DISCOVER NEW YORK CITY’S GOVERNORS ISLAND THIS SUMMER

Governors Island

Governors Island, located less than half a mile from Manhattan and Brooklyn, offers the closest views on land to the face of the Statue of Liberty and was previously a military base for the US Army and US Coast Guard for over two centuries. It has since been transformed into a respite from urban life with its many artistic, cultural, educational and recreational offerings and is open to the public through September 27, 2015 (it opened for the summer session on May 23).

“We encourage everyone to explore Governors Island this summer. With festive dance parties, concerts, bike paths and hammocks, this bucolic island, just a short ferry ride away from Manhattan or Brooklyn, has something for everyone,” said Fred Dixon, president and CEO of NYC & Company. “Also known as New York City’s ‘playground for the arts,’ Governors Island’s transformation from a military base to a picnic place makes for a unique addition to any traveler’s itinerary.”

Experience Governors Island Like a Local

• Getting There: Governors Island is easily accessible by ferry from the Battery Maritime Building in Manhattan daily; and the Brooklyn Bridge Park and East River Ferry terminals in Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens on Saturdays and Sundays. For the ferry schedules and pricing, visit govisland.com/info/ferry-schedule and eastriverferry.com. Island Ambassadors are present on weekends to greet and acquaint visitors with the island.
• History: Visitors can learn about Governors Island’s rich history at two forts dating from the early 1800’s, Castle Williams and Fort Jay. Weekend tours are offered every hour from 11:30am–3:30pm. Visitors can also stroll past historic homes and offices alongColonels Row. An interactive exhibit, open daily, in Soissons Landing highlights the island’s history and future development plans.
• Arts and culture: Throughout the summer the island hosts free dance and music festivities, live performances and dynamic public art displays. Art buffs also have the opportunity to visit an annual exhibition and “Open Studios” events at the LMCC Arts Center. 
• Recreation: Governors Island boasts miles of car-free bike paths. On Colonels Row, visitors can rent bicycles and, on Mondays–Fridays between 10am–12pm, visitors can enjoy an hour of free bicycle rental. Hammocks and rocking chairs await those looking for ultimate relaxation, available in Hammock Grove, Nolan Park and the Parade Ground. Perfect for playtime, the Parade Grounddelights little ones with its treehouse and mini golf, in addition to a play area in Hammock Grove.
• Education: For those interested in cultivating a green thumb, the island’s 8,000 square foot Urban Farm hosts weekend educational sessions from 12–4pm. Topics include composting, urban farming and green infrastructure.
• Food: Summer sweets, treats and ethnic delights are available all week at the Liggett Terrace food court. Specialty food trucks can be found on Saturdays and Sundays on King Avenue, offering a tasteful mélange of American, Caribbean, Mexican, Indian, Thai, Middle Eastern and Vietnamese fare. 

A short documentary is available online that features locals who highlight and recommend the must-see attractions of Governors Island. To view the documentary and island highlights visit nycgo.com/insiderguides.

Governors Island

Visitors looking to experience more of Governors Island for longer than a day can stay in Lower Manhattan or near Brooklyn Bridge Park, which makes for a short connection to the Governors Island ferry terminals. With a diversity of hotel rooms to choose from at every budget and style, travellers can stay longer and explore more of New York City’s neighbourhoods. For the best available rates, visit nycgo.com/hotels and reserve through NYC & Company’s exclusive hotel booking partner, Booking.com.

NYCGO Insider Guides: Get to know our neighbourhoods

New York City is made up of five distinct boroughs: the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens and Staten Island. Formerly Neighbourhood x Neighbourhood, NYCGO Insider Guides, which debuted in March, spotlight a new neighbourhood each month. The video documentary series and editorial content takes New Yorkers and visitors behind the scenes to introduce them to the character and characters that define some of New York City’s most fascinating neighbourhoods.