Your Guide to What’s Open on Governors Island
Jul 17, 2020 9:32 am
Governors Island is now open. Before visiting the Island, please familiarize yourself with our health and safety protocols. Visitors are required to wear face coverings on the ferry and the Island, and must reserve tickets in advance here.
This year, the Island is open for passive recreation activities like biking, birding, and picnicking. There is currently no indoor programming on Governors Island. Read on for a list of what’s open, and see what’s closed at the end of this post. Have a great time on Governors Island and remember to stay 6 feet apart!
Food and Drink
Governors Island is an outdoor dining destination! Sample a wide variety of cuisines like Jamaican fusion at Fauzia’s, tasty tacos (and incredible views) at Taco Vista, wood-fired pizza at Pizza Yard, sweet treats from People’s Pops and many more delicious options. All Governors Island vendors have introduced enhanced health and safety measures. See the full lineup of new vendors and returning favorites here.
Wide-open Parkland
Soak up Governors Island’s ample green space. Lie back in Hammock Grove, hike up The Hills to take in the view, bring a meal and dine al fresco at Picnic Point, and discover everything our parkland has to offer. Ship out and take in the fresh air, lush foliage and sweeping views in the park.
Public Art
See incredible works by award-winning artists throughout the Island. From Shantell Martin’s Church, a commission for our 2019 season, to Rachel Whiteread’s Cabin, nestled serenely on Discovery Hill, Governors Island provides a setting for public art unlike any other. It’s a can’t-miss trip for art lovers!
Island History
Take a stroll through history with Urban Archive. Embark on the official Governors Island Digital Walking Tour to learn the history of the Island and see stunning archival photos on Urban Archive. Then, discover other walks that examine different parts of the Island’s past. Governors Island’s history comes to life on Urban Archive.
Bike the Island
Cyclists, rejoice: seven miles of car-free paths are now yours to pedal. Bring your bike on the ferry for free or rent one when you get the Island, then set out on a scenic spin. Blazing Saddles rents bikes, scooters, surreys and more every day (with free one-hour rentals before noon on weekdays) and three Citi Bike stations make it easy to get moving.
Urban Farm
Dig into environmental science at the Urban Farm! GrowNYC’s Teaching Garden features over 20 vegetable beds made from recycled plastic lumber, farm-style rows, an aquaponics system, a high tunnel greenhouse, fruit trees, several rainwater harvesting systems, a rain garden, and more. Earth Matter’s Compost Learning Center processes all of the food scraps and landscape debris generated on Governors Island, and some Manhattan residential collections. Much of the compost is used here on Governors Island! The Urban Farm is open for passive visits only, Saturdays and Sundays 12-4PM.
The following attractions are currently closed. Please check back for more updates.
Governors Island National Monument: Castle Williams and Fort Jay are closed to the public. Learn more at nps.gov/gois
Adventures at GI: All attractions including mini-golf, the zipline and puzzle maze are currently closed.
LMCC’s Arts Center at Governors Island: Galleries and café are closed to the public. Bathrooms are still open—enter at Soissons Landing.
Indoor Programming: There are no indoor public programs in Nolan Park and Colonels Row. The houses are off-limits to visitors.
Playground NYC’s The Yard: currently closed to the public.
Free kayaking with the Downtown Boathouse: The Pier 102 kayak dock is currently closed to the public and free kayaking sessions are not being offered.