Take A Historical Tour At Fort Wadsworth
Fort Wadsworth is one of the most ancient forts in the United States and was built in 1663 on the higher portions of The Narrows. Today this military structure is open to the public and offers its visitors the opportunity to learn more about the local history and to explore their underground base. Another perk of the trip is the privileged view of New York Harbor and Verrazano-Narrows Bridge A nice advantage for those who love taking pictures, like me. Entry is also free of charge!
Address: 210 New York Avenue, Staten Island, NY.
FORT WADSWORTH Photos: VISIT STATEN ISLAND
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Visit The Staten Island September 11th Memorial
Located right next to St. Georges station, the memorial honors Staten Island residents who lost their lives in the World Trade Center tragedy, on September 11th, 2001. The statue was built in 2004 and represents two huge postcards with a granite plaque that bears the names of the victims.
Once you reach the island, youll probably be able to spot the memorial.
Address: Bank Street, Staten Island, NY 10301.
THE STATEN ISLAND SEPTEMBER 11TH MEMORIAL CREDIT: WIKIPEDIA
The Staten Island Ferry
The Staten Island Ferry runs 5.2 miles across the New York Harbor, transporting an average of over 70,000 people each day between Staten Island and Manhattan. From the private individuals who ferried people across the harbor in the 1700s, the Staten Island Ferry has since grown to include nine vessels that are free for passengers and make over 100 scheduled trips each day. This practical transportation service is not just a means of travel its also a tourist attraction in its own right. During the 25-minute ride to and from Staten Island, the ferry offers its passengers some amazing views of the New York Harbor, Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty, and the New York City skyline.
Whitehall Terminal: 4 Whitehall St, New York, NY 10004, St. George Terminal: 1 Bay St, Staten Island, NY 10301
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Frequently Asked Questions And Answers
What are people saying about things to do in Staten Island, NY?
This is a review for things to do in Staten Island, NY:
“If you like to sell your sperm to the sperm bank, then the only question is, how much are your Wadsworth?It’s hard not to love Fort Wadsworth, which is in the shadow of the beautiful Verrazano Narrows Bridge. It’s also the start point of the New York Marathon.It’s one of the most beautiful places in all of New York City, and one of my favourite spots. I pretty much come here whenever I’m in Staten Island to try the pizza or whatever stuff Yael sends me over here for.It makes me think of my good friend Nadia and distant past memories, and I will probably always like it as much as I do.”
Getting To Staten Island
There arent many options when it comes to commuting to and from Staten Island. You can always take a taxi, bus or car over the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, OR you can take the glorious Staten Island Ferry. We suggest the ferry, especially if youre a tourist. For one its free, and two, you get amazing views of the Manhattan skyline.
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Where Is Staten Island
First things first, and the most important thing to do when arriving anywhere in New York: locate yourself on the map. Finding the neighborhoods of New York is not a difficult task, everything is quite square and numerical, so the importance lies in following logic. Staten Island is different from New York in every way and part of its difference is also based on the fact that there are no subway lines that go there.
Staten Island is located right on the border that separates the state of New York from New Jersey, but within the dividing lines of the State of New York, forming part of its districts and, after Byooklyn and Queens, being one of the largest.
The best and most recommended alternative to get to Staten Island is through the free ferry that we told you before, the same one that tourists use to see the Statue of Liberty and the of suburban office workers who work in the Big Apple.
- Travel information: the MetroCard is not used to get to Staten Island , but it is advisable to take it for a walk around Staten Island since buses and the train from the region, they work with the same card, facilitating the transfer between the entire area.
Things To Do In Staten Island New York City
Did you know? Staten Island is one of the largest boroughs in NYC and the farthest one away from Manhattan. Connected to both Brooklyn and New Jersey, the island is not much explored by tourists, in spite of its many cultural and historical attractions. Because of its small resident population, this region is full of green lawns with trees, gardens, parks and beaches. There are also many museums and memorials that shed some light on American history. Oh, and for those who like shopping, Empire Outlets was inaugurated in 2019 and is brimming with a lot of tempting and wonderful stores.
If youre looking for non-cliché trip ideas, read on and discover this splendid destination few people know well. Youll love it!
Oh, before I forgetTo see more of my day to day life in NYC and get the hottest tips, join my NYC tips Facebook group HERE, follow me on Instagram and subscribe to my Youtube channel! And if you are traveling to NYC, dont forget to get my New York City Guide HERE!
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Check Out The Staten Island Zoo
Did you know that Staten Island has a Zoo? It is open all seasons and is perfect for families. It is a small zoo with an emphasis on reptiles. They do not have big animals like elephants and giraffes but nevertheless the Staten Island zoo is a wonderful hidden NYC gem. The locals call it biggest little zoo. With over 800 species in all the Staten Island Zoo is one of the many things to do in Staten Island that you shouldnt miss when visiting the area.
Go Shopping At Empire Outlets
Empire Outlets has become a hit in NYC! Opened in 2019, this outlet offers 100 stores, a food court, and a beautiful external area with gardens and fountains. Here are some shops worth mentioning: Nike Factory, Banana Republic, Guess Factory, Jockey, GAP, and others. Empire Outlets is located near St. George Ferry Terminal, so its easy to reach it by ferry when departing from downtown Manhattan.
If youre in need of a wardrobe revamp, I recommend stopping by this outlet on your next trip to NYC.
Address: 55 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island, NY 10301.
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Get To Know Staten Island Zoo
Staten Island Zoo is a sure-fire destination for the whole wh family! This zoo houses more than 1,100 animals, including more than 350 species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates from six continents. There youll also learn a lot about animal life and endangered species. The museum is part of a program that fights for the survival of such beings and works on conservation breeding, habitat preservation, public education, and other variables that contribute to the survival of these species long-term.
The zoo opens daily from 10 to 4:45. Click here to check out ticket prices.
Address: 614 Broadway, Staten Island, NY 10310.
STATEN ISLAND ZOO CREDIT: NYC.GO
History Of Staten Island
Many Native Americans lived on Staten Island thousands of years ago, well before the Europeans came. The first Western visitor was an Italian and later in 1609 the Englishman Henry Hudson, commissioned by the Dutch, was sent to explore the island. The island is named after the Dutch Staten Generaal as a tribute to this institution. It took a while before the settlement was well underway as there was quite a fight with the natives. In the end, an Old Town was founded and since then the population has slowly grown to a small 500,000 people.
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Fun Things To Do In Staten Island New York With Kids
Like many native New Yorkers, Im not familiar with Staten Island, and can probably count on one hand how many times Ive been there before. Boy was I shocked to find out there are so many fun things to do in Staten Island. Staten Island looks like San Francisco and Houston had a baby and moved to Maryland. I viewed more American flags in one square block per than Ive seen in any other city Ive ever been in. Its as if Staten Island no longer cares to prove its a part of New York, to the city itself but bypass the Big Apple and become a card-carrying member of the heartland itself.Stately houses perched on hilltops set far back from the sidewalk sat crumbling slowly into disrepair. As if their long since developed unobstructed views of the water held the secret to their grandeur.
Unlike the rest of New York, these Staten Island streets werent meant for walking. I encountered not a single pedestrian on my 2-hour walk. Long stretches of sidewalk have been taken back by Mother Nature. Weeds taller than my daughter, bend and twist with their two close neighbors, reaching into the walkway straining for a bit of sunlight. Often reaching into my stroller and tickling my daughter we passed only to whip at my legs as they returned to their previous places.
Things To Do In Staten Island Staten Island Ferry Boats
What to do in Staten Island is a lot of fun since there are several things to do in Staten Island, the most notable of which are the Staten Island ferry boats that ferry people to Manhattan every day. Getting their by a luxury vehicle and an experienced driver will definitely add to your trip.
A car rentalprofessional driver will make sure you will reach your destination safely and on time. Staten Island ferry boats travel all around the borough of Staten Island, providing locals and tourists with great views of the city.
For those who love to shop, the independent shopping district of Park Slope is where you can find one of the best in the world. You can also enjoy fine dinning, live entertainment and great food at this part of Staten Island. To make your trip even better, hire a luxury limo or car service.
You will find lots of luxurious bus rentals and car services to hire for your trip. You can also enjoy a luxury ride to eastern part of Staten Island. The eastern part of Staten Island features a much gentler, quieter atmosphere.
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South Beach In Staten Island
It might not be Miami, but theres a South Beach and its one of the best things to do in Staten Island. The 1.5-mile-long wooden beach promenade is the fourth-longest in the world. Here, youll have a beautiful view of the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge. On the beach promenade, picnic areas and other sports facilities are available for use. The Staten Island beach section is really beautiful and absolutely worth it.
At the north end of the boardwalk is the most popular meeting place for the locals: a dolphin fountain. The Staten Island beach hosts annual events, free concerts, and one or two spectacular fireworks. At the southernmost point, called Ocean Breeze, youll see some fishermen trying their luck fishing in the most popular fishing village in New York City.
Enjoy An Afternoon At Franklin D Roosevelt Boardwalk And Beach
Do you like the sea, sun, and sand? Then you cant miss this amazing beach on Staten Island! Franklin D. Roosevelt features a 2.5-mile boardwalk and a huge beach area that extends southeast from Fort Wadsworth to Miller Fields Gateway Recreational Area.
Two of the main attractions in the boardwalk are The Fountain of The Dolphins and The Midland Beach War Memorial. Several restaurants and some shops also encircle the beach.
Its not uncommon to see locals riding their bicycles, having picnics or taking their daily walks, once its a really pleasant and peaceful place.
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The Noble Maritime Collection
The Noble Maritime Collection is located at Sailors Snug Harbor and commemorates the life and work of John A. Noble, a marine artist. Many of Nobles drawings and lithographs are on display in the collection, as is the restored houseboat where he once lived and worked. Visitors can explore his houseboat studio, which has been meticulously restored to what it once looked like in 1954, when Nobles home and workspace were featured in an issue of National Geographic. The collection at the museum also features exhibitions on other artists from Sailors Snug Harbor, which was once a resting place for sailors who had nowhere else to go and is now an artistic community.
1000 Richmond Terrace # 8, Staten Island, NY 10301, Phone: 718-447-6490
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What Is Staten Island Famous For
Staten Island is known for its excellent beaches and is the least populated borough in NYC. The borough is mostly filled with locals, but tourists have been coming to the island recently especially with the new Empire Outlets that opened in the summer of 2019. Also, in pop culture, the famous hip-hop group, The Wu-Tang Clan originated from here.
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A Beer At Flagship Brewing Company
What better way to end the day on Staten Island than with a craft beer? Like the Brooklyn Brewery was for the neighborhood, Flagship Brewing Companywas the first craft beer factory to be founded on the island.
It is a great opportunity to taste another of the flavors of Staten Island, enjoying the different varieties and, why not, buy some to taste later.
Visiting and knowing what to do in Staten Island is nothing more than an opportunity to see something more of New York, continue with the same attitude of the Big Apple and look for these contrasts how much they do to the appearance of the city. In this case, from the skyscrapers of Manhattan to the suburbs of Staten Island.
Where To Stay In Staten Island Ny For Sightseeing
Mid-Range Hotels:
- Staten Island doesn’t have any luxury hotels most of its properties are mid-range and budget chains. One top 3-star option is the Hampton Inn & Suites. It offers clean and relatively upscale rooms and suites with microwaves and fridges. Most people stay here when they need to catch a flight to Newark Airport. There is a complimentary shuttle service for guests operated by the Hilton Garden Inn across the parking lot. On-site amenities include a free breakfast and a workout room.
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Staten Island Things To Do: A Perfect 24 Hours
TravelNorth AmericaNortheastThis post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Greetings, Internet Stranger, and welcome to the best Staten Island things to do. Staten Island is often put upon and abused by its fellow New Yorkers. After all, its so different from the rest of the city. Its much more suburban, with tons of single-family homes instead of apartment buildings. Its more politically conservative than the rest of the city.
It barely even has a subway system! If you dont have a car in Staten Island, youve got to get around by bus. And that bus can get a little weird, especially at night, ladies and germs.
But that doesnt mean that Staten Island isnt full of fun and adventure. Join me for a day of the best Staten Island things to do, and well see beautiful flowers, chow down on some Sri Lankan feast food, meet the Vorlezer, and get arguably the best pizza in the city. Plus, it will be super cheap. Lets not waste any more time!
Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden
The Smithsonian-affiliated Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden is a cultural and natural oasis not too far from the St. George Ferry Terminal, situated on the north shore of the island.
Spread across an 83-acre campus, former retirement buildings for sailors are now part of a regional cultural center featuring a number of highlights, including the 19th-century Greek Revival buildings on Temple Row, Staten Island Children’s Museum, Newhouse Center for Contemporary Art, Botanical Garden, and the Staten Island Museum.
On the grounds, you will also find a chapel and one of the oldest concert halls in the country. You can easily spend an entire day with your family, exploring the various cultural institutions and wandering about the gardens.
For those interested in haunted experiences, there are several tours available to explore the ghosts of Snug Harbor’s buildings – the Butcher’s Cottage, Matron’s House, and the former Surgeon’s House.
Address: 1000 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island, New York
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