Location: Staten Island
Top Things to do in Staten Island
10 Nature & Parks in Staten Island That You Shouldn't Miss
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. Staten Island Greenbelt
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By samoht4samoht - New York City, United States
We really enjoy visiting the Greenbelt. It has something for everyone and many activities are free or low cost. There is a fitness center, regulation soccer field, hiking trails, beautiful streams and ponds, birds and wildlife, 18 hole golf course, a nature center, and much more. All ages are welcome.
2. New York Chinese Scholar's Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 129 reviews
The New York Chinese Scholar's Garden is truly unique attraction that adds new dimension to our understanding of life in ancient China and serves as the perfect setting for a host of multi-cultural events. It features magnificent rockery that resemble mountains that inspired the poetry and paintings of Confucian, Buddhist and Taoist monks and other scholars. Visitors can explore eight pavilions, a bamboo forest path, waterfalls, a Koi-filled pond, Chinese calligraphy, and a variety of Ghongshi scholar's rocks including a 15-foot formation that towers over the central courtyard. The Garden is a compilation of different gardens in China. It is based on Ming Dynasty Gardens (1368-1644). The New York Scholar's garden is the one of two authentic scholar's gardens in the United States. A team of 40 Chinese artists and craftsmen spent a year in China creating the Garden's components and another six months in Staten Island as craftsmen-in-residence at Snug Harbor to complete the construction. The Chinese Scholar's Garden at Snug Harbor is one of only two authentic scholar's gardens in the United States.
3. The Narrows
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
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!
4. High Rock Park
5. Franklin D. Roosevelt Boardwalk and Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 124 reviews
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. Fort Wadsworth - Gateway National Recreation Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
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!
7. Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve
8. Staten Island Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 512 reviews
A kid-friendly zoo in New York City.
Reviewed By R4960NKjustinw - Hasbrouck Heights, United States
I came out for the Groundhog's Festival again this year and it was a nice day. The ceremony was much quicker than last year as it was Super Bowl Sunday still it was a nice morning. It was much nicer this year as the weather was warmer and all the animal were out after the ceremony was over. I got to see most of the outdoor animals like the Eru's, Kangaroos and Ostriches this time around. Don't miss visiting the gift shop/snack shop when at the zoo. There is a nice selection of foods that are great for kids. I also got one of the stuffed Staten Island Chuck's from the gift shop and it was really cute. It is a nice way to spend the afternoon. Take time to see all the indoor displays as well. There is a interesting exhibition of snakes and monkeys to see and even a small aquarium. It is fun to walk around the zoo.
9. Freshkills Park
10. Bloomingdale Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
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