Governors Island is the largest island in New York Bay, yet the least known. It only opened to the public in 2003, and today it welcomes nearly a million visitors each year.
What You Need to Know About Governors Island
Governors Island is one of three islands in New York Harbor, along with Ellis Island and Liberty Island, home to the Statue of Liberty. Yet it remains the least known of New York’s three islands.
Governors Island is significantly larger than its two neighbors, covering nearly 70 hectares (173 acres)—roughly the size of 70 rugby fields.
The first evidence of human settlement on the island dates back to 1524. Native Americans called it Pagganuck, the island of nuts. In 1624, the Dutch West India Company established its first trading post here before expanding to what would become New Amsterdam and later New York.
From the American Revolution in 1776 until 1966, the island served as a military fortress with two forts and an extensive system of fortifications designed to protect New York. As military technology evolved and budgets shifted, the Department of Defense closed the base in 1966. The island then passed to the Coast Guard, which also left in 1996 due to budget cuts.
In January 2001, President Bill Clinton transferred the island to the National Park Service, which opened it to the public in 2003. It became a major recreational destination. The results speak for themselves: the island welcomed over 970,000 visitors in 2024, a historic record.
Aerial view of Governors Island. (Photo NPS)
What to See on Governors Island
Once you arrive on the island, start by exploring its military heritage. Head to Fort Jay, the island’s main fortification. This square fortress is protected by a sophisticated defensive system. The lawns behind the fort offer excellent views of Manhattan, with One World Trade Center rising above the trees.
Walk back down to the ferry dock and follow the waterfront path. You’ll spot Castle Williams, a circular bastion similar to Castle Clinton in Battery Park. This is where you’ll get the closest views of Manhattan.
Rent a bike to explore the rest of the island—it’s the best way to cover the distance without exhaustion, and rentals are affordable. The bike shop is just steps from Castle Williams.
In 2016, Governors Island gained a major attraction with The Hills, a public park built around artificial hills reaching about 20 m (66 ft) high. From here you can enjoy sweeping views of New York Harbor and the Statue of Liberty directly across the water. Head to Outlook Hill, the tallest, for panoramic views of Manhattan. The park also features Slide Hill, with a 17 m (56 ft) slide—the longest in New York—perfect for kids.
Climb Discovery Hill, 12 m (39 ft) high, topped by a wooden cabin. This “Cabin” is a permanent art installation by British artist Rachel Whiteread. The hills were built from concrete and debris salvaged from old island buildings. The project cost nearly $71 million.
Tip
Take a break at the Governors Island spa. Located on the island’s north side facing Manhattan’s skyline, it’s a truly unique setting.
Manhattan’s skyline as your spa backdrop.
Governors Island in Photos
New York at your feet. (Photo Raquellie)Rachel Whiteread’s “Cabin”.Out in nature. (Photo molly fitzgerald)The slides!
How to Get to Governors Island
How do you get to Governors Island? Take the ferry from the Battery Maritime Building, a small terminal located between the Staten Island Ferry terminal and the heliport for helicopter tours of New York. The island is open to the public daily from 7 am to 6 pm Sunday through Thursday, and 7 am to 10 pm Friday and Saturday.
What are the ferry schedules? The first ferry leaves Manhattan at 7 am, then every 30 minutes until 4:15 pm in winter and 8:15 pm in summer (9:15 pm Friday in summer). Don’t miss the last return ferry: in winter, 6 pm Sunday through Thursday and 10 pm Friday and Saturday. In summer, the last ferry departs at 10 pm, and 11 pm Friday and Saturday. Check the posted schedule on arrival to confirm times.
How much does the ferry cost? In 2025, a round-trip ferry ticket costs $5 per adult. Children under 13 and seniors over 65 ride free. Tip: Saturday and Sunday ferries before 11 am are free for everyone, though reservations are recommended.
