Staten Island often gets overlooked, but it’s a borough full of surprising attractions, green space, and a distinct suburban-meets-urban vibe.
Whether you’re a visitor planning a day trip or a local exploring more of your backyard, here’s why Staten Island deserves attention.
A scenic, free ride into the borough
The Staten Island Ferry is a signature experience: free, frequent, and offering sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty. The short crossing between Whitehall and St. George doubles as an inexpensive sightseeing trip, popular with photographers and commuters alike.
The St. George ferry terminal sits near cultural sites and new waterfront development that have gradually reshaped the north shore.
Parks, trails, and a massive park-reveal
Green space is a hallmark of Staten Island. The Staten Island Greenbelt provides miles of forested trails, streams, and natural areas right in the middle of the borough. Freshkills Park—an ambitious transformation of a former landfill into an expansive park—represents one of the largest urban park projects in the city, with new trails, habitat restoration, and recreational zones opening in phases. For waterfront calm, Wolfe’s Pond Park and Conference House Park at the southern tip offer sweeping water views and historical context.
Culture, museums, and historic neighborhoods
Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden is a must-see for its gardens, galleries, and preserved 19th-century architecture. Nearby cultural institutions include the Staten Island Museum, the National Lighthouse Museum, and the Alice Austen House, which highlights the life and work of a pioneering photographer. Tottenville and Richmondtown preserve a quieter, historic side of the borough—rich with colonial architecture and stories that predate modern development.
Food and neighborhood character
Staten Island’s culinary scene reflects its diverse neighborhoods.
The North Shore is buzzing with international eateries and casual diners, while pockets across the island showcase Italian-American bakeries and family-run restaurants that have become local institutions.
Farmer’s markets and community gardens add fresh, local flavor during the growing season.
Connectivity and a commuters’ perspective
Many residents balance a suburban lifestyle with easy access to the city.
The Staten Island Railway runs north-south and connects to the ferry at St. George, while major bridges and highways link the island to Brooklyn and beyond.
Public transit, ferries, and ample roadways make it practical for people who work in Manhattan but prefer more space at home.
Community energy and local initiatives
Neighborhood groups, conservancies, and cultural organizations have been active in preserving parks, promoting local businesses, and revitalizing waterfront areas.
Efforts around waterfront access, green infrastructure, and trail expansion reflect a growing focus on sustainability and quality-of-life improvements.
Tips for visitors
– Ride the Staten Island Ferry at off-peak hours for easier boarding and better photo opportunities.
– Pair a ferry trip with visits to the St. George waterfront, Snug Harbor, or the Staten Island Zoo for a full-day itinerary.
– Bring comfortable shoes for hiking the Greenbelt or exploring Freshkills Park trails.
– Check local calendars for seasonal festivals and neighborhood events that showcase the borough’s community spirit.
Staten Island blends wide-open parks, historic sites, and evolving waterfront neighborhoods—making it a rewarding destination for those willing to look beyond the usual city attractions.
Pack a camera, a curiosity for local history, and an appetite for unexpected finds.