Picnic Point on Governors Island, a peaceful place to spread out. Photo: Governors Island
There’s nothing like summer in the city, but we can all use a break from the buildings once and awhile. Scratching that itch could mean fleeing to your preferred upstate town or your cousin’s boyfriend’s boss’ house in the Hamptons. Or you could try my favorite low-commitment getaway: Governors Island. Located right in New York Harbor, the 172-acre island is the perfect escape, boasting gorgeous city views, kid-friendly offerings like slides and hammocks, and provisions from mainland favorites like Threes Brewing. Enjoy a full slate of summer programming or explore on your own, preferably by bike, which you can bring yourself or rent on the island. Even getting there is fun, with the city offering quick and cheap ferry rides ($3 roundtrip) from the Financial District all week long and Brooklyn’s Pier 6 on the weekends.
Before September 1, be sure to take advantage of a new offering this summer: extended hours on both Friday and Saturday nights until 10pm. There’s no excuse now to miss the boat.
