Governors Island National Monument, New York City

Home to centuries-old fortifications and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Governors Island National Monument today provides a great deal of New York's military history as well as a green space close to the city. The island a little more than 730 m (2,395 ft) from the end of Manhattan and 365 m (1,200 ft) from Brooklyn, yet its 70 ha (172 acres) of parkland, public spaces, and facilities lend an air distinctly separate from the nearby hustle and bustle. Explore the island and its two large fortifications--the star-shaped Fort Jay and circular Castle Williams--which date from the American Revolution and turn of the 19th century, respectively. A guided tour of the island offered by the park service gives you an overview of the area's history in an approximately 2.4 km (1.5 mi) loop. Be sure to check the service's online schedule to see when tours and monument access are available. Governors Island National Monument is just one of the many highlights you can arrange to see using our international travel planner, New York City Edition.