Things to do & places to visit in Staten Island, New York, United States

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."

Staten Island city in New York, United States. Timezone: America/New_York, current date and time: Wednesday, May 08, 2024, 13:59.

Top things to do (25)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Unreal Escapes - Staten Island's Premiere Live Escape Room (256 reviews)
- what a great experience, fun with a group of friends or family. highly recommed it
Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 11:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Escape Games

UNREAL ESCAPES - Staten Island & New York City's' Premier Live Escape Room Entertainment Experience. A family friendly venue that will challenge your mind while bringing excitement, suspense, and loads of fun to everyone that feels they are up for the challenge. We have a huge private party room for all occasions. At Unreal Escapes, The Games Are Real The Experiences Are UNREAL. Corporate Team building, private and group parties are something we specialize in. We are a cutting edge entertainment company with your enjoyment in mind. Bring your coworkers, friends, employees, family, dates, or come to us and we will pair you up with other like minded adventure seekers for the experience of a lifetime. At Unreal Escapes, we don’t conform to standards, We Create Them! See more..
5.0 Staten Island Greenbelt (9 reviews)
- Greenest part of NYC
Parks

Many trails to follow, this is a great place to commune with nature. The woods are wonderful, but this is not a challenging hiking trail as you might find upstate NY or the Delaware Water Gap. See more..
5.0 Mount Loretto Unique Area (8 reviews)
- Another gem on the island
Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails

This is really a unique and special place. Birdwatchers and nature lovers and people that just want to go for some easy hiking trails will really love visiting here. Many turtles over in the pond which is always a favorite sight of ours. Stay out of the brush as ticks are home there and I suggest real shoes not flip flops or crocs. See more..
5.0 Municipal Parking Lot Farmers' Market (4 reviews)
- Fresh Organic Food In STATEN ISLAND !
Flea & Street Markets

I live near there and I went a few times last year just started going back again since last week and I have To say the people their are beyond friendly great prices for truly fresh produce ! AND if you get there early enough they even have a strawberry eating contest which is very nice. The place is family friendly and not far from the ferry at all!. I'd say if your in the area definitely check this place out !! See more..
4.5 Gulliver's Gate (2.816 reviews)
- Hubby, teen son & myself all loved it
Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • Science Museums

Leave the Land of Large and experience an interactive world of miniatures from around the globe. Gulliver's Gate is a unique and playful interpretation of the real world in miniature, inspired by the places we live, work, play, and dream about. Gulliver's welcomes people everywhere to experience this world, and even become Model Citizens, permanent miniature residents. You belong in this world. Guests at Gullivers' Gate can use their interactive key to activate features in models through out the exhibit space. Watch professional model-makers and engineers build and expand the exhibit. Step into our COBRA 3-D scanner and get a free 3D scan. If you like it, you can buy a 3D print of yourself to have sent home or placed in the model--making you a Model Citizen. We are wheelchair accessible, have changing tables in both bathrooms and a Mamava nursing suite for parents with nursing children. Our attraction is open until 10:00 PM however the last admission is 8:30 PM. See more..
4.5 Snug Harbor Cultural Center (302 reviews)
- Fantastic Festival of Lights
Wednesday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent More than 3 hours Speciality Museums

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! See more..
4.5 Richmond County Bank Ballpark (242 reviews)
- Perfect Game
Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Arenas & Stadiums

Fields are well kept. Snack bar is open and portapottys are available. Sign says "no outside food or beverages allowed" but for PG tournaments they are not strict with the policy. There is a $10 entry fee per person. See more..
4.5 Postcards-The The Staten Island September 11 Memorial (217 reviews)
- Beautiful September 11th Memorial
Monuments & Statues

My husband and I had taken the ferry to get into the city that day and when we got off I mentioned that the Postcards Memorial was right next to us. So before we went to our car we took the short walk over to check out the memorial. There is no line or entrance to get in. It is free and open to the public to come and observe, reflect, and pay respect to those that lost their lives on that day. The design is unique. If you look between the two sides you are looking at Manhattan where the Twin Towers used to stand. On looking closer at the two walls you can see names. It was very peaceful while we were there reflecting on where we were on September 11th. If you are in the Staten Island area it is worth a moment of your time. See more..
4.5 Fort Wadsworth (196 reviews)
- Bridge Up Close
Historic Sites

This fort played an important role in U.S. history starting during the Revolutionary War. See more..
4.5 New York Chinese Scholar's Garden (129 reviews)
- Hidden gem
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Gardens

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. See more..
4.5 Franklin D. Roosevelt Boardwalk and Beach (125 reviews)
- Great place to bicycle!
Beaches

Val and I have taken the bikes over the Vz to bike along this long stretch of Staten Island. We have enjoyed lounging on the beach, watching ships come and go and enjoying the view of the bridge. See more..
4.5 Staten Island Children's Museum (90 reviews)
- Winter Lantern Festival
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Children's Museums

The Staten Island Children’s Museum features 10 indoor and 2 outdoor exhibits, a dedicated art workshop and a performance space. Visitors can explore different climates, examine bugs and other arthropods, learn about construction, build with blocks, hop on board a fire truck and play games throughout the interactive exhibits. The 4-acre East Meadow offers a perfect outdoor setting to run, play and picnic. The Children's Museum is engaging, affordable and focused on STEAM learning. In addition to the exhibits, it hosts a variety of programs throughout the year, including cultural performances & celebrations, summertime "Boogie Woogie Wednesday" dance performances, as well as mini-camps during the summer and during NYC public school breaks. See more..
4.5 St. George Theatre (79 reviews)
- 1st rate theatre beautifully renovated for all to see!
Wednesday: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM Theaters

Wow, what a beautifully renovated theatre to come see any show/concert. Most of all the seats are pretty comfortable compared to the Broadway Show Theatres in Times Square. Bathrooms are new and clean but not very large if everyone's nature calls at the same time:-)haha Access for the handicap or physically challenged is adequate but not for the lower orchestra seating since there are some steps to the lower area. Just check out my pictures and you can see how beautiful it's all in full glory. Ornate like a Russian or Eastern European church. Perhaps you can say a prayer for the entertainers performing or confess your errors to your friends while you wait for the show to begin. It's really that inspirational and awesome theatre. See more..
4.5 Alice Austen House Museum & Garden (75 reviews)
- A lovely little gem
Wednesday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites

This gingerbread cottage was the home of one of America's most revered photographers, whose works are exhibited here. See more..
4.5 Staten Island Museum at Snug Harbor (71 reviews)
- Time well spent
Wednesday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Speciality Museums

I always like taking the ferry from Manhattan to Staten Island. Make sure to give yourself 4 to 5 or maybe 6 hours because there is a lot to see in that area. A really cool art exhibit titled Truth on Display at the Newhouse Center for Contemporary Art. Learning the history of the SNUG Museum is worst going back in time. Must see if you're in NYC. See more..
4.5 National Lighthouse Museum (52 reviews)
- Fantastic staff and museum
Wednesday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Lighthouses • History Museums

Located on the site of the United States Lighthouse Service General Depot, we are here to educate about the history, and importance, of our maritime sentinels. We are not only education! We also make lighthouses and maritime history fun. We host festivals, boat tours, and other special events, all during the year. Come to join us! See more..
4.5 High Rock Park (50 reviews)
- Beautiful
Parks • Forests

Located on the highest point in the eastern United States. In the green belt park system of parks dept a truly serene and attractive area, you would not believe your in nyc. A nice hike to the top and great way to spend the day in summer spring or fall. My suggestion is bug spray and water. Several private homes dot the area and new construction is forbidden. Enjoy!!! See more..
4.5 Flagship Brewing Company (46 reviews)
- The best brewery in Staten Island
Wednesday: Breweries

We had a great time. The beer was awesome! The staff was super friendly . They give us tour inside of brewery and explained the processof making beer in details. Also we played games and had fun! We are definitely reccomend this place. See more..
4.5 TCS New York City Marathon (36 reviews)
- glad I was helping out there as Volunteer...
Sporting Events

With Central Park as the finish line, the daunting and exhilarating TCS New York City Marathon takes runners on a 26 mile flight through New York's five boroughs. The largest marathon in the world, with over 50,000 finishers, the TCS Marathon is considered one of the world major marathons for long-distance. Held since 1970 on the first Sunday of November, it's huge popularity with professionals and amateurs alike mean that there is a lottery system that determines participation- it gets more applicants than it can handle. The glory isn't limited to adults, either: TCS runs a much (much) shorter version of the Marathon for kids, so they can have fun with fitness and participate too. See more..
4.5 Noble Maritime Collection (35 reviews)
- Nice collection and is worth a visit
Speciality Museums

Located on the grounds of Snug Harbor Cultural Center, this art and maritime history museum centers on the art and writings of John A. Noble (1913-1983.) See more..
4.5 The Narrows (19 reviews)
- Beautiful picture op!
Bodies of Water

A lovely day in Staten Island looking over the Narrows from Fort Wadsworth with the Verrazano Bridge in the background. Didn't spend too much time here as it was getting late. Manhattan can be viewed from this spot. Lots of history here. See more..
4.5 Fort Wadsworth - Gateway National Recreation Area (13 reviews)
- love it
National Parks • Hiking Trails

All the parks in Staten Island are a must see. They are clean, well kept, and a true beauty in NYC. Take a see for yourself! See more..
4.0 Staten Island Zoo (512 reviews)
- Big little zoo
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 4:45 PM Zoos

A kid-friendly zoo in New York City. See more..
4.0 Historic Richmond Town (225 reviews)
- This is for History Buffs
Wednesday: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours History Museums

As Staten Island's largest and oldest cultural institution, Historic Richmond Town possesses some of the most celebrated and storied historical items of American history. There are more than 130,000 artifacts, photographs, and archival collections dating back to the 17th century. The total number of individual objects or bits and pieces of history in our care is close to a million! At the center of our collections are original historic structures dating back as far as the 1660s. There is no other place like it in New York City. While many museums use structures to showcase their artifacts, our structures are among our most significant artifacts. This provides an authentic platform to share the stories of individuals - ordinary people who've built an extraordinary country. See more..
4.0 Staten Island Mall (82 reviews)
- Staten Island Mall Movie theater
Wednesday: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM Shopping Malls

The AMC theater at the Staten Island Mall Offers comfortable seats, food service at your seat and the opportunity to enjoy a beer or cocktail while you watch your movie selection. The theater also offers a special rate on Tuesdays. If you are movie fan, this is movie going 2.0! Nice size theaters, great sound , and comfortable seats. Drinks are a little pricy and the food menu could be expanded but it is convenient for those who like to munch and a enjoy a beverage while watching movie. See more..
4.0 Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art (61 reviews)
- Hidden Gem on SI
Wednesday: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM Art Museums

Resembling a small Tibetan mountain temple, this unique museum showcases objects of Tibetan, Nepalese, Tibeto-Chinese and Mongolian in origin, dating primarily from the 17th to 19th centuries. See more..
4.0 The Conference House (61 reviews)
- A Piece of History
Wednesday: Historic Sites

Benjamin Franklin and John Adams met at this house early in the Revolutionary War with British Admiral Richard Howe to discuss whether an end to the war could be negotiated. See more..
4.0 Borough Hall Staten Island (28 reviews)
- History
Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks

This building is 100 years old, give or take. There are some great paintings of island history to view, and atmosphere to soak up. See more..
4.0 Blue Heron Park (14 reviews)
- Fishing
Parks
Thought it would be nice to setup and fish in the river to catch some heron for bait for other fish. Atmosphere was serence and forest was clean. See more..
3.5 Empire Outlets (102 reviews)
- Recommendable!
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Shopping Malls

WELCOME TO NEW YORK’S ONLY OUTLET SHOPPING DESTINATION Empire Outlets is New York City’s premier outdoor shopping and dining center. With its picture-perfect views of lower Manhattan, a lush landscaped plaza with tranquil fountains, and access to some of the best deals, Empire Outlets is unlike any other shopping destination in the city. We’re just steps from the Staten Island Ferry, which means you’re just steps away from pure joy. See more..