Governors Island Day Trip
- newyorker
- Oct 1, 2020
- 6 min read
Updated: Nov 10, 2020
Looking for an escape from the daily NYC hustle?... Governors Island it is. From biking and hiking to incredible views, you'll have a great day full of fun! There are so many things to do that it might take up the entire day so clear out your schedule. Bring your mask, water, and phone for insta worthy pictures!
Biking + Sunset +Lady Liberty = YES PLEASE!
Let's get started:
Biking
You will have 2 options when it comes to biking in Governors Island:
Citi-bikes
There are 3 Citi Bike stations (Soissons Landing, Yankee Pier or Picnic Point) on Governors Island where you can rent a Citi Bike. The Soissons Landing biking station is located near the Manhattan ferry dock. The Yankee Pier biking station is located near the Brooklyn ferry docks. It's $15 to rent the bike for the entire day. You can download the Citi Bike app or use the kiosk at the 3 biking stations.
Click the link below for more info
Blazing Saddles
Located on Hay Road between Castle Williams and Colonels Row. Blazing Saddles offers a variety of bikes. They have regular bikes to rent starting at $20 for 2 hours and $25 for all day. Scooters are available to rent for $20 all day. Additionally, they offer kid bikes and surrey bikes that can seat up to 4 people. The large surrey for 4 people is $50 an hour.
They also have FREE RENTAL program for bikes on Governors Island! If you visit on Monday through Friday (excluding holidays), you can get a free one-hour rental of their cruiser bicycle, between 10am and 12 noon.
Click the link below to see the various biking options and prices.
Insider TIP:
I ended up biking near the Soissons Landing biking station five minutes before our ferry was supposed to depart, and the biking station was full. We had to bike to another station, and we missed our ferry SO..... If you are trying to use your Citi Bike all day and aiming to get on one of the later ferries, I recommend returning your bike at least one hour before at the nearest station .
Photo Courtesy: Govisland.com
Quick story:
The last and only time I biked was when I was 12 year olds thus I am not confident AT ALL with my biking skills. Good news: Blazing Saddles has a scooter that you can rent for the entire day for 20$...not as fast as a bike but better than walking. EVEN BETTER NEWS: Don't doubt yourself, you can do it! Remember that there are no cars on the island. I conquered my fear with a boost of confidence from my friends and I was able to bike all day. Was I scared here and there? ... yes lol, but overall I REALLY ENJOYED it.
Hiking
Theres are various hills you can explore. The Outlook Hills offer insane views of the city skyline and the Statue of Liberty. It is the tallest hill at 70 feet above the island. You can either climb on granite blocks or take the more accessible route, which is stroller friendly. I recommend hiking close to sunset and then making your way back to the ferry dock. It's perfect for a selfie because of the natural lighting and the view.
View from the top of the hill
What else is there to do?
Pumpkin Point (beginning Oct 24- Nov 1)
Pumpkin patch at Nolan Park. You are encouraged to take a pumpkin home free of charge. Left over pumpkins will be composted or donated. No trick or treating this year. Perfect for the basic pumpkin patch instagram picture.
Photo Courtesy: Govisland.com
Hammock Grove
Swing on some red hammocks and enjoy the view. Maybe meditate a little.
Photo Courtesy: Govisland.com
Slide Hill
Various slides to enjoy and feel like a kid again. It has one of the longest slides in NYC. I recommend going down the slides later in the day to avoid any slight judgment from kids lol.
Photo Courtesy: Planning.org
The May Room ( weekend only 10:30-4:30)
Only 5 visitors are allowed at a time and you must wear a mask to go inside this art exhibit by Shantell Martin. I did not have the chance to go sadly.
Photo Courtesy: Govisland.com
Collective Retreats
Collective Retreats offers overnight accommodations with gourmet dining available. Prices for the Journey tent for 2 is $389 per night. They also rent a desk space to use from 10-5 PM for $50. I have not gone, but it looks very boujiee.
Photo Courtesy: Govisland.com
Link to make a reservation:
Food
You can definitely pack food and have a nice picnic on the island. Keep in mind you can't bring alcoholic beverages to the island. I would suggest bringing water, because biking can be a workout. My friends and I went to Island Oyster. You have to order online on your phone due to COVID and then pick up your order unless you are ordering drinks. If you are just ordering drinks, you can order directly from the bar. I ordered a lobster roll with fries. The fries were really good and the place itself was aesthetically pleasing. I would say it was worth the longer than usual wait.
Picnic Area Photo Courtesy: businessinsider.com
Near Soissons landing
Island Oyster
Thursday & Friday 12-6PM, Saturday & Sunday 11-7PM
" Easygoing summer fare." Menu below:
Photo Courtesy: Govisland.com
Taco Vista
Open Daily
Offers Gluten-Free and Vegetarian Options. Menu below:
Near Liggett Terrace (mostly food stands/trucks)
Fauzia Heavenly Delights
Saturday & Sunday 10-7PM
Offers Vegan and Vegetarian Options. Jamaican fusion food.
Joe Coffee
Friday- Sunday 10- 6PM
Kimchi Taco Truck
Friday- Sunday 11- 6PM
Offers Gluten-Free, Vegan and Vegetarian Options. Korean food.
Little Eva's
Open Daily 11-6PM
Offers Gluten-Free, Vegan and Vegetarian Options.
Makina Cafe
Saturday & Sunday 10-7PM
Offers Vegan and Vegetarian Options. Ethiopian food.
Melt Bakery
Saturday & Sunday 12-7PM
Offers Vegetarian Options. Ice cream sandwiches.
People's Pops
Friday- 12-6PM, Saturday & Sunday 12-7PM
Offers Gluten-Free, Vegan and Vegetarian Options. "Locally grown fruit -> handmade popsicles and shaven ice."
Perros Y Vainas
Friday- 12-5PM, Saturday & Sunday 12-6PM
Venezuelan hot dogs with toppings and sauces. (% of revenue goes towards providing medicine and food to children in Venezuela)
Terry & Yaki
Saturday & Sunday 10-6PM
Offers Vegan and Vegetarian Options. Halal friendly. Teriyaki.
Threes Brewing & The Meat Hook
Friday- 12-5PM, Saturday & Sunday 12-6PM
Offers Vegetarian Options. Crafted beer
Near Colonels Row
Pizza Yard
Thursday - Sunday 11-6PM
Wood fired PIZZAAAAAAAA!
Wafels & Dinges
Thursday & Friday 10-6PM, Saturday & Sunday 10-7PM
Belgian waffles.
Everything About Crepes
Wednesday - Friday 11-5PM, Saturday & Sunday 11-6PM
Sweet & Crepe sandwich wraps.
Near Western Promenade
Sea Biscuit
Saturday & Sunday 11-5PM
Offers Gluten-Free, Vegan and Vegetarian Options.
How to get there: Ferry
The Governors Island ferry (8 minute ride) to Governors Island is accessible from two locations:
Lower Manhattan: The Battery Maritime Building, located at 10 South Street (DAILY)
1 train to South Ferry
4,5 train to Bowling Green
R train to Whitehall Street
MTA Bus : M15, M20, M55
Ferries run every 40 minutes beginning from 10 A.M. The last return ferry is at 7 P.M. on the weekends.
Brooklyn: Red Hook/Atlantic Basin, located at the intersection of Pioneer Street and Conover Street (SATURDAY & SUNDAY ONLY)
F, G train to Smith-9th Streets
MTA Bus: B61
Ferries run every 30 minutes beginning from 11 A.M. The last return ferry is at 7 P.M. on the weekends.
Insider TIP:
Before noon on the weekends, the Governors Island ferry is FREE at both locations! Try to make your reservations at least 2 days in advance to ensure you are able to reserve a free spot. Otherwise, the ferry ride is $3 roundtrip ( a little more than a train ride but ... on the water with an insane view of the Brooklyn Bridge and Lady liberty. I would say it's worth it.) There is no surcharge to bring your own bike.
View from the ferry
You MUST make a reservation as the capacity on the ferries is limited for social distancing. The roundtrip ferry ride is $3. It is free before noon on the weekends for everyone and free everyday for:
Seniors 65 and over
Children 12 and under
Residents of NYCHA housing
IDNYC holders
Military service members ( former and active)
Governors island members
If you would like to pay in cash, email ferrytickets@govisland.org
Otherwise click the link below to reserve your tickets.
Try to arrive 15-30 minutes in advance. I arrived 20 minutes in advance and there was already a long line!
Alternative option
The NYC Ferry also has a shuttle ferry to Governors Island. It's $ 2.75 one way and there's a $1 fee to bring a bike. It's free if you transfer from any NYC ferry. The ferry departs every 30 minutes beginning 10:04 A.M. It departs from Wall St./ Pier 11.
MTA Bus: M15, QM7, QM8, X8, and X14
1 train to South Ferry
2,3 train to Wall Street
J,Z train to Broad Street
Purchase tickets below:
Important Links for more info on Governor's Island:
A map of Governors Island from their website:
COVID related concerns***
Ferry
You are required to wear a mask on the ferry. The ferry has 6 feet apart social distance markers on the floor. The ferry was not overcrowded.
Governor's Island
It is suggested to wear masks and most people were wearing masks! It is not recommended to go in groups of more than 10 people.
If you have any Covid-like symptoms, please don't go out! #NYSTRONG
Budget:
Round Trip Train ride: $5.50
* I took the 1 train from my house
Ferry: $3.00
* free if before noon on the weekend
Citi Bike: $15.00
* free if you bring your own bike
Food: Varies
* free if you pack your own food
Overall: $23.50
Governor's Island will be open until November 1st!! Go before it's too late!
It is open from 10AM to 6PM on weekdays and 10AM to 7PM on weekends.
Hope you have as much as fun as I did! Stay safe! Let me know if you get a chance to go! Send me pics, message or tag me! I would LOVE to hear from you!
If you have any requests or feedback, please let me know!
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