This is, by far, the best sightseeing deal New York City has to offer, and the tourists know it; it’s now the largest tourist attraction in the city, with over one million visitors a year. Board the Staten Island Ferry for free and take a one-hour excursion through New York harbor (round-trip), with perfect views of the Manhattan skyline, Verrazano Bridge and Statue of Liberty. If you go at the right time of day in the right weather, you’ll also catch some amazing sunsets.
Snug Harbor Cultural Center
Founded in 1801 as a safe haven for retired sailors, Snug Harbor is home to the Staten Island Botanical Garden, the New York Chinese Scholar’s Garden, the Staten Island Children’s Museum and the Noble Maritime Collection. The Music Hall is the second oldest concert hall in the city, next to Carnegie. And the lush 83 acres are the perfect place to take a leisurely stroll, have a picnic lunch or watch an outdoor concert, which there are many of in the spring and summer months.
St. George Theater
Newly renovated, the theater is the major cultural & performance arts center for Staten Island. Home of the Richmond Dance Ensemble, the theater provides national tours, musical concerts, dance performances, comedy, children’s’ productions, and film festivals.
The Ballpark at St. George
Built in 2000, the stadium is home to the Staten Island Yankees, a minor league affiliate of the most famous franchise in sports. With ticket prices of less than $10, you can see some up-and coming Yankees stars, former Yankee legends, and on occasion players from the major league roster might make a cameo appearance in the lineup while rehabbing an injury. The charming stadium is located adjacent to the Ferry and offers stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and New York Harbor.
Historic Richmondtown
Take a trip back in time by taking a guided tour through this complex of museums and authentic homes, shops and furnishings, which capture Staten Island life from colonial times to the present.
Sandy Ground Historical Society
Sandy Ground is the oldest free black settlement in the United States. The historical society is a library/museum that offers classes, lectures, and special events.
Located in the “town” of Port Richmond, Ralph’s makes the best water and cream ices in the world.
Todt Hill Road/Slosson Avenue
This intersection might seem like nothing special, but at 410 feet above sea level, it’s actually the highest point on the eastern seaboard south of Maine. While you’re there, take a drive through the Todt Hill community and see some marvelous million dollar mansions, including one that is the former home of Paul Castellano, the mafia boss who was infamously gunned down by John Gotti in 1985.
Wagner College
This is the only institution of higher learning with a bird’s eye view of the Manhattan skyline. The surrounding neighborhood offers spectacular views of New York Harbor, the Narrows and the Verrazano Bridge. Take plenty of pictures.
