"To hear island officials tell it, Governors Island has come of age this summer, with the opening of the southern portion and the 2.2-mile promenade around the perimeter. Also newly opened is Picnic Point, an eight-acre lawn on the southwest corner that features hammocks, picnic tables and what officials declare are the best shore views of the Statue of Liberty. This month a dining and entertainment spot called Water Taxi Beach opened, adjacent to the ferry dock, boasting an ambitious menu and tied in with a nighttime concert series that includes Erykah Badu on Aug. 4 and the B-52s on Aug. 18.....(also Judy Collins July 26th.. edit).
On the lawn near Liggett Hall is an artist-designed 18-hole miniature golf course, with holes inspired by city rooftops, the Cyclone roller coaster and even an electric guitar.....
A former military post with roles in the War of 1812, the Civil War and both World Wars, for roughly two centuries it served as a base for the United States Army and Coast Guard, which officially left in 1996...There are miles of bike paths; guided tours are available, conducted by rangers from the National Park Service, which oversees part of the island, including Castle Williams and Fort Jay. Or you can wander aimlessly along rows of handsome, if faded, Victorian and Romanesque Revival buildings that once housed military personnel...Visitors rave about the views here...
Hours and directions
Open May 11-Oct 11. Friday Sat and Sunday.
Directions and ferry schedule The Governors Island Ferry departs from the Battery Maritime Building located adjacent to the Staten Island Ferry in Lower Manhattan. The ferry terminal is accessible as follows:
By Subway
1 – South Ferry Station
4, 5 (weekdays) to Bowling Green
W (weekdays only), R (weekdays and weekends) – Whitehall St. Station
