CityLens
Governors Island National Monument
Park

Governors Island National Monument

Governors Island, New York Harbor

Directions

Type

Park

Lens

Landmarks

About this place

From 1794 to 1966, the U.S. Army presence on Governors Island played a vital role in the social, political, and economic life of New York City. The island then served as the headquarters of the U.S. Coast Guard from 1966 to 1996, continuing its legacy of national service. Today, Governors Island has transformed into a destination for art, culture, and public programs.

Website

National Park Service information

Hours

Fort Jay Winter

Monday
Closed
Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday
Closed
Thursday
Closed
Friday
Closed
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
Closed

Fort Jay will be closed for the winter. It will re-open in April

Fort Jay

Monday
Closed
Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday
10:00AM - 4:00PM
Thursday
10:00AM - 4:00PM
Friday
10:00AM - 4:00PM
Saturday
10:00AM - 4:00PM
Sunday
10:00AM - 4:00PM

The Fort Jay court yard displays, magazine, and ravelin, are open in Summer, Wednesday through Sunday 10am until 4pm

Castle Williams winter

Monday
Closed
Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday
Closed
Thursday
Closed
Friday
Closed
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
Closed

Castle Williams will be closed this winter and will re-open in the spring

Castle Williams

Monday
Closed
Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday
10:00AM - 4:00PM
Thursday
10:00AM - 4:00PM
Friday
10:00AM - 4:00PM
Saturday
10:00AM - 4:00PM
Sunday
10:00AM - 4:00PM

Castle Williams summer hours

Directions

Governors Island is located in New York Harbor, 1/2 mile from the southern tip of Lower Manhattan and 400 yards west of the end of Brooklyn's Atlantic Avenue and Red Hook waterfront. It is accessible only via ferry. Ferry service from Manhattan is the main way to access the island. The ferry departs from Battery Maritime Building at 10 South Street, at South and Whitehall Streets (next to the Staten Island ferry terminal). Check www.govisland.com for ferry schedules.

Official directions

Weather & Seasonal Notes

During the summer public access season from May to September, the weather is typical of the mid-Atlantic region. Thunderstorms can come quickly with short downpours. There may be extended periods of heat or humidity that might last a week or more. The island is generally a few degrees cooler than the city due to the fairly constant breeze.

Activities

BikingRoad BikingFoodPicnickingGuided ToursJunior Ranger ProgramMuseum ExhibitsShoppingBookstore and Park StoreGift Shop and Souvenirs

Courtesy of the National Park Service

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