Governor's Island needs more appreciation. It doesn't get the attention it deserves. Nolan Park is in the middle of the Island. Basically it's a nice open space with trees and good views of Manhattan. There's a lot of old houses surrounding it, some of which you can go into and check out. Halloween is one of the last major events of the year on the island before the ferry ends. It's cool seeing all these pumpkins everywhere. The students at the school get into it. Getting here is fun enough. The ferry leaves from near the same place as the one that goes to Staten Island. It goes without saying this is the better of the two islands. The park is good for a picnic. It's a good idea to bring your own food. The food at the restaurant on the island is a ripoff. It also is a good idea to rent a bike. Nolan Park has many paths that are great for riding. This also lets you get around the island faster so you can catch the ferry at an earlier time. read more

Nolan Park - Park - Parks Near Me - New York, New York

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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 (http://www.govisland.com/html/visit/calendar.shtml) 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: http://www.govisland.com/html/visit/biking.shtml. Want to eat? Check here: http://www.govisland.com/html/visit/biking.shtml. 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!!! read more

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I don't know whether it is the Trust for GI or the National Park Service. Neither have telephone numbers that function -the one on the National Park Service is abandoned or defunked. But I was trying to find out about reserving a grill. I find that the site online is impossible to manage. Perhaps it is an insider's game. I really don't know. But I do know that the entire effort was futile and that, even by email, no one contacted me. I suspect they are (1) overburdened and (2) relatively lazy. read more

It's a nice quiet park amongst the old colonial styled houses in the area. Many art displays are showcased here from time to time. It gives off a southern states type of vibe without actually being just that. read more

Nice park. 1) Excellent for great views of Manhattan. 2) Great for bikes. Next time I will rent one. 3) Very relaxing. read more

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. read more

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. read more

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This place is amazing, huge and fun, so the previous yelper 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! :) read more

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! read more

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. read more

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. read more

A spacious park to just relax and enjoy the weather. The buildings here are abandoned and usually not open to the public. There are seats and swings scattered around the park so enjoy it to it's fullest. You could also rent family bikes/ single bikes. read more

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. read more

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

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

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. read more

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. read more

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. read more

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

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. read more

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