Staten Island, New York - Long Island Guide

Staten Island, often referred to as New York City’s “forgotten borough,” offers a very different kind of city experience – one rooted in nature, heritage, and local charm. While it’s part of the five boroughs of NYC, Staten Island feels more like a suburban enclave, offering a slower pace of life, lower population density, and abundant green space. It’s a place where you can hike in a forest preserve, relax on a beach, and visit a colonial village – all without ever leaving city limits.

Located to the southwest of Brooklyn and accessible by the Staten Island Ferry, the borough is geographically the most isolated of the five but still deeply connected to New York City life. With a population of roughly 500,000 residents, Staten Island offers a more residential feel, attracting those looking for space, affordability, and a touch of tranquility without straying too far from the city’s energy.

New York, New York, USA - May 14, 2024: Staten Island ferry and the statue of liberty with Manhattan skyline. — One of New York City’s most recognizable sights, the Staten Island Ferry crossing New York Harbor. Painted in its signature bright orange, the ferry provides free daily service between Staten Island and Lower Manhattan, carrying more than 20 million passengers each year. In the distance, the Statue of Liberty stands proudly on Liberty Island, while Manhattan’s skyline towers over the harbor. The ferry not only serves as vital public transportation but also offers some of the city’s best, and most affordable, sightseeing opportunities. File photo: bodhichita, licensed.

Staten Island may not be the first stop for many tourists, but those who make the journey are rewarded with hidden gems, from wildlife sanctuaries to cultural museums and panoramic harbor views.

Attraction	Description
Staten Island Ferry	A free commuter ferry offering one of the best views of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline.
Staten Island Greenbelt	A vast network of trails and nature preserves offering hiking, biking, and wildlife watching.
Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden	A sprawling 83-acre campus featuring museums, gardens, and art installations.
Historic Richmond Town	A living history village with preserved buildings from the 1600s through the 1800s.
Staten Island Zoo	A family-friendly attraction known for its reptile collection and conservation efforts.
South Beach Boardwalk	A waterfront promenade with views of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge and access to beaches.
Fort Wadsworth	One of the oldest military installations in the U.S., with commanding views of New York Harbor.
National Lighthouse Museum	Located near the ferry terminal, this museum showcases the maritime history of American lighthouses.
Empire Outlets	New York City’s only outlet mall, offering brand-name shopping just steps from the ferry terminal.

Fort Wadsworth, part of the Gateway National Recreation Area, is one of the oldest military forts in the United States. Overlooking The Narrows at the entrance to New York Harbor, the historic stronghold once protected the city with its massive stone walls, underground tunnels, and coastal batteries. Today, the fort stands beneath the towering Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, offering visitors a striking blend of Revolutionary-era history and modern engineering with panoramic views of the harbor, Brooklyn, and Manhattan. — Fort Wadsworth, part of the Gateway National Recreation Area, one of the oldest military forts in the United States. Overlooking The Narrows at the entrance to New York Harbor, the historic stronghold once protected the city with its massive stone walls, underground tunnels, and coastal batteries. Today, the fort offers visitors a striking blend of Revolutionary-era history and modern engineering with panoramic views of the harbor, Brooklyn, and Manhattan. File photo: Oleh Korotkov, licensed.

What Staten Island Is Known For

Staten Island is best known for its natural beauty and open spaces. It’s often called the “borough of parks,” with over 12,000 acres of protected land, more than any other borough. It also serves as a key connection between New Jersey and New York City via the Staten Island Expressway and the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge. Locals take pride in the borough’s small-town feel, distinct neighborhoods, and access to nature, all while being a part of one of the world’s largest cities.

A view of the Tuscan Garden at Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Gardens, designed in the classical Italian Renaissance style. Featuring symmetrical hedges, stone pathways, and decorative fountains, the garden evokes the elegance of 18th-century European estates. Set within the grounds of Snug Harbor — a former home for retired sailors now transformed into a vibrant cultural and educational destination — the Tuscan Garden offers visitors a serene retreat and one of the most picturesque landscapes on Staten Island. File photo: quiggyt4, licensed.

A Few Fun Facts About Staten Island

Staten Island has the highest rate of homeownership in New York City.
The Staten Island Ferry has been running since 1817 and serves over 20 million passengers annually.
Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge was the longest suspension bridge in the world when it opened in 1964.
Staten Island is home to one of the city’s few remaining wetlands at Blue Heron Park.
The Staten Island Advance is one of the few borough-specific daily newspapers still in print.

The exterior of the Staten Island Museum, located at the Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Gardens. Housed in a historic Greek Revival building, the museum is the borough’s oldest cultural institution, founded in 1881. Its diverse collections span art, natural science, and local history, offering visitors a rich perspective on Staten Island’s heritage and its role within New York City. File photo: quiggyt4, licensed.

Staten Island Summary Snapshot

Part of: New York City (one of five boroughs)
Population: ~500,000
Region: Southwesternmost borough, across the harbor from Lower Manhattan
Known For: Staten Island Ferry, Greenbelt trails, historic villages
Parks & Nature: Staten Island Greenbelt, Fort Wadsworth, South Beach
Cultural Gems: Snug Harbor, Historic Richmond Town, Lighthouse Museum
Must-See: Ferry ride, Staten Island Zoo, Empire Outlets
Ideal For: Families, nature lovers, history buffs, NYC day-trippers

Beautiful wooden boardwalk view.Midland Beach.Staten Island. New York — Midland Beach, one of Staten Island’s most beloved seaside spots. The boardwalk pavilion leads out to the fishing pier, which stretches into the Atlantic waters of Lower New York Bay. Lined with benches, vintage-style lampposts, and shaded gazebos, the boardwalk offers a relaxing space for walkers, joggers, and families to enjoy ocean breezes and panoramic views. Midland Beach is also connected to Staten Island’s extensive Franklin D. Roosevelt Boardwalk, making it part of a larger recreational corridor that links several shoreline neighborhoods. File photo: IzabelaAnna, licensed.

Staten Island’s North Shore and South Shore

Locals often describe Staten Island by dividing it into two main regions: the North Shore and the South Shore.

North Shore: This area includes neighborhoods like St. George, Tompkinsville, and West Brighton. It’s closer to Manhattan and is known for its historic architecture, cultural attractions, and access to the Staten Island Ferry. The North Shore has a more urban feel compared to the rest of the island.
South Shore: Covering communities such as Tottenville, Great Kills, and Eltingville, the South Shore is more suburban and residential. It’s characterized by larger homes, beaches, and a slower pace of life compared to the North Shore.

This distinction is part of everyday conversation among Staten Islanders and helps highlight the borough’s diverse character – from its bustling ferry terminal in the north to its quiet coastal communities in the south.

So these two maps show the divisions (I.e. North Shore) within SI, but it’s slightly different. I was wondering which would be more accurate and what are the characteristics of each division?
by instatenisland

How Staten Island Connects to Long Island

While geographically separate, Staten Island and Long Island share a unique relationship as parts of the greater New York City area. Many Staten Island residents travel east to Long Island for beaches, shopping, or weekend getaways, while Long Islanders often pass through Staten Island en route to New Jersey or the southern states. Culturally, the two regions are connected through family ties, business, and shared city services – reminding visitors that even in a city as large as New York, every borough and island has a role in shaping the regional identity.