Best Things To Do In Staten Island

Staten Island really is its own little world. It’s a pain to get to, which also adds to its charm and its “exclusivity”. With one of the biggest Italian communities in New York City residing among the geographic borders of Staten Island, visiting the “forgotten borough” is a great way to spend a day in New York City. When it comes to the best things to do in Staten Island, I had to ask a friend who, in fact, is THE “Miss Staten Island”, a born and raised Staten Islander, so these recs are going to be good!

Things To Do in Staten Island If You Love Culture

1. St George Theatre: Built in the 1920s, this architectural masterpiece combines Spanish & Italian Baroque revival styles. It’s been a cultural hub for nearly a century, hosting everything from vaudeville acts to today’s top performances. In the early 2000s, Rosemary Cappozalo and her daughters led a grassroots effort to save the crumbling St. George Theatre, rallying volunteers to restore its historic beauty. The theater reopened in 2004 and now thrives as a cultural hub and cherished Staten Island landmark.
2. Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Gardens: With 28 buildings, 14 botanical gardens, a 2-acre urban farm with wetlands and park on an open plainfield, there is a lot to do here that will make you forget you’re even in New York City. Affiliated with the Smithsonian, this cultural center hosts 4 different museums: Staten Island Museum, Staten Island Children’s Museum, Noble Maritime Collection, Art Lab, Children’s Harbor Montessori School, and Staten Island Conservatory of Music, along with local businesses, artists, and more! They put on events that are perfect for families, kids, couples, and more, looking to explore more of their own backyard.

Historic Places to Visit on Staten Island

1. Conference House & Bittle House (not connected but up the street from each other, historic houses, kind of mini museums)
   Alice Austen House: If you’re looking for a waterfront spot with a nice view, the Alice Austen House has unobstructed views of the Verazzano Bridge. The museum educates and inspires visitors while giving them insight into life through photographs of the American photographer, Alice Austen.
2. Historic Richmond Town: With history dating back to the Native Americans, the Staten Island Historical Society was founded in 1856 and has become a prominent part of
   Fort Wadsworth: Another place with unobstructed views of the Verazzano Bridge, Fort Wadsworth is one of the oldest military installations in the nation. Covering around 226 acres of Staten Island shores, enjoy the space with a bike ride around the premises, a casual stroll, or a little hangout session.

Fun Activities in Staten Island

1. Clove Lakes Park: From boat rides comparable to Central Park and ice skating during the winter to cure the winter blues, Clove Lakes Park is the perfect spot to hang out and relax in nature.
   Staten Island Ferry Hawks: If you love baseball and find yourself on the island at the same time as the game, head on over and join the fun! They host events frequently, so check the calendar and have fun.

Places to Eat on Staten Island

1. Shaw’nae’s House: Picture American soul food mixed with an intimate atmosphere and the chance to have chicken and waffles. Welcome to Shaw’nae’s House, a restaurant that has recently been in the news and for all the right reasons.
   Nonnas of the World: Now known from the popular Netflix Movie, Enoteca Maria, the restaurant Nonna’s of the World is an incredible concept bringing grandmas’ home-cooked meals to the dinner plates of many. What originally started as Italian food (due to the Italian nonnas who started the business), has since expanded to international plates with an impressive line out the door and people lining up to eat homemade food from dishes they never heard of and now won’t shut up about!

Fancy Restaurants: Violet’s Cellar, Beso, Angelina’s
Casual Eats: Tommy’s Tavern, Royal Crown Bakery Cafe, Panini Grill, Kettle Black

Best Bars On Staten Island

When it comes to the nightlife on Staten Island, like any bar, it truly depends on the ambiance, DJ, vibe, and who you’re going out with. A place alone cannot give you the perfect night out, but with this list and overall going with the flow, you’re destined to have a good time. From Island Social, to Rock House on Seguine Ave, and Killmeyers, find yourself having a good time with good company!

There You Have It

Staten Island is highly underappreciated, clearly, and this guide will help you uncover why it’s constantly overlooked. With a bit more effort, commuting to the “forgotten borough”, you’ll find yourself having a great time and seeing not a single tourist in sight, all locals. What are you most excited to see or do on Staten Island? Let me know in the comments for more NYC travel and tips.

Veronica

Hi everyone! My name is Veronica, but you can also call me Vee! I grew up in the iconic city of Brooklyn, NY, the cultural hub of the world, and hence learned about so many different cultures. It was those experiences that inspired me to travel and from then on, I had learned the power of travel. In return, I want to give others that same experience, to help inspire others to unleash their inner travel enthusiast no matter the trip.

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