New York’s Staten Island Tourist Spots! 4 Recommended Selections

Located between New York’s Upper Bay and Lower Bay is an area called Staten Island. This island in the southwestern part of New York City is a peaceful residential area away from the hustle and bustle of Manhattan. The Staten Island Ferry Terminal and the terminal at the southern tip of Manhattan are connected by a free ferry. On the way, the ferry passes right in front of the Statue of Liberty, making this route popular with tourists.

Staten Island has several other tourist attractions as well. Here, we introduce some Staten Island sightseeing spots that offer a different experience from the center of New York City.

1. Snug Harbor Cultural Center

Snug Harbor Cultural Center is a multi-purpose cultural park located in a spot with a beautiful view of the ocean. Covering an area roughly the same size as Tokyo Dome, the site includes museums, a Chinese garden, botanical gardens, and landscaped gardens, making it a favorite relaxation spot on Staten Island.

The Snug Harbor Cultural Center houses 23 historic buildings and 9 botanical gardens, symbolizing the culture, nature, and history of Staten Island. Music events and gardening shows are held here, attracting many people from outside the island. It can be considered the artistic center of Staten Island. Being close to the ferry terminal, it’s a must-visit when touring Staten Island.

2. Staten Island September 11th Memorial

Here, you will find a memorial inscribed with the names of Staten Island victims who lost their lives in the September 11th terrorist attacks. Between two walls is a central line symbolizing “Ground Zero.” This memorial was designed by a Japanese architect residing in New York.

It is located just a short distance from the ferry terminal and offers a beautiful location overlooking Manhattan across the water. It is a quiet place suitable for paying respects to the many victims of that tragic event.

3. Fort Wadsworth

At the eastern tip of Staten Island, jutting out at the entrance of New York’s Upper Bay, are the remains of Fort Wadsworth, which was constructed over 200 years ago during the Anglo-American War. Built in 1812 to defend New York Harbor, it later served as an important military site during the Civil War. Today, it is open to the public as part of Gateway National Recreation Area.

The location offers a fantastic view of the harbor, and you can see the beautiful Manhattan skyline in the distance. Guided walking tours are available, so even those not well-versed in history can enjoy the site.

4. Franklin D. Roosevelt Boardwalk and Beach

The Franklin D. Roosevelt Boardwalk and Beach is a very scenic beach facing the Lower Bay. It is renowned for its beautiful sunrise views over Staten Island. Within the beach area, there are kiosks where you can buy ice cream, french fries, and other snacks—perfect for a quick bite when you get hungry.

There are also bike rentals available, so you can explore this part of Staten Island on a cycling tour. A leisurely stroll along the boardwalk is highly recommended.

In Summary

We have introduced four recommended tourist spots on Staten Island. These attractions will enrich your New York City trip with a deeper, more substantial experience. You can easily visit Staten Island by ferry from Manhattan—so be sure to check it out!

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