Staten Island Travel Guide: Best Things to Do, Staten Island Zoo & Hidden Gems

When people think about New York City, their minds usually jump to Manhattan.

Times Square. Central Park. Broadway. The Empire State Building.

But across New York Harbor is a borough with a completely different rhythm.

Staten Island feels greener, quieter, and more residential than the city’s other boroughs. It has waterfront parks, historic villages, museums, beaches, gardens, hiking trails, family attractions, and one of the easiest ways to enjoy spectacular views of the Statue of Liberty without paying for a sightseeing cruise.

It is also home to the Staten Island Zoo, one of the borough’s best-known family attractions.

If you’ve already explored Manhattan and want to see another side of New York, Staten Island is worth adding to your itinerary.

This guide covers the best things to do in Staten Island, where to go, how to get there, what to see, and how to plan an enjoyable day without trying to cram every corner of the borough into a single afternoon.

STATEN ISLAND AT A GLANCE

Location: New York City, New York
Best for: Parks, waterfront views, families, history and quieter NYC experiences
Known for: Staten Island Ferry, green spaces and harbor views
Top attraction: Staten Island Zoo
Best free experience: Staten Island Ferry
Ideal visit: 1–2 days
Getting around: Ferry, bus, car and rideshare
Best approach: Combine the ferry with a few nearby attractions

Why Visit Staten Island?

Staten Island is often overlooked by visitors who are focused on Manhattan.

That’s actually part of its appeal.

The borough has a more relaxed atmosphere, with neighborhoods surrounded by parks, waterways and historic sites. It is also the least densely populated of New York City’s five boroughs.

You can spend a morning looking at harbor views, an afternoon exploring a zoo or historic village, and an evening walking along the waterfront.

It’s still New York.

It just doesn’t feel like someone turned the city’s volume knob all the way up.

The Staten Island Ferry

Let’s begin with the attraction that makes Staten Island especially easy to visit.

The Staten Island Ferry connects Manhattan and Staten Island across New York Harbor.

And the best part?

It’s free.

The ferry operates between Whitehall Terminal in Lower Manhattan and the St. George Terminal on Staten Island.

The ride provides excellent views of:

• Statue of Liberty
• Ellis Island
• Lower Manhattan
• Brooklyn
• New York Harbor
• Governors Island

For visitors who want spectacular NYC views without booking an expensive harbor cruise, this is an easy win.

How Long Is the Staten Island Ferry Ride?

The crossing generally takes around 25 minutes each way, although conditions and schedules can vary.

You can remain on the ferry for the return trip if you’re simply interested in the views.

However, getting off at St. George gives you the opportunity to explore Staten Island rather than treating the borough as a ferry turnaround point.

Best Side of the Ferry?

Don’t obsess over finding one magical seat.

Move around.

The outdoor decks provide different perspectives throughout the journey.

On the Manhattan departure, keep an eye out for the Statue of Liberty as the ferry moves into the harbor.

It’s particularly beautiful around sunrise, sunset, or on a clear day.

Things to Do in Staten Island

1. Visit the Staten Island Zoo

The Staten Island Zoo is one of the most popular attractions for families.

The zoo is home to a collection of animals representing different parts of the world and is particularly known for its educational programs.

You can see animals such as:

• Snakes
• Birds
• Mammals
• Reptiles
• Amphibians

The zoo’s compact size can make it easier for families with young children than enormous zoological parks that require an entire day.

Allow roughly 1–2 hours, depending on your interest and whether you’re traveling with children.

If your itinerary includes kids, this is one of the easiest attractions to combine with other Staten Island experiences.

2. Explore Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden

Snug Harbor is one of Staten Island’s most interesting places.

This historic cultural complex combines:

• Gardens
• Museums
• Historic buildings
• Art
• Architecture
• Walking paths
• Cultural programs

The grounds cover a substantial area, so don’t treat it like a quick photo stop.

The gardens are particularly enjoyable during spring and summer.

It’s also a nice alternative when you want something slower than a conventional NYC attraction.

What Makes Snug Harbor Special?

The architecture gives the area a distinct historic atmosphere.

You can walk between beautiful buildings and gardens while barely feeling like you’re in New York City.

It’s one of those places that makes Staten Island feel like a different chapter of the city.

3. Walk Along the Staten Island Waterfront

The waterfront is one of the easiest places to enjoy Staten Island without planning a complicated itinerary.

The St. George area provides views toward Manhattan and New York Harbor.

Take a walk after arriving by ferry and enjoy the skyline.

It’s particularly pleasant around sunset.

If you’re carrying a camera, this is one of those places where the skyline does most of the creative work for you.

4. Visit Historic Richmond Town

For history lovers, Historic Richmond Town is one of the most interesting places on Staten Island.

This living-history village preserves buildings and stories associated with Staten Island’s past.

You can explore historic structures and learn about everyday life in earlier centuries.

The experience is very different from visiting a major Manhattan museum.

Instead of staring at objects behind glass, you’re walking through an environment designed to show how people actually lived.

5. Explore the Greenbelt

Staten Island has something many visitors don’t expect from New York City:

hiking trails.

The Staten Island Greenbelt is a large network of natural areas, trails, forests and wetlands.

It’s an excellent option if you’re tired of concrete sidewalks.

Depending on the trail, you can encounter:

• Forest
• Ponds
• Wildlife
• Wetlands
• Quiet walking paths

Bring proper shoes if you’re planning a longer hike.

The Greenbelt is one of the strongest arguments for exploring Staten Island beyond the ferry terminal.

6. Visit Alice Austen Park

Alice Austen Park sits on the northeastern waterfront and is associated with photographer Alice Austen.

The park provides beautiful views across New York Harbor and toward Manhattan.

It’s a particularly nice location for photography and a peaceful walk.

The nearby historic Alice Austen House adds cultural interest for visitors who want to understand more about the photographer and her work.

7. Explore Fort Wadsworth

Fort Wadsworth is one of Staten Island’s most interesting historic sites.

The fortification occupies a strategic location overlooking the entrance to New York Harbor.

Its elevated position provides excellent views.

History enthusiasts can explore the remnants of the defensive complex while photographers will probably be more interested in the scenery.

Bring a camera.

The harbor views are excellent.

8. Visit South Beach

Staten Island has beaches too.

South Beach offers waterfront scenery, walking areas and views toward the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge.

It can be a nice choice if you’re looking for a more relaxed outdoor experience rather than museums and historic attractions.

The beach environment is particularly enjoyable during warmer months.

Always check current beach conditions and swimming advisories before entering the water.

9. See the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge

The Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge connects Staten Island and Brooklyn.

Its enormous suspension structure is one of the most recognizable pieces of infrastructure in New York.

You can admire it from several waterfront locations.

For photographers, the combination of:

bridge + harbor + skyline + changing light

is difficult to resist.

10. Visit the Staten Island September 11 Memorial

The Postcards 9/11 Memorial near the St. George waterfront honors Staten Island residents who died in the September 11 attacks.

The memorial’s design faces the Manhattan skyline.

It is a quiet and reflective place.

Give it the time and respect it deserves.

Best Places to Visit in Staten Island

Place	Best For	Suggested Time
Staten Island Ferry	Harbor views	1 hour
Staten Island Zoo	Families	1–2 hours
Snug Harbor	Gardens & culture	2–3 hours
Historic Richmond Town	History	1–2 hours
Greenbelt	Hiking	1–3 hours
Fort Wadsworth	History & views	1 hour
Alice Austen Park	Photography	45–60 min
South Beach	Beach time	1–2 hours
9/11 Memorial	Reflection	30–45 min

A Perfect One-Day Staten Island Itinerary

If you only have one day, don’t try to see everything.

Instead, build your day around a few strong experiences.

9:00 AM: Take the Staten Island Ferry

Start at Whitehall Terminal in Manhattan.

Enjoy the harbor views and photograph the Statue of Liberty.

9:30 AM: Explore St. George

After arriving, walk around the waterfront.

Visit the 9/11 Memorial if you’re interested in the site’s history.

10:30 AM: Staten Island Zoo

Head to the zoo for a couple of hours.

This works particularly well if you’re traveling with children.

1:00 PM: Lunch

Have lunch locally rather than immediately returning to Manhattan.

2:00 PM: Snug Harbor

Spend the afternoon exploring the cultural center and gardens.

4:30 PM: Waterfront

Finish your day with a waterfront walk.

5:30 PM: Ferry Back to Manhattan

Take the ferry back around sunset if timing allows.

You may get one of the best views of the Manhattan skyline on the return trip.

Staten Island for Families

Staten Island can be a surprisingly good family destination.

The combination of free ferry rides, beaches, parks, gardens and the zoo gives families plenty to do without paying Manhattan-level attraction prices all day.

Children can:

• Ride the ferry
• See the Statue of Liberty
• Visit animals
• Explore gardens
• Walk nature trails
• Visit historic sites
• Spend time at the beach

The ferry itself may be enough to impress younger kids.

There’s something about a giant boat moving through New York Harbor that beats another afternoon in a hotel room.

If you’re traveling with children, you can also check out our guides to traveling with kids and traveling with toddlers.

Is Staten Island Worth Visiting?

Yes, especially if you’ve already seen the major Manhattan attractions.

Staten Island may not be the best choice if you’re visiting New York for only 24 hours and have never seen Times Square, Central Park, the Empire State Building or the Statue of Liberty.

But if you’ve got several days, Staten Island provides something different.

It gives you:

• More greenery
• Fewer crowds
• Waterfront scenery
• Historic attractions
• Family activities
• Neighborhood experiences

And the free ferry makes getting there unusually easy.

Is Staten Island Safe for Tourists?

Staten Island is a large urban borough with many residential neighborhoods, parks and commercial areas.

As with any major city, visitors should use normal urban safety habits:

• Keep valuables secure
• Stay aware of your surroundings
• Avoid isolated areas late at night
• Use reputable transportation
• Keep your phone charged
• Check local conditions before exploring unfamiliar areas

Safety can vary by neighborhood and circumstance, so don’t treat the entire borough as one uniform environment.

How to Get Around Staten Island

Bus

The Staten Island bus network can take you to many parts of the borough.

It’s useful if you aren’t renting a car.

Car

A car gives you considerably more flexibility if you want to visit attractions spread across the island.

Rideshare

Useful for moving between major attractions when public transportation would require multiple connections.

Bicycle

Cycling can be enjoyable around waterfront and park areas, particularly in pleasant weather.

Best Time to Visit Staten Island

Spring

Spring is excellent for gardens and outdoor exploration.

Expect:

• Blossoms
• Mild temperatures
• Comfortable walking
• Increasing daylight

Summer

Summer is ideal for:

• Beaches
• Parks
• Outdoor events
• Waterfront walks

But it can be hot and humid.

Fall

Fall may be the sweet spot.

Cooler temperatures and changing foliage make hiking and outdoor exploration particularly enjoyable.

Winter

Winter is quieter, but outdoor attractions can be cold and windy.

The ferry still provides dramatic harbor views on clear winter days.

How Many Days Do You Need?

For most visitors, one full day is enough to experience the highlights.

Stay longer if you want to:

• Hike extensively
• Explore museums
• Spend time at beaches
• Visit multiple historic sites
• Experience more local neighborhoods

A weekend can work nicely if you want a slower pace.

Staten Island vs Manhattan

Staten Island	Manhattan
Quieter	Busier
More residential	More commercial
More green space	Dense urban environment
Fewer major attractions	Huge concentration of attractions
Relaxed pace	Fast pace
Waterfront focus	Museums, shopping, Broadway and landmarks

The two aren’t really competitors.

They’re different experiences within the same city.

Best Free Things to Do in Staten Island

If you’re traveling on a budget, Staten Island has several excellent options.

Free Staten Island Ferry

Probably the biggest bargain in NYC.

Waterfront Walks

Enjoy harbor and skyline views without paying an admission fee.

Parks

Explore the borough’s many public green spaces.

Historic Views

Fort Wadsworth and other waterfront areas offer impressive scenery.

Beaches

Enjoy the coastline where public access is available.

This makes Staten Island particularly useful for travelers who want to stretch a New York City budget.

For more ideas about discovering North American cities without relying exclusively on the obvious tourist attractions, read our guide to choosing the top cities to explore in North America.

What to Pack for Staten Island

You don’t need special equipment for a typical day.

Bring:

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Water bottle
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Light jacket
• Portable charger
• Camera
• Small backpack
• Weather-appropriate clothing

If you’re hiking in the Greenbelt, wear proper walking shoes and bring extra water.

Tips for Visiting Staten Island

Start With the Ferry

The ferry gives you an easy introduction to the borough.

Don’t Just Turn Around

Many visitors ride the ferry, take a few photos, and immediately return.

Explore.

Combine Attractions by Area

Avoid crossing the entire borough repeatedly.

Check Opening Hours

Museums, zoos and historic sites may have different seasonal schedules.

Use Public Transportation Strategically

Buses can be useful, but travel times can add up.

Leave Room for the Unexpected

Staten Island rewards slower exploration.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Staten Island known for?

Staten Island is known for the Staten Island Ferry, waterfront views, parks, beaches, historic sites and the Staten Island Zoo.

What are the best things to do in Staten Island?

The best experiences include riding the Staten Island Ferry, visiting the Staten Island Zoo, exploring Snug Harbor, hiking the Greenbelt, visiting Historic Richmond Town, seeing Fort Wadsworth and exploring the waterfront.

Is the Staten Island Ferry free?

Yes. The Staten Island Ferry is a free public ferry service between Manhattan and Staten Island.

How long does the Staten Island Ferry take?

The trip generally takes around 25 minutes each way, although actual journey times can vary.

Is Staten Island worth visiting?

Yes, particularly for travelers who have several days in New York and want to experience a quieter, greener side of the city.

Is the Staten Island Zoo good for kids?

Yes. Its manageable size and animal exhibits make it a practical family attraction.

Can you see the Statue of Liberty from Staten Island?

Yes. The Staten Island Ferry provides excellent views of the Statue of Liberty and New York Harbor.

Can you visit Staten Island in one day?

Definitely. A day is enough to combine the ferry, St. George waterfront, Staten Island Zoo and another major attraction such as Snug Harbor.

Does Staten Island have beaches?

Yes. South Beach and other coastal areas provide opportunities to enjoy the shoreline.

Is Staten Island part of New York City?

Yes. Staten Island is one of New York City’s five boroughs.

Final Thoughts

Staten Island is New York without the frantic soundtrack.

It’s a place where you can start your day looking at the Statue of Liberty from a ferry, spend the afternoon surrounded by gardens or wildlife, and finish with a quiet waterfront sunset.

For first-time visitors, the Staten Island Ferry is the obvious starting point.

But don’t stop there.

Visit the Staten Island Zoo.

Explore Snug Harbor.

Walk through the Greenbelt.

See Fort Wadsworth.

Spend some time around the beaches.

And give yourself permission to wander.

New York City is often sold as a place where you need to see everything.

Staten Island offers a useful counterargument:

sometimes the best way to experience New York is to slow down enough to notice it.

If you’re building a broader New York itinerary, our New York walking tour guide can help you explore the city’s famous landmarks, while our NYC Explorer Pass guide covers another way to organize major attractions.