Staten Island is a borough in the U.S. state of New York that extends into Richmond County. The borough, situated in the city’s southwest corner, is divided from the rest of New York by New York Bay and New Jersey by the Kill Van Kull and the Arthur Kill. Staten Island is the least populated borough yet has the third-largest land area, measuring 58.5 sq mi (152 km2), according to the 2020 Census, which put its population at 495,747.

It is only a 25-minute ride on the Staten Island Ferry from Manhattan and a short drive from Brooklyn over the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge in a car, making it seem more like a portion of the Garden State than New York given that it is located directly underneath Bayonne in New Jersey.

The island’s Ferry.

The three-tiered, orange sailboat may have been shown in photos of the famous Statue of Liberty in New York City. Staten Islanders depend on this free commuter ferry to work daily. Still, it also gives tourists searching for a free trip the opportunity to experience the wonders of New York’s waterfront and the iconic skyline. In addition to Lady Liberty, Governors Island, and Ellis Island are visible to the east and west, respectively. For the most fabulous views, get to the top deck.

Every 15 to 20 minutes, the Ferry travels to the St. George Ferry Terminal. Remember that you cannot travel back and forth; you must disembark before embarking again on the return trip. Food and drinks are available for purchase on the boat.

The Staten Museum:

It is the only general interest museum still operating in the entire city and is situated in the former retired seafarers’ dormitory on the grounds of the Snug Harbor Cultural Center. The museum was established in 1881 and caters to children of all ages by emphasizing the area’s arts, natural sciences, and history.

The museum features popular displays like “Cabinet of Curiosities” and “Remember the Mastodon.” The latter contains exhibits on the prehistoric elephant ancestors that roamed the island and neighboring boroughs of New York City millions of years ago. The Lenape tribe, the initial inhabitants of the island, can also be studied by tourists.

Historic Richmond Town:

A museum with a living history program that transfers visitors to the Dutch colonial era of the late 1600s is called Historic Richmond Town. The 15 restored structures, which include a courthouse and a general store, may be explored by visitors. They can also visit the nearby museum to view exhibits on life in America over the past 300 years or embark on a paranormal quest to look for Hamlet’s supposed ghosts.

Hikers can explore the nearby area; the Staten Greenbelt, which spans one-third of the island, includes most of the 100-acre tract.

The Freshkills Park.

Before it was closed in March 2001, Fresh Kills was the world’s most giant landfill. The landfill was briefly opened after the twin towers’ collapse to receive much of the rubble for processing. The region is being transformed into Freshkills Park, a 2,200-acre park that will open in stages between now and 2036. When finished, it will be one of New York City’s biggest parks, three times the size of Central Park.

The park will contain facilities, playgrounds, sports fields, kayak launches, art installations, leisure activities, and more. Schmul Park, the New Springville Greenway cycling route, the Owl Hollow Fields (which have soccer fields and lawns), and other park areas are currently accessible to the general public. Along the park’s canals, guests can kayak and see birds.

The Staten Island Boat Graveyard.

History buffs and photographers looking for Instagram-worthy pictures of Floating in the water where old, rusted boats will have a great time at this abandoned property (of course, while keeping your distance). The Island’s Boat Graveyard is not an official attraction, and “No Trespassing” signs are all over. Osprey and eagle nests can be seen atop masts by keen viewers (and photographers using long lenses).

This massive boat graveyard in Arthur Kill, close to the former Fresh Kills Landfill on the island’s western shore, was created after WWII when the Witte Marine Equipment Company sent abandoned ships to be dismantled. However, the company could not handle the speed at which the vessels arrived, so eventually, they piled up and let nature take its course.

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The Staten Island Zoo.

The famed Serpentarium at Island’s Zoo, housed in a 16,000-square-foot facility, lives up to its moniker as the “biggest little zoo” by housing a sizable collection of reptiles, including the most extensive collection of rattlesnakes. In an eight-acre area, the zoo exhibits more than 800 species. Chuck the groundhog, the town’s resident weatherman, is particularly well-known for being 85% accurate in his forecasts.

A new aquarium featuring “walls of water” showing various marine environments, including the Pacific kelp forests, tropical coral reefs, and Caribbean sea life, is now available at the Staten Island Zoo. Take the S-48 bus to the zoo from the St. George Ferry Terminal.

S.T George Theater.

The famous St. George Theatre, restored to its former splendour, cordially invites guests to take in its opulent decor and family-friendly shows. The structure, first used as a vaudeville theatre in 1929, has grand staircases, Spanish/Italian Baroque artwork, stained-glass windows, and a vast dome.

The 2,800-seat theatre, conveniently near the St. George Ferry Terminal, hosts concerts by well-known singers and comedians in addition to musicals and kid’s shows. Celebrities who have visited the stage and delighted theatergoers include Chris Rock, Jason Mraz, Joan Rivers, and Jerry Seinfeld.

The Mid-range Hotels.

•  The Hampton Inn & Suites is one of the best 3-star options. It has spacious, spotless rooms and suites with microwaves and refrigerators. Most guests that need to get to Newark Airport stay here. The Hilton Garden Inn has a free shuttle service for visitors across the parking lot. There is a gym and a complimentary breakfast available on-site.

•  Contemporary 3-star Hilton Garden, just ten minutes from the international Newark airport. It provides a free shuttle service for visitors. Serta beds and ergonomic desk chairs are standard in the bedrooms. Microwaves and refrigerators are also available. The hotel’s Pavilion Pantry is open around-the-clock and serves food guests may reheat. Additionally, there is an on-site restaurant serving both American and Italian cuisine.

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