Escape from the bustling city of Lower Manhattan and take a free 25 minute ride aboard the Staten Island Ferry, with remarkable views of the Statue of Liberty, or a road trip across the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, to the friendly community of Staten Island. Staten Island, a borough of New York, is the least populated of the five boroughs and enjoys big city conveniences wrapped in a small town ambiance.
Lovely neighborhoods grace the small island and include Victorian mansions with porches, gracious Tudor period homes, and shingle-style homes built during the Civil war era. Within the town area are high-rise apartment buildings, splendid malls, hotels, and an array of ethnic restaurants. Step back in time, relive and explore the past to present history and heritage of America and Staten Island by visiting the living historic village and museum complex of Richmond Village.
Explore Staten Island’s rich cultural scene by visiting the Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art which includes the largest selection of Tibetan art outside of Tibet, or for dance, theater and music performances visit Snug Harbor Cultural Center. The gracious historic buildings feature art galleries, museums and entertainment venues nestled amid beautiful natural wetlands, woods and lovely garden surroundings. Visitors to Staten Island can enjoy the stately elegance and charm of the ever evolving Staten Island Botanical Gardens, or for great family entertainment the Staten Island Zoo offer a great collection of reptiles, a tropical forest, an aquarium, and a delightful child’s petting farm yard.
The nature lover can explore the William T. Davis Wildlife Refuge offering 260 acres of woodland and salt marshes with hiking trails, a rich and diverse plant, wild, and birdlife. Play a round of golf at Latourette Park and Golf Course, located in Staten Island’s glorious greenbelt area, or during winter months partake in skiing. The beautiful stretch of South Beach, New York, offer amazing views of the famous Verrazano-Narrows Bridge and has a fantastic 2 and a half mile long boardwalk for strolling and cycling. There are bocce courts, children’s playground, roller hockey rink, ball fields, splendid picnic areas, and fishing from October to May. Staten Island offer visitors unique and interesting sights and sounds, a wonderful and memorable destination to explore.