Staten Island gets called the “forgotten borough” more than it deserves. Yes, it’s connected to Manhattan by a 25-minute ferry ride — but that ferry is free, the views are extraordinary, and what waits on the other side is a borough with more parkland per capita than any other in New York City, a walkable historic neighborhood anchoring its north shore, and a cultural complex that genuinely rivals anything in Brooklyn or Queens. Here’s your self-guided route through Staten Island’s most rewarding corners.
Start at the Ferry: The Best Free Ride in New York
The Staten Island Ferry departs from Whitehall Terminal in Lower Manhattan every 20–30 minutes around the clock. The ride is free in both directions, takes 25 minutes, and delivers views of the Statue of Liberty, Governors Island, and the Lower Manhattan skyline that rival anything from the Top of the Rock or One World Observatory — for exactly zero dollars. Arrive at the St. George Ferry Terminal on the Staten Island side and you’re already in the middle of everything on this list.
The St. George Historic District Walking Loop
Step off the ferry and into St. George, Staten Island’s northernmost neighborhood and its civic heart. The Historic District walking loop covers roughly six blocks and takes in the Victorian-era Staten Island Borough Hall (10 Richmond Terrace), the restored St. George Theatre (35 Hyatt Street — check the marquee; touring acts play here regularly), and the main branch of the New York Public Library. The Postcards 9/11 Memorial, just north of the ferry terminal on the waterfront, features two large curved white concrete panels honoring the 274 Staten Island residents lost on September 11, 2001. It’s a quietly powerful stop that most visitors walk right past.
Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden (1000 Richmond Terrace)
About a mile west of the St. George ferry terminal (a 20-minute walk along Richmond Terrace, or a quick ride on the S40 bus), Snug Harbor is Staten Island’s great public institution. The 83-acre campus was originally America’s first home for retired sailors, dating to 1833, and the collection of Greek Revival and Italianate buildings that line its central mall is genuinely impressive. The grounds are free to enter and include the Staten Island Museum (small admission), the Staten Island Children’s Museum, and several botanical gardens. The jewel of the gardens is the New York Chinese Scholar’s Garden — a meticulously designed traditional scholar’s retreat with koi ponds, carved pavilions, and rock formations. Admission to the Scholar’s Garden is $5. Allow at least two hours for a proper visit.
The Staten Island Greenbelt (Rockland Ave trailheads)
The Staten Island Greenbelt is 3,000 acres of continuous forest in the middle of the borough — a fact that shocks most New Yorkers who haven’t been. More than 35 miles of marked trails wind through forest, wetland, and meadow habitat, with difficulty ranging from flat and paved to moderately rugged. The High Rock Park trailhead at 200 Nevada Avenue is the most accessible entry point, with a small nature center and clearly marked loops. The Greenbelt’s trails connect to LaTourette Park and its historic manor house, plus 18 holes of golf if you’re that kind of walker. No admission fee; open daily from dawn to dusk.
Historic Richmond Town (441 Clarke Ave, Staten Island)
A 10-minute drive or bus ride from Snug Harbor, Historic Richmond Town is a 100-acre living history museum and village that preserves more than 40 original structures from the 17th through early 20th centuries — including the Voorlezer’s House (circa 1695), the oldest surviving elementary school building in the United States. On weekends, costumed interpreters demonstrate period crafts and trades. Admission is $10 for adults, $6 for seniors and children. Open Wednesday–Sunday, 1–5 p.m. Take the S74 bus from the ferry terminal.
What You Need to Know
- Staten Island Ferry: Free. Departs Whitehall Terminal, Lower Manhattan, every 20–30 minutes. 25-minute ride. No reservation needed.
- St. George Historic District: Walk from the ferry terminal north along Richmond Terrace. Loop covers Borough Hall, St. George Theatre (35 Hyatt St), and the Postcards 9/11 Memorial. Free and self-guided.
- Snug Harbor Cultural Center: 1000 Richmond Terrace. Grounds free; Chinese Scholar’s Garden $5; Staten Island Museum small admission. Open daily. S40 bus from ferry terminal.
- Staten Island Greenbelt: Main trailhead at High Rock Park, 200 Nevada Avenue. Free. Open dawn–dusk. Bring water and a trail map (available at the nature center).
- Historic Richmond Town: 441 Clarke Ave. $10 adults, $6 seniors/children. Wed–Sun, 1–5 p.m. S74 bus from ferry terminal.
- The St. George loop and Snug Harbor can be combined into a half-day trip with just the ferry and the S40 bus. Add Historic Richmond Town for a full day.
Staten Island isn’t asking for your attention — it’s just out here being quietly excellent. The ferry is free, the parks are vast, and the historic sites are genuine. Cross the harbor this Saturday and discover what the rest of New York City has been sleeping on.
