beer garden, and stages where local poets present their work.
NYCRUNS Governors Island 5K & 10K (August 7, 2021)- Another fun opportunity to run a race on the island.
Rite of Summer Music Festival (June 19, 2021 & September 18, 2021)- Lay out your blanket and enjoy free outdoor classical and contemporary concerts while picnicking.

Enjoy your summer in the city! Now that you know what there is to do on Governors Island, the only question is when are you going to visit?

For more NYC inspiration, check out the following posts:

8 Historic Sites in NYC + My FAVORITE Dessert Spots Near Each One

30+ Fun Things to do in Williamsburg Brooklyn

30 Famous NYC Desserts You Need in Your Life