Governors Island National Monument

Things To Do Near Governors Island National Monument

Walk around the outside of Castle Williams, which soldiers erected between 1806 and 1811. Then, from this location on the western part of the island, head to the north to see the earthworks at Fort Jay, which soldiers built in 1775. Study the different trees and plants as you stroll around this island. 

Hiking Trails

• Ice Caves and Verkeerderkill Falls Trail

  Start this trail at Sam’s Point Preserve. Walk through a rare dwarf pitch pine barren on your way to see the ice caves hollowed out in giant boulders. Then, continue to see Verkeerderkill Falls. This hike ends in Minnewaska State Park. 

  Location

  Sam’s Point Preserve, 400 Sam's Point Road, Cragsmoor, New York, 12420

  Length

  8.3 miles

  Intensity

  Moderate

• Bull Hill Full Loop

  This hike starts at Little Stony Point, just north of Cold Spring. Follow the trail from the parking lot to the old rock quarry. Enjoy stunning views of the New York City skyline as you climb the hill. Detour a little to see the old Cornish farmstead before hiking back to the starting point. 

  Location

  Little Stony Point, 3007 Bear Mountain-Beacon Highway, Cold Spring, New York 10516

  Length

  5.4 miles

  Intensity

  Moderate

• Central Park Loch Trail

  Start this Central Park trail on the pool’s east side. Go under the Glen Span Arch and follow the route to the Loch stream. Follow the trail to the north, and always keep the stream on your right. Keep following the path through the Huddlestone Arch to reach the North Woods. Then, finish your hike by visiting the Blockhouse. 

  Location

  Central Park Pool, 110th Street & Lenox Avenue, New York, New York 10029

  Length

  3.5 miles

  Intensity

  Easy

Sightseeing

• Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral

  The Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral is one of the oldest churches in New York, being built in 1809. In 1879, it became a parish church until the pope made it a basilica in 2010. Take the candlelight after-hours tour to see the catacomb, which is the only one in New York and one of a very few in the United States. 

  Location

  263 Mulberry Street, New York, New York 10012

• African Burial National Monument

  The African Burial National Monument is the burial spot for about 15,000 enslaved and free Africans. It is the oldest African cemetery in the United States. It is also the starting point for a two-hour history tour of the Freedom Trail. 

  Location

  290 Broadway, New York, New York 10007

• John Browne House

  Tour the John Browne House, which Browne built in 1661. It is one of the oldest houses in New York City. Over 5,000 objects, including English and American furniture and decorative art, paintings, textiles, costumes, household artifacts, books, manuscripts, and toys fill the home. 

  Location

  37-01 Bowne St, Flushing, New York 11354

Museums

• The Skyscraper Museum

  See models of skyscrapers from around the world at The Skyscraper Museum. Learn about the inventions and materials that make them work. This is also a fantastic place to learn about the architects who build these tall towers. 

  Location

  39 Battery Place, New York, New York 10280

• Museum of the American Gangster

  The two-room Museum of the American Gangster explores the history of American gangsters through historical artifacts. Learn the stories of these people and events in this space that used to be a speakeasy.

  Location

  80 St. Mark's Place, New York, New York 10003

Nearby Shops and Restaurants

• Brooklyn Superhero Supply Co.

  If you need to stock up on your superhero gear and supplies, then shop at Brooklyn Superhero Supply, where you will find gifts, costumes, party supplies, and posters. All profits from this store support a children’s tutoring and publishing company. 

  Location

  372 Fifth Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11215

• Iggie’s Curiosity Shoppe

  Find unusual vintage and antique items at Iggie’s Curiosity Shoppe. This is a fantastic place to shop for unique items that you simply cannot live without. The merchandise is constantly changing, so make this a stop each time you visit the city. 

  Location

  11 Patterson Ave., Midland Park, New Jersey 07432

• The Black Ant

  Step into The Black Ant and experience eating insects from around the world used as a seasoning in your favorite Mexican entrees. There are grasshopper tacos and crushed-ant guacamole. If the thought of eating insects leaves you squeamish, try their rabbit enchiladas. They also have outstanding cocktails. 

  Location

  60 Second Ave., New York, New York, 10003

• S’MAC

  Try unusual types of macaroni and cheese at S’MAC. They offer gluten-free and vegan options and they cook delicious small batches throughout the day. 

  Location

  197 First Ave., New York, New York 10003

How To Get To Governors Island National Monument

It is easy to get to Governors Island National Monument by taking the ferry from the Battery Maritime Building. If you are at the Empire State Building, then head southwest on 5th Avenue. Turn left on East 30th Street. Turn right to merge onto FDR Drive. Get off at Exit 1 and follow the signs towards West Street and merge onto South Street. Make a slight left to get to the Battery Maritime Building. You can also catch the ferry at Pier 6 in Brooklyn Bridge Park or Atlantic Basin in Red Hook on weekends. 

Address

Battery Maritime Building, Slip 5, 10 South Street, New York, New York 10005

Fee: Entry fee $0

Governors Island was home to one of the longest-used military establishments in the United States. Take the ferry from Battery Park to reach this island. After exploring the island, hop on the ferry to get back to New York City, where you can have lots of adventures. There are fantastic places to go hiking in the New York City area, including Central Park. There are also fun museums to explore. Additionally, there are lovely places to shop and dine that are unique. The best way to explore New York City is in your RV. If you do not have an RV, then rent one from RVshare.