Governors Island
The car-free island in the harbor, an eight-minute ferry from Manhattan, with hammocks, bikes and skyline lawns.
Example
The ferry from the Battery Maritime Building takes about eight minutes and lands you on car free roads with rental bikes and hammock groves.
Related terms
Landmarks
Statue of Liberty
The 1886 copper colossus on Liberty Island, reachable only by the official Statue City Cruises ferry from Battery...
Parks
Brooklyn Bridge Park
The Brooklyn waterfront park under the bridges, with skyline lawns, Jane's Carousel and recreation piers.
Neighborhoods
Red Hook
The isolated Brooklyn waterfront village with cobblestones, key lime pie, lobster rolls and dead-on Statue of Liberty...
Parks
Central Park
The 843-acre engineered wilderness at Manhattan's heart, designed by Olmsted and Vaux in 1858.
Frequently asked questions
How much time should I plan for Governors Island?
A half day. Ferry over in the morning, bike the perimeter, hammock after lunch and return midafternoon before ferry lines build.
Is Governors Island open in winter?
Yes, year-round now, though the full rental and food ecosystem runs May through October. Summer weekends are its peak self.
Can I visit Governors Island in winter?
Yes, ferries run year round, though the full rental and food ecosystem operates roughly May through October. Winter visits are quieter and much colder on open ground.
