Staten Island delivers a surprising mix of wide-open green spaces, waterfront culture, and neighborhood character that feels both part of New York City and its own suburban retreat.
Whether you’re visiting for a day or scouting neighborhoods to live, here’s a practical guide to what makes the borough worth exploring.
Why go
The Staten Island Ferry is the instant draw: a free, frequent ride between St.
George and lower Manhattan that offers unbeatable skyline and Statue of Liberty views. Beyond the ferry, the borough offers expansive parks, preserved natural areas, and a growing cultural scene that rewards slower exploration away from Manhattan’s crowds.
Top attractions to prioritize
– Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden: a repurposed 19th-century campus with museums, performance spaces, formal gardens and the serene Chinese Scholar’s Garden.
– Staten Island Greenbelt: one of the city’s largest natural preserves with miles of trails, quiet woods and diverse wildlife—ideal for hiking, birdwatching and weekend escapes.
– Fresh Kills Park: a transformational landscape project turning a former landfill into a vast public park with trails, wetlands and viewing points—an example of large-scale urban reclamation.
– Waterfront neighborhoods: the St. George waterfront near the ferry terminal offers shops, dining and cultural venues; nearby Empire Outlets provides retail and views of the harbor.
– Beaches and boardwalks: South Beach and Midland Beach offer classic boardwalk strolls, seasonal events and family-friendly sand and surf.
Practical tips for visitors
– Take the ferry at off-peak times for a less crowded experience, and sit on the right side heading to Manhattan for the best views of the Statue of Liberty.
– Bring a bike or use one on the ferry—bicycles are allowed and make exploring the waterfront and nearby parks easier.
– Public transit exists—bus routes and the Staten Island Railway run north-south—but a car can be helpful if you plan to reach interior parks or less-connected neighborhoods.
– Wear comfortable shoes: trails and historic sites often require walking across uneven terrain.
Neighborhood vibes
Staten Island blends old-world neighborhoods with pockets of renewed development.
Traditional Italian-American enclaves coexist with emerging dining scenes, craft breweries and small businesses. Waterfront areas closer to the ferry skew livelier and more walkable, while inland neighborhoods offer larger yards, quiet streets and suburban-style living.
Food and culture
Expect a strong local focus on seafood, Italian-American classics and new cafes and gastropubs that have been expanding the island’s culinary choices. Cultural programming—from concerts and outdoor festivals to smaller museum exhibitions—adds regular reasons to visit beyond parks and views.
Why it matters
Staten Island occupies a unique place in the city’s geography and lifestyle mix: easy access to skyline views and cultural hubs combined with room to breathe. The borough’s ongoing park projects and revitalized waterfront continue to create new public spaces, making it both a practical day trip and a longer-term option for people seeking a quieter pace without leaving the metropolitan area behind.
Plan your visit around a ferry ride and a walkable slice of the borough—pair a waterfront meal with a hike in the Greenbelt or a museum visit at Snug Harbor.
You’ll come away with a different perspective on New York City that balances natural beauty, history and local flavor.