Like most of New York City, the land now known as Staten Island was originally occupied by Native Americans. The Hackensack and Raritan tribes of the Lenape lived in the region since the year 1,000 (by most accounts). Although the Italian Giovanni da Verrazano—and later the English Henry Hudson—passed through the Narrows (the tidal strait that separates Staten Island from Brooklyn), it was the Dutch that named the area “Staaten Eyelandt”, eventually establishing a fur trading post there.
Following bloody conflicts between the Dutch and Native Americans—and English occupation—Staten Island became a New York City borough in 1898. Today, Staten Island is home to only 500,000 residents—making it the least populated borough in New York. Its 12,300 acres of protected land have earned it the nickname “the greenest borough.”
Staten Island Ferry
Start your Staten Island adventure with an unforgettable boat ride. From Manhattan, take the Staten Island Ferry from Whitehall Ferry Terminal in lower Manhattan to St. Georges Terminal in Staten Island. Along the 25-minute ride, you’ll see some of the most gorgeous views of New York Harbor, the Statue of Liberty, downtown Manhattan, Governor’s Island, Ellis Island, Brooklyn Heights, and the Brooklyn Bridge (in the distance).
This historic ferry service originally began in the 1800s and is the only non-vehicular way to travel between the boroughs of Staten Island and Manhattan. Only foot traffic and bicycles are allowed on the ferry. It runs 24 hours a day, every day, and—being absolutely free—gets extremely crowded during rush hour. Off-peak times and evenings are perfect for a relaxing, scenic excursion. Grab a snack, beverage—even a beer—on board, or wait to get to the newly renovated St. Georges Ferry Terminal, which features several eateries, food specialty shops, and a spacious outdoor pavilion. When you are ready, head out to explore the rest of Staten Island.
Esplanade & Postcards September 11th Memorial
From the Staten Island ferry, take a short stroll along the Esplanade to the first memorial in New York City to be erected after 9/11. Postcards September 11th Memorial is a serene and awe-inspiring monument that memorializes the 275 Staten Island residents who perished in the 9/11 attacks. Two enormous “postcards” have been erected, which contain the names and work locations of each fallen Staten Islander who perished on that fateful day. Looking out from the site over to Manhattan, your view is purposefully focused on where the Twin Towers originally stood.
National Lighthouse Museum
American lighthouse heritage and history is alive and well at the National Lighthouse Museum. On the former site of the United States Lighthouse Service’s (USLHS) General Depot, the circa 1912 foundry building serves as home to the museum. In 1799, prior to the construction of Ellis Island, the site was the location of “The Quarantine,” a.k.a. New York Marine Hospital. This is where sickly immigrants suspected of carrying smallpox, cholera, typhus, or yellow fever were temporarily segregated to help stop the spread of these infectious diseases to the general public.
Today, the museum chronicles the evolution, purpose, and historical significance of lighthouses throughout American history—featuring exhibits, historical artifacts, presentations, and various collections. Other highlights include a glimpse at the lonely life of lighthouse keepers, seasonal Lighthouse Boat Tours, festivals, lectures, and more.
Alice Austen House
Alice Austen spent a lifetime photographing images that inspired and moved her. Being a professional female photographer in the 1800s was an accomplishment in and of itself. However, it was her images of New York’s street life, immigrants, nature, and spiritualism that made her famous—and have stood the test of time. Located in the Rosebank section of Staten Island, Alice Austen House serves as a museum of this remarkable woman’s work, along with some contemporary photography. It is also a summer photography camp for children.
Also known as Clear Comfort, Austen’s seaside home has a storied past. It was built in the 1690s, had several noteworthy residents prior to Austen, and is now on the National Register of Historic Places. Legends of midnight hauntings add to the allure of this stately home and beautifully manicured grounds, which imitate some of Austen’s photographs.
St. George Theatre
Located in the historic St. George neighborhood of Staten Island, the St. George Theatre is a magnificent example of a gilded movie palace and vaudevillian theatre from a bygone era. Opened in 1929, the 1900-seat St. George Theatre features a lavish Spanish and Italian Baroque-style interior with breathtaking stained-glass chandeliers, a grand winding staircase, gorgeous oversized paintings and murals, a Wurlitzer organ, and one of the largest cantilevered, ornate balconies ever constructed.
The theatre offers a wide variety of entertainment, including some of the biggest names in music and comedy today, live theatrical productions, movies, events, community outreach programs, and its widely popular St. George Theatre Christmas Show.
Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden
Snug Harbor is an 83-acre pastoral setting originally established in the 19th century as a restful haven for aging sailors. It grew to be a self-sustaining community of 900 residents from around the globe—featuring farms, gardens, dormitories, entertainment halls, a dairy, a bakery, a hospital, and more. The architecture of the structures at Snug Harbor is varied, from Greek Revival and Renaissance Revival to Beaux Arts, Italianate, High Victorian, and Second Empire.
Today, these buildings and Snug Harbor itself have been transformed into a vibrant open space offering many attractions and resources for the public. From wetlands, an urban farm, public parklands, and a regional arts center to beautiful botanical gardens, art galleries, museums, and educational centers, Snug Harbor is a Staten Island treasure.
Staten Island Zoo
The Staten Island Zoo may not be the biggest or have the biggest collection of exotic animals, but it is still worth visiting. Over 800 species call the zoo home. It boasts an impressive collection of rattlesnakes. The zoo got its start in the early 1930s after the property was willed to the city. At the time of its construction, it was considered state of the art. Some of the notable exhibits that you shouldn’t miss include the Africa wing, aquarium, tropical forest wing, reptile wing, and otter exhibit. During your visit, be sure to take a spin on the carousel. It features 25 animals from around the world.
Historic Richmond Town
Located in the center of Staten Island is the neighborhood of Richmondtown. The Historic Richmond Town is a living and authentic historical village. During the summer months, you can walk through the Open Village, an open-air museum where period-costumed historical interpreters will be your guide through life in America in the 1770s, 1820s, and 1860s. You can explore the Main Village (1860s) in the town center. Here, you will find government buildings, private homes, and trade shops. Then, walk through the Outer Village (1780s). During this time, the town was occupied by the British. Finally, see the Lower Village (1820s). See what America was like post-American Revolution. There are plenty of dining options while you are there. Experience a Victorian tea party, coffee, or ice cream. Stop in the store and take a piece of history home with you.
New York Chinese Scholar’s Garden
The New York Chinese Scholar's Garden is a part of the Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden. These meticulously curated grounds and gardens create a tranquil space that is perfect for relaxing and escaping the fast pace of the city. These gardens are just one of two authentic classical outdoor Chinese gardens built in the United States. Its design is based on the Ming Dynasty gardens (1368-1644 AD). You won’t find any nails or glue used in the construction of the elements in the gardens. They were crafted using traditional Chinese methods. All of the architectural elements were handmade in Suzhou, China, and then brought to the US. This includes the paving materials, bridges, columns, beams, doors, windows, floor tiles, and roofs. There are eight pavilions throughout the gardens. As you navigate the walking path, it will take you on a twisting and turning journey through a bamboo forest, passing a Koi pond and waterfalls.
Fort Wadsworth
Visit this 226-acre public park that is home to a fort that was once the longest continually operating military fort in the nation. The fort is located in the northernmost section of Staten Island. It would protect the narrow entranceway to the Hudson River. It was a key part of New York City's defense through World War II. After the war, it was the home of the 52nd Anti-Aircraft Brigade through the 50s. In the '70s, the fort was home to the U.S. Army Chaplain School. The Navy took over the fort next and used it at the headquarters of Navel Station, New York. In 1994, the fort was decommissioned and given to the National Park Service. Today, you can explore the fort by walking through the tunnels, climbing the tours, and checking out the Mont Sec History House.
Staten Island Museum
Founded in 1881, the Staten Island Museum houses an impressive collection of natural science specimens, art, and documents. The museum focuses on preserving and cataloging Staten Island’s cultural history. The Natural Science exhibit showcases the flora and fauna that have been and are currently called Staten Island home. In the art exhibits, you will see antiquities from the 21st century featuring art, designs, and culture. The Staten Island history collection features artifacts and important documents from the organizations and individuals that have called Staten Island home. They date back to the Native American tribes that called the land home.
The Noble Maritime Collection
Noble’s Home is a museum housed in a former sailor’s Snug Harbor dormitory. Founded in 1987, the museum serves as a glimpse into the lives of the maritime men who once called New York home. Visitors can walk through art galleries, classrooms, a library, a print studio, and an archives room. A permanent exhibition is John A Noble’s houseboat studio. It is a teak yacht cabin from the 19th century that has been carefully restored and placed in the museum. There is a ship model gallery, writing room, and Noble crew exhibit that allows you to step back in time thanks to the careful and meticulous restoration work of the local volunteers. One of the most interesting of the restored rooms is the dormitory room in building D. In 1844, the building housed 36 dorms, with two men in each room. Today, you can walk through a dorm room set up with original furnishings.
Across the Pond
A return (and still free) ferry ride from Staten Island will have you back in Manhattan, and just a short way from The Marmara Park Avenue. We hope you’ll let us spoil you with our unique brand of style and luxury. From our lavish accommodations to our chic design elements to our world-class wellness center.
Book your stay at The Marmara Park Avenue and experience the best that New York has to offer.
