Are you so far Loving New York? Well why wouldn’t you? After all the plethora of adventurous things to do in NYC and the combination of best restaurants in Brooklyn alone are sufficient to make anyone be too happy about their NYC travel plan. But wait just as you feel you are up and done with the travel, we come bearing even more. After relishing the best Pizza in Queens NY and taking a stroll through the Queens Night market, its Staten Island’s turn to soar in all the adventures fully. One of the best and unique things to do in NYC, Staten Island has a lot to offer which you shouldn’t miss. This article will be your detailed guide on things to do in Staten Island to make the most of your adventurous NY trip.
About Staten Island
Don’t imagine an isolated land on between the waters where the only thing to do is look at the sky during late hours, but if that is your idea of dun then know that Staten Island has much more to offer along with infinite stargazing too! Of the five boroughs of New York City, Staten Island receives the fewest visitors; even many city dwellers are unaware of this fact. But if you're planning a lengthy vacation to New York, Staten Island is a borough that's well worth seeing.
With less than 500,000 inhabitants, Staten Island may be the borough with the fewest people, but it's big on size and has much to do. You could easily spend a whole day or more touring Staten Island, which is home to lovely parks and hidden treasure museums. Although Staten Island feels more like a calm suburban area than the other boroughs, Manhattan is only a short boat journey away, and it is easily accessible from the rest of the city.
From what is Staten Island Known for to all the fun things in Staten Island, this article has everything covered you need to know before heading to your Staten Island Trip. Don’t miss out!
1. Staten Island Ferry
You will find us often mesmerized about the Staten Island ferry and why shouldn’t we be? The Staten Island ferry ride is itself a wonderful adventure that deserves a whole special spot and lots of mention when talking about all the amazing things you would do in Staten Island. It is one of those ferry rides that isn’t just about the view (although the view is short of words) but is also about destination as at the end of ride awaits a day full of adventures too!
Runs daily, year-round, the Ferry connects Staten Island and Lower Manhattan. The view from the ferry is breathtaking and the journey is free. This is a terrific low-cost way to see the cityscape from the water, especially in light of the abundance of expensive cruises offered in Manhattan. And the best part? You get many of views from the best places to visit in Manhattan from this ferry too! Here are some fun facts about the Staten ferry (or fairy for that magical ride?)
2. Unmatched View
Enjoy the voyage on the Staten Island Ferry to Staten Island and take in the breathtaking vista of the NYC skyline. The ferry connects Staten Island and Manhattan for daily travel for New Yorkers, but for tourists, it's the ideal way to see the city from the sea without having to pay for a cruise.
3. Time Saving Speed
It will take around 25 minutes to go the 5 miles to Staten Island. This provides you lots of time to unwind and take in the scenery. When you pass the Statue of Liberty with the skyline of New York City in the background, make sure to grab some beautiful photos with your cameras.
One visitor's suggestion? We don't think there's any benefit to riding the ferry to Liberty Island because it's always packed and hard to get decent photos of the monument up close.
4. How to Enjoy the Ferry Ride the Best?
Take a seat near the back of the ferry to get the finest view of Manhattan when travelling to Staten Island. As you board the ship, choose your position near the front if you're returning to Manhattan. You can get some great images of Manhattan, the Statue of Liberty, and the surrounding waters if you heed our instructions. Remember to bundle up in the autumn and winter because the weather might be windy! If you want to fully appreciate the scenery around you, take a seat inside the ferry to shield your eyes from the majority of the wind.
5. Meal After the Ride
Sure you must be tired of gasping at all the views and your throat must be dry with the constant wow open mouth looking at all those places, hence it’s time for a fresh meal after the ferry. For this we recommend you check out the best restaurants in Manhattan. They are close by, affordable and popular for a reason! And if ready for more, there are tons of things to do in Midtown Manhattan too.
Tired and hungry after all the travel? Have a pizza from the best Pizza places in Brooklyn and shop at the best thrift stores in Brooklyn!
6. Harbor Cultural Center
Enough about the ferry itself let’s talk about the things that will amaze you as you get off that ferry! Since you have had a fast paced full of mesmerizing views ride, it’s now time that you slow down and soak in calm views. For that we have picked the sung harbor cultural center.
Encompassing 83 acres, the region has a vast botanical park and cultural hub encircled by cobblestone roads and narrow walkways lined with Victorian and Tudor residences. The Chinese Scholar's Garden, which has stunning rocks shaped like mountains and a bamboo forest trail with Koi fish in it, is one of the most well-liked attractions here. It was inspired by the poetry and art of Confucian, Buddhist, and Taoist monks.
7. Pizza
You come to New York and there is not a pizza mention? Well that is unreal and someone who doesn’t know a hint about NY guide. After the best parks in Queens where you can enjoy delicious pizza under the sun, Staten Island has a great line of options for pizza too. And for you, our pick is the Marie’s 2 which isn’t only a delicious pizza place but a full menu boasting tones of options along with Pizza. In addition to sandwiches, calzones, spaghetti, pizza by the slice, and even rib eye are available. Come hungry since the quantities are large. When you leave, both your pocketbook and your stomach will be satisfied because most of the entrées and 16-inch pizzas are priced well under $20.
8. The National Lighthouse Museum
Not just like any other museum but this is one fun thing to do in NYC with kids. In addition to offering visitors the opportunity to view over 180 lighthouse models from 29 states, take in life-size historical photos, and read about the personal experiences of different beacon keepers, this museum charges $60 for boat tours that explore neighboring lighthouses, ship graveyards, and other attractions on the East and Hudson rivers and New York Harbor.
9. Fort Wadsworth
Historic and military! The Fort Wadsworth is a 226 acre park with a historic patriotic attachment for the locals. Hence it is one must visit place for tourists. The special thing about this park is the longest military fort of the entire country.
10. South Beach
An island without a reference to water? Yes, we were holding out for the very finest! Take in some of the greatest views of the Verrazano while getting tan! Though it's not exactly Miami, it's nevertheless a bright and lively getaway. South Beach is a great outdoor attraction, offering free concerts and fireworks during the summer, along with the largest fishing pier in the city. There are also bocce courts, checkerboard tables, and lots of chairs to enjoy the sea breeze in a designated senior area.
Reasons to Visit Staten Island
After skyscraping views and affordable restaurants in Manhattan and all the places and things to do in Queens, with the best coffee shops in Brooklyn it is understandable that your tired self thinks about skipping the Staten Island visit. After all it is the least popular of all borough! Safe to say that Staten Island is indeed one of the best things to do in New York for first timers! As just as you plan on skipping this visit, here are our reasons to visit Staten Island.
1. A Peep at the Past
The history of Staten Island is extensive. Consider the many voyagers, emigrants, and explorers who have undertaken comparable voyages over the ages as you traverse the seas. There are many legends about pirates, colonial settlers, and the founding of our country on the island, which served as a crucial strategic location during the Revolutionary War.
2. Surprises for the Seasons
There are different joys at different seasons of the year. Come in the spring and summer to enjoy a view of the harbor under the sun, or come in the autumn to see the vibrant foliage. Winter rides may offer tranquil views of the city covered in snow, despite the cold. Every season offers a different viewpoint on the trip.
3. Nighttime Magnificence
The evening ferry voyage is a must for romantics and nighttime explorers. The city illuminates as the sun sets, reflecting on the sea. The cool evening wind and lit skyline make for an ideal date night for couples or lone visitors taking in the atmosphere of the city.
4. Beyond the Ferry: Attractions on Staten Island
So much to offer-so less known! Don’t let the amazing ferry ride experience fool you for not being anything even close when it comes to fun. Although many people use the round-trip boat as a fast getaway, spending time on Staten Island itself is worthwhile. A few of the cultural gems waiting for your discovery include the Staten Island Museum, Snug Harbour Cultural Centre & Botanical Garden, and Historic Richmond Town.
What is the Best Weather to Visit Staten Island?
Probably a weather when the gushing wind on the ferry ride doesn’t freeze you to death nor the scorching sun compromised your mid-day strolls along the ride. Hence the perfect balance is finding a warm weather. Then travel to Staten Island in July, when the hottest temperature may reach 86°F and the average is 77°F. January, on the other side, has the lowest average temperature of 32 °F and the lowest recorded low temperature of 24.8 °F. July is when you're most likely to see more rain, with an average of 4.6 inches. On the other hand, February typically has the lowest annual rainfall on Staten Island, with 3.1 inches on average.
Reason of Fame behind Staten Island
Wondering why you should visit to Staten Island? It is common to ask what is Staten Island famous for? After all it is the least populous borough in New York City. But it is renowned for its fantastic beaches. Although most visitors to the island are residents, the borough has seen an increase in visitors recently, particularly after the opening of the new Empire Outlets in the summer of 2019. This is also where the well-known hip-hop group The Wu-Tang Clan got their start in popular culture.
How to Get to Staten Island Ferry?
The free Staten Island Ferry is the best method to go to Staten Island from other New York City boroughs and has the added benefit of offering a front-row seat to the Statue of Liberty. Unquestionably, one of the greatest free views in all of New York City!
As an alternative, you may drive to Staten Island. Staten Island is connected to other places via four bridges.
Explore Manhattan the best with our guide on Things to do in Lower Manhattan.
