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.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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Neighborhood: Governors Island
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
799 reviews
Excellent
492
Very good
238
Average
59
Poor
6
Terrible
4
Tiana O
12 contributions
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.
CasaHoffa
Huatulco, Mexico12,412 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, FL210 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.
Manicrose
Bourne, UK1,520 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.
Rebecca O
Ridgewood, NY1,804 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
We went for the very first time during jazz weekend. I loved seeing everyone in their jazz outfits. We walked all around and love it. Can’t wait to go back. Not sure if the food options or the fort is open during the week day, but the bee sanctuary and the little farm stand was open on the Sunday we went.
Written August 18, 2024
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.
FLHarlock
Tavares, FL4,942 contributions
Jun 2024 • Solo
I walked the perimeter of Fort Jay but could not go inside. The entire fort is being restored. I am okay with that. I will be back and still enjoyed visiting the fort. I haven’t seen a structure like this since Castillo de San Marcos. Definitely recommended!
Written June 11, 2024
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.
val062
Brooklyn, NY188 contributions
Aug 2011 • Friends
Wow.. I don't know why it took me so long to go here. I decided to take a free ferrry from Brooklyn, instead of the city, as it was not as crowded. Still there were a lot of ppl. I did not have a chance to settle in my seat, we were already getting off, literaly it was less than 5 minute trip. It is free unless you need to rent a bike or their cute mobile. Also, you can take nice pics of lower Manhattan while of the ferry. tHe visit is free, unless you want to rent a bike, or a cute mobile for 2-4 ppl.
During the first visit, we decided to opt out and just walk. We sat in rocking chairs and just enjoyed what this was. I have to say we got lucky, as there was some kind of event, annd we were clueless about it.
After passing through the main fort, we came out on a plain.. We heard music from a far, and decided to explore.. As soon as we got to a large field, we became part of a history. There was a group of musicians and people of all ages, from tennagers to grandpas and grandmas dancing!!!! Its like we fell through a hole and ended up in the Roaring 20's!!! Everybody was dressed to the ocassion. There was a cover charge of $10, but we decided to skip, as WE looked out of place :)) Of courrse, we were gratefull, and had smiles on our faces for the rest of the day.
After some time, we decided to leave the party, and explore more. We walked the whole perimiter of the island, it took a few hours but it was worth it. Every angle will give you a different view: Brooklyn, NYC, NJ, Staten Island..and of course statue of liberty.
There was a little uneasy feeling while passing to be demolished area. It gives yo an erie feeling: normal looking buildings with broken windows, burned walls, outgrown grass, you just wait like something is going to jump at you. Later on there is children's playground, benches, hammocks, and a nice area to have a picnic on.
Second time we visited the island, we just tooks some food,water, blanckets and decided to just strech out and enjoy the sounds!!
Now the most important:
Food--bring yours with you!! Not a lot of choices, and after seeing the choice, I opted out, Nasty looking food cart, with same looking man with a loong beard making it.
Water--no fountains (I walked around the whole island, nothing), only vending machines, but I would not rely on them. I was thirsty decided to buy a bottle. Coins went in, no bottle and instead of giving me back my two buck, only got back 50 cents.. I did not try a second time.. Bring your own water, just in case.
Bathroom--PorterPotty, 'nuff said. And makes sure you know in advance if you need to go, remember where they were..
Overall, a beautifull place to bring your family, while we have it...
During the first visit, we decided to opt out and just walk. We sat in rocking chairs and just enjoyed what this was. I have to say we got lucky, as there was some kind of event, annd we were clueless about it.
After passing through the main fort, we came out on a plain.. We heard music from a far, and decided to explore.. As soon as we got to a large field, we became part of a history. There was a group of musicians and people of all ages, from tennagers to grandpas and grandmas dancing!!!! Its like we fell through a hole and ended up in the Roaring 20's!!! Everybody was dressed to the ocassion. There was a cover charge of $10, but we decided to skip, as WE looked out of place :)) Of courrse, we were gratefull, and had smiles on our faces for the rest of the day.
After some time, we decided to leave the party, and explore more. We walked the whole perimiter of the island, it took a few hours but it was worth it. Every angle will give you a different view: Brooklyn, NYC, NJ, Staten Island..and of course statue of liberty.
There was a little uneasy feeling while passing to be demolished area. It gives yo an erie feeling: normal looking buildings with broken windows, burned walls, outgrown grass, you just wait like something is going to jump at you. Later on there is children's playground, benches, hammocks, and a nice area to have a picnic on.
Second time we visited the island, we just tooks some food,water, blanckets and decided to just strech out and enjoy the sounds!!
Now the most important:
Food--bring yours with you!! Not a lot of choices, and after seeing the choice, I opted out, Nasty looking food cart, with same looking man with a loong beard making it.
Water--no fountains (I walked around the whole island, nothing), only vending machines, but I would not rely on them. I was thirsty decided to buy a bottle. Coins went in, no bottle and instead of giving me back my two buck, only got back 50 cents.. I did not try a second time.. Bring your own water, just in case.
Bathroom--PorterPotty, 'nuff said. And makes sure you know in advance if you need to go, remember where they were..
Overall, a beautifull place to bring your family, while we have it...
Written August 14, 2011
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.
Queenstravelbuff
New York City, NY16,719 contributions
This is an awesome Place.
Governors Island is a Historic Island in New York Harbor. With historic Forts and awesome views of the Statue of Liberty and New York Harbor. Governors Island among being a Jail, POW camp for the civil war is the birthplace of New York.
The ferry is FREE and almost everything on the Island is FREE. There are tours of the historic island given by the national park service FREE. There is a FREE guided Tram. You can easily spend an entire day there.
You can rent a Bike (ok that not usually free) and the island isnt that crowded as the Statue of Liberty or Ellis Island.
There are NO Cheesy Tourist traps here. You can spend the entire Day for Little or No Money!!!
There is very little to purchase here other than a small gift shop run by the National park service you should do well here
Governors Island is a Historic Island in New York Harbor. With historic Forts and awesome views of the Statue of Liberty and New York Harbor. Governors Island among being a Jail, POW camp for the civil war is the birthplace of New York.
The ferry is FREE and almost everything on the Island is FREE. There are tours of the historic island given by the national park service FREE. There is a FREE guided Tram. You can easily spend an entire day there.
You can rent a Bike (ok that not usually free) and the island isnt that crowded as the Statue of Liberty or Ellis Island.
There are NO Cheesy Tourist traps here. You can spend the entire Day for Little or No Money!!!
There is very little to purchase here other than a small gift shop run by the National park service you should do well here
Written July 21, 2008
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.
BTFeedback
New York530 contributions
Aug 2012 • Family
Governor's Island is a fantastic place to visit. You can catch great views from any part of the island. It is car free but you do have to be careful of bicyclists riding around. You have the option of bringing your own bicycle or renting one which is located by the dock. The island is not open year round and is only accessible by boat so be sure to check the website for dates and times. The boat mainly operates from Manhattan but during the summer the boats become operational from Brooklyn as well. One of my favorite place to visit is the Officer's mansion and you will see the amazing architecture and interior design. You will be able to get a close view of the Statue of Liberty at the north side of the island. There are many activities for children at the parade ground to keep them occupied. For those who enjoy watersports, you can rent out kayaks and they are located right by the docks. If you are hungry, there are food trucks and a small restaurant there. Check the website for more scheduled activities and events going on at Governor's.
Written January 15, 2013
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.
What are the best option for going to governor island from north jersey ? Ferry from weehowken or bus to ny and then ferry ?
Written August 22, 2019
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!
Written August 24, 2019
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
Written August 16, 2018
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!
Written March 10, 2016
You are quite welcome. I plan to go back with my daughter and share some of the history with her.
Written March 11, 2016
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.
Written September 7, 2015
No es posible. Los ferries no están conectados entre sí , pero los terminales son aproximadamente 1/2 milla de distancia en el bajo Manhattan .
Written March 13, 2016
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?
Written June 11, 2015
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 :)
Written June 13, 2015
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.
Written April 27, 2015
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