10 Things To Do In Staten Island, NYC

10 Things To Do In Staten Island, NYC

Richmond County Bank Ballpark, home to the Staten Island Yankees. Taken by Wikimedia Commons user Brent Nycz.

Let’s face it: Staten Island doesn’t get much love. Many people who don’t live in the United States, or even outside the New York metropolitan area, have never even heard of this place. Staten Island is part of New York City, a borough just like Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx. It is the smallest in population, having just under a half-million inhabitants. The easiest way to get there is to take the Staten Island Ferry, located at the southern tip of Manhattan, at Whitehall Terminal, South Ferry, near Battery Park.

Here are some great places to check out when visiting this often-forgotten borough of the Big Apple:

Conference House Park – This was the site of a 1776 peace conference between representatives of the Continental Congress and the Commander of British Forces during the Revolutionary War.

Garibaldi-Museum House Staten Island, taken from StatenIslandUSA.com.
Garibaldi-Museum House Staten Island, taken from StatenIslandUSA.com.

Garibaldi-Meucci Museum – This home is the historic home of Antonio Meucci, the true inventor of the telephone, and Giuseppe Garibaldi, a legendary hero who championed the unification of the Italian state.

Fort Wadsworth – Gateway National Recreation Area – One of the oldest military sites in the United States, Fort Wadsworth guarded New York City for almost 200 years.

Richmond County Bank Ballpark – Home of the Staten Island Yankees.

Sandy Ground Historical Museum – Founded in the early 19th century by freed black men from New York, Sandy Ground is the oldest community established by freed slaves in North America.

Staten Island September 11 Memorial – Dedicated to the Staten Island victims of terrorist attacks.

Staten Island Zoo – New York City’s biggest little zoo features an internationally acclaimed reptile collection.

Staten Island Museum (SIIAS) – The Staten Island Museum – SIIAS (the Staten Island Institute of Arts and Sciences) is devoted to the history of Staten Island and its people.

Snug Harbor Cultural Center – Originally a housing residence for retired seaman, Snug Harbor is an 83-acre National Historic Landmark District whose grand 19th century buildings house Snug Harbor Cultural Center, The Botanical Gardens at Snug Harbor, The New York Chinese Scholar’s Garden, and many other Cultural Organizations.

Snug Harbor Botanical Gardens – The Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden is a 53 acre natural woodland with over 20 specimen gardens.

Conference House Park Staten Island, taken from StatenIslandUSA.com
Conference House Park Staten Island, taken from StatenIslandUSA.com

*Most information provided by the Office of the Borough President, Staten Island, NY.

*UPDATE: Staten Island may soon be home to the world’s tallest Ferris Wheel!

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4 responses to “10 Things To Do In Staten Island, NYC”

  1. looking forward to watching an overweight 40 year old Bartolo and an illegal cuban immigrant who has never played in the majors

  2. My sister and daughter are coming to NYC on Sunday 09/30 and are going to take the Staten Island ferry over to Staten Island for pizza. Can you recommend a really good slice?

    • Betzi, thanks for checking out this website! This is a tough question to answer, as now even New York pizza has several different styles of the general definition. Firstly, I am happy that you are taking the time out to visit Staten Island, as it is really a neat part of New York City. Many people overlook or avoid it, (except for the quick jaunt on the ferry and back), but it shouldn’t be missed if you have time. Staten Island has a large Italian population; over 1/3 of the entire population there is Italian. So pizza and other Italian treats should be more authentic and tasty here, one would assume! Here are the results, which I aggregated with my own reviews (the few I was familiar with) and other fans:
      1. Denino’s – The majority seem to agree that this is the best S.I. has to offer. Their pizza has a medium-thickness, chewier than other NY-style pizzas. 524 Port Richmond Avenue.
      2. Joe & Pat’s – This pizza is rated by many as a close second, though their pizza comes out usually cracker-thin and crispy. 1758 Victory Boulevard.
      3. Trattoria Romana – More authentic Italian-style, but perhaps slightly pricier. 1476 Hylan Blvd.
      4. Tony’s Brick Oven – In many local’s top 5 S.I. spots. 1140 Bay St.
      Please keep in mind that most, if not all, of these are a bit out of the way from the pier where the Staten Island Ferry docks. It may require a cab to get to the one you choose and back, unless you want to brave Staten Island’s inadequate public transportation system. Good luck!!!