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A free 25-minute ferry voyage from the southern tip of Manhattan to Staten Island provides one of the city’s best views of the Statue of Liberty and the downtown Manhattan skyline. Upon arrival in the St. George neighborhood, it’s hard to miss the waterfront promenade, with its Manhattan skyline views and “Postcards” 9/11 memorial, or the Richmond County Bank Ballpark, the home of the Staten Island Yankees ( www.siyanks.com ), where minor leaguers in pinstripes affectionately known as “Baby Bombers” dream of one day playing in the major leagues in the Bronx. Also in St. George, come 2017, look out for the debut of two major attractions: the Empire Outlets ( www.empireoutletsnyc.com ), the city’s first outlets mall with more than 100 planned shops, a hotel, and waterfront dining options. The 630-foot-high New York Wheel ( newyorkwheel.com ), meanwhile, will be the tallest observation wheel in the world, accommodating up to 1,440 people per ride.
When venturing beyond the borough’s northernmost tip, you will find that Staten Island is full of surprises. Along with suburban sprawl, there are wonderful small museums, including a premier collection of Tibetan art; walkable woodlands; and a historic village replicating New York’s rural past. From the ferry terminal, grab an S40 bus to the Snug Harbor Cultural Center (less than 10 minutes) or take the S74 and combine visits to the Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art and Historic Richmond Town.
Legally part of New York City since 1898, Staten Island is in many ways a world apart. The city’s most suburban borough (sometimes called the “Forgotten Borough” by locals), is geographically more separate, less populous, politically more conservative, and ethnically more homogeneous than the rest of the city.
Top Attractions
Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art.
At the top of a hill sits this replica of a Tibetan monastery containing one of the largest collections of Tibetan and Himalayan sculpture, paintings, and artifacts outside Tibet. Meditate with visiting Buddhist monks, or just enjoy the peaceful views from the terraced garden. | 338 Lighthouse Ave.
,
Lighthouse Hill
| 718/987–3500
|
www.tibetanmuseum.org
| $6
| Apr.–Dec. 22, Wed.–Sun. 1–5; Feb. and Mar., Fri.–Sun. 1–5; Jan., by appt. only
| Station:
S74 bus to Lighthouse Ave. (35- to 45-min ride from ferry terminal) and walk uphill 15 mins; cab fare from ferry terminal is about $20
.
Fodor’s Choice |
Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden.
Once part of a retirement center for sailors, this 83-acre cultural center is now a popular spot to engage with contemporary art and historical collections. Enjoy the Children’s Museum
(
www.sichildrensmuseum.org
; $6
), or take a stroll through lush gardens. (Note that all on-site attractions can be visited—and, if applicable, ticketed—independently of each other.)
Made up of 26 landmarked buildings, nine botanic gardens, 10 acres of wetlands, and a 2-acre farm, Snug Harbor is also home to a new outpost of the Staten Island Museum ( www.statenislandmuseum.org ; $5 ), with exhibits spanning art, history, and science; the New York Chinese Scholar’s Garden ($5 ); as well as dance and music studios, art galleries, and residency programs. Main Hall—the oldest building on the property, dating to 1833—is home to the Eleanor Proske Visitors Center (free ) and the Newhouse Center for Contemporary Art ($5 ), which exhibits artworks connected to Snug Harbor’s history. Next door, the Noble Maritime Collection ( www.noblemaritime.org ; suggested donation ) maintains historic collections specific to Staten Island and Snug Harbor’s maritime past. | 1000 Richmond Terr., between Snug Harbor Rd. and Tysen St. , Livingston | From the Staten Island Ferry terminal, take the S40 bus 2 miles (about 7 mins) to the Snug Harbor Rd. stop. Otherwise, grab a car service at the ferry terminal (the ride should cost about $8) | 718/448–2500 | www.snug-harbor.org | Grounds and Botanical Gardens free; $8 Chinese Scholar’s Garden and Newhouse Center combo ticket; free parking | Grounds and Botanical Gardens daily dawn–dusk; Children’s Museum Tues.–Fri. 11–5, weekends 10–5, school holidays 10–6; Staten Island Museum weekdays 11–5, Sat. 10–5, Sun. noon–5; New York Chinese Scholar’s Garden Wed.–Sun. 10–5; visitor center and Newhouse Center for Contemporary Art Wed.–Sun. 10–5; Noble Maritime Collection Thurs.–Sun. 1–5 or by appt.; check websites for seasonal hrs | Packing a picnic is recommended .
Worth Noting
Historic Richmond Town.
Think of a small-scale version of Virginia’s Colonial Williamsburg (the polar opposite of Brooklyn’s scene-y Williamsburg), and you’ll understand the appeal of Historic Richmond Town, NYC’s only living-history museum. This 100-acre village, constructed from 1695 to the 19th century, was the site of Staten Island’s original county seat. Fifteen of the site’s 27 historic buildings are open to the public; more than $12 million has been raised for ongoing renovations to many of the structures. Highlights include the Gothic Revival Courthouse,
the one-room General Store,
and the Voorlezer’s House,
the oldest schoolhouse in America (it served as a residence and place of worship, in addition to an elementary school). Also on-site is the Staten Island Historical Society Museum,
built in 1848 as the second county clerk’s and surrogate’s office, which now houses Staten Island artifacts plus changing exhibits about the island.
You may see staff in period dress demonstrate Early American crafts and trades such as tinsmithing or basket making, though the general era meant to be re-created is 1820–1860. December brings a monthlong Christmas celebration; check the website for other special events and educational programs held throughout the year. | 441 Clarke Ave., at St. Patrick’s Pl. , Richmondtown | Take the S74 bus (30–45 mins) or a car service (about $20) from the ferry terminal | 718/351–1611 | www.historicrichmondtown.org | $8 (free Fri.); free parking | Wed.–Sun. 1–5; guided tours Wed.–Fri. at 2:30, weekends at 2 and 3:30 | Station: S74 bus to Richmond Rd./St. Patrick’s Pl.
National Lighthouse Museum.
Just a short stroll from the ferry terminal, this museum sheds “light” on lighthouse history throughout America. It’s housed in a 1912 foundry that was once part of an 18-building complex for the U.S. Lighthouse Service General Depot, which was the center of all lighthouse operations in the country from 1864–1939. Only six structures remain, including underground vaults, an administration building where architects designed the country’s lighthouses, and buildings where Fresnel lenses were assembled. Self-guided visits through the small museum take in exhibits and artifacts surrounding the history, technology, and keepers behind lighthouses, illustrating the role they collectively played in American maritime history. | 200 Promenade, at Lighthouse Point
,
St. George
| 5-min walk south of Staten Island Ferry terminal
| 718/390–0040
|
lighthousemuseum.org
| $5
| Daily 11–5
.