Governors Island- NYC's Best Kept Secret ? (Things To Do For Summer in New York City)

We explore Governors Island NYC, located just minutes south of Lower Manhattan by Ferry. This small island oasis is home to tons of recreational activities and has amazing views of the New York City skyline. It's open from May to October and is the perfect summer spot to spend a day. Make sure to watch my other NYC Playlists for even more ideas on things to do on your next trip to the Big Apple !
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I'm Jon Barr, an ex-sportscaster turned travel vlogger. If you're looking for waste no-time ,incredibly informative videos loaded with useful travel tips, you've come to the right place! My vlogs are made for the savvy traveler. Subscribe to learn all of my travel tips, tricks, and secrets that have helped me visit 33 countries. Based out of NYC but always on the go. Don't be shy to reach out via Social Media.
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[@HereBeBarr]

UPDATE 2020 Governors Island is OPEN for the Summer, Here are the NEW RULES: govisland.com/visit-the-island/ferry NYC Things To Do Playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLb_xU7RWYGbbYm1SHo4FjwcpNvefdPlFv NYC Tips Videos: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lYS1dJpmm5iXp6c SUBSCRIBE HERE: bit.ly/2ddsVMs WANT $40.00 off your first Airbnb stay?: bit.ly/2keuwJf TAKE 10% Off your Booking.Com Reservation: booki.ng/2oCFDfg CONNECT- FOLLOW ME ON IG: instagram.com/here.be.barr FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER: twitter.com/herebebarr LIKE US ON FACEBOOK: facebook.com/herebebarr CHECK OUT MY WEBSITE: www.herebebarr.com

[@claudiavasquez1368]

Here Be Barr thanks for this video!! Great job filming this, great views and idea!

[@ToyoteroMundial]

There was an island behind Adriana? Did not see it. jejeje

[@mmmmcheese4850]

I'm planning a trip for my daughter and I. Thanks for the idea and insight. I can't wait to see it with her.

[@greyabram1183]

i realize I'm quite off topic but does anybody know a good site to stream new tv shows online ?

[@marcustristan208]

@Grey Abram lately I have been using FlixZone. Just google for it :)

[@oltlghfan2008]

Yes only on weekends the ferry leaves Brooklyn Bridge Park at pier 6 and if you go before 11am it's free.

[@joelweiner4798]

My friend went "glamping "there last Tuesday evening and she enjoyed it. What she liked most was having the island to herself and her sister in the early morning hours before the first ferry arrived from Manhattan. I'll be visiting during this upcoming week also to avoid crowds.. As an NYCID holder, the ferry ride is free.. Toilet facilities are important so it's wise to pick up a map and find their locations. Thanks for making this video...it was informative.

[@shadowduck02]

I will be in NYC at the end of the month... this is on the list for sure.

[@tommysparks2705]

I was in U.S. Coast Guard when I attended Electronics School on Governor’s Island in 1979. Being from the Midwest, it was a definite change to atmosphere. I loved how it was so near the end in Manhattan, but far away enough to have it’s own, small town, atmosphere! I love the way NYC is turning it into a City Park! 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@CharlesGervasi]

That sounds so nice. That was back when the UHF bands were new, I think. I'm an EE from the Midwest born in 1975. 📻

[@briankelley7712]

Stationed there, in the Coast Guard, for nearly eleven years. Lived there for nearly nine years (a couple of years in Staten Island) in Bldg. 315. Across from Yankee Pier.

[@lolagould7210]

Brian Kelley home for my hubby and I! Met and married there! ❤️

[@princessglittersparkle1994]

We lived in Bldg 877!!!! I went to P.S. 26!!!!

[@paulhart7129]

I was in the USCG and attended Electronics Technician School from 11/67 to 5/68 right out of Boot Camp. I lived in Bldg 400 on the top floor. The view was something else.

[@pisces1017]

877 apt 227. Yes it is a magical place.

[@stace_d]

I love Governors Island. It's such an underrated gem in NYC. So cool to explore, bike and stroll on a not too hot day... Also in the fall there are cool art installations and fests

[@ritagonzalez8923]

Years back was a Coast Guard base,good memories,in Governor Island I got first ID card! And now it’s a tourist attraction.

[@residualaftermath]

Thanks so much for this video. My brother was in the Coast Guard and was stationed there for awhile during the Vietnam War before his company was captured briefly in Russian waters. He always talked about his time there and I was wondering what it was like. He is gone now, but I will always remember his stories.

[@conwaycabal2770]

Lovethe video. You're helping me getting ready for ny trip. Thanks for all the pro tips. Keeping stuff informative, friendly,& fun.

[@MarySmith-sb5nu]

I loved the peace, the hammock grove and the history

[@TheEbsyT]

Thanks for still uploading videos about New York !! I remember 2 years ago I watched your videos on tips for your first trip to New York and now I’m flying back to New York again from Australia!! So I’m glad to see you still update for us tourists ☺️☺️

[@bogonzales672]

Happy Sunday to you BarrioBrother and the lovely Adriana! Camping out there would be awesome!! Hearing the waves and nature. Then waking up at dawn to see the NYC skyline lit up in sunshine. How unique would that be! Plus ferry rides are always fun. Thanks guys! ❤

[@outdoormusings7688]

Loved exploring Governor’s Island over the weekend.

[@terrycousins3015]

Missed it on our trip in May but we’ll be back soon and Governors Island is on our list of things to do.# love New York 🇺🇸🇬🇧🗽

[@simonepirastu9479]

Oh well, you're my NYC guru now! Visiting NYC next year for a week! Great video and a great island. When I was "exploring" google maps I wondered about this island... well, you gave me the answers I needed :D

[@FoodandFootprints]

Governor’s Island is a cool place - love the views

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

Can't wait to find half a day to go visit it. Thank for the informational video.

[@tubbsplaza]

Thanks for the flog. Me and my family will visit NYC in this summer. This would be the place to relex and get away from the busy city. So yes I think we will go there. Thanks Barr...

[@cruzinwithjuanandgail4516]

Love this video! It really captures the island! We stopped by the glamping area and had a cocktail during our bike ride. The cocktails were refreshing and the view of the city was perfect!!!

[@aurimaskristapavicius1459]

Visiting NYC right now and using your adivices :D Thanks man!

[@lordhumor6541]

Another great video, adding this to my list. Might do this next weekend ! I appreciate you, my friend!!!!

[@HereBeBarr]

👌🏻👌🏻

[@RV-ing]

We will be visiting NY for the 4th time now and this will be on our "to do list." Thanks for all your awesome tips.

[@katerpillar5257]

Thanks for posting this video! I was born in Manhattan and lived on Governor's Island when I was a kid! I hope we have time to visit when we go there next month!

[@TommyboyGTP]

Looks awesome! Hopefully next time you go the fort will be open

[@leoleoleo22]

You're the best virtual tour guide in NY. I arrived three days ago and will check Governor Island. Also, your NY travel tips are awesome!

[@albertoalbertoni9529]

Wonderful Governors Island, without cars, surrounded by greenery with a crazy view, I saw some healthy food in your picnic, good guys!

[@petetinkham3303]

all my Coast Guard brothers and sister remember the Burger King there. Such a cool place, def want to go back now as a civilian.

[@neepoo1107]

This is on our to-do list every time we go to NYC. We love it. Although I’ve never seen the slide!

[@NYCRocks]

I haven't been to Governors Island since I was a kid! Definately heading back to vlog it as well! I love when you have Adriana on the vlogs! That slide must get really hot in the summer! Thanks for another awesome video!

[@HereBeBarr]

Yes it was hot 😂

[@mats7492]

ill be in NYC in July.. Your videos are really helpful..

[@julikath1294]

Definitely want to visit this summer!

[@HereBeBarr]

Smart move.

[@MannyExploresVlog]

I've always wanted to visit this island, definitely will be visiting this summer.

[@xfactor1497]

In NYC now, leaving this afternoon unfortunately! Hopefully one day, I will live in this great city and make vlogs also. Till then, thanks for the inspiration and keep making vids. Favorite place in the world!

[@jasonplatt2228]

As a visitor, I would love to visit Governor's Island. As you pointed out, it's a great antidote to the intensity of the city where everyone seems to be in a hurry. Governor's Island seems so low key and relaxing, especially on a weekday. And as someone who has only lived in the Los Angeles, CA and Las Vegas, NV areas where it doesn't rain much and so there's not much green areas, I especially loved around 4:10 into the video where you showed Overlook Hill and the lush greenery in that area. That looked sensational!

[@geewhiz747]

My favorite part of the island is that you can get an excellent view of the Manhattan skyline and still feel like you're in a different world! It has a very haunting, 18th century feel to it yet lots of modern-day activities! No place like it

[@ratriot6729]

already looking like a good video!

[@HereBeBarr]

Thanks

[@2000konnie]

That looks like a nice place to visit just to relax and see some great views. For me, I'm usually only in NYC a couple of days at a time with a lot of things planned. So, not sure when I would make it out there.

[@TheGriffin66]

I have plans to go here when i visit in Oct. This video confirms its a good choice. What an awesome looking place!

[@HereBeBarr]

:) Great choice.

[@davidkarle8265]

You keep making my must do list get longer and longer.

[@jamesstark7251]

Thanks for the video. I've been to the Island a number of times. Highly recommend it. Very chill. Couple of notes.... the Island was owned by the US Army for a couple of centuries. I remember my uncle taking me to the Army PX when I was a kid and buying me an authentic army fatigue uniform. Then it was taken over by the Coast Guard. An interesting stop is the base chapel at South Battery. It was built by Trinity Church for the Army faithful. Last time I was there I talked the custodian into letting me inside. Beautiful. Keep up the great videos.

[@nilssmith-yt]

Love Governor’s Island and my kids love that slide! We’ve thought about glamping there for a weekend, but it’s a bit pricy. Great getaway in the city!

[@MattNav]

No idea how I'm gonna cram all this into one weekend but I know for sure I need to check out Governors Island next weekend :-DThanks for sharing Jon as always

[@HereBeBarr]

Good luck !!

[@owenfranklin5313]

It looks great I would enjoy quiet surroundings

[@user-ui1me8cb2u]

Thanks for video. It was very interesting. I would add a glamping in Governor Island to my bucket list.

[@claudiavasquez1368]

Асылан Искаков I’m sorry this video had nothing to do with glamping

[@user-ui1me8cb2u]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/launi59rqa6snLMm39s

[@zendemonioustutoris3082]

Wow! Thanks! Adding this to me and my son's trip. The views alone are worth the price of admission 😃

[@HereBeBarr]

🥳

[@borrseq]

I woke up to that view for 3 years 1980-1983 Building 111 A-3 Thank you for the memories.

[@oDon44]

Lived there twice while in the Coast Guard. Loved it!

[@MickAngelhere]

Never too old to go on a slide cool place to visit 👍👍👍👍👍

[@AW-iw6kt]

Thank you so much Jon, have been watching your video's before coming to NYC, coming from Europe, now my 2nd day here and will stay another 10 days. Feel like buying some pre-packaged salad at Trader Joe's (another great advice from you, was there yesterday) and head to Governor's Island for a picnic!

[@TheDragonflyCottage]

Wow I have never gone there. We just never made it. So beautiful and peaceful day.Thaks Jon and Adriana

[@anthientran7117]

This summer ? Jon, after seeing this video, I'm visiting Governors Island tomorrow ✌️😄

[@teejames5098]

I went there for the 1st time yesterday..oh how beautiful and relaxing..I actually fell asleep in those red chair under a tree😴😁

[@BNiche]

Love the video, Jon! Governor's Island is one of my top 3 favorite places to go in Manhattan and it continues to get better every year! As someone mentioned below, during the weekends, the 10 am, 11 am, and the 11:30 am ferries are free coming from Manhattan. I agree with going with Citibike versus Blazing Saddles for bike rentals, but the Surrey bikes are a good option for families and for people who are too klutzy on bikes (a.k.a. me, ha). I also made the mistake about the slide versus the Hill, ha. Threes Brewery, a local brewery in Brooklyn, just opened an outpost of their brewery at Liggett Terrace with a collaboration with Popina on June 1st (yesterday) for the weekends and the drinks/food was delightful. Add to it the restaurants right off the Manhattan Ferry - Island Oyster and Taco Vista with Governor's Island Beer Co - and you got yourself amazing options. Even with a lot of people, there's a certain peace with Governor's. By the way, you gotta do glamping if you get sponsored! I don't think it'd be worth the money, but check it out! Great video again!

[@HereBeBarr]

Yah, i could try to get it sponsored.

[@pittsburghliving412]

Nice! Great job with the GoPro footage!

[@HereBeBarr]

Thanks

[@lolagould7210]

Home! 😢. I lived on this island Colonial’s Row from 1974-1979. Meet my hubby there when he was stationed on the island in 1975. We called it the “Rock”, But it truly is a gem! Yes, I would camp there, BUT winters are brutal ! We still heard sirens, lots of sounds from. NY City and Brooklyn...😬

[@kimmieskatt]

Love this place. My company has hosted events on the island. I have relatives that work on the ferry and the island. I think they still have a grilling section, but it’s on the far side facing the Statue of Liberty. There are so many things to do and see here.

[@novaman7100]

Will definitely visit. BTW respite pronounced respit.

[@FoodandFootprints]

Thanks for the shout-out!

[@aariix3]

Another viewer from Ecuador here! hehe, you should come visit Ecuador. Greetings from Cuenca, Ecuador.

[@KevinOrtiz-dl8wc]

I will travel from puerto rico to nyc in 4 days and i definitely will go here. Good to know is getting warmer in there xD. Apreciate all the videos man thanks for the content and insights👌👌

[@HereBeBarr]

De nada

[@BeccaReevesXX]

I wish I'd seen this a week ago. Makes me wanna go back! It seems like there is just so much you can do that you'd have to stay for months to experience everything. Def going to put this on the list for our next trip thank you!

[@HereBeBarr]

That’s an understatement

[@BeccaReevesXX]

@@HereBeBarr I was thinking the same thing as I typed that comment 😂 I wish it wasnt so expensive cuz I'd go way more often. I've totally fallen in love with the city since my first visit a year ago. To anyone thinking of going. DO IT!! You won't regret it

[@jasonpayneuk]

Hey John, great video, out of interest can you recommend any take away picnics for anyone visiting from out of town and not able to make their own? Thanks in advance, J

[@ems9669]

thanks for this video....very informative... i've never been there and i always wanted to go there. until what latest time of the day you can stay there?

[@HereBeBarr]

Check the link in the description, they're open very late on Fridays i believe.

[@johnscanlan9335]

Great video but you missed the best part of Governor's Island. The first time I was there in the summer of 2013 and I found the old officers' housing area that looks like an idealized version of a perfect small town. And to make it beautifully surreal there was an old French carnival from Quebec being held on the area's central green space - truly amazing!!! As I stood there taking in this magnificent experience I felt completely detached from New York and had the sensation I was somewhere very far away from the big city. Then I looked at my watch and realized I needed to head home and like magic within 15 minutes I was back to "the real world" getting on the #4 subway train heading uptown!!!

[@Livingmydreammm]

Thank you❤❤❤

[@HereBeBarr]

You're welcome !

[@ursulabennett1772]

Thanks I forgot beautiful it is

[@brooklynzone1769]

It seems cool to glamp

[@richrich2471]

I went there twice, once on 2015 & then the following year. I'm sure the ferry was free back then. I loved that some of the old houses were art galleries, in fact I loved everything about it apart from the Mosquito bites !!

[@sreed7637]

I lived there! 1980-1982!!! Building 555!!!!

[@johnmoran7434]

So I was on Governor's Island a lonnnngg time ago. Things have definitely changed and it sounds interesting.

[@HereBeBarr]

Wow 😮

[@oltlghfan2008]

I visited Roosevelt Island on Memorial Day for the first time and it was amazing. I never visited Governor's Island either and plan on visiting there either in July or August. Excited. Great video.

[@HereBeBarr]

I like Governor's more, a lot more going on.

[@oltlghfan2008]

@@HereBeBarr Can't wait to visit and see for myself. 🙂

[@stephensegall1280]

a goood place to live and work

[@filipinabbw]

I used to volunteer for the Downtown Boathouse on Governor's Island. I think it will be open on the 15th of this month.

[@adventureswithcarl123]

I'm going there on July 5

[@Abizpon]

Saludos desde Guanajuato

[@laurarodriguez5238]

When are you coming to Staten Island ?😂

[@guymorris6596]

I'm planning on attending the 2023 New York City Poetry Festival September 10-11 2023. I notice you took the ferry from lower Manhattan. Do you know of any nice but affordable hostels in that area ?

[@FoodandFootprints]

Been once for a concert a while back and then for the Vendy Awards last year

[@HereBeBarr]

Yeah I gavey ou a shout out.

[@will2Collett]

A nice tour, but you didn't mention the real history of Governors Island. It was settled in the 1600's by the Dutch, calling it Noten Eylandt - anglisized as Nutter Island. The First settlement for New Amsterdam. Well, that's history. THANKS so much for the tour.

[@HereBeBarr]

First !!

[@diegoramos27]

ive been twice in nyc and both times I was freezing to death, is it normal :( ?

[@rootbeer1053]

Thanks for the info, love learning about the interesting islands that surround NYC. More more! :)

[@HereBeBarr]

That's the goal.

[@5argetech56]

For real, For real.... WOW this the only place I have not been to... I was born in Brooklyn. I now live in mid Georgia.. and I still have a special place in my heart for NYC... Thank you! PS - Have you gone uptown and got a " Chopped Cheese " Sandwich? I know you must have, If not... You must go.

[@HereBeBarr]

It's been on my list forever. But have never had a chopped cheese sandwich.

[@phatsmama30]

It sucks it doesnt look the same as it did when I lived there G.I was one of the best places i ever lived .

[@noahnorman6877]

If you ever go to Governors Island one must do thing is to ride a bike on the trail that goes up Discovery Hill (the hill with a white shed on top), as it feels like your on a roller coaster or playing Mario Kart in real life with its gradual climb and steep drop which you can go really fast going down, it’s really fun. But it should only be done with a bike that rides good off-road and can make sharp turns, I do not recommend riding a CitiBike up there as they don’t do very good off-road and they make much wider turns which will make it a nightmare to navigate Discovery Hill’s trail.

[@scoutandscooter]

Went there three or for times last year. Now that the southern portion is open it is incredible. It is an incredible open space for NY. The hills were built on top of rubble from several ugly white brick buildings they imploded. Not sure if the views of the city or Adriana are better (I'm married to a brunette, so rather partial).

[@totthita2200]

COME BACK FROM VIET NAM WAR WE STATION ON GOVERNOR ISALND FOR 4 YEAR 1970 - 1974. MY HUSBAND LT. FOLEY WORKED AT THE CAPT OF THE PORT. I LOVE NEW YORK CITY.

[@karljo8064]

I've lived in New York for a year. I'd like to visit Governors Island, but I still haven't gotten around to it. I guess it's similar to Roosevelt Island - near the river, no skyscrapers, few people, lots of green space, etc

[@kidkdm]

You have to go back to fort jay I want to see it

[@HereBeBarr]

I know..

[@GETMONEYJONES2304]

I knew it was a star Fort there

[@wadeharris3535]

Jon, what would you recommend as the minimum amount of time to visit Governor's Island?

[@HereBeBarr]

2 hours

[@OhAodha_]

Best kept secrets so let’s put it on KZbin.

[@P9ND9]

fort jay still isnt opened 😭

[@gizmo38b]

hi where you have to put back citi bike.? on same place?

[@HereBeBarr]

No any port

[@frizzzx]

gonna go solely for that slide....partly kidding lol

[@HereBeBarr]

hahaha

[@wang1888]

Looks like Battery Park. Any restrooms?

[@teejames5098]

alot

[@erik_ludwig]

#TeamAdriana! 😁

[@SamSitar]

does the ferry allow bicycles?

[@HereBeBarr]

Sure does

[@davidsminnet7157]

First!

[@HereBeBarr]

Everyones first today !