A 172-acre former military island in the middle of the harbor, off-limits to the public for 200 years and now a park with hammocks, lavender, bike paths and picnic lawns directly across from the Statue of Liberty. The National Park Service runs its north end as a National Monument around two old fortifications, Fort Jay and Castle Williams.
- Address
- Ferry from Battery Maritime Building, 10 South St, New York, NY 10004
- Hours
- Island open daily; ferries every 30 minutes (every 15 minutes on weekend peak 10:00-18:00)
- Best time to go
- Morning, Afternoon · About 4 h
- Price
- Ferry $5 round trip; free Sat-Sun before 11:00 and always free for 65+, children 12 and under, NYCHA residents and IDNYC holders (govisland.com, 2026)
- Price level
- $
Details can change. Check hours and prices before you go.
Good to know
- Take the Saturday or Sunday ferry before 11:00: it is free.
- Weekend and holiday ferries also run from Brooklyn Bridge Park Pier 6 and Red Hook through 1 November 2026; NYC Ferry stops there too (separate tickets).
- NPS full visitor services run Memorial Day weekend to 31 October; bring water and a picnic.