Staten Island, New York

Staten Island, sometimes nicknamed New York City’s “forgotten borough,” offers a very different kind of city experience – one rooted in nature, neighborhood character, and local history. While it is part of New York City, Staten Island often feels more like a suburban enclave, with a slower pace, lower population density, and abundant green space. It’s a place where you can ride a harbor ferry, hike wooded trails, relax near the shore, and explore a restored historic village without ever leaving city limits.

Located south of Manhattan and southwest of Brooklyn, Staten Island is geographically the most separated of the five boroughs, yet it remains closely tied to city life. Most visitors arrive on the free Staten Island Ferry from Lower Manhattan, though the borough is also connected to Brooklyn by the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge and to New Jersey by several major bridges. With a population of about half a million residents, Staten Island has a distinctly residential feel and noticeably more open space than many visitors expect from New York City.

Staten Island Ferry with the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan skyline in the distance — One of New York City’s most recognizable sights, the Staten Island Ferry crosses New York Harbor in its signature bright orange. The ferry provides free pedestrian service between Staten Island and Lower Manhattan and typically carries tens of millions of passengers in a year. In the distance, the Statue of Liberty stands on Liberty Island while Manhattan’s skyline rises beyond the harbor. The trip is both vital public transportation and one of the city’s best low-cost sightseeing experiences. File photo: bodhichita, licensed.

Staten Island may not be the first stop for every traveler, but those who spend time here are rewarded with waterfront views, wildlife habitats, gardens, museums, boardwalks, and a side of New York that feels calmer and more residential than the city’s better-known tourist centers.

Staten Island’s attractions are spread throughout the borough, ranging from the iconic Staten Island Ferry and historic Fort Wadsworth to the gardens of Snug Harbor, the preserved buildings of Historic Richmond Town, and the growing recreational spaces of Freshkills Park. Visitors can also explore miles of shoreline along the Franklin D. Roosevelt Boardwalk, enjoy family-friendly exhibits at the Staten Island Zoo, and discover maritime history at the National Lighthouse Museum.

Fort Wadsworth, part of the Gateway National Recreation Area, overlooks The Narrows at the entrance to New York Harbor beneath the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge. — Fort Wadsworth, part of the Gateway National Recreation Area, is one of the oldest military sites in the United States. Overlooking The Narrows at the entrance to New York Harbor, the historic stronghold once helped defend the city with stone fortifications, tunnels, and coastal batteries. Today, the fort offers a striking blend of military history and modern harbor views, with access and programming that may vary by season. File photo: Oleh Korotkov, licensed.

What Staten Island Is Known For

Staten Island is best known for its ferry ride, broad parkland, and quieter neighborhood feel. It is often described as New York City’s greenest borough, with more parkland than any other borough and major natural areas that include the Greenbelt, Blue Heron Park, shoreline parks, and the evolving Freshkills Park landscape. The borough is also known for cultural destinations such as Snug Harbor, Historic Richmond Town, and the Staten Island Museum, along with beaches and boardwalks that surprise visitors who associate New York City only with dense streets and skyscrapers.

Transportation is another defining part of Staten Island’s identity. The borough serves as an important link between New York City and New Jersey, with the Staten Island Expressway, the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, and multiple bridge crossings to New Jersey all playing major roles. Locals often take pride in Staten Island’s small-town atmosphere, distinct neighborhoods, and unusual blend of city access and natural escape.

The Tuscan Garden at Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden on Staten Island — A view of the Tuscan Garden at Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden, designed in the classical Italian Renaissance style. Featuring symmetrical hedges, stone pathways, and decorative fountains, the garden evokes the elegance of European formal landscapes. 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 Staten Island’s most picturesque settings. File photo: quiggyt4, licensed.

A Few Fun Facts About Staten Island

Staten Island has the highest rate of homeownership of any New York City borough.
The Staten Island Ferry has been operating since 1817 and remains a signature way to approach the borough from Lower Manhattan.
The Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge was the longest suspension bridge in the world when it opened in 1964.
Staten Island includes significant wetlands and natural habitats, including areas around Blue Heron Park and the larger Freshkills landscape.
Tottenville, near Conference House Park, marks the southernmost point in New York City.

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

Whether you’re arriving aboard the iconic Staten Island Ferry, exploring the trails of the Greenbelt, strolling along the Franklin D. Roosevelt Boardwalk, or discovering the borough’s historic neighborhoods and cultural institutions, Staten Island offers a side of New York City that many visitors never experience. With its combination of waterfront scenery, expansive parkland, local history, and residential character, the borough provides a refreshing contrast to the skyscrapers and crowds often associated with the city, making it an appealing destination for both day-trippers and longer explorations.

Boardwalk pavilion and fishing pier at Midland Beach on Staten Island — Midland Beach, one of Staten Island’s best-known seaside spots. The boardwalk pavilion leads toward the fishing pier, which extends into the waters of Lower New York Bay. Lined with benches, vintage-style lampposts, and shaded gazebos, the boardwalk offers a relaxing place for walkers, joggers, and families to enjoy ocean breezes and wide-open views. Midland Beach is part of Staten Island’s larger Franklin D. Roosevelt Boardwalk and Beach corridor, which links several shoreline neighborhoods. File photo: IzabelaAnna, licensed.

Getting There and Planning a Visit

Ferry: The Staten Island Ferry is the best-known arrival route and runs between Whitehall Terminal in Lower Manhattan and St. George on Staten Island.
Rail: The Staten Island Railway runs from St. George to Tottenville and is useful for exploring neighborhoods farther south.
Buses and cars: Buses connect the ferry terminal to places like Snug Harbor, the beaches, and inland neighborhoods, while driving can be helpful for parks and South Shore destinations.
Visitor tip: Museums, gardens, beaches, and historic sites may keep seasonal hours or limited schedules, so it’s smart to check ahead before making a special trip.

Staten Island’s North Shore and South Shore

Locals often describe Staten Island in broad sections such as the North Shore and the South Shore, even though terms like Mid-Island and East Shore are also common. For visitors, the North Shore and South Shore distinction offers a quick way to understand the borough’s contrasting character.

North Shore: This area includes neighborhoods such as St. George, Tompkinsville, Stapleton, and West Brighton. It is closest to the ferry terminal and is known for historic architecture, cultural attractions, waterfront views, and a more urban feel than much of the rest of the borough.
South Shore: Covering communities such as Great Kills, Eltingville, Huguenot, and Tottenville, the South Shore is more suburban and residential. It is characterized by larger homes, marinas, beaches, and a slower pace of life.

This everyday shorthand helps highlight Staten Island’s range – from busy ferry-connected neighborhoods in the north to quieter coastal communities in the south.

Key Facts & Details

Official Name	Staten Island (Richmond County)
Type	Borough of New York City
Location	Southwestern New York City, between New York Harbor, Newark Bay, and Raritan Bay
Population	Approximately 500,000 residents
Known For	Staten Island Ferry, Greenbelt parklands, harbor views, beaches, historic sites, and suburban-style neighborhoods
Nickname	The Forgotten Borough
Major Transportation Links	Staten Island Ferry, Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, Staten Island Railway, Goethals Bridge, Bayonne Bridge, and Outerbridge Crossing
Notable Attractions	Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden, Historic Richmond Town, Fort Wadsworth, Staten Island Zoo, Freshkills Park, and the National Lighthouse Museum
Parks & Natural Areas	Staten Island Greenbelt, Freshkills Park, Blue Heron Park, Conference House Park, South Beach, and Midland Beach
Waterfront Features	New York Harbor, Lower New York Bay, Raritan Bay, Franklin D. Roosevelt Boardwalk, and multiple shoreline parks
Southernmost Point of NYC	Tottenville
Best Known Experience	Riding the free Staten Island Ferry between St. George and Lower Manhattan
Ideal For	Families, history enthusiasts, nature lovers, harbor sightseeing, and day trips from Manhattan

While geographically separate, Staten Island and Long Island are closely tied through regional travel, family connections, and the wider economy of the greater New York City area. Long Islanders often pass through Staten Island on road trips toward New Jersey and points south, while Staten Island residents regularly head east for beaches, shopping, sporting events, and visits to Nassau and Suffolk counties. Both places reflect different sides of downstate New York: one shaped by borough life and harbor history, the other by suburban communities, villages, and Atlantic shoreline.