Governors Island National Monument

Governors Island National Monument is a historic site located in New York Harbor, just off the southern tip of Manhattan. The island has a significant historical background and offers various attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy.

Originally inhabited by Native American tribes, the island has served as a military outpost, a strategic defense location, and a training center throughout its history. In 1794, the U.S. Army established Fort Jay on the island to protect the New York City harbor. Later, in 1806, Castle Williams was built to further fortify the area. These two forts played essential roles during the War of 1812 and the Civil War.

In 1966, the island was transferred to the Coast Guard, which used it as a training center until 1997. Today, Governors Island is managed by the National Park Service and is part of the National Monument system. It provides visitors with a unique opportunity to explore and learn about the island's rich heritage.

One of the main attractions on Governors Island is Castle Williams, a circular fortification constructed of red sandstone in the early 19th century. The castle served as a military prison during the Civil War and is now open for guided tours. Another prominent feature is Fort Jay, an earthwork fortification offering visitors a glimpse into military history with its impressive ramparts and artillery placements.

Besides exploring the historical forts, Governors Island also offers beautiful parks and recreational spaces. The Island features over 150 acres of green space, including the picturesque Governors Island National Historic Landmark District. This district showcases beautiful 19th-century buildings, chapels, and officer quarters that are open for public exploration.

Visitors can enjoy various activities on the island, such as biking, picnicking, and playing sports. Bicycle rentals are available, along with on-island cycling paths that offer stunning views of the Statue of Liberty, the Manhattan skyline, and the Brooklyn Bridge. There are also special events held on the island throughout the year, including art exhibitions, concerts, and food festivals.

To reach Governors Island, visitors can take a short ferry ride from Manhattan or Brooklyn. The island is open to the public during the summer months and on weekends during spring and fall. Admission to the island is free, though a small fee is charged for ferry transportation.

In the vicinity of Governors Island, visitors can explore other notable attractions such as the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. These iconic landmarks are easily accessible by ferry from the island. Additionally, Lower Manhattan offers a myriad of cultural and historical sites, including the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, Wall Street, and Battery Park.

Overall, Governors Island National Monument presents a unique blend of history, natural beauty, and recreational activities. Whether it's exploring the historic forts, enjoying a leisurely bike ride, or taking in the breathtaking views, the island offers a memorable experience for all who visit.

Governors Island National Monument is a captivating and historically significant site located in New York State. Nestled in the magnificent Upper New York Bay, this national monument is situated off the southern tip of Manhattan Island. Surrounded by the tranquil waters of the East River, the location offers breathtaking views of the iconic Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty. Accessible by ferries that depart from Manhattan and Brooklyn, Governors Island National Monument is a veritable jewel in the heart of New York City. Its unique geographical position makes it an ideal destination for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike, offering a perfect blend of picturesque beauty and important cultural heritage.

Address & Contact

Governors Island
New York Harbor
New York, NY 10004-1921
Driving Directions
Phone: 2128253054
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit Governors Island National Monument would be during the months of June and July. These months offer the most pleasant weather for outdoor activities with an average maximum temperature of 80°F and 86°F respectively. The average minimum temperature ranges from 65°F to 71°F, ensuring comfortable conditions. The average monthly precipitation during these months is around 5.0 inches, which is slightly higher but still manageable. Overall, June and July provide ideal conditions for enjoying the outdoor attractions of Governors Island National Monument.

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in Governors Island National Monument are: Food Picnicking Guided Tours Junior Ranger Program Museum Exhibits Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Gift Shop and Souvenirs Biking Road Biking

Topics

Learn about these topics at Governors Island National Monument: Architecture and Building Military US Army American Revolution Forts Monuments and Memorials Wars and Conflicts American Revolutionary War Civil War Incarceration Maritime Maritime - Military US Coast Guard Coastal Defenses Jails and Prisons

Visitor Centers

Bartlett Cove Campground

The National Park Service maintains a free walk-in campground in Bartlett Cove. The campground features bear-proof food caches, a fire-pit and warming shelter (with firewood provided) located in a very scenic setting along the shore, 1/4 mile south of the Bartlett Cove dock. Stays are limited to 14 days

Campsites within or near Governors Island National Monument

This park doesn't have any campsites within its boundaries (or we haven't found them yet)).

Hotels within or near Governors Island National Monument

The Wall Street Inn

A stay at The Wall Street Inn places you in the heart of New York, steps from Wall Street and 5 minutes by foot from Battery Park. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a 24-hour business center, and limo/town car service. Planning an event in New York? This hotel has facilities measuring 534 square feet (50 square meters), including conference space.
Address: 9 S William St, New York, New York 10004
Web: Link

Andaz Wall Street - a concept by Hyatt

In the heart of New York, Andaz Wall Street - a concept by Hyatt is within a 5-minute drive of New York Stock Exchange and One World Trade Center. Featured amenities include a business center, express check-in, and express check-out. Planning an event in New York? This hotel has facilities measuring 7000 square feet (650 square meters), including conference space.
Address: 75 Wall St, New York, New York 10005
Web: Link

DoubleTree by Hilton New York Downtown

A stay at DoubleTree by Hilton New York Downtown places you in the heart of New York, within a 5-minute walk of Battery Park and Wall Street. Featured amenities include a business center, express check-in, and express check-out. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
Address: 8 Stone St, New York, New York 10004
Web: Link

Hampton Inn Manhattan/Downtown-Financial District

With a stay at Hampton Inn Manhattan/Downtown-Financial District in New York (Manhattan), you'll be steps from Battery Park and 10 minutes by foot from Wall Street. Featured amenities include a business center, express check-in, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby.
Address: 32 Pearl St, New York, New York 10004
Web: Link

Wall Street Apartment

With a stay at this apartment in New York (Manhattan), you'll be steps from Wall Street and 7 minutes by foot from South Street Seaport. Featured amenities include dry cleaning/laundry services and an elevator.
Address: 95 Wall Street, New York, New York 10005
Web: Link

Hilton Garden Inn NYC Financial Center/Manhattan Downtown

Located in New York (Manhattan), Hilton Garden Inn NYC Financial Center/Manhattan Downtown is a 2-minute walk from Battery Park and 6 minutes by foot from New York Stock Exchange. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, dry cleaning/laundry services, and a 24-hour front desk. Planning an event in New York? This hotel has facilities measuring 290 square feet (27 square meters), including conference space. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
Address: 6 Water St, New York, New York 10004
Web: Link

The Wagner Hotel

Located in New York (Battery Park City), The Wagner Hotel is within a 10-minute drive of One World Trade Center and Brooklyn Bridge. Featured amenities include a business center, limo/town car service, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby.
Address: 2 West Street, New York, New York 10004
Web: Link

Hotel Bossert

With a stay at Hotel Bossert in Brooklyn (Brooklyn Heights), you'll be a 3-minute walk from Brooklyn Heights Promenade and 9 minutes by foot from Brooklyn Bridge Park. Featured amenities include dry cleaning/laundry services, ATM/banking services, and an elevator.
Address: 98 MONTAGUE STREET, Brooklyn, New York 11201
Web: Link

The Wall Street Hotel

With a stay at The Wall Street Hotel in New York (Manhattan), you'll be within a 5-minute drive of Charging Bull and One World Trade Center. Featured amenities include express check-out, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and dry cleaning/laundry services.
Address: 88 Wall St, New York, New York 10005
Web: Link

Sonder - Battery Park

With a stay at Sonder Battery Park in New York (Manhattan), you'll be within a 10-minute walk of Battery Park and Wall Street. Featured amenities include laundry facilities and an elevator.
Address: 2 Washington Street, New York, New York 10004
Web: Link