You would think that a small, preserved colonial-era island, 800 yards off Manhattan’s southern shore would be a world-renowned tourist attraction. One would think that the New York site that famously hosted the 1988 summit with President Reagan and USSR leader Gorbachev would have a more recognizable name. And one would surely be forgiven for doubting that an island complete with a preserved castle, fort, pre Civil War fortifications and homes even existed so close to New York’s shore. Governors Island does, indeed, exist and it boasts the most dramatic southern Manhattan views in the entire city. New York Habitat has known about Govenors Island for quite some time and we have several accommodations a short ferry ride away.
New York Harbor, with view of Govenors Island
Designated as a national monument, Governors Island has flown under the public radar for much of its recent history. In reality, the island in New York Harbor has played an important role in just about every American military engagement since the Revolutionary War. The island’s two most important landmarks are Fort Jay and Castle Williams, both fortifications dating back to the early 19th century. The island is home to dozens of historically marked and preserved buildings and former private estates. Today Governors Island has a park-like atmosphere, an oasis from the cars and noise inescapable even in the center of Manhattan’s most serene parks. Governors Island is open only during the summer and now features a long lineup of outdoor concerts. New York’s southern skyline is inescapable on the island. Financial District skyscrapers cast their looming shadows on the island from what seems like a world away. The views from the island are spectacular–a landscape that includes southern Manhattan, Brooklyn and the Statue of Liberty. Visitors can reach the island on the Governors Island Ferry, departing from the Battery Maritime Building adjacent to the Staten Island Ferry in Lower Manhattan.
New York Accommodation: 2-bedroom apartment in Tribeca (NY7288)
Unfortunately, visitors cannot stay on Governors Island proper, an accommodation in Lower Manhattan is as close as you can get. Guests should take a look at this 1-bedroom apartment rental in the Financial District (NY-12523), located between Wall and William streets, this apartment is literally steps from the Gov. Island Ferry. Groups with more guests should try this 2-bedroom vacation rental accommodation in Tribeca (NY-7388). This studio vacation rental in Battery Park (NY-11925) makes up for its smallish size with rooftop views of New York Harbor, the Financial District, Statue of Liberty and, what else, Governors Island.
If you have missed the past tow entries in the top 5 views of Manhattan, New York; take a look at:
#5: Liberty State Park, Jersey City New Jersey
#4: Empire - Fulton Ferry Park, Brooklyn
What other New York Harbor/East River Islands are worth a visit? Comment Below
Related apartment rental posts from New York Habitat:
- Top 5 Manhattan Views: #2 The Top of The Rock
- The Staten Island Ferry: A fun trip with no cost
- Top 5 Manhattan Views: #1 The Roosevelt Island Tram
- New York Accommodations for the 4th of July
- Top 5 Manhattan, New York Views: #5 Jersey City’s Liberty State Park
May 7th, 2008 at 11:11 am
The Island will be open to the public on May 31st for Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Till then, I will be wistfully staring at pictures of it
May 19th, 2008 at 12:49 pm
It is great to read New York Habitat’s infomative Blogs because they take the public to a world of different places to visit in the fantastic city. Now I to take my wife to “The Governors Island,” to enjoy the romantic view of the city.