Staten Island, one of the five boroughs of New York City, often remains an underrated gem in terms of tourist destinations. With this guide, you can explore all the interesting places to visit in staten island. Staten Island is a lively part of New York City, whether you love history, nature, art, or just want to have fun, Staten Island has something special for you.
From famous landmarks to beautiful parks, amazing views of the water, and delicious food, this guide will show you some of the best staten island tourist attractions. Let's get ready to explore and enjoy the wonderful culture and attractions of Staten Island.
In this blog post, we'll explore the top 24 tourist attractions on Staten Island, showcasing its rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and unique experiences.
Historic Sites and Landmarks
1. Historic Richmond Town
Historic Richmond Town is a fascinating open-air museum where you can see historic buildings from different periods in American history. Walking through the town feels like taking a journey through time, as you explore homes, shops, and structures preserved from centuries ago. It's a great place to learn about the early days of Staten Island and experience the daily life of past generations.
2. Conference House Park and Museum
Conference House Park and Museum is a beautiful place with lots of history. It's where an important peace conference happened during the American Revolution. The park has nice trails for walking and picnics, and you can see amazing views of the water and nature. It's a peaceful and educational spot to visit on Staten Island.
3. Fort Wadsworth
Fort Wadsworth is an old fort with big walls and cannons. It protected New York City a long time ago. Now, you can visit and see the fort's big views of the water and the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge. There are trails for walking and exploring, and you can learn about the fort's history at the visitor center.
4. Alice Austen House Museum
The Alice Austen House Museum is a nice tourist spot where a famous photographer used to live. It's a historic house with pretty gardens and a view of the water. You can see old photos and learn about Alice Austen's life and work. There are tours to show you around and tell you interesting stories.
Cultural and Artistic Attractions
5. Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden
Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden is a big place with gardens and buildings. It used to be a home for retired sailors long ago. Now, it has art exhibits, concerts, and events for people to enjoy especially tourists who enjoy this place a lot.
6. Staten Island Museum
Tourists can visit this place and learn about animals, art, and history. It has exhibits with fossils, paintings, and old objects. You can see dinosaurs and learn how they lived long ago. There are also things about Staten Island's past and how people used to live here. It's a fun and educational museum for kids and adults. So, if you are looking for some fun things to do in staten island, then must visit this museum.
7. St. George Theatre
The St. George Theatre is a historic theater in Staten Island. It has beautiful architecture and hosts concerts, plays, and other performances. It's a popular spot for both locals and tourists to enjoy live shows in a grand setting. You can also take tours to learn about the theater's history and features.
8. Newhouse Center for Contemporary Art
This is an art gallery in Staten Island that displays modern artworks by local and international artists. The gallery often features thought-provoking exhibits and installations. Visitors can explore different art forms and styles, from paintings and sculptures to multimedia and digital art. It's a dynamic space that showcases the diversity and creativity of contemporary art.
9. Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art
It is a unique museum in Staten Island that showcases Tibetan art, culture, and spirituality. The museum's architecture is inspired by Tibetan monasteries, creating a calm atmosphere. Visitors can see a variety of Buddhist artifacts, thangka paintings, and statues. If you are searching for some unique things to do in nyc then this museum offers workshops, lectures, and events related to Tibetan culture and art to explore the rich heritage of Tibet.
Natural Parks and Outdoor Spaces
10. Staten Island Greenbelt
The Staten Island Greenbelt is a large natural area with forests, trails, and wildlife. It's like a big park where you can go hiking, birdwatching, or just enjoy nature. Most tourists often search for these types of places, just to get relaxed for a while. As a tourist, you will be so happy as the Greenbelt has different trails for walking or biking, with beautiful views along the way. It's a peaceful escape from the city where you can relax and explore outdoors.
11. Clove Lakes Park
Clove Lakes Park is a lovely green space in Staten Island. It has lakes, trees, and walking paths where you can take a stroll or have a picnic. The park is known for its peaceful atmosphere and scenic views for what is staten island known for. Visitors can enjoy boating on the lakes, fishing, or watching wildlife such as ducks and turtles.
12. Silver Lake Park
Silver Lake Park is a picturesque park located in Staten Island. It features a serene lake surrounded by walking paths, greenery, and recreational facilities. Tourists can enjoy activities such as jogging, biking, or simply relaxing by the water. The park also has playgrounds, sports fields, and picnic areas for families and friends to gather.
Waterfront and Harbor Views
13. Staten Island Ferry
If you are a tourist and want to know how to get to staten island ferry… and want a free ride as well. Then do get this amazing water ride whenever you visit NYC. The Staten Island Ferry is a popular transportation option in NYC. It provides ferry service between Manhattan and Staten Island, offering stunning views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the city skyline along the way. The ferry ride is free and operates 24/7, making it accessible to both tourists and locals.
14. South Beach and Midland Beach
South Beach and Midland Beach are two pretty places by the ocean in Staten Island, New York. They have sandy shores, nice views of the sea, and lots of things to do. South Beach has a big walkway, places to play volleyball, and playgrounds, which families and people enjoy a lot. Midland Beach, next to South Beach, has a pier for fishing, places to have picnics, and a walkway where you can take relaxing walks or ride bikes. Whether you want to relax by the water, play beach games, or just enjoy being at the beach, Both Beaches are great places to go to get away from the busy city routine life.
15. Richmond Terrace Waterfront
The Richmond Terrace Waterfront is a scenic area along the waterfront in Staten Island. It offers beautiful views of the harbor, boats, and the Manhattan skyline. The waterfront is lined with parks, walking paths, and benches where visitors can relax and enjoy the view. It's a peaceful and picturesque spot for a stroll, taking photos, or simply taking in the sights and sounds of the water. The Richmond Terrace Waterfront is also home to various events and festivals throughout the year, making it a vibrant and enjoyable destination for both locals and tourists.
Entertainment and Recreation
16. Staten Island Yankees Baseball Games
Staten Island Yankees Baseball Games are fun events where you can watch baseball. The games are played at Richmond County Bank Ballpark in Staten Island. It is considered to be one of the crazy staten island activities, where you can cheer for the team, eat snacks like hot dogs and popcorn, and enjoy the excitement of the game. Families and friends often go together to have a good time and support the team.
17. Egger's Ice Cream Parlor
Egger's Ice Cream Parlor is a delightful ice cream shop known for serving delicious ice cream treats, sundaes, shakes, and other frozen delights. The parlor has a charming and nostalgic ambiance, making it a favorite spot for families and ice cream enthusiasts. They offer a variety of flavors and toppings to choose from, making it a fun experience for everyone. Egger's Ice Cream Parlor is a perfect place to cool off and satisfy your sweet tooth while enjoying a classic ice cream experience.
Culinary and Dining Experiences
18. Enoteca Maria (authentic Italian cuisine)
If you are looking for the best italian restaurants in staten island, then Enoteca Maria is a wonderful Italian restaurant. It is known for its authentic Italian cuisine, including pasta, pizza, seafood, and desserts. What makes Enoteca Maria unique is that they feature a rotating menu prepared by Italian nonnas (grandmothers) from different regions of Italy. This brings a homely and traditional touch to the dishes, making it a special dining experience. The restaurant also has a cozy atmosphere and friendly staff, making it a popular choice for both locals and tourists.
19. Blue Restaurant (seafood)
Blue Restaurant is a fancy place to eat on Staten Island. They are famous for their delicious seafood, steaks, and special American dishes. You can enjoy your meal while looking at the beautiful Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge. They have a lot of different seafood and meat options cooked with good ingredients. The restaurant has a nice atmosphere, making it a great spot for celebrating special events or having a romantic dinner. Blue Restaurant is a top choice for people who love tasty food and want a memorable dining experience on Staten Island.
Family-Friendly Attractions
20. Staten Island Zoo
Visiting this amazing zoo is one of the best things to do in Staten Island. The Staten Island Zoo is a fun place where you can see many animals. They have exhibits with monkeys, snakes, birds, and more. The zoo also has a children's petting zoo where kids can touch and feed friendly animals like goats and sheep. It's a great place for families to learn about different animals and have a fun day out.
21. The Carousel for All Children
The Carousel for All Children is a fun and colorful carousel ride located in Staten Island and the best thing to do in nyc with kids. It's a special carousel because it's designed for kids of all abilities to enjoy. The carousel features beautifully decorated animals like horses, lions, and dolphins that kids can ride on. There are also chariots available for those who prefer to sit. This is a favorite attraction for families visiting Staten Island and a joyful experience for children of diverse backgrounds and abilities.
22. Staten Island Children's Museum
The Staten Island Children's Museum is a fantastic place for kids. This museum is made just for children, where they can play, learn, and explore. There are lots of interactive exhibits and activities, such as a pretend grocery store, a science lab, and a building area with blocks. Kids can also create art, experiment with water play, and enjoy special events like story time and puppet shows. It's a wonderful place for families to have fun and encourage children's curiosity and creativity.
Shopping and Markets
23. Staten Island Mall
Staten Island Mall is a big shopping center that has lots of stores where you can shop for clothes, shoes, electronics, and more. The mall also has restaurants, a food court, and a movie theater where you can eat and watch movies. It's a popular place for people to go shopping, eat out, or hang out with friends and family.
24. Empire Outlets
Empire Outlets is a large shopping center in Staten Island. There are many stores selling clothes, shoes, and other things. The stores often have sales and discounts on famous brands, so it's a good place to shop. Besides shopping, Empire Outlets also has places to eat like restaurants and a food court. People who live nearby and visitors like to come here because they can shop and eat in one spot.
