28 Best and Fun Things To Do In Staten Island NY (New York)

Visitors to New York City’s southernmost borough can hop on the Staten Island Ferry, which offers stunning views of Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty.

Things To Do In Staten Island NY, staten Island is a great place to visit for a variety of reasons. In addition to the Staten Island Children’s Museum and Zoo, the New York Harbor offers breathtaking views and fascinating history for visitors of all ages.

Staten Island is a must-stop on any trip to New York City, where you’ll find a plethora of activities and attractions, including museums, sports, restaurants, and more.

List Of 28 Things To Do In Staten Island NY Today

1. Staten Island Museum

The Museum of Modern Art, the Museum of Natural History, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art are all examples of New York’s many specialized museums. The Staten Island Museum, on the other hand, is New York City’s only general interest museum at St George.

At the Staten Island Museum, you can learn about Staten Island and the rest of the world through exhibits that include art, history, and natural history. The Staten Island Museum has a wide variety of rotating and traveling exhibits, ensuring that every visit is unique.

1000 Richmond Terrace, Building A, Staten Island, NY 10301, Phone: 718-727-1135

2. Snug Harbor Cultural Center

As a charitable resting place for sailors during the 19th century, the Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden, or Sailors’ Snug Harbor, is now known as brooklyn bridge Lower Manhattan.

There are 28 historic buildings that make up the Smithsonian’s affiliate museum in Washington, D.C., including a museum, working farm, performing arts center, artist residencies, and a number of educational institutions at coney island staten island attraction.

Visitors to Snug Harbor can pay $5 to enter the campus and explore the grounds, buildings, and exhibits while also learning about the history of this serene, artistic, and historically significant location at staten island mall.

1000 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island, NY 10301, Phone: 718-425-3504

3. National Lighthouse Museum

Lighthouses, those iconic structures at freshkills park that have marked dangerous coastlines and aided sailors in their navigation for millennia, can be explored in depth at the National Lighthouse Museum in New York City.

Models and artifacts from historic lighthouses are on display in the museum, which houses more than 200 real-life lighthouses from across the country. Visitors can learn about the history of the lamps, how they were lit, what they were used for, and who was in charge of them at battery park.

200 Promenade at Lighthouse Point, Staten Island, NY 10301, Phone: 718-390-0040

4. Seaside Wildlife Nature Park

Seaside Wildlife Nature Park offers a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of New Yorker City on its roughly 20 acres of tranquil land at empire state building.

Creative and fun, it’s ideal for kids with lots of energy and a lot of imagination because it features a lighthouse, an explorable shipwreck, and a playground modeled after the Staten Island Ferry.

Staten Island arts can be reached via many of the park’s nature trails, which are ideal for bicyclists, joggers, and those simply looking for a peaceful stroll through the blue heron park’s trees and salt marshes.

Nelson Ave, Staten Island, NY 10308, Phone: 212-639-9675

5. Alice Austen House

One of America’s first and most influential female photographers, Alice Austen took approximately 8,000 photographs between the late 19th and early 20th centuries. When it came to her own life, Alice Austen was a woman who broke free from the constraints of tradition.

She never married, was the first woman on Staten Island to own a car, designed landscapes, and was an accomplished tennis player. She continues to be an inspiration to women today.Clear Comfort, her home away from home wall street.

2 Hylan Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10305, Phone: 718-816-4506

6. Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve

One of Staten Island’s most diverse ecosystems is found in Clay Pit Ponds State Park Reserve, which is located on the southwest shore of the island empire outlet.

The 265-acre park’s rich history includes evidence that it was once home to the Lenape Native Americans, early European settlers, and the Free Blacks of Sandy Ground long island.

Visitors to Clay Pit Ponds Park can explore the park’s natural beauty, as well as visit the Interpretive Center. Visitors can learn about the park’s geology, ecology, and anthropology at the Interpretive Center.

83 Nielsen Ave, Staten Island, NY 10309, Phone: 718-967-1976

7. Conference House

The famous meeting that took place on September 11, 1776, at Conference House, which attempted but failed to end the American Revolutionary War, gave the building its name. It was built in 1680.

Meeting with the British commander of the colonies, Lord Howe, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and Edward Rutledge discussed the possibility of peace staten islander.

Seven years of war ensued after the Founding Fathers politely turned down the invitation. The Conference House today features exhibits on the founding of the United States, the immigration narrative, and the history of the house itself.

7455 Hylan Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10307, Phone: 718-984-6046

8. Fort Wadsworth

Fort Wadsworth was first constructed by the Dutch during New Amsterdam’s heyday, back in the 17th century. There have been many changes since then, but its strategic location has allowed it to protect New York Harbor for many years.

Fort Wadsworth was decommissioned in the 1990s and is now a popular tourist destination run by the National Park Service. Fort Wadsworth is open to the public, and there are many knowledgeable rangers who can lead visitors on an educational tour of the grounds.

Fort Wadsworth, Staten Island, NY 10305

9. Garibaldi-Meucci Museum

The Garibaldi-Meucci Museum is named after Antonio Meucci, an Italian inventor who once lived there. One of the country’s greatest heroes, Giuseppe Garibaldi, once described the house as “home and refuge.”

With the goal of preserving the legacy of these men, particularly for those with Italian ancestry, the museum offers classes on Italian art, culture and other topics.

The museum’s exhibits teach visitors about the lives of these two men and the influence of Italian culture on modern-day America.

420 Tompkins Ave, Staten Island, NY 10305, Phone: 718-442-1608

10. Historic Richmond Town

As if you’d stepped back in time to the 1950s, a visit to Historic Richmond Town is a must. Business and government thrived in Richmond Town during its heyday as an economic and cultural hub.

In the late 19th century, when Staten Island became one of New York City’s five boroughs, Richmond Town began to decline.

More than 30 original buildings and more than 100 acres of land make up Historic Richmond Town, which was established in 1958. New York City’s oldest operating farm and one of the city’s oldest houses are both located in the town.

441 Clarke Ave, Staten Island, NY 10306, Phone: 718-351-1611

11. Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art

If you’re looking for an educational and peaceful experience, Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art is the place to go. In this museum, visitors can learn about and be inspired by the art and culture of the Tibetan people.

Even a meditation garden can be found in the museum’s collection of artifacts, films, and performances. Special events and lectures are held at the Museum of Tibetan Art as well as children’s programs where they can learn how to make traditional Tibetan crafts.

338 Lighthouse Ave, Staten Island, NY 10306, Phone: 718-987-3500

12. New York City Farm Colony

Farm Colony New York City (sometimes known as Staten Island’s Staten Island Farm Colony) was established in 1829. Those who had nowhere else to go were able to live on the farm in exchange for their labor.

It peaked in the 1940s when there were over 1,700 people living and working there. Currently, the area has been abandoned for more than 40 years, making it a popular urban ruin for tourists to explore.

Even though the New York City Farm Colony is currently under renovation, it is still possible to explore the grounds and ruins of the property to learn about this little-known part of history.

Brielle Ave, Staten Island, NY 10314, Phone: 718-605-0900

13. New York Harbor

The New York Harbor is one of the world’s largest natural harbors, located at the mouth of the Hudson River where it meets New York Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.

Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, as well as the Stonewall National Monument, Theodore Roosevelt’s childhood home, Alexander Hamilton’s family home, and the Gateway National Recreation Area, are just a few of the many historic sites and national parks that can be found in and around the harbor.

By land or by sea, visitors can get up close and personal with some of the city’s most important historical landmarks.

14. Nonnas of the World

A meal that brings back fond memories of a grandmother’s cooking is unbeatable. Culinary traditions passed down from generation to generation, including those of our grandparents, can help us maintain a connection to our ancestors.

This is the concept behind Nonnas of the World, or Enoteca Maria, a one-of-a-kind restaurant. A man who had recently lost his mother opened a restaurant filled with real Italian grandmothers in an effort to preserve the warm, homey atmosphere of his Nonna’s Italian cooking.

Enoteca Maria’s rotating menu features guest chefs who bring their family’s treasured dishes to share with the rest of the world.

27 Hyatt St, Staten Island, NY 10301, Phone: 718-447-2777

15. Postcards – The Staten Island September 11 Memorial

The memorial honors the 275 Staten Islanders who died in the September 11th terrorist attacks and is both somber and beautiful. It consists of two massive fiberglass structures.

It is common to think of the sculptures as wings and as postcards, which are supposedly being sent to loved ones. memorial to those who perished in the attack has their names inscribed.

Some truly postcard-worthy views of Manhattan and the New York City skyline can be seen from the Esplanade on Staten Island’s northern shore at Postcards.

Bank Street, Staten Island, NY 10301

16. Seguine Mansion

Around 1840, the Seguine Mansion was constructed. In the Greek revival style, the house’s front facade features a triangular pediment supported by a series of pillars.

Visitors can now tour the mansion, which is one of the best examples of life on Staten Island in the 19th century, to get a taste of what life was like back then.

Over 80 acres of trees, fields, and exotic birds like peacocks can be found in the extensive grounds and gardens designed by landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted (the mastermind behind Central Park). The Seguine Equestrian Center is also located on the property, where visitors can learn to ride horses from some of the world’s best trainers.

441 Seguine Ave, Staten Island, NY 10309, Phone: 718-667-6042

17. Staten Island Children’s Museum

On the grounds of Snug Harbor, the Staten Island Children’s Museum offers a wide range of interactive exhibits that allow children to learn about nature, science, culture, and history while having fun.

House About It and Great Explorations both teach kids geometry and building while they play with miniature construction tools and vehicles, and in Great Explorations, they’ll learn about extreme environments like Arctic dog sledding, underwater exploration, and building an igloo.

Insects, green living, chemistry, and more will all be on display, ensuring that children of all ages will have a great time.

1000 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island, NY 10301, Phone: 718-273-2060

18. Staten Island Zoo

The Staten Island Children’s Museum is located on the grounds of Snug Harbor and features a variety of educational and entertaining exhibits for children of all ages.

Both House About It and Great Explorations use miniature construction tools and vehicles to teach kids geometry and building, and in Great Explorations, kids learn about extreme environments like Arctic dog sledding, underwater exploration, and building an igloo.All kinds of subjects, from insects to green living to chemistry, will be on display.

614 Broadway, Staten Island, NY 10310, Phone: 718-442-3100

19.The Noble Maritime Collection

Located at Sailors’ Snug Harbor, the Noble Maritime Collection is a tribute to marine artist John A. Noble’s life and work.

The collection includes many of Noble’s drawings and lithographs, as well as the restored houseboat where he used to live and work. Noble’s home and workspace, which were featured in a National Geographic issue in 1954, have been meticulously restored for public viewing.

On display are works by other artists from Sailors’ Snug Harbor, a former resting place for sailors who had nowhere else to go and now a thriving artistic community.

1000 Richmond Terrace # 8, Staten Island, NY 10301, Phone: 718-447-6490

20. The Staten Island Ferry

Over 70,000 people use the Staten Island Ferry every day to travel between Staten Island and Manhattan, which spans 5.2 miles across the New York Harbor.

The Staten Island Ferry began in the 1700s as a small group of private individuals ferrying passengers across the harbor. Today, the Staten Island Ferry operates nine vessels and provides over 100 scheduled trips daily.

It’s not just a mode of transportation; it’s also a tourist attraction in and of itself. Ferry passengers can enjoy stunning views of the New York Harbor, Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty, and the skyscrapers of New York City as they travel to or from Staten Island.

Whitehall Terminal: 4 Whitehall St, New York, NY 10004, St. George Terminal: 1 Bay St, Staten Island, NY 10301

21. Willowbrook State School

Antiquated mental health care at Willowbrook State School is a sad example of how it failed so many people.

After being used as a military hospital in the 1940s, Willowbrook returned to its original purpose of being a school for children with mental disabilities in 1947.

As of the mid-1960s, there were more than 6,000 students enrolled at the school, none of whom were receiving adequate care. To this day, visitors can explore the school’s abandoned grounds in search of artifacts and evidence left behind by those who once lived there.

Staten Island, New York, 10314,

22. Carreta Tours

Walking tours of Staten Island are offered by Carreta Tours. Guests should bring comfortable walking shoes and be aware that tours can last up to three hours and include a lot of walking.

Staten Island’s history and facts will be shared by tour guides as they lead groups around the island after meeting at the Subway Sandwich Shop near the Staten Island Ferry Terminal.

A number of Staten Island’s historic homes and buildings will be on display, as will the stories of the people who once lived there and the events of the Prohibition period.

Phone: 917-699-7004

23. Cititrek Tours

Cititrek provides tours of New York City’s various neighborhoods. Tours on Staten Island can be based on the interests of the group, so they can be tailored to their specific needs. For example, visitors can learn about Staten Island’s history, or they can take a tour of the island’s beaches and parks.

All of our tours are led by locals who are more than happy to share their knowledge and recommendations about the best places to eat, shop, and more.

Tours can be booked on any of Staten Island’s four beaches and can include specific attractions, food and drink, natural areas as well as more.

169 East Flagler Street, Miami, Florida 33131, Phone: 855-868-7692

24. Kreischer Mansion

Staten Island’s abandoned Victorian mansion is rumored to be haunted, but it was actually a crime scene.

The last remaining Kreischer Mansion, a lovely Victorian home in Staten Island’s poetically named Arthur Kill Road, is said to be one of New York’s most haunted places, which may be true if one refers to being haunted by memories of murder and death.

4500 Arthur Kill Road, Staten Island, New York, 10309, United States

25. Holtermann’s Bakery

Even if you live on Staten Island, it’s difficult to get to Holtermann’s Bakery without a car. Before setting out on the trail, most hikers take a ferry ride and then a one-hour bus ride.

However, this is the price we pay for going back into the past. It’s been in business since 1878, and Holtermann’s is devoted to preserving the art of baking a number of retro treats.

When it comes to its white and blue crumb cake boxes and Pullman bread (so named because its perfect rectangular shape made it easy to stack and store on train cars in the late 1800s), the bakery feels like it’s from a simpler time.

The Charlotte Russe, a jam-filled mini sponge cake topped with a swirl of whipped cream and a single cherry, is Holtermann’s most beautiful homage to the past. Sweets come in one-size-fits-all containers with polka-dotted and scalloped edges.

405 Arthur Kill Road, Staten Island, New York United States

26. Booze History Museum

Please, non-drinkers, be aware that this is not the place for you. From the outside, Lev Mezhburd’s house in Staten Island, New York, appears to be an ordinary dwelling in a sleepy neighborhood.

A visit to the Booze History Museum, which is housed in several small rooms and features a plethora of drinking-related artifacts from around the world, is a welcome alternative.

Visitors to the house are greeted by a hall adorned with tales of past temperance campaigns. A collection of original doctor’s prescriptions for alcohol shows how Americans evaded Prohibition by using creative methods to get around the law.

Dongan Hills, Staten Island, New York United States

27. Tugboat Graveyard

The Arthur Kill waterway and the Witte Marine Equipment Company are tucked between Staten Island and New Jersey. Witte Marine has been slowly dismantling hundreds of ships that once crowded the bustling piers of New York’s coastline over the last century.

A steady stream of salvage and deconstruction has accumulated many old tugboats and smaller harbor ships on the shores of Arthur Kill, where they now rot in shallow water.

The Tugboat Graveyard appears to be litter floating in a polluted waterway from a distance. In fact, the jumble of wood and metal is actually the specters of New York’s shipping era, which is slowly sinking into the mist. Dredging vessels elbow-to-elbow with decomposed tugboats bump and tilt in the mud as they slowly decay.

2453 Arthur Kill Road, Staten Island, New York, 10309 United States

28. New York Chinese Scholar’s Garden

Despite its reputation as a place where visitors can immerse themselves in the culture of Ming Dynasty China, Staten Island is actually one of the best places in the United States to do just that.

The Snug Harbor Cultural Center’s Chinese Scholar’s Garden is a recreation of a Ming Dynasty Chinese garden. Forty Chinese artisans worked on it in Suzhou City before it was shipped to the US.

1000 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island, New York, 10301 United States

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