When people think about New York City, they usually picture Manhattan’s tall buildings, Brooklyn’s cool neighborhoods, or maybe even the Bronx Zoo. But there’s one place that doesn’t always get the spotlight – Staten Island, NY. Known as “the forgotten borough”, it’s actually one of the most peaceful, nature-filled, and surprising places in all of New York City. In this article, we’ll show you why Staten Island, New York is the city’s best-kept secret. You’ll discover where to eat amazing food, explore beautiful parks and historical places, and get a real taste of local life that you can’t find anywhere else in NYC.

Start Your Journey: Getting to Staten Island is Half the Fun

The adventure begins with a free ride on the Staten Island Ferry. Yes, free! This 25-minute boat trip connects lower Manhattan to Staten Island and gives you an incredible view of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the New York Harbor. The ferry runs every day, almost all day, and drops you off at the St. George Ferry Terminal, where your Staten Island journey begins. Unlike the hustle of Manhattan, you’ll step off the ferry into calmer streets, friendly neighborhoods, and a totally different side of city life.

Where to Eat: Staten Island’s Local Flavors

Classic Pizza and Italian Favorites

Staten Island is famous for its Italian-American roots, and that means great pizza. Local pizza shops have been passed down through generations and keep their recipes just right.

  • Denino’s Pizzeria in Port Richmond has been around since the 1930s. Locals love it for its crispy, thin-crust pies.
  • Joe & Pat’s offers a square pizza that’s light and crunchy – a style you won’t find in other parts of NYC.
  • For something casual, Lee’s Tavern serves classic bar pies that are thin and loaded with toppings.

Unique Eats You Can’t Miss

Staten Island has food from all around the world, and you don’t need to leave the borough to try it.

  • Enoteca Maria, in St. George, has a different twist. Instead of trained chefs, they let real grandmothers from places like Italy, Greece, and Bangladesh cook meals from their homelands. The menu changes all the time!
  • In Tompkinsville, there’s a stretch of Sri Lankan restaurants that’s unlike anywhere else in NYC. You’ll find spicy, flavorful curries, crispy hoppers (a type of pancake), and sweet coconut treats.

Local Favorites and Hidden Gems

Locals recommend trying:

  • Ruddy & Dean: A steakhouse with rooftop views of the ferry and harbor.
  • Neighborhood bakeries and diners where you can grab a great bagel, cannoli, or sandwich.

Where to Explore: Nature, Parks, and Peaceful Places

 

One of the best things about Staten Island, New York is how much green space it has. It’s full of parks, forests, and beaches – more than any other borough!

Staten Island Greenbelt

This is a massive park system in the middle of the island with over 35 miles of hiking trails. It feels like you’re in the countryside – not New York City. You can walk through forests, see deer and birds, or even go mountain biking.

Freshkills Park

Once a landfill (a giant garbage site), Freshkills Park is being turned into one of the biggest parks in NYC. Right now, it’s only open for special tours and events, but it’s a symbol of how nature is returning to Staten Island.

Beaches and Waterfronts

Staten Island has clean, family-friendly beaches like:

Dive Into Staten Island’s History and Culture

 

This borough isn’t just about parks and pizza. It’s also filled with history, museums, and cultural centers that tell powerful stories about America and the people who built it.

Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden

Once a home for retired sailors, Snug Harbor is now a beautiful place full of surprises. There’s:

  • A children’s museum
  • A Chinese Scholar’s Garden
  • Art galleries and greenhouses It’s a great place to spend an afternoon with family or friends.

Historic Richmond Town

This spot is like walking into the past. Historic Richmond Town is a village where you can see what life was like in New York hundreds of years ago. There are old houses, blacksmith shops, and actors in costume who show how people lived in colonial times.

Sandy Ground Historical Museum

Sandy Ground is one of the oldest communities of free African Americans in the U.S. This museum honors their stories and shows how they helped build Staten Island and fight for civil rights.

Feel the Local Life: What Makes Staten Island, NY Special

Unlike Manhattan’s fast pace, Staten Island moves a bit slower – and that’s a good thing. It’s more relaxed, and you’ll see families walking their dogs, kids riding bikes, and neighbors chatting on their porches.

Safer and More Affordable

Many people move to Staten Island, NY because it’s more affordable than Manhattan or Brooklyn. You can find larger homes, safer streets, and still be close to the city. Neighborhoods like Tottenville, Westerleigh, and Great Kills are known for being friendly, peaceful, and great for families.

Events and Local Fun

There’s always something happening, from:

  • Farmer’s markets and street fairs
  • The Staten Island Film Festival
  • Cultural events at Snug Harbor and local libraries

You can even catch a baseball game at the Staten Island FerryHawks stadium right near the ferry terminal!

Frequently Asked Questions: What People Want to Know About Staten Island, New York

These are the most common questions people have about Staten Island, NY, especially if they’ve never been or are curious about exploring more than just Manhattan.

1. Is Staten Island worth visiting for a day trip?

Yes, definitely! Many people take the Staten Island Ferry just for the views, but there’s so much more to enjoy once you arrive. In one day, you can explore Snug Harbor, grab lunch at a local pizzeria, take a walk on the beach, and still be back in Manhattan for dinner.

2. What makes Staten Island different from the other NYC boroughs?

Staten Island, New York is more residential and less crowded than Manhattan, Brooklyn, or Queens. It has way more green space, quieter streets, and it feels more like a small town than a big city – but you’re still part of New York City.

3. Are there good restaurants for tourists on Staten Island?

Yes! Staten Island is full of hidden food gems. From world-class pizza at Denino’s to global cuisine at Enoteca Maria, there’s something for every taste. Local residents love to recommend their favorite neighborhood spots, and you won’t run into many tourist traps here.

4. What can I do on Staten Island without a car?

A lot! If you stay near St. George, you can:

  • Visit Snug Harbor
  • Explore the Staten Island Museum
  • Walk along the waterfront
  • Eat at local restaurants
  • Catch a baseball game Plus, many buses and bike paths make it easy to get around.

5. Is Staten Island safe?

Overall, Staten Island is one of the safest boroughs in New York City. Areas like Tottenville, Westerleigh, and Great Kills are known for being family-friendly and peaceful.

6. What are the best hidden gems in Staten Island, NY?

  • Sandy Ground Historical Museum – Full of African-American history.
  • The Staten Island Greenbelt – A secret forest in the city.
  • Freshkills Park – A park-in-progress that used to be a landfill.
  • Tompkinsville’s Sri Lankan restaurants – Amazing food with little crowds.
  • The Staten Island Boat Graveyard – A spooky, off-the-beaten-path site for adventurous explorers.

Discover a Different NYC: Staten Island’s Charm Awaits

Staten Island, NY might not be the first place people think of when they plan a trip to New York City. But that’s what makes it special. It’s not packed with tourists. It’s full of real neighborhoods, honest food, hidden history, and natural beauty. Whether you’re a local looking to see your city in a new light, or a visitor wanting something fresh and surprising, Staten Island, New York delivers. And with the free ferry, it’s easier than ever to experience a peaceful day in a borough that has more than a few secrets worth sharing. So next time you want to explore NYC like a local, skip the long lines in Times Square. Hop on the ferry, and let Staten Island surprise you.

Staten Island Child Support Lawyer – Benjamin Haber

Staten Island Child Support Lawyer – Benjamin Haber

Discovering the peace and community of Staten Island, New York means knowing where to turn when life changes. If you’re facing a divorce or navigating custody or child support matters, Benjamin Haber, Staten Island Divorce Lawyer, is here to guide you with care and experience. As a trusted child support lawyer, he provides personalized attention and honest advice to protect your family’s future. Whether you’re in St. George, Tottenville, or anywhere in between, you deserve a legal advocate who knows Staten Island. Call (718) 442-0960 today or fill out our simple contact form to schedule a confidential consultation. Let Benjamin Haber help you move forward-stronger, smarter, and supported.

Learn more Top Questions to Ask Your Child Support Lawyer Before Hiring