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By Alyssa Seidman
A weekend getaway from Long Island doesn’t have to mean a long drive.
Just a short ferry ride from Lower Manhattan, Governors Island offers room to roam — and a place to spend the night — in the heart of New York Harbor.
Best known as the inaugural site of the Governors Ball Music Festival, the 172-acre island is home to a variety of recreational amenities to suit any type of traveler. Here’s how to plan a visit.
How to get there and get around
Take the Long Island Rail Road to Penn Station, then board a downtown-bound 1 train to South Ferry. From there, walk to the Governors Island ferry at the Battery Maritime Building, 10 South St., next to the Staten Island Ferry terminal.
The eight-minute trip offers panoramic views of New York Harbor, where you can catch a glimpse of Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty in the east and the Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges. Check the ferry schedule and reserve tickets before heading out.
Once you arrive, explore on foot or head to Blazing Saddles Bike Rentals for a bicycle, pedal car or surrey. Governors Island is car-free for visitors, making cycling a convenient way to cover more ground.
Where to stay
For an overnight visit, Collective Retreats offers glamping accommodations with waterfront and skyline views. Options range from tents to enclosed accommodations with climate control, with amenities varying by category.
Start the evening with a drink at Sunset Terrace, then head to Three Peaks Lodge for dinner. Nightly s’mores around a communal campfire give guests another reason to linger outdoors.
After a restful night’s sleep enjoy sunrise yoga and a light continental breakfast before heading out on your next adventure.
What to do
Families can make stops at Slide Hill and the Hammock Grove Play Area. The Yard, an adventure playground operated by play, gives children space for building, climbing and self-directed play. Check its operating schedule and participation requirements before visiting.
For a slower-paced afternoon, QC NY offers massages, saunas, steam rooms, Vichy showers and relaxation areas. Its outdoor infinity spa pools overlook the Lower Manhattan skyline. Spa admission and massage services are booked separately.
History buffs can tour Castle Williams, which was part of a coastal defense system that protected the harbor during the 1800s. Art enthusiasts can observe nearly a dozen public projects and installations, some of which incorporate the island’s waterfront and expansive landscapes.
Plan your visit
Governors Island is open year-round, but accommodations, attractions and programs have individual schedules and seasonal availability.
For ferry information, hours and things to do, visit govisland.com. For overnight accommodations, visit collectiveretreats.com/governors-island.
Top: Three Peaks Lodge Restaurant located on Governors Island. (Credit: collectiveretreats.com)
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