Staten Island Travel Guide
City Borough of New York City, Staten Island
The Staten Island Ferry is its own draw - free skyline views and close‑up Statue of Liberty shots. Visitors disembark for Snug Harbor Cultural Center, Richmond Town historic village, the South Beach boardwalk and the Greenbelt’s trails.
Why Visit Staten Island? #
This New York borough offers an island-feel escape with easy Manhattan access and surprising cultural depth. The free Staten Island Ferry provides constantly changing views of the Statue of Liberty, and Snug Harbor Cultural Center mixes gardens, museums and performance spaces on historic grounds. Nature lovers value the Staten Island Greenbelt’s trails, while Italian-American neighborhoods and waterfront eateries give the borough a distinct local character.
Who's Staten Island For?
Staten Island offers unexpectedly large green spaces-Greenbelt trails, Snug Harbor Botanical Garden and waterfront promenades. The free Staten Island Ferry provides skyline views and a low-cost way to enjoy Manhattan vistas.
Beaches, playgrounds and family attractions like Snug Harbor and the Staten Island Zoo provide plenty for kids. Neighborhoods such as Todt Hill and St. George are generally calm and family-oriented.
St. George’s waterfront, quiet dinner spots and sunset views from the ferry make for pleasant date options. Cozy neighborhood restaurants in Tottenville and New Dorp offer intimate settings without Manhattan prices.
A diverse local dining scene includes seafood in Tottenville, ethnic eateries in Tompkinsville and well-regarded pizzerias across the borough. Food options are growing as waterfront redevelopment brings new venues.
Top Things to Do in Staten Island
All Attractions ›
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- Staten Island Ferry - Free 24/7 ferry offering close-up Manhattan skyline and Statue of Liberty views.
- Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden - Historic 19th-century seaman's retirement complex with gardens, museums, and performance spaces.
- Historic Richmond Town - Living-history village showcasing Staten Island's colonial and 19th-century homes and crafts.
- Fort Wadsworth - Fortifications at The Narrows offering panoramic views of Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge and harbor.
- Staten Island Greenbelt - Extensive forest preserves with hiking trails, freshwater ponds, and wildlife close to neighborhoods.
- Alice Austen House - Victorian waterfront home preserving pioneering photographer Alice Austen's life and collections.
- Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve - Rare pine barrens preserve with wetlands, dunes, and excellent birdwatching trails.
- Garibaldi-Meucci Museum - Small museum honoring Italian-American history and cultural exchanges on Staten Island.
- Sandy Ground Historical Museum - Historic African-American community museum preserving maritime, oyster-farming, and local heritage.
- Blue Heron Park Preserve - Wooded wetlands preserve with boardwalks and amphibian pools for peaceful nature walks.
- Great Kills Park (Gateway NRA) - Shoreline park with beach, fishing piers, and pleasant coastal walking routes.
- Battery Park and Statue of Liberty - Hop on ferry to visit national monuments, Ellis Island immigration museum, and waterfront.
- DUMBO and Brooklyn Bridge Park - Cobblestone streets, riverside parks, and skyline photo opportunities under the Brooklyn Bridge.
- Liberty State Park (Jersey City) - Launch point for Statue cruises and home to Liberty Science Center's interactive exhibits.
- Sandy Hook, Gateway National Recreation Area (NJ) - Sandy beaches, military batteries, and fishing approximately one hour by car and ferry.
- Beacon, New York (Dia:Beacon) - Contemporary art at Dia:Beacon plus riverfront galleries, reachable by train and ferry.
Where to Go in Staten Island #
St. George & Ferry
This is the arrival point for tourists - ferry terminal, waterfront shops and a handful of theatres and eateries. It’s convenient for quick Manhattan views and the short hop across the harbour, and the area livens up when events are on.
Top Spots
- Staten Island Ferry Terminal - Free ferry to Manhattan with great skyline views.
- Empire Outlets - Waterfront shopping and dining next to the ferry.
- St. George Theatre - Restored historic venue hosting concerts and events.
Snug Harbor / New Brighton
Snug Harbor feels like its own cultural village: museums, galleries and botanical displays tucked into historic buildings. It’s peaceful, photogenic and worth an afternoon if you want gardens and local culture away from the ferry crowds.
Top Spots
- Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden - Museums, gardens and restored 19th-century buildings.
- Staten Island Museum - Local history and art housed on the Snug Harbor campus.
- Chinese Scholar’s Garden - Quiet, well-maintained classical garden within Snug Harbor.
Historic Richmond Town & South Shore
Stretching into the south shore, this area is all about history and suburban seafront villages. Expect colonial houses, living-history demonstrations and long walks by the water - a low-key counterpoint to the harbor-side bustle.
Top Spots
- Historic Richmond Town - Open-air museum complex of restored colonial and 19th-century buildings.
- Conference House (Tottenville) - Historic site with riverfront views and café.
- Tottenville Village - Quiet, small-town shopping and eateries.
Great Kills & Parks
If you’re after outdoor time - beaches, marinas and parkland - head to Great Kills. It’s residential and relaxed, with local seafood spots and calm walking trails; better for a day trip than nightlife or shopping.
Top Spots
- Great Kills Park - Salt marshes, beach walks and boating.
- Great Kills Marina - Small maritime hub with local charm.
- Belmont Lake State Park (nearby) - Green space for families and picnics.
Plan Your Visit to Staten Island #
Best Time to Visit Staten Island #
The best time to visit Staten Island is late spring through early fall (May-October), when mild temperatures, blooming parks, and active ferry service make outdoor exploring pleasant. Winters are cold with occasional snow, while summers bring humidity and the largest crowds for beaches and events.
Best Time to Visit Staten Island #
Staten Island's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -5°C to 29°C. Abundant rainfall (1219 mm/year), wettest in July, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 4°C and lows of -5°C. Regular rainfall (97 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (78 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (105 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (103 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (112 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 16°C. Regular rainfall (93 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 29°C and lows of 19°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (120 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 18°C. Significant rainfall (113 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 14°C. Significant rainfall (105 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 7°C. Regular rainfall (93 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (104 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -2°C. Regular rainfall (96 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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How to Get to Staten Island
Staten Island is one of New York City's five boroughs; most visitors arrive via New York-area airports (JFK, LaGuardia, Newark Liberty) or through Manhattan and then take the free Staten Island Ferry from Whitehall/Manhattan to St. George. The borough's rail hub is St. George Terminal (Staten Island Railway meets the ferry), which is the practical entry point for most public-transit arrivals.
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK): Taxi or rideshare to Staten Island (for example, St. George/Staten Island Ferry area) typically costs about US$60-90 and takes roughly 35-60 minutes depending on traffic. A cheaper option is the AirTrain to Jamaica Station (AirTrain fee applies) then the subway into lower Manhattan and the Staten Island Ferry from the Whitehall/Manhattan terminal - expect 60-90 minutes door-to-door and subway fares (MTA single-ride ~US$2.90); the Staten Island Ferry is free.
LaGuardia Airport (LGA): There is no rail link from LGA; taxis or rideshares to St. George run roughly US$45-80 and take about 25-50 minutes depending on traffic. Public-transit options include the Q70 SBS shuttle to Jackson Heights (connect to subway lines into Manhattan) and then the free Staten Island Ferry from Whitehall - total travel time usually 60-90 minutes and local MTA fares apply (~US$2.90).
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR): Taxis/rideshares to Staten Island commonly cost US$70-110 and take about 35-70 minutes (tolls and traffic affect time and price). Public transit involves the AirTrain Newark to Newark Liberty station and NJ Transit into Manhattan (Penn Station), then subway or a short walk to the Staten Island Ferry - allow 60-90+ minutes; NJ Transit and AirTrain add a modest fare (check NJ Transit/AirTrain for current prices), and the ferry is free.
Train: Staten Island is served internally by the Staten Island Railway (SIR) with the St. George Terminal sitting at the north end beside the Staten Island Ferry. For intercity rail, Amtrak and NJ Transit serve New York Penn Station - from there take the subway or walk to the whitehall/Manhattan ferry terminal and cross to St. George (ferry free). Local MTA subway/bus single-ride fares are about US$2.90; Amtrak/NJ Transit fares vary by route.
Bus: MTA local buses (S‑prefix routes) crisscross Staten Island and connect neighborhoods to St. George, Tottenville and transfer points; a local bus ride costs about US$2.90 and trip times are typically 15-60 minutes depending on origin. There are also Manhattan-Staten Island express routes (SIM services) that are faster to/from Manhattan during peak hours; these have a higher express fare (varies) and can save substantial time during rush periods.
How to Get Around Staten Island
Staten Island is easiest to navigate using the Staten Island Ferry plus the Staten Island Railway for north-south travel, supplemented by MTA buses for local coverage. For many visitors, the ferry + SIR combination is the best mix of convenience and cost; taxis or rideshares are handy for late‑night trips or destinations off the main transit corridors.
- Staten Island Ferry (Free) - Free ferry service runs between St. George (Staten Island) and Whitehall Terminal (Lower Manhattan) roughly every 30 minutes during most of the day and more frequently at peak times; the crossing takes about 25 minutes. The ferry is the simplest, cheapest and most reliable way to reach Staten Island from Manhattan - it's frequent, scenic and wheelchair-accessible.
- Staten Island Railway (SIR) (~US$2.90) - The SIR runs north-south across the island between St. George and Tottenville; an end-to-end ride takes roughly 35-45 minutes. It's useful for getting along the north shore and reaching neighborhoods not well served by buses; service can be less frequent evenings and weekends, so check schedules. Transfers to MTA buses at major stations are common when exploring the interior of the island.
- MTA Local Buses (S‑routes) (~US$2.90) - Local S‑routes cover neighborhoods and provide the most extensive coverage away from the ferry and railway lines. Buses run from early morning into the evening but can be slow in heavy traffic - allow extra time, especially on cross‑island trips. Use the MTA app or maps to plan connections; a single local bus/subway ride is about US$2.90.
- Express Buses (SIM) (Higher than local (varies)) - SIM express buses link Staten Island with Manhattan and are a faster alternative at peak times compared with local buses; they run from several Staten Island points to Midtown/Lower Manhattan. Express fares are higher than local MTA fares and vary by route - they're worth it if you need a quicker, direct trip into Manhattan during rush hours.
- NYC Subway (connections) (~US$2.90) - There is no subway on Staten Island, but the NYC subway is essential for connections: arrive in Manhattan and transfer to the ferry at Whitehall Terminal, or use subway junctions reached from airport links. Keep an OMNY/contactless card handy for seamless transfers; subway rides into lower Manhattan take 15-30 minutes from central transfer hubs.
- Taxi & Rideshare (US$10-110 (varies)) - Taxis and rideshare services (Uber/Lyft) are convenient for door-to-door travel and for destinations poorly served by transit; expect intra-island trips to be modest (roughly US$10-30) while trips to/from airports or Manhattan cost more (often US$40-110 depending on distance and tolls). Rideshares can be faster off-peak but are subject to surge pricing during busy times.
- Walking - Staten Island has walkable neighborhoods along the north shore (St. George, Tompkinsville, St. Pauls) and the waterfront; many attractions near the St. George area and ferry terminal are best explored on foot. Distances can be large between neighborhoods, so walking is ideal for short outings and sightseeing but less practical for cross‑island travel.
Where to Stay in Staten Island #
- Various budget chains (Staten Island) - Economical chain hotels, basic amenities
- Local motels and inns (booking listings) - Affordable rooms near ferry links
- Hilton Garden Inn Staten Island - Reliable mid-range chain with amenities
- Quality Inn Staten Island - Comfortable, practical rooms and parking
- Upscale properties on Staten Island (varies) - Select luxury options and boutique stays
- Boutique and waterfront hotels (booking listings) - Higher-end suites and views available
- Hilton Garden Inn Staten Island - Convenient for ferry and visitor info
- Central options (booking listings) - Walkable to ferry and promenade
- Hilton Garden Inn Staten Island - Family rooms and parking available
- Comfort Inn Staten Island - Practical rooms close to family attractions
- Hilton Garden Inn Staten Island - Reliable Wi‑Fi and business facilities
- Various business-friendly hotels (booking listings) - Options with desks and meeting rooms
Where to Eat in Staten Island #
Staten Island eats like a borough built by families: classic pizzerias, Italian delis and neighborhood taverns dominate, with seafood and ferry-side cafés adding a waterfront note. Denino’s and Enoteca Maria are local institutions, and you’ll find authentic Italian-American cooking all over the island.
There are also distinct pockets of international flavour-Tompkinsville’s Sri Lankan corridor and family-run eateries scattered through Richmond Town-so hungry visitors can go from old-school slices to fragrant curries without leaving the borough.
- Denino's Pizzeria & Tavern - Classic Staten Island thin-crust, family-run pizzeria.
- Enoteca Maria (Staten Island location) - Rotating 'mamma' chefs serve regional Italian family recipes.
- St. George ferry terminal eateries - Casual seafood and sandwich spots with harbor views.
- Little Sri Lanka on Tompkinsville - Sri Lankan bakeries and curry houses on a compact strip.
- Arthur Avenue-style Italian delis - Classic Italian groceries and sandwich shops across the borough.
- Richmond Town restaurants - Various cuisines in restored historic settings.
- Local cafés in St. George - Vegetarian sandwiches, bowls and brunch options.
- Health-focused spots in New Dorp - Salad bowls and plant-based mains.
- Farmers' markets (seasonal) - Local produce for DIY vegetarian meals.
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Staten Island's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Staten Island #
Staten Island’s nightlife is a slow-burning mix of waterfront bars, neighbourhood pubs and a handful of cultural venues. St. George near the ferry terminal is the liveliest area - Snug Harbor hosts seasonal concerts and events, and the North Shore has growing bar and brewery options. Dress codes are casual; public transport options are limited late, so plan rideshares for return trips. Expect quieter weekdays and busier summer weekends.
Best Bets
- St. George/Waterfront - Cluster of bars, restaurants, and ferry-linked nightlife energy.
- Snug Harbor Cultural Center - Gardens, seasonal concerts and evening events on the North Shore.
- Stapleton/Van Duzer Street - Growing strip of restaurants and neighbourhood bars with locals.
- South Shore towns - Laid-back bars and seaside restaurants popular in summer nights.
- Local breweries and taprooms - Casual craft-beer stops concentrated across the island.
- Port Richmond area - Eclectic dining and late-night neighbourhood pubs.
Shopping in Staten Island #
Staten Island’s shopping is a mix of large malls, waterfront outlets and neighborhood retail streets. Empire Outlets and Staten Island Mall cover major brands; St. George and New Dorp provide smaller boutiques, cafés and specialty stores. Expect fixed retail prices; neighborhood markets and occasional pop-ups are where you can find unique local items.
Best Bets
- Staten Island Mall - Major indoor mall with national retailers and dining options.
- Empire Outlets - Waterfront outlet complex near the Staten Island Ferry terminal.
- St. George / Bay Street - Downtown strip with boutiques, cafés and ferry-area shops.
- New Dorp Lane - Independent shops, antiques and locally run cafés on New Dorp Lane.
- Snug Harbor Cultural Center shop - Gift shop selling local crafts and exhibition-related items.
- Harbor Point shops - Redeveloped waterfront area with dining and small retail outlets.
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