What it is
Governors Island is a 172-acre island in New York Harbor, about a half-mile from the southern tip of Manhattan and roughly the same distance from Brooklyn. It was a US military base for 200 years — Army, then Coast Guard — before being transferred to New York City and New York State in the early 2000s. It's now operated as a public park and cultural venue, open seasonally.
Getting there
The NYC Ferry runs from the Battery Maritime Building in Lower Manhattan (next to the Staten Island Ferry terminal) and from Brooklyn Bridge Park's Pier 6 in Brooklyn. The crossing takes about 7 minutes from Manhattan, slightly longer from Brooklyn. The ferry is included in the general NYC Ferry fare — the same as a subway ride with OMNY — and runs frequently during operating season, typically late May through October.
What's there
The Hills — four artificial hills built from the material excavated during the 2nd Avenue Subway construction, with panoramic views of the harbour, lower Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the Statue of Liberty simultaneously. The view from the top of Outlook Hill is, arguably, the single best 360-degree harbour view available anywhere in the city. Free.
Historic district — the island's northern section contains Fort Jay and Castle Williams, both 19th-century fortifications, and a grid of Federal and Victorian-era buildings from the military occupation. Guided tours available; the buildings are visually striking.
Hammock Grove — exactly what it sounds like: a grove of trees with publicly available hammocks. A genuinely pleasant place to spend an hour reading without the city noise.
Art and events — the island hosts a significant summer programme of art installations, outdoor concerts, and cultural events, many of them free. The Governors Island Art Fair each summer is one of the largest outdoor contemporary art events in the city.
Practical things
The island is car-free — you walk or rent a bicycle there. Bring food or eat at the seasonal vendors; restaurant options on the island are limited. Dogs are allowed. Most of what makes it good is free once you've paid the ferry.