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📝 1. Overview
Often overlooked, Staten Island is NYC’s greenest and most laid-back borough. Accessible via the free Staten Island Ferry, it offers wide-open parks, quiet beaches, colonial history, and fresh sea air—just a short sail from Manhattan. Whether you’re into waterfront views, forest trails, or unexpected cultural gems, Staten Island gives you room to breathe and space to explore.
🌟 2. Highlights
⛴️ Staten Island Ferry – Free scenic ride with views of Statue of Liberty
🌳 Greenbelt & High Rock Park – Hiking, birdwatching, and deep forest trails
🏖️ South Beach & Midland Beach – Boardwalks, bike paths & city-skyline sunsets
🏛️ Staten Island Museum – Nature, art & local history in one stop
⚓ Snug Harbor Cultural Center – Botanical gardens, galleries & architecture
🌸 Chinese Scholar’s Garden – Peaceful oasis with traditional Asian design
🎣 Freshkills Park (future) – NYC’s largest park-in-progress, on a reclaimed landfill
💡 3. Tips
📸 Best photo spots:
- Staten Island Ferry at sunset – Cityscape + Lady Liberty glow
- Chinese Scholar’s Garden – Serene scenes framed by pagodas
- South Beach boardwalk – Sunrise walks with skyline peeks
🚴 Bring/rent a bike—many areas are best explored on two wheels
🎟️ Entry to most parks & museums is cheap or free
🧺 Great for picnics, especially on weekends
🛑 Ferry terminal has limited food options—grab snacks before riding
🍽️ 4. Nearby Eats – Top 3 in Staten Island (All-Zone Picks)
1. Lee’s Tavern (Dongan Hills)
🍕 Classic Staten Island bar-pizza institution since 1940s
📍 60 Hancock St, Staten Island, NY
🕒 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM (Closed Mon)
🚇 Staten Island Railway – Dongan Hills Station
2. Enoteca Maria (St. George)
🍝 Unique Italian restaurant where grandmas from around the world cook
📍 27 Hyatt St, Staten Island, NY
🕒 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM (Thu–Sun)
🚶 Short walk from Staten Island Ferry
3. Lakruwana (Tompkinsville)
🌶️ Flavor-packed Sri Lankan curries & street snacks in a colorful setting
📍 668 Bay St, Staten Island, NY
🕒 12:00 PM – 9:30 PM (Wed–Sun)
🚇 Staten Island Railway – Stapleton Station
🍽️ 4B. Sub-Zone Picks – Recommended Restaurants by Area
🚢 St. George / Tompkinsville
- Bayou – Cajun & Creole eats + cocktails
- Pier 76 – Waterfront Italian-American comfort food
- Craft House – BBQ + local beers with a chill patio
🌿 Mid-Island / Dongan Hills
- Ralph’s Famous Italian Ices – Seasonal must-try for sweet frozen treats
- Blue Restaurant – Upscale Mediterranean by the waterfront
- Panini Grill – Classic Italian-American with hearty portions
🏖️ South Shore / Beaches
- Angelina’s Ristorante – Romantic waterfront fine dining
- The Barge – Seafood spot with Staten Island Marina views
- Fiore Di Mare – Modern Italian with ocean breeze seating
🚗 5. Access
📍 From Manhattan:
- Staten Island Ferry (Whitehall Terminal) → St. George Terminal (25 min, free, 24/7)
- Subway Access to Ferry: R/W (Whitehall St), 1 (South Ferry), 4/5 (Bowling Green)
📍 Getting Around Staten Island:
🚇 Staten Island Railway connects St. George to southern coast
🚌 Extensive local bus network—check MTA TripPlanner
🚗 Driving recommended for off-the-beaten-path areas
🛏️ Best areas to stay: St. George for easy ferry access / Midland Beach for coastal vibe