A Tour of Staten Island: The Unexpected Borough
A Tour of Staten Island: The Unexpected Borough
Discover the Hidden Parks, History, and Charm Beyond the Ferry
For many, Staten Island is simply the destination of a famous ferry ride offering breathtaking views of the Statue of Liberty and Lower Manhattan. But to end the journey at the terminal is to miss out on a borough with a surprisingly rich identity, full of historical treasures and sprawling green spaces.
Staten Island offers a distinct change of pace from the rest of the city. It’s a place where history is preserved in living museums and nature thrives in protected parklands. As the final piece of our exploration of the five boroughs, detailed in our complete guide to the boroughs, Staten Island provides a unique and tranquil perspective on New York life.
This guide, carefully researched by the team at AZ New York, invites you to step off the boat and discover the unexpected gems of the “forgotten borough.”
Staten Island Neighborhoods at a Glance
| Neighborhood / Area | Vibe / Identity | Best For… | Main Attraction |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. George | Civic & Historic | Museums, Architecture, Views | Staten Island Ferry Terminal |
| Snug Harbor | Cultural & Botanical | Gardens, Art, Performances | Snug Harbor Cultural Center |
| Richmond Town | Living History | Historic Immersion, Education | Historic Richmond Town |
| South Beach | Relaxed & Recreational | Boardwalk, Beach Day | Franklin D. Roosevelt Boardwalk |
Area Spotlights: Three Reasons to Explore Staten Island
Beyond the free ferry ride, Staten Island offers compelling destinations that are worth the trip. This selection highlights three of its most unique attractions.
Spotlight 1: St. George. As the front door to the borough, St. George is the first neighborhood you’ll see when you disembark the ferry. It’s the civic center of the island, home to the Borough Hall and several courthouses. But it’s also a cultural hub, featuring the historic St. George Theatre and the Staten Island Museum, which offers a deep dive into the borough’s art and natural history.
Spotlight 2: Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden. This is one of New York City’s greatest hidden gems. Formerly a home for retired sailors, this 83-acre campus is a breathtaking collection of Greek Revival buildings, art galleries, and stunning botanical gardens. Its crown jewel is the New York Chinese Scholar Garden, one of only two authentic classical outdoor scholar gardens in the United States.
Spotlight 3: Historic Richmond Town. Step back in time at New York City’s very own living history village. Historic Richmond Town is a remarkable restoration of an American town from the 17th century to the present. You can walk through historic homes, watch artisans at work, and experience centuries of American life in a single, immersive location.
Tips for Exploring Staten Island
- The Ferry is Just the Beginning: The Staten Island Ferry is a fantastic, free attraction in itself. But to truly see the borough, you must plan your transportation from the St. George terminal, using the Staten Island Railway (SIR) or the bus network.
- Discover the “Borough of Parks”: Staten Island has over 12,300 acres of parkland. Explore the Staten Island Greenbelt, a network of parks and trails that offers some of the most beautiful and serene nature walks in the entire city.
- Check Event Schedules: Many of the borough’s top attractions, like Snug Harbor and the St. George Theatre, host concerts, festivals, and special events. Check their official websites before you visit to enhance your trip.
- Walk the Boardwalk: For a classic beach town experience, head to South Beach and walk the 2.5-mile Franklin D. Roosevelt Boardwalk, one of the longest in the world.
“To find the quiet heart of New York, you must cross the water. Staten Island is the city’s exhale.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is it truly worth getting off the ferry on Staten Island?
Absolutely. For travelers interested in American history, beautiful gardens, and seeing a quieter, more suburban side of New York City life, spending a half or full day on the island is a unique and rewarding experience.
2. How do you get around Staten Island once you arrive?
The Staten Island Railway (SIR) line runs from the St. George Ferry Terminal down the length of the island and accepts the same MetroCard or OMNY payment as the NYC subway. An extensive bus network connects the terminal to all other major attractions.
3. How much time should I plan for a visit?
A simple trip to a single main attraction like Snug Harbor or Historic Richmond Town can be done in about 4-5 hours (including the round-trip ferry ride). To explore multiple sites, you should plan for a full day trip.
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