Claim to Fame
Staten Island is New York City’s verdant “Green Borough,” famed for its free Staten Island Ferry, colonial-era Richmond Town, and miles of shoreline parks overlooking the Statue of Liberty and Lower Manhattan.
📌 Navigating Staten Island : Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
- Washrooms: Washrooms are available at major attractions, parks, and public facilities across Staten Island.
- Hours of Operation: Hours of operation depend on the specific attraction, with most open year-round but varying by season.
- Important Information: Be sure to check local event calendars for seasonal activities and closures, and plan your visit accordingly.
- Admission Fee: Admission fees vary by attraction; some sites are free while others may charge a nominal fee.
- How Long to Visit: A typical visit can range from a few hours to a full day, depending on the attractions you plan to explore.
- Parking: Staten Island offers various parking options, including free street parking and paid lots near popular attractions.
- Family Friendly: Staten Island is family-friendly, featuring parks, playgrounds, and educational attractions suitable for children of all ages.
- Photography: Staten Island boasts picturesque views and historical sites, making it a great location for photography enthusiasts.
- WIFI: Free public Wi-Fi is available in certain areas, including parks and popular tourist spots, but may be limited in remote areas.
- Picnic Area: Picnic areas are available in parks like Clove Lakes Park and Silver Lake Park, providing scenic spots for outdoor meals.
- Handicap Accessible: Many attractions on Staten Island are handicap accessible, with designated parking, ramps, and accessible restrooms.
- Pets: Pets are allowed in certain outdoor areas, but many indoor attractions and public transport have restrictions.
- Guided Tours: Guided tours are available at various attractions, providing insights into the island's rich history and culture.
- Restaurant or Cafe: There are several restaurants and cafes offering diverse dining options, from casual eateries to fine dining experiences.
- Gift Shop: Gift shops can be found at major attractions, offering souvenirs and local crafts to commemorate your visit.
Photos of Staten Island
Often overlooked by visitors, Staten Island offers a surprising blend of historic villages, protected woodlands, and sweeping harbor vistas. A ten-minute ride on the Staten Island Ferry delivers you from bustling Manhattan to a quieter world of Victorian cottages in Snug Harbor, Revolutionary-era houses in Historic Richmond Town, and winding trails through the Greenbelt. With beachfront promenades, museums, and panoramic skyline lookouts, Staten Island invites discovery beyond the city’s core.
What to Expect
Your journey begins at the Whitehall Street ferry terminal in Manhattan—board the historic red-and-white ferry for a free 24/7 crossing past Governors Island and the Statue of Liberty. Upon arrival at St. George Terminal, you’ll find ferry-view cafés and the Staten Island Museum. From there, hop on the S40 bus or hire a bike to explore landmarks like Snug Harbor Cultural Center, with its Chinese Scholar’s Garden and 19th-century greenhouse, or wander through reconstructed homes in Historic Richmond Town.
Outdoor enthusiasts can venture into the Greenbelt’s 2,800-acre network of woodlands, meadows, and wetlands—ideal for hiking, birdwatching, and mountain biking. Waterfront parks like Midland Beach and Conference House Park offer swimming, picnicking, and sunset views across the Narrows. Throughout the island, neighborhood Main Streets (St. George, St. Paul’s Avenue) serve local eateries, craft breweries, and artisanal shops.
Background and Cultural Context
Originally home to the Lenape people, Staten Island was colonized in the 17th century by Dutch and English settlers. Historic Richmond Town preserves over 30 buildings from that era, presenting daily-life demonstrations of coopering, blacksmithing, and colonial farming. In the 1800s, Snug Harbor served as a retirement home for sea captains, its estate now repurposed as a cultural campus. Staten Island’s evolution—from rural farmland to suburban borough—reflects New York’s expansion while retaining pockets of pastoral charm.
Since the opening of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge in 1964, Staten Island has balanced growth with conservation: over half its land remains parkland, including the Greenbelt and Staten Island Bluebelt, an innovative stormwater system of natural streams and ponds. The borough’s diverse communities—Italian, Sri Lankan, West Indian—celebrate their heritage in annual festivals, from the Richmond County Fair to the Sri Lanka Day Parade.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (April–June) brings flowering magnolias in Snug Harbor and migrant songbirds in the Greenbelt. Summer (July–August) offers beach days at South Beach and outdoor concerts at the Cultural Center. Fall (September–October) transforms wooded trails into a riot of autumn color. Winter (December–February) sees calmer ferry rides and festive holiday lights at Historic Richmond Town’s “Yuletide in the Village.” Weekdays provide quieter exploration; weekend mornings avoid Manhattan-bound commuter crowds on the ferry.
How to Get There
The Staten Island Ferry departs from Whitehall Street in Manhattan (subway: 1 to South Ferry or R to Whitehall Street). Ferries run every 30 minutes (more frequently during rush hours) and are free. On Staten Island, local buses (S40, S44, S52) connect the terminal to major attractions; the SI Ferry MetroCard provides free transfers. Taxis and ride-shares also await at St. George. By car, cross the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge (toll applies westbound only) and follow local signage; limited street parking is available at key sites.
Photo Opportunities
- Staten Island Ferry silhouette framed by the lower Manhattan skyline at sunrise
- Colorful Victorian greenhouses and classical columns in Snug Harbor’s Botanical Garden
- Colonial-era tavern and schoolhouse in Historic Richmond Town bathed in golden afternoon light
- Autumn foliage reflecting in the pond at High Rock Park in the Greenbelt
- Sunset panorama over New York Harbor from the Conference House Park bluffs
Travel Tips
- Arrive at the ferry terminal early if you plan to stand on the bow for unobstructed skyline views.
- Check ferry schedules and the St. George visitor map for bus routes serving Snug Harbor and Richmond Town.
- Wear comfortable shoes—Historic Richmond Town and the Greenbelt both feature uneven colonial-era paths and hiking trails.
- Pack insect repellent in summer for wooded areas and shorelines; spring and fall hiking can be damp.
- Combine multiple sites on a single bus loop to maximize your day—purchase a round-trip MetroCard for seamless travel.
FAQs
Is the Staten Island Ferry really free?
Yes—the ferry is permanently free, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, offering an essential and scenic connection between Manhattan and Staten Island.
Can I bring a bike on the ferry?
Bicycles are allowed on the ferry; store your bike in the designated area on the car deck and retrieve it upon docking.
Are Staten Island attractions accessible?
Many sites (Snug Harbor Cultural Center, Historic Richmond Town Visitor Center) offer accessible routes and facilities; check individual attraction websites for details.
Is it safe to visit Staten Island?
Staten Island is generally safe for daytime exploration; standard urban precautions apply—stay aware of your surroundings and keep valuables secure.
Final Thoughts
Staten Island reveals a quieter, green-lined side of New York City—where colonial history, waterfront panoramas, and suburban-meets-urban culture converge. Whether you’re tracing Revolutionary homes in Historic Richmond Town, wandering verdant trails in the Greenbelt, or simply admiring the skyline from the ferry, Staten Island rewards curiosity with fresh perspectives on the city that never sleeps.