About Governors Island
From 1794 to 1966, the U.S. Army presence on Governors Island played a vital role in the social, political, and economic life of New York City. The island then served as the headquarters of the U.S. Coast Guard from 1966 to 1996, continuing its legacy of national service. Today, Governors Island has transformed into a destination for art, culture, and public programs.
From the National Park Service.
- Region
- Northeast
- State
- New York
- Designation
- National Monument
- Entrance fee
- None listed
- Trail data for this park is still being added.
- Places for this park are still being added.
Know before you go
Fees, hours, weather and getting to Governors Island.
Entrance fees
The National Park Service lists no entrance fee for this park.
Hours
Fort Jay Winter
- Mon
- Closed
- Tue
- Closed
- Wed
- Closed
- Thu
- Closed
- Fri
- Closed
- Sat
- Closed
- Sun
- Closed
Fort Jay will be closed for the winter. It will re-open in April
Weather and when to go
During the summer public access season from May to September, the weather is typical of the mid-Atlantic region. Thunderstorms can come quickly with short downpours. There may be extended periods of heat or humidity that might last a week or more. The island is generally a few degrees cooler than the city due to the fairly constant breeze.
Getting there
Governors Island is located in New York Harbor, 1/2 mile from the southern tip of Lower Manhattan and 400 yards west of the end of Brooklyn's Atlantic Avenue and Red Hook waterfront. It is accessible only via ferry. Ferry service from Manhattan is the main way to access the island. The ferry departs from Battery Maritime Building at 10 South Street, at South and Whitehall Streets (next to the Staten Island ferry terminal). Check www.govisland.com for ferry schedules.
Contact the park
- Address
- Governors Island, New York Harbor, New York, NY 10004-1921
- Phone
- (212) 210-6866
- Official site
- nps.gov/gois
From the National Park Service, checked weekly. Fees, hours and road conditions change: confirm with the park before you go.
Trip planner
A day-by-day plan for Governors Island
Tell us your dates and what you are into. We group the stops by where they are, so each day is one part of the park, not a zigzag.
The trails and places you save below go into your plan as must-sees.
Plan your park trip Free. No account needed.
Things to do in Governors Island
The park service's own list, with how long each takes.
-
Fort Jay self Guided Walk
A self-guided walking tours of one of the oldest Forts on Governors Island, open Mid-April until November, Fort Jay is closed in winter
What to pack for Governors Island
Gear & Essentials
Tell us about your trip and we will add what else you will want:
The basics
Worth having in the car whatever the park.
For this trip
Traveling with kids
Bringing a pet
RVing
Backcountry
Winter conditions
On the water
Photography
Accessibility
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.
