Discover Governor's Island in NY

Here's your chance to visit a 92 acre historic land that is only recently opened for public visits! Even native New Yorkers have not had the opportunity to visit Governor's Island, which is only a 5 minute ferry ride from downtown Manhattan. The island is only open on Friday, Saturday and Sundays until October 12th - so this is a limited opportunity to get beautiful views of the Statue of Liberty, New Jersey, Brooklyn, Staten Island and Manhattan all at once!! And did I mention the ferry is free?? Click here to check for directions and ferry schedules.

Just bring your own lunch and drinks, and have a picnic on Governor's Island with your family and friends! Most of the buildings are over 200 years old and you will feel like you have transported yourself to another time and place. There is a tram that gives 10 minute tours around the island and it's a wonderful way to get to know the history of the island (and avoids having you walk from one part of the island to another). This is a beautiful place for riding your bike - rentals are available for singles, doubles and even groups of four!! (Tip: Bike rentals are free for one hour on Fridays!).

One last little known tidbit - there are free kayaks that you can use to go out to sea!! We didn't have time to try this but if you're not worried about getting run over by a small yacht or ferry...I think this would be fun to try!

Here we are entering Governor's Island from the ferry:

View of Manhattan:

Old theatre building on the island:

One of the several churches on the island.

And who would've thought it....building a mini miniature golf course on the island for us to play!

And do you know what else I didn't miss when I was on Governor's Island? Car pollution!! Cars are not allowed on the island. So it was extremely peaceful and quiet - and I didn't mind breathing in clean(er) air.