Nolan Park, Governors Island

Whenever I think of Governor’s Island, I instantly feel — sunshine with smell of the grass, biking with breeze, organic ice cream, nap on a hammock, yummy Jamaican food from a truck, playing time, figment shows, art inspirations, a house full of surprises, picnic with watermelons, best view of lower Manhattan, deep blue water with white sailboat, laughter, serenity on rocket chairs… everything about summer!

Such a beautiful park. I loved it. Its peaceful and quiet. I definitely want to come back during the summer

I have to give Governor’s Island a 4 ½ just because of the service I received while trying to rent a bike. Before I get into that, I loved everything about the island and WILL definitely return. The ride to get there is $ 2 round trip which is even cheaper than my train ride there! Plus, it’s free on weekends!
I did research prior to my visit to the island about bike rental. My friend and I wanted to rent the bike because it was free. Free bike rentals run from from 10 — noon Monday through Friday. I arrived at the desk at 11:57−58? The girl who helped check us in wrote 12:00pm. I asked her if it was still free and she said yes. I came back at 1:00pm because the free rentals only last an hour instead of the usual 2 hours for $ 15 dollars. I was informed by the same girl who helped us beforehand that we need to pay the $ 15 dollars because her manager said we left at 12:00 so the free rentals did not pertain to us. I am not blaming her for the mishap because she didn’t know and she wanted to give us the free hour but her manager was the one who was giving her and us a hard time. I wish the manager approached us and told us instead of having the employee tell us when we arrived to return the bikes. I was furious because I was basically forced to pay $ 15 dollars for AN HOUR opposed to the 2 hours. Yes, I could’ve stayed for another hour and requested the bike back for the other hour but I had other things to do so I was unable to follow through with that plan.
I just really wish I was informed prior leaving the rest stop with the bike because we were stationary adjusting the seats and learning how to use the bikes. I wish the manager would’ve handled this situation better just because it wasn’t the employee’s fault. She just wanted to help us and allow us ride for that one hour but no the manager didn’t even approach us to apologize or anything.
Aside from this little problem at the bike rental, I thoroughly enjoyed my time and visit at the island. However even with the mishaps with the bike rental, it was highly enjoyable and I definitely recommend riding the island on a bike!

Cool green space adding to an already peaceful island well worth the visit.

A great place to come to get out of the city without technically getting out of the city. It’s a lot more touristy than it use to be but it’s still a great place to come. The new green spaces and parks they been working on are really well done. The historical buildings are nice to check out as is Fort Jay and even walking the perimeter for nice views. You’ll grab the ferry at Whitehall Ferry Terminal. Lines are ridiculously long but they move fairly quick. I highly recommend coming here.

Nolan Park is the park situated right across from when you get off the ferry on Governor’s Island. It gives you gorgeous hilltop views of NY Harbor and downtown. Right now, there’s a few sculptures around the lawn. There was one with a whole bunch of umbrellas that rained down water, pretty cool. There’s also mini putt putt golf on the field. Definitely worth checking out, along with all the houses located nearby on Colonel’s Row and on the east side, by the Brooklyn side.

Really cool day trip. Free ferry on certain days. The island is much larger than I expected.
The jail museum is kind of a joke because its run by the National Park Service and everything they do sucks!
Wish the bike rental was cheaper because a bike ride around that island would be ideal.
They should have more interesting events on the island.

Finally ventured to governors island and I am still upset it took me so long to visit. I visited with a walking group and we took one of our breaks in the park and enjoyed the beautiful weather and scenery. The park was alive with families, friends and people just relaxing. There were tons of bikers and I said when I return I am going to rent a bike for a few hours. There’s a nice food vendor area with a variety of food options. We took the free ferry from Manhattan before 11am I believe and then took the free ferry into Brooklyn which was cool. Definitely a must do place to see and hang out.

Just an absolutely amazing place to sit, have a picnic, and enjoy the views. This is the southern point of Governors Island and though there is construction here now and not much developed yet, it offers great views and less crowds. Take the free early morning weekend ferry here for a super relaxing day. Head back home before the crowds hit this newly discovered paradise.

The beach club is my favorite venue. The view is really nice and it’s smaller than most venues.

Had a blast! It is beautiful and there’s so much to do! I went to the French carnival there — rides are pretty cheap and you basically get to relive your childhood… They have art collections for free there (went to the Hurricane Sandy house). It’s nice rarity not an arm and a leg away.

Nice park to have a picnic and relax on a summer afternoon. Close to the water taxi which is free from Brooklyn. Nice get away for the family. Bring a blanket, food, and water. Great day trip.

This little gem of a park is a very close walk from the doc where the ferry drops off. This is a great little park for recreational uses, though it’s much better when they host events here. This year, the french carousels were put here and the expansive space made it easy to get to and ride each one. They even have their own food vendor stands per each event and though expensive and a long time to wait, it’s still all tasty. A great place for you and the kids to hang.

Peaceful and so close to the city, yet so far away. A true hidden gem. Check it out on a beautiful summer day.

I headed straight here when I went to Governor’s Island. It’s a walk across the island to get to the park, but it was worth it.
There’s a lot of space on the island, and really good if you want to ride your bike or walk a lot. It’s definitely serve well for walking purposes — I was tired by the time I got to the park, and I walk A LOT.
The park had a lot of swings, which I was happy about, and even had the huge bench swings. I’m not going to lie, I didn’t really care or pay attention to much else beyond the swings, haha, that was the most important part to me! But if you ever want a place to have a picnic, I can’t think of anywhere nicer (maybe central park, since it’s more convenient, but it’s less authentic).
This place’s food is expensive as hell, and it’s annoying having to wait for the ferries (especially to go back) because they can be super late and irregular.
Word of warning: wear sunscreen. I’ve never been sunburned in my life until I came here.

This place is amazing, huge and fun, so the previous Unilocaler covered it all, and yes, bring your own food cause the food is not great and if it’s a popular time the lines are long, and just not worth it. Alcohol is not allowed on the ferry and your bags will be checked before boarding not that they’re like airport security so I’m sure some creative lushes can find a way: P
There are cool art exhibits, lots of beautiful trees and old houses, historical stuff, and even a little etsy shop. If you choose not to engage in anything you can people watch, it’s pretty entertaining to watch people on quadracycles :)
Free bike rentals on Fridays at 10 to 3:30.
Enjoy! :)

In an attempt to provide organized info about Governor’s Island and its summer glory — including where to go and what to do — I’m gonna break this shizz down. Ready? Here goes:
1) Governors Island is bigger than you think. There are lots of things to do and see. Before going, check the calender of events (
) to see what’s going on.
2) The park is divided into various areas, so plan your trip according to what you want to do. Want to bike? Check it:
. Want to eat? Check here:
. Want to chillax, have a picnic, and perhaps play a game of frisbee??? Go to Nolan Park.
If you picture Governors Island to be shaped somewhat like an ice cream cone (bear with me, people), Nolan Park is toward the southwest tip of the scoop (ding!). It has open, grassy spaces perfect for picnicking, tons of shade, amazing old trees (we sat under an ancient chestnut tree), and walking/​biking trails. Plant yourself there and go for whatever other adventures you desire — visit the beach, check out one of the art exhibits, or read up on the Island’s extensive history.
The ferry is free — FREEEEEEE!!! — and it’s only a 7 minute ride. You get an amazing view of downtown NYC, and the ride is incredible at sunset. The last ferry departs the Island at 7:30pm, and the people who work there will be sure to holler and let you know when it’s time to get movin’. So pack up your Bocce Ball set, checkers, bicycle, wine + cheese + fruit + cookies, and get your ass over to Governors Island before winter gets there first!!!