Staten Island: Overlooked Charm, Big Green Spaces, and Waterfront Culture

Often passed over by visitors to the city, Staten Island rewards curiosity with sweeping waterfront views, expansive parks, and a quietly vibrant cultural scene. Whether searching for outdoor escape, historic neighborhoods, or a memorable meal, there’s plenty to discover.

Ride the Staten Island Ferry for unbeatable skyline views
One of the most iconic ways to arrive is aboard the free Staten Island Ferry. The short crossing offers postcard views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and lower Manhattan—perfect for photographers and commuters alike.

The terminals bookend downtown neighborhoods that are easy to explore on foot, making the ferry an ideal starting point for a day on the island.

Green space and outdoor activities
Staten Island is home to some of the region’s largest contiguous green spaces. The Staten Island Greenbelt offers miles of hiking and multi-use trails through forested ridgelines and wetlands—an urban refuge for birdwatchers and trail runners. Nearby Clay Pit Ponds and Great Kills Park provide canoeing, saltwater fishing, and scenic shoreline walks, while kayak launches along the South Shore invite quiet paddles in calm waters.

Freshkills Park: reclaiming land, reinventing landscape
A major transformation has been underway on the former landfill site that’s becoming one of the largest new parks in the area. As sections open, visitors can explore evolving landscapes, bike paths, and educational exhibits that document its ecological restoration.

The project is a compelling example of urban renewal and offers wide-open space for recreation and community events.

Culture, history, and neighborhood character
Historic Richmond Town preserves a living history village where colonial-era homes and shops bring the island’s past to life. Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden is a cultural hub with art galleries, performance spaces, and a beautifully maintained Chinese Scholar’s Garden.

Small museums, like the Alice Austen House and the Staten Island Museum, add layers of local culture and photography.

Neighborhoods and food
Staten Island’s neighborhoods each have distinct personalities.

St.

George buzzes with waterfront development, arts venues, and cafes near the ferry terminal. Tottenville and the South Shore offer a quieter, small-town feel with marinas and leafy streets. The island’s food scene reflects its diverse communities—expect classic Italian-American bakeries and pizzerias, Caribbean and South Asian flavors, and an expanding roster of craft breweries and intimate bistros.

Getting around
Public transit includes the Staten Island Railway, buses, and the ferry, but many visitors also rent bikes or use rideshare services to explore farther-flung sites. Parking is available near major attractions, though neighborhoods can be busiest on weekend afternoons.

Practical tips for visitors
Plan time for both outdoor exploration and neighborhood wandering. Check attraction hours and special-event calendars before you go, and pack layers—coastal breezes can be cool even on warm days. For a relaxed day, combine a ferry ride with a walk through Snug Harbor and a meal at a neighborhood eatery for a true taste of local life.

Staten Island continues to surprise with its mix of urban access and natural refuge. For those who take the trip, it’s a place where waterfront scenery, reclaimed landscapes, and local culture come together to create memorable outings off the usual tourist path.