Area
From 1794 to 1966, the U.S. Army on Governors Island was part of the social, political, and economic tapestry of New York City. Today, the island is a vibrant summer seasonal venue of art, culture, and performance against the backdrop of two centuries of military heritage and the skyline of one of the great cities of the world. The island is open to the public. Check Alerts
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. During the summer public access season, 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.
Entrance fee is $0.00.
Governors Island National Monument does not charge an entrance fee. The Trust for Governors Island does charge a $2 fee to ride the ferry. Seniors pay $1 and children are free. All ferries before Noon on weekends are free.
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.
