Governors Island050

Visitors can catch a glimpse of the forts, landmark buildings, and breathtaking views of New York Harbor from Governors Island.

Governors Island National Monument encompasses 22 acres of the 172-acre island - located only 800 yards off of Lower Manhattan - and is highlighted by two early nineteenth century fortifications, Fort Jay and Castle Williams.

Star-shaped Fort Jay (1806-1809) is one of the best preserved and largest fortifications of its type in the nation. The four barracks located inside Fort Jay's walls form an interior quadrangle.

Castle Williams (1807-1811) is a massive three-tier, 200-foot diameter masonry fort. Its 102 guns made the fort one of the most formidable American seacoast defenses of its era, and its eight-foot sandstone walls and unique casemated tiers made the Castle virtually bombproof. Together with its sister fort, Castle Clinton, Castle Williams proved an effective deterrent to British forces contemplating attacking New York during the War of 1812.

On Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, visitors can take free self-guided tours, picnic, play, and relax in the National Historic District. Bring a picnic and enjoy an afternoon on the historic Parade Grounds; take a leisurely walk around the promenade, while taking in some of the most dramatic views of New York and the Harbor; relax under the trees on Colonels Row Green and enjoy family-friendly concerts and programs; and take a tour of the National Historic District, offered periodically during the day by the National Park Service.

National Park Service Rangers provide a 45-60 minute walking tour, Orientation to the History of Governors Island, three times a day, on Saturdays and Sundays. For more information on tours or National Park Service programs, call 212.825.3045.

Visitors to Governors Island are encouraged to bring snacks and beverages, as there is limited food and drink available for purchase on the Island, and be sure to bring sun and weather protection and appropriate footwear for the pedestrian-only island. Leave the pets at home; they're not permitted.

Visitors can bring bikes onto the Governors Island ferry and ride around the island every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday between June and September. And every Friday, during the season, bike rental is free for up to one hour! Visitors can also rent bicycles from Bike and Roll once they arrive. On Saturdays and Sundays, adult bikes can be rented for $15 for two hours ($20 all day); children's bikes are $12 for two hours ($15 all day). Bike and Roll also rents four-person bike surreys, children's bikes, children's bike trailers, wagons, and other bike accessories. Helmets are required for children under 14 but are available for all visitors. Riders under 18 must have an adult sign a waiver. Photo ID or a credit card are required to rent a bike.

The Governors Island ferry departs from the Battery Maritime Building, located at the corner of Whitehall and South Streets (about a half mile or a 20-minute walk from the South Street Seaport) in Manhattan. Service is also available from Pier 6 in Brooklyn Bridge Park on Saturdays and Sundays. Visit the website for the latest ferry schedule. The last ferry from Manhattan to the island leaves at 3pm on Fridays and at 5:30pm on Saturdays and Sundays (5:20pm from Brooklyn).