The most forgotten borough- Staten Island, has a unique vibe among the five boroughs of New York City. This borough is often overshadowed by its larger counterparts. However, this hidden gem is full of various activities and attractions that make it a must-visit destination.
Staten Island is a bustling island with a great many things to see and do. It has something special to offer every visitor, whether you enjoy nature, history, food, or simply want a break from the city. You can experience the island's stunning parks, cultural landmarks, delicious dining options, and waterfront adventures. Let's explore the staten island tourist attractions and discover the unique experiences that await you. If you are planning a trip to Staten Island, here are the 20 best things to do in Staten Island to make the most of your visit.!
15 Best Things to Do in Staten Island
1. Visit the Staten Island Ferry
The Staten Island Ferry is a famous boat ride in New York City that carries people between Manhattan and Staten Island. How to get to staten island ferry…that gives you amazing views of famous landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline. The ferry runs all day and night, so it's convenient for everyone, whether you live here or are just visiting. It's a free ride, so it's a great choice for seeing the sights without spending money. You can enjoy the fresh air and views from outside, or relax indoors and get snacks from the onboard shops. It's a fantastic experience for anyone who likes history, and nature, or just wants to enjoy a beautiful trip on the water.
2. Explore Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden
Discover Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden, a historical gem located in the heart of Staten Island. This place is like a cultural destination for visitors of all ages. It has extraordinary gardens, museums, art galleries, and performance spaces. Explore the stunning botanical gardens that have a wide variety of plants and flowers from around the world. A must-see place is the magnificent Chinese Scholar's Garden, created in the Ming Dynasty style, offering a peaceful retreat with its tranquil ponds and traditional architecture. You can also visit several museums, including the Staten Island Museum and the Noble Maritime Collection. Snug Harbor is a fantastic place to visit if you are exploring Staten Island, with its combination of natural beauty and cultural experiences.
3. Enjoy the Staten Island Zoo
If you are looking for some adventurous things to do in nyc, then this Zoo will be a delightful destination for you. It is a must-visit destination for animal lovers and families alike that has a diverse collection of animals from around the world. Visitors can get up close and personal with fascinating species, including red pandas, kangaroos, snakes, birds of prey, and more. One of the highlights is the zoo's reptile collection, featuring a variety of snakes, lizards, and turtles. The zoo also offers educational programs and interactive exhibits, making it a fantastic learning experience for children and adults. The Staten Island Zoo promises a memorable and enjoyable day out for everyone.
4. Walk or Bike the Staten Island Greenbelt
The Staten Island Greenbelt is a large green space spanning over 2,800 acres in the middle of the city. It is a great place to enjoy nature, with its lush forests, scenic trails, and diverse wildlife. Whether you love nature, fitness, or just want a peaceful escape, the Greenbelt has something for everyone. Visitors can explore the many trails that wind through wooded areas, past tranquil ponds, and along streams filled with birds and other wildlife. Cyclists can enjoy both cemented and uncemented paths, providing a beautiful backdrop for a refreshing ride. The Greenbelt welcomes visitors of all ages and abilities, with various access points and different levels of difficulty. It's a great way to experience the natural beauty of Staten Island.
5. Discover Historic Richmond Town
Discover Historic Richmond Town, a village that shows how people lived long ago on Staten Island. It has old buildings and things from the past that help us imagine what is Staten Island known for back then. You can walk on old roads made of stones and see houses, shops, and other places from hundreds of years ago. Inside these buildings, you'll find old furniture, tools, and other objects that people used a long time ago. You can also meet people dressed in old-fashioned clothes who will show you how things were done in the past, like making things by hand. Historic Richmond Town is a fun place to learn about history and see what life was like in the old days.
6. Indulge in the Food Scene
Eating out on Staten Island is a fun adventure for people who love food. There are many different kinds of restaurants to choose from, like best italian restaurants on staten island or famous restaurants for seafood. The cozy places in neighborhoods or fancy ones with food from all over the world. You can also find food trucks and street vendors selling yummy snacks like sandwiches and different types of street food. Staten Island has a mix of cultures, so you can try foods from Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and more. No matter what kind of food you like, you'll find something tasty to eat in Staten Island for sure.
7. Relax at South Beach and Midland Beach
Relaxing at South Beach and Midland Beach on Staten Island is great for enjoying the calmness of nature and water in peace. These beaches are next to each other on the east side of the island and are a nice place for locals and visitors to go. South Beach has a big sandy area where you can sunbathe, have picnics, and play games like volleyball or Frisbee. It also has a good view of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge. Midland Beach is next to South Beach and has a long boardwalk with benches and shady spots where you can walk and enjoy the ocean view. Both beaches have places to play, eat, and relax, making them good spots for families. Whether you want to swim, sunbathe, or just sit by the water, both of the beaches are peaceful places to visit on Staten Island.
8. Attend a Performance at the St. George Theatre
Going to see a show at the St. George Theatre is one of the special staten island activities. It will give an experience that mixes history, beauty, and fun. It's in the center of Staten Island's St. George neighborhood. The theater looks amazing, with fancy decorations like big chandeliers and pretty designs on the walls. They have all kinds of shows there, like concerts, plays, comedy acts, and dances. The theater isn't too big, so every seat gives you a good view of the stage. Whether you love theater or just want a fun night out, the St. George Theatre is a cool place to see great performances and enjoy a bit of culture.
9. Visit the National Lighthouse Museum
Visiting the National Lighthouse Museum is like taking a cool trip through the history of ships and lighthouses in the United States. It's in an old building by the water and shows how important lighthouses were for keeping ships safe and guiding them. Inside, there are fun things to see like interactive exhibits and old objects that show how lighthouses changed over time. You can learn about the people who worked in lighthouses and how they helped sailors. Whether you like history, science, or just exploring new places, the National Lighthouse Museum is a fun and educational place to visit on Staten Island.
10. Take a Guided Tour of the Tibetan Museum
Going on a guided tour of the Tibetan Museum or some other staten island tourist attractions is a really interesting experience. Through that experience, you will learn a lot about Tibetan culture, art, and history. The museum is inside the Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art and it feels like stepping into Tibet with its special buildings and calm gardens. The tours are led by people who know a lot about Tibetan Buddhism, art, and the cool things in the museum like Himalayan artifacts and paintings. You can see different rooms in the museum and also go outside to learn more about Tibetan spirituality and art.
11. Explore the Staten Island Museum
If you are looking for some unique things to do in nyc then the Staten Island Museum will surely surprise you. It is a really interesting place to visit in St. George that has a lot of cool things to see that teach you about art, science, and history. You can look at old fossils, play with interactive science stuff, and see art made by local and famous artists. The museum talks about different topics like animals, nature, rocks, and the history of ships. They also have special shows, classes, and activities for everyone to enjoy. Whether you like learning about nature, and history, or looking at cool art, the Staten Island Museum is a fun place to explore and learn new things.
12. Play Golf at the Staten Island Golf Practice Center
Playing golf at the Staten Island Golf Practice Center is fun for people who like golf. It's in the middle of Staten Island and has everything that golfers need. There's a big area where you can practice hitting the ball called a driving range. It also has smaller areas where you can practice putting and chipping. If you want to get better at golf, they will provide you with teaching lessons with teachers who can help you improve. The center is easy to get to, has nice facilities, and is a great place to practice and have fun playing golf.
13. Hike or Picnic at High Rock Park
Going for a hike or having a picnic at High Rock Park in Staten Island is such a relaxing thing to do in staten island. You will be relaxed and refreshed because of the scenic place surrounded by nature. This big park is part of a larger area called the Greenbelt Conservancy. It has lots of trails that go through forests, fields, and wetlands, so you can choose an easy walk or a more challenging hike. You'll see all kinds of plants and animals along the way. If you want to have a picnic, there are nice spots where you can sit and enjoy your food with your family or friends. The park also has some old buildings from a long time ago and a big hill called Moses Mountain where you can see a great view of everything around you. High Rock Park is a great place to have fun outside and enjoy nature.
14. Shop at the Staten Island Mall
Shopping at the Staten Island Mall is easy and fun for anyone who wants lots of stores in one place. It's in New Springville and has many different kinds of stores like clothes shops, electronics stores, and barber shops. You can find popular brands and also discover new things you might like. If you get hungry, there are places to eat in the food court or the mall's restaurants. The mall has a good location, and plenty of parking, and the place being indoors will help you shop comfortably no matter the weather. Whether you need new clothes, stuff for your home, or just want to grab a meal, the Staten Island Mall has everything in one spot for your shopping needs.
15. Explore Conference House Park
Conference House Park is a peaceful and special place at the bottom of Staten Island. It's a big park with pretty views of the water, lots of plants, and a long history. So, if you are looking for things to do in nyc with kids then this place will let you enjoy walking by the water, having a picnic in the open fields, or watching birds in the trees. There's also an old house called the Conference House where an important meeting happened during the Revolutionary War. You can learn more about this time in history by taking a tour of the house and the park. Conference House Park is a nice place to relax and learn new things, no matter how old you are.
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