Staten Island is the least populated borough of NYC. It has various natural landscapes, public parks, historical places, cafes, and eateries for locals and travelers. People who would like to get away from the hustle and bustle of Manhattan’s busy life and noisy crowds can stay and relax on this calm and peaceful Island. Staten Island is known for its natural landscapes, fascinating waterfront scenes, public parks, and eateries. Travelers and tourists will enjoy several attractions and fun things to do on Staten Island.
How to get to Staten Island? The Island has one free transit, a water ferry ride connecting the borough with other boroughs of NYC. It operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Its departure point is White Hall ferry terminal in South Manhattan, and every ride takes half an hour for every ride. While riding the ferry, you can explore the incredible vistas of the Statue of Lady Liberty, Governor Island, and the Manhattan skyline. Locals and travelers can also travel by bus or cab from Brooklyn to Staten Island across the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge connecting Staten Island and crossing the whole river and Manhattan skyline.
Best 15 Remarkable Activities on Staten Island
We share 15 stunning spots, fantastic activities, and fun things to do on Staten Island in New York City. Let’s see what the best option is according to your travel plans in NYC.
1. Visit the Historical Town Richmond
Richmond Town is a historic place on Staten Island. You can reach there within half an hour's bus ride from the ferry to the town. It has an open-air museum under the Authority of Staten Island Historical Society. It has fascinating scenes, natural landscapes, hillsides, green farms, small shops, and old-style houses about seventeenth-century old. The town hosts a historical county fair in the fall season, in September, and During the summer season in June, the city has a one-day food festival, “Uncorked,” where you can enjoy tasty meals and drinks in this old town in Staten Island. These are some of the most fun activities and great things for first-timers in Staten Island.
2. Visit the Wildlife in Staten Island Zoo
The Staten Island Zoo has a famous snake house, “Serpentarium,” which holds a massive collection of reptiles and rattlesnakes. The zoo has over eight hundred animal species and a marine life aquarium with great ocean species, water walls, coral reefs, and stunning ocean plant species. Travelers can get the bus from the Saint George Ferry Terminal to the zoo. It’s one of the best things to do with kids and family in Staten Island.
3. Enjoy the Boardwalk at the Beach
Staten Island has fabulous beaches, including the Franklin D. Roosevelt Boardwalk and the Beach. It’s a famous beach point and a great summer spot on the island between Miller Field’s Gateway, The Recreational Spot, and Fort Wadsworth Area. The Boardwalk is a relaxing place where people walk at the water's edge, bike, and enjoy the glorious vistas of New York City.
The island also has other fascinating beaches like Midland Beach and South Beach that offer lovely waterfront skyline views, fresh breeze, and cool vibes. Exploring the waterfront boardwalks at the beach is one of the incredible activities and the best things to do in New York.
4. Visit the Snug Harbor Cultural Center
Snug Harbor Cultural Center is located at Richmond Terrace in Staten Island. It has a remarkable green oasis and botanical garden with several flower and plant species. Various old retirement buildings in the Snug Harbor area previously belonged to the sailors. The historical monuments are under the authority of a regional cultural center. Greek Revival architectures for nineteenth century-old structures include Temple Row, New House Center of Contemporary Art, Children’s Museum, and Staten Island Museum.
This place is renowned for its haunting stories, and you can explore the various tours of Snug Harbor’s ghosts and haunted buildings. The famous ghostly buildings at this place are Matron’s House, Butcher’s Cottage, and Priorly Surgeon’s House.
This complex also has a Chapel and a historical venue for concerts and events. It’s the best spot that offers various exciting events, learning about gardening, and the best things to do for cultural activities.
5. Kids can Visit the Children’s Museum
Kids can visit specific art exhibitions, workshops, summer camps, dance classes, and more fun activities at the Children’s Museum in Staten Island. The Museum has twelve indoor and outdoor art galleries and offers interactive workshops and fun activities, like live performance sessions, building a house with blocks, creating video postcards, songs and music, arts and crafts, and rock climbing or hill climbing sessions.
The museum also hosts an entomology exhibition, which includes creepy crawlies. This exhibition also holds a great collection of live arthropods and big millipede species. Kids can get a closer look at these creatures and learn about them. It’s one of the most unique things to do for kids and families in Staten Island.
6.Explore the Interesting Exhibits
The Staten Island Museum has various art pieces, natural science collections, regions, historical objects, and art collections. Its famous exhibitions are “Cabinet of Curiosities” and “Remember the Mastodon.” You can also learn about the old species that once lived on the island, the life of the Lenape tribe, the ancient people who lived there, and more historical facts about the island.
7. Explore the Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art
You can explore various interesting and historical spots in Staten Island. The Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art is another renowned art gallery that hosts fantastic art collections, sculptures, and cultural craft exhibitions representing Tibetan and Himalayan Culture and art. The museum was named after an American art collector, Jacques Marchais, a Tibetan art expert. He designed the art complex that looks like a Tibetan Monastery in the Mountains, and now it’s standing on a U.S. Island.
The Museum is the replica of the Tibetan Monastery that holds the art and craft, paintings, sculptures, musical instruments, ritual items, and artifacts that portray historical memories of fascinating Tibetan cultural art and the historical heritage of Asia.
The museum also hosts meditation workshops, Tai Chi learning sessions, art and cultural events, movie screenings, live performances, and musical concerts. The museum is near Richmond Town and offers a picnic spot, food and drinks, and a small souvenir shop.
8. Watch a Sports League at Richmond County Bank Ball Park
Watch a sports league competition at the Richmond County Bank Ball Park in Saint George, where you can catch the Staten Island Yankees. Meet the Baby Bombers who offer fun activities for everyone. Enjoy the baseball leagues in the evenings or afternoons, and cheers for your favorite team players. On Fridays, you can win promotions like pre-sports fireworks, meet celebrity guests, and complimentary shirts. You can also grab delicious savories, snacks, beverages, and various ticket deals for discounts. The sports venue is near the Saint George Ferry Terminal and easily accessible from the ferry station on the island.
9. Take a Stroll at the Seaside Wildlife Nature Park
Staten Island has fascinating natural landscapes, seashores, and incredible wildlife. The Seaside Wildlife Nature Park is one of the most fantastic spots in NYC, where you can stroll the walkways and explore stunning scenes and natural beauty. The clear pathways cross over the green landscapes to explore the scenic views and enjoy the fresh air. It has a kids’ playground with a pirate theme, a huge ship, a jungle gym, a shark, and various fun things to do. There’s a small lighthouse, a horseshoe made of brass, and the stunning decors of the seashore theme in the park. This park also has a small seashore for picnics.
10. Visit the National Lighthouse Museum
The National Lighthouse Museum is located near the ferry terminal at a small walking distance, at the Promenade at the Lighthouse Point in Staten Island. The museum holds over one hundred and eighty exhibitions and lighthouse design models. The museum has historical art collections of lighthouses, and its feature exhibitions are “Life at the Light: Lighthouse Keepers,” “Beacons through the Time,” and “Supplying the Nation’s Light Stations: General Depot.” The locals and visitors can take a boat tour for small charges at the museum, enjoy the freshwater waves, and explore the lighthouses and various attractions at Staten Island.
11. Visit the Saint George Theater
The Saint George Theater is located at Hyatt Street on Staten Island. It has a remarkable interior, fabulous decor, and a glorious stage for live performances. The theater has classic staircases, Italian and Spanish art collections and paintings, vibrant colored, stained-glass, expansive windows, and a gorgeous dome at the top of the theater. It has twenty-eight hundred comfortable seats for the guests. The theater hosts various performances for musicals, drama, comedy, and kids shows. Several famous musicians and comedians perform at the theater, and multiple celebrities are spotted on this graceful stage for the fabulous performances at this theater.
12. Enjoy Fun Activities at the Roller Jam U.S.A
Roller Jam U.S.A. is located at the Richmond Valley Road in Staten Island. Kids and families can grab the roller skates and reach the Roller Jam U.S.A. for fun roller skating and other entertainment at this fabulous spot in Staten Island. The venue hosts fun festivals and events, arcade games, and live music performances. Weekends are reserved for adults only for DJ and music events.
13. Explore the New York Harbor around
Explore the gorgeous skyline views around New York Harbor. The most fabulous harbor in the world welcomes visitors with a giant statue of Lady Liberty. The harbor has great historical heritage, national parks, islands, and famous spots such as Ellis Island, the family home of Alexander Hamilton, the Stone Wall Monument, and the childhood home of Theodore Roosevelt.
The New York Harbor offers incredible views of the Big Apple’s sky towers from Staten Island. Visitors riding on the ferry can enjoy a glimpse of the historic heritage, iconic skyline, and iconic vistas of the grand metropolis of the U.S.A
14. Visit the Empire Outlets Shopping Mall
The shopping mall in Staten Island has everything for you. The Empire Outlets shopping mall is located near the ferry terminal on the island. It’s a famous attraction for locals and visitors. It has gorgeous architecture and excellent building structure with all the facilities for the visitors. The shopping mall brings back the hustle and bustle of the forgotten island, and various visitors and locals visit the mall to explore outlets and shop for exclusive items at the best price offers.
15.Enjoy the Delicious Cuisines at the Best Restaurants
Enjoy the best culinary scene and delicious meals at the best restaurants in Staten Island. You will find various seafood restaurants, Chinese restaurants, and the best Italian restaurants on Staten Island. We share some of the top restaurants where you can enjoy tasty meals.
Trattoria Romana is a classic Italian Restaurant on Hylan Blvd. They serve delicious Italian pasta and creamy, cheesy, flavorful meals with a cozy ambiance.
Hokkaido Sushi Bar is one of the best sushi restaurants on Amboy Road. They serve fresh sushi and Japanese meals with spicy and chilly flavors.
Beso Restaurant is located near the Empire Outlets on Schuyler Street. They serve Mexican, Cuban, and Spanish cuisines and drinks in a relaxing atmosphere.
South Fin Grill Restaurant is at Father Capodanno Blvd. They serve delicious grilled meat, chicken, lamb, spicy and chili flavors, and BBQ dishes.
Killmeyer’s Old Bavarian Inn is located at Arthur Kill Road. They serve sausages, goulash, and Bavarian cuisine and drinks.
