There’s something unmistakably special about Governors Island any day of the week. But step off the ferry between Monday and Thursday, and the usual weekend buzz fades away. What’s left are quiet trails, sweeping views, and endless nature waiting to be discovered. It feels like the whole island is gently waiting, just for you.
At Collective Retreats, we’ve always believed that the best getaways are the ones you almost don’t see coming. They don’t demand a big production. They shift your pace, reset your perspective, and give you space to breathe. That’s the spirit behind the art of the midweek escape.
The ferry ride from Manhattan takes just eight minutes. It’s short enough to feel effortless, but long enough to let the city noise soften and your mind start to shift. Midweek, the island moves at a gentler pace. There’s more space on the trails, more stillness in the views, and more time to take it all in. You might spot a piece of art tucked into the trees or hear the sound of birds chirping nearby.
Governors Island is home to a working flock of five sheep—Evening, Chad, Bowie, Jupiter, and Philip. They help manage invasive plants like mugwort and phragmites in Hammock Grove, where you’ll also find shaded paths, cozy hammocks, and open lawns perfect for reading or just doing nothing at all.
Over 60 species of birds pass through the island’s restored landscapes, including herons, tree swallows, red-tailed hawks, and yellow warblers. You’ll also find monarch butterflies, native pollinators, and flowering plants like seaside golden aster and milkweed. Join a free guided nature walk to discover even more, or wander solo with the iNaturalist app to track your own finds.
Liggett Terrace offers manicured beds filled with echinacea, black-eyed Susans, and tall ornamental grasses that sway in the breeze. Further south, climb The Hills for panoramic views of the city’s skyline and harbor. On weekdays, you might be the only one at the top.
There’s something cinematic about sunset on the island. From our Sunset Terrace, enjoy seasonal bites and cocktails with a front-row seat to the sky changing colors behind the Statue of Liberty. It’s relaxed, intimate, and the kind of golden hour that makes time feel like it’s standing still.
As evening sets in, head to Three Peaks Lodge for dinner under the stars. Our menu celebrates seasonal ingredients and slow meals meant to be savored. After dinner, cozy up by the fire pit with s’mores and a nightcap. With the skyline sparkling in the distance, the only thing left on your to-do list is wonder.
There’s no need for an alarm. Wake up with the sun rising across your porch, then take a walk along the water, borrow a bike to loop the island or get into a flow at yoga on the Great Lawn. Early mornings are ideal for birdwatching, sunrise photography, or simply sipping coffee in the quiet.
Midweek on Governors Island is the perfect blend of nature, stillness, and discovery. There are no lines, no rush, and no pressure to do anything at all. Whether you’re skipping the office or simply leaning into your own rhythm, this is your moment to rest, explore, and reconnect.
Play hooky from the hustle and save 20% on your stay
Jul 28, 2025
