New York Car Rentals and Governors Island

Governors Island has played a large part in the history of New York City with its military communities that were part of the social, political, and economic forces that were part of the city. From 1776-1996, Governors Island provided protection to the ideals represented by the Statue of Liberty that stands right across the bay from here. Visiting with your New York car rental, you will see how the island evolved from a colonial outpost to a regional administrative center for the United States Army and Coast Guard.

The island is not available for you to visit with your New York car rental in the winter, but you can come in the summer in order to experience the activities and events that take place here. All programs are free, but you need to have a free ticket for tours of the grounds. The tickets are given on a first come, first served basis so you will want to arrive early with your New York car rental to ensure you will not be disappointed. There is a limit of 40 people on each tour.

Getting to Governors Island

Getting to Governors Island is easy: go to Battery Park with your New York car rental and take the 10-minute ferry ride from Lower Manhattan. The ferry is located at the Battery Maritime Building, Slip #7.

The Island is closed to the public on Sundays and Mondays, as well as July 4th. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, access to the island is only by guided tour. Tours of the historic district start with the free ferry ride that leaves at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Tickets are given out one hour before the ferry leaves, so be sure to get there early with your New York car rental. On Fridays and Saturdays, you can visit the island on your own with public access to the Historic District between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. The National Park Ranger programs and tours are offered throughout the day, with tours taking place on a first come, first serve basis. During the week, there are no food vendors or potable water, so you will want to bring a snack and water with you. On Saturdays you can purchase some items for consumption.

Battery Park

Battery Park is a park worth spending some time at while you are here with your New York car rental. Battery Park is found at the tip on Manhattan on the south side, and it is the gateway to the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and many other attractions. This is one of New York's oldest open public parks, and it includes 23 acres of waterfront. In the summer, there are beautiful walks and other activities taking place.

Recently, workers found a 200-year-old stone wall when they were working on a new subway station. It is most likely a position of one of the gun batteries that protected the city in the late 17th or 18th century. This was once where the front lines of protection for the city was located. Today, however, you can enjoy walking through the gardens and exploring the monuments.