Staten Island, NY, is a borough of New York City that offers plenty of things to do for tourists and locals alike. It has something for everyone, from its beautiful parks and beaches to its famous restaurants and bars. Here are 10 of the best things to do in Staten Island!
#1 Staten Island Ferry
Staten Island is a hidden gem, full of surprises and adventure. You’ll be hard-pressed to find another place as beautiful on the island as this iconic transportation hub that connects NYC with Staten Island and vice versa!
The Staten Island Ferry is one of the most popular things to do on Staten Island. It’s a free ride from Lower Manhattan to Staten Island and back, offering some of the best views of the New York City skyline. Plus you will also get some fresh air and exercise.
You can do many things while waiting for your ride: see breathtaking views from lower Manhattan or enjoy an afternoon tea picnic outside in Fort Tryon Park; it’s all up there.
#2 Chinese Scholar’s Garden
Snug Harbor is among New York City’s best-kept secrets, with its hidden gem Chinese gardens being one of the most popular attractions. You can find your zen on a leisurely walk along peaceful paths and koi-filled ponds while enjoying breathtaking views across scenic Snuggs Bay from this15th century Ming Dynasty design in Suzhou, China.
The Chinese Scholar’s Garden is a beautiful and serene oasis in the middle of Staten Island. It’s a great place to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of the city. The garden is full of beautiful flowers, trees, and sculptures. It’s a great place to take a break from sightseeing and enjoy the peace.
#3 Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden
The Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden is a hidden gem on Staten Island. It’s a great place to learn about the history of Staten Island and the different cultures that have called it home. The cultural center has a museum, art gallery, and performance space.
The botanical garden has a variety of gardens, including a Japanese garden and an herb garden. The cultural center also hosts a farmers market and various events.
The Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden has something for everyone: former retirement buildings now serve as regional headquarters featuring highlights such as 19th-century Greek Revival structures found at Temple Row.
#4 Staten Island Museum
The Staten Island Museum is the only remaining general-interest museum in this city. Founded in 1881, it focuses on arts and history for kids of all ages, particularly natural sciences, including an exhibit called ‘Remember The Mastodon’.
Visitors can learn about how these ancient relatives of elephants once roamed our planet but went extinct long ago due to climate change or human activities. It is a great place to learn about the history of Staten Island and the different cultures that have called it home.
#5 Fort Wadsworth
Nestled at the foot of New York City’s most famous bridge, Fort Wadsworth overlooks beautiful Manhattan and Brooklyn. The outdated military base has been turned into a 226-acre public park managed by the National Park Service as part of the Gateway National Recreational Area with historical significance.
It dates back to the early 1800s when it served to defend our nation against underwater attacks from British navy ships who sought independence during the War Of 1812. For those looking for more offroad adventures, guided tours will take visitors through old Growthain Period fortifications such as the batteries and more modern military history.
#6 Historic Richmond Town
Historic Richmond Town is a living history museum that recreates what life was like on Staten Island. It is a living history museum that takes visitors back to when this Dutch settlement was first established. Visitors can tour 15 restored buildings, including ones with exhibits on how life was here 300 years ago and ghost stories if you’re brave enough!
There are also some nature trails around the area for those who love hiking or just getting out there while enjoying our beautiful parks like Gibson Park, which covers almost 2 square miles. It’s larger than Central Park, except NYC Parks’ vastness isn’t surrounded by water (but it has a pretty big lake).
#7 Staten Island Zoo
The Staten Island Zoo is now home to a new, state-of-the-art aquarium that showcases various habitats, including water walls. The facility houses more than 800 species and 16 thousand square meters of space – making it one big adventure for everyone who visits!
It also has an impressive variety of reptiles, mammals, and birds. They have various educational programs for all ages, so it’s perfect for a family outing or a day trip with friends.
#8 Seaside Wildlife Nature Park
The Seaside Wildlife Nature Park is a great to see some of Staten Island’s native wildlife. The park is home to various birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. There are also many hiking trails and a nature center. The park is open year-round and is a great place to spend a day.
The 20-acre wilderness provides webbed pathways meandering through marshland. It gives unique glimpses into what was here long ago before the oceanfront became part land and developed areas for humans to enjoy instead! Family-friendly features like pirate-themed play structures, including a ship replica & jungle gym shark, complete this coastal paradise setting.
#9 New York Harbor
The New York Harbor is one of the busiest waterways in the world. It is home to various boats and other watercraft. Visitors can take a ferry ride, go on a sightseeing cruise, or even take a dip in the water. When you think of New York, the first thing that probably comes to mind is likely Harbor.
Being one of America’s most historic harbors and sites- including Ellis Island (the Statue Of Liberty), Alexander Hamilton’s family home, and Theodore Roosevelt’s childhood home. It should be no surprise why this area has 23 national parks surrounding its waters!
#10 St. George Theatre
The St. George Theater is a beloved venue restored to its former glory. It welcomes visitors from all over the city with open arms and amazing performances for your entertainment needs!
Built in 1929 as just another vaudeville theater before being converted into something more spacious, this beautiful place features grand staircases made from Spanish/Italian Baroque-style paintings. Plus, stained-glass windows are sparkling under light booming down from a skylight.
It concludes our top ten list of amazing places on Staten Island. But there are still so many great things about this borough that make it worthwhile. Now let’s look at things to do in Sausalito, Naperville, and Telluride.
