10 Free Things to do in Staten Island That You Shouldn't Miss

March 5, 2022 Diedre Savory

The most suburban of the five boroughs, Staten Island is often neglected as a tourist destination. Take a ride from Manhattan on the Staten Island Ferry and get some of the best views of New York City for free, then stick around and see what Staten Island has to offer. Check out the Himalayan monastery-style Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art, or visit Historic Richmond Town for a recreation of colonial New York. The beautiful Hamilton Park neighborhood was the setting for "The Godfather."
Restaurants in Staten Island

1. The Narrows

Staten Island, NY
Excellent
68%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 19 reviews

The Narrows

Reviewed By jdroidd

If you are coming over th VZ bridge from Brooklyn heading anywhere west towards Jersey, make a quick stop at Ft. Wadsworth for a wonderful view of the bridge and NYC from a great vantage point. Use lower level and stay right to first exit and turn right again into Fort Wadsworth, just past the Visitor learning Center make left to parking area. Get out and admire the amazing view!

2. High Rock Park

Staten Island, NY http://sigreenbelt.org
Excellent
58%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 50 reviews

High Rock Park

3. Fort Wadsworth

Beneath Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, Staten Island, NY 10305-5019 +1 718-354-4500 http://www.nps.gov/gate/learn/historyculture/fort-wadsworth.htm
Excellent
59%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 192 reviews

Fort Wadsworth

This fort played an important role in U.S. history starting during the Revolutionary War.

Reviewed By Ammous - New York City, United States

One of my favorite spots in NYC. Excellent view of Manhattan and the ocean. Perfect for a nice walk, jog or bike.

4. Snug Harbor Cultural Center

1000 Richmond Ter, Staten Island, NY 10301-1114 +1 646-630-9420 [email protected] http://snug-harbor.org
Excellent
55%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 300 reviews

Snug Harbor Cultural Center

Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden, a distinguished Smithsonian Affiliate, is Staten Island's premier destination for culture and entertainment. Set within a stunning 83-acre park-like setting, Snug Harbor presents a unique blend of gardens, museums, theaters, educational opportunities, and seasonal festivals. Snug Harbor's historic grounds and Greek Revival buildings house arts organizations with the area's most vibrant and intriguing activities, providing numerous ways for visitors of all ages and backgrounds to explore. The richness of this captivating environment truly makes Snug Harbor the heart of Staten Island's social life and a must-see destination in the region. Entrance to Snug Harbor's campus is free. Entrance to the Newhouse Center for Contemporary Art and the Chinese Scholar's Garden is $5. The Snug Harbor grounds are open daily, dawn to dusk. The Chinese Scholar's Garden is open from Tuesday - Sunday, 10am-5pm (last admission at 4:30pm). The Newhouse Center for Contemporary Art is open Wednesday - Sunday, 10am-5pm. Check our Facebook page for current happenings and upcoming events!

Reviewed By kevinrO5610BP - Staten Island, United States

It is a great place to visit for a walk and see those buildings, if you are lucky you'll find a festival, musical or something going on here every weekend so you can visit it and enjoy. It is well maintained and nice attraction for Staten Island.

5. Franklin D. Roosevelt Boardwalk and Beach

Father Capodanno Boulevard Ft. Wadsworth To Miller Field, Staten Island, NY http://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/R046/
Excellent
48%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 124 reviews

Franklin D. Roosevelt Boardwalk and Beach

Reviewed By bundyc2015 - Staten Island, United States

One of the few great places left on SI where you can get fresh air and great views of the beach, Verrazano Bridge (you can even go right up close underneath the bridge - very surreal) you can see NYC skyline also. During the summer weekends there are festivals and live music. If you have kids there are different kinds of playgrounds for them along the whole boardwalk and pavement. Parking is plentiful. Bathrooms are open til 7pm during the summers. There is even fishing pier. At night things can get sketchy since some parts are not well lite up. There is even an ice cream/refreshment stand open during the summer near the South Fin Grill. You can also rent bicycles for 2 to 5 people.

6. Postcards-The The Staten Island September 11 Memorial

Bank st Adjacent to Ferry Terminal Waterfront, Staten Island, NY http://www.statenislandusa.com/pages/memorial.html
Excellent
65%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 217 reviews

Postcards-The The Staten Island September 11 Memorial

Reviewed By Trenti1025 - Staten Island, United States

Event was to honor the fallen of 911. Music and the venue very appropriate overlooking the Freedom tower.

7. Jimmie Steiny's Pub

3 Hyatt St, Staten Island, NY 10301-1801 +1 718-442-9526 http://steinyspub.com/
Excellent
50%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 14 reviews

Jimmie Steiny's Pub

Temporarily Closed

8. Flagship Brewing Company

40 Minthorne St, Staten Island, NY 10301-3241 +1 718-448-5284 http://theflagshipbrewery.com/pages/brewery
Excellent
70%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 40 reviews

Flagship Brewing Company

Reviewed By Titus714 - New York City, United States

Yesterday Flagship brewery sponsored a oyster fest and they did a great job. The oyster stout was delicious and my family and I had 100 oysters. The entertainment was great . The bands played rock and roll and it bought back great memories. Next year I will be there.

9. Fort Wadsworth - Gateway National Recreation Area

210 New York Ave Fort Wadsworth, Staten Island, NY 10305-5019 +1 718-354-4606 http://www.nps.gov/gate
Excellent
69%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
8%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 13 reviews

Fort Wadsworth - Gateway National Recreation Area

Reviewed By jennifer821 - Staten Island, United States

We had the opportunity to take a guided tour of Fort Wadsworth and the Gateway area at Great Kills. These were views and places that you would not believe were located within a city unless you see them for yourself. Beaches, grassy areas, forts, wildlife - and all with amazing insights and history from the Park Rangers who love it everyday. I highly recommend a tour of Fort Wadsworth!

10. Staten Island Mall

2655 Richmond Ave, Staten Island, NY 10314-5821 +1 718-761-6800 http://www.statenisland-mall.com/
Excellent
32%
Good
47%
Satisfactory
15%
Poor
3%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 75 reviews

Staten Island Mall

Reviewed By MaidMarian61 - Port Saint Lucie, United States

Went for the first time in years with my friend, really beautiful mall, very clean and a lot of businesses, the staff in the stores were so nice and helpful, unlike the staff at Kings Plaza in Brooklyn, they seem to care about their customers and a lot of variety of stores, highly recommend it.

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