10 Fun Things To Do In and Around Staten Island, New York (Richmond County)
If you’re looking for things to do in New York City but want a quieter, more relaxed vibe than Manhattan,
Staten Island is a great pick. It’s one of NYC’s five boroughs, sitting just across New York Harbor, and it feels a bit like a small town wrapped inside a huge city.
Whether you’re planning a day trip or a weekend getaway, here are
10 fun things to do near Staten Island, NY that locals and visitors both enjoy.
1. Ride the Staten Island Ferry for Free Skyline Views
Let’s start with the classic.
The
Staten Island Ferry is one of the best free things to do in New York City. It runs 24/7 between
St. George Terminal on Staten Island and
Whitehall Terminal in Lower Manhattan.
On the 25-minute ride, you get:
- Front-row views of the Statue of Liberty
- Wide-open shots of the Manhattan skyline
- Views of Brooklyn and New Jersey across the water
Try to stand on the right side heading from Manhattan to Staten Island for a closer look at the Statue of Liberty.
Tip: Go around sunset if you can. The city lights coming on as the sky turns pink is one of those simple travel moments you remember for a long time.
2. Explore Historic Richmond Town
If you’re curious about New York’s past,
Historic Richmond Town is a must-see. It’s a living history village that shows what Staten Island life looked like from the 1600s through the 1800s.
You’ll find:
- Dozens of preserved buildings, some over 200 years old
- Costumed interpreters sharing stories of daily life
- Craft demonstrations and seasonal events
Walking around here feels like stepping into a different century. It’s quiet, laid-back, and a nice break from busy city streets.
Family note: Kids usually enjoy the old schoolhouse and the hands-on activities during special events.
3. Visit the Staten Island Museum in St. George
Right near the ferry terminal in St. George, the
Staten Island Museum mixes art, history, and natural science all under one roof.
Inside you can see:
- Local New York and Staten Island history exhibits
- Art displays from different eras
- Natural science collections, including fossils and animal specimens
It’s not huge or overwhelming, which makes it an easy stop during a day trip. If you’re waiting for the next ferry, duck in for an hour or two and learn a bit about the borough you’re standing in.
4. Walk the Staten Island 9/11 Memorial: The Postcards
Also near the ferry, just a short walk from St. George Terminal, you’ll find Staten Island’s moving
9/11 Memorial, known as
“The Postcards.”
The design features two white “postcards” facing toward Lower Manhattan, each side holding silhouettes of Staten Island residents who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.
Why it’s worth visiting:
- Quiet, peaceful spot with powerful views of the skyline
- Thoughtful way to reflect on recent New York history
- Easy to add to your ferry trip without needing a car
It doesn’t take long to visit, but it leaves a strong impression.
5. Spend a Beach Day at South Beach and Midland Beach
Yes, Staten Island has beaches.
South Beach and neighboring
Midland Beach give you sandy shoreline, ocean views, and a breezy boardwalk—without the intense crowds of some other New York beaches.
Highlights:
- A long, wide boardwalk that’s great for walking, jogging, or biking
- Views of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge
- Playgrounds and picnic areas for families
On a hot summer day, this is a simple, low-key way to enjoy Staten Island. Pack a cooler, some beach chairs, and you’re set.
Tip: Even in cooler months, the boardwalk is perfect for a quiet stroll with a coffee in hand.
6. Hike the Greenbelt: Staten Island’s Natural Side
If you think New York City is all concrete and skyscrapers, the
Staten Island Greenbelt will surprise you.
This large network of parks and forests offers:
- Miles of hiking trails through woods, hills, and wetlands
- Quiet ponds and nature overlooks
- The Greenbelt Nature Center with maps and information
Popular spots within the Greenbelt include:
- High Rock Park – peaceful trails and birdwatching
- LaTourette Park – open meadows and a golf course nearby
Trails range from easy walks to more moderate hikes, so you can choose what fits your energy level. Bring good walking shoes—some paths can get muddy after rain.
7. Discover Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden
On the North Shore of Staten Island,
Snug Harbor is one of the most interesting and beautiful places on the island.
Originally a retirement home for sailors, it’s now a full cultural and arts center sitting on about 83 acres of land.
On-site, you can explore:
- The New York Chinese Scholar’s Garden (a calm, intricate classical garden)
- Beautiful old buildings and wide lawns
- Art galleries, performance spaces, and special events
- Quiet walking paths and themed gardens
It’s the kind of place where you can wander for a couple of hours, sit on a bench, and just enjoy being outside. Photographers love it, and it’s also a nice date spot.
8. Catch a Game or Show at St. George Theatre
Right up the hill from the ferry sits the restored
St. George Theatre, a historic venue with a classic, old-school look inside.
You can catch:
- Comedy shows
- Concerts and live music
- Dance performances and special events
The interior has that “golden age of theaters” feel—ornate decorations, a big stage, and a cozy atmosphere. If you’re already in the St. George area, checking the schedule here is a smart move.
Pro tip: Grab dinner nearby, then walk over for a show. It makes an easy Staten Island night out.
9. Walk (or Bike) Over the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge Area
You can’t miss the
Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge when you’re on Staten Island. It connects the borough to Brooklyn and stretches about 2 miles across the water.
While you can’t just walk across the bridge anytime (it’s usually only open to pedestrians during the NYC Marathon and some special events), you can still enjoy the areas near it.
Things to do nearby:
- Walk or bike along Shore Road and the waterfront parks
- Take photos of the bridge from different angles
- Relax on benches and watch ships pass under the bridge
If you enjoy bridges and big city views, the Verrazzano area gives you plenty of both.
10. Taste Your Way Around Staten Island’s Food Scene
Staten Island might not get as much food hype as Manhattan or Brooklyn, but locals know it has some excellent eats.
Some ideas to try:
- Italian bakeries and pizzerias – Staten Island is known for strong Italian-American roots and great slices.
- Sri Lankan restaurants in the Tompkinsville area – a unique, flavorful food scene you won’t find everywhere.
- Waterfront dining – enjoy seafood or American classics with harbor or bay views.
If you’re not sure where to start, just ask a local where they’d grab a slice or a sandwich. Staten Islanders usually have strong opinions about their favorite spots, and that’s a good sign for food lovers.
Planning Your Staten Island Visit
Here are a few quick tips to make your trip smoother:
- Getting there: The Staten Island Ferry from Lower Manhattan is free and runs often. You can also drive in from New Jersey or over the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge from Brooklyn (toll for vehicles).
- Getting around: Buses run across the island, and there’s also the Staten Island Railway. Rideshares and taxis are easy to find near busy areas like St. George.
- Best time to visit: Spring and fall bring mild weather that’s great for walking and hiking. Summer is ideal for beaches and outdoor events.
If you only have one day, you can combine a few of these:
- Ferry ride → Staten Island Museum → 9/11 Memorial → Snug Harbor
- Or ferry ride → St. George Theatre area → drive or bus to South Beach
Share Your Staten Island Experience
Staten Island often flies under the radar, but that’s part of its charm. You get a mix of
New York City energy and
small-town calm all in one borough.
Have you visited Staten Island before?
- Which spots did you enjoy most?
- Did you find a favorite pizza place or hidden park?
Drop your thoughts, tips, or questions in the comments below—your experience might help someone else plan their trip.
If you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends or family who are planning a New York City visit and want to explore beyond the usual tourist stops. Staten Island is waiting on the other side of the harbor.
Comments
Post a Comment