My first trip to the USA became a moment that changed my life. I was amazed by the scale of the country, the contrast of its cities, and the incredible energy of the people. Since then, I have explored America from coast to coast: driven legendary highways, hiked national parks, and discovered hundreds of places you won't find in typical guides. Today I create personalized USA itineraries so you can experience the real America – vibrant, dynamic, and unforgettable. Let me design a trip that fits you perfectly.
Staten Island
Staten Island, the greenest borough of New York City, is a unique destination that offers a combination of cultural, historical, and natural attractions. With its wildlife refuges, botanical gardens, parks, and beautiful beaches, Staten Island provides visitors with a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. This guide will help you plan your visit by highlighting the best attractions, dining options, accommodations, and transportation tips.
Getting There and Around
The Staten Island Ferry is the most budget-friendly and scenic way to reach Staten Island. This free service operates 24/7 and provides stunning views of the Lower Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty. The ferry ride takes approximately 25 minutes, departing from Manhattan’s Whitehall Terminal and arriving at the St. George Terminal on Staten Island.
Click here to learn more about creating a personal itineraryTop Attractions
St. George
Upon arrival at the St. George Terminal, visitors are greeted by several nearby attractions:
- September 11 Memorial: Located at the St. George Esplanade, this memorial honors the Staten Island victims of the 9/11 attacks with a striking wing-like structure designed by architect Masayuki Sono.
- National Lighthouse Museum: Situated at 200 The Promenade at Lighthouse Point, this museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of American lighthouses. It features over 180 lighthouse models and a comprehensive timeline of lighthouse history.
- Fort Wadsworth: Just a short bus ride away, this historic military fort offers catacomb-like tunnels, breathtaking views of the harbor and the Verrazzano Bridge, and a unique landscaping crew of grazing goats in the summer and early fall.
Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden
Located at 1000 Richmond Terrace, this cultural hub encompasses museums, historic buildings, and beautifully landscaped gardens. The Chinese Scholar’s Garden within Snug Harbor replicates the serene ambiance of Ming Dynasty-era China with its bamboo-lined paths, waterfalls, and koi pond.
Click here to create a personal itinerary for the USAAlice Austen House
At 2 Hylan Blvd, this charming Victorian cottage showcases the documentary photography of Alice Austen. It provides a glimpse into New York City life in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Dining and Nightlife
- Pier 76: For a classic New York pizza experience, visit Pier 76 at 76 Bay St. Known for its crispy, thin-crust pizza, this restaurant also offers a variety of casual dining options such as buffalo wings and pasta primavera.
- Lakruwana: Located just a block away from MakerSpace NYC, this Sri Lankan restaurant stands out with its aromatic dishes like lamprais (rice and curry baked in a banana leaf) and godamba roti (folded flatbread with curry). The weekend buffet is a must-try.
- Flagship Brewery: After a day of exploring, unwind with a pint at Flagship Brewing Company, which offers a variety of locally beloved brews, including the popular blood orange IPA. Brewery tours and tastings are available on Saturdays.
Where to Stay
Staten Island has various accommodation options to meet different preferences and budgets:
- Hilton Garden Inn New York/Staten Island: A comfortable choice with modern amenities and easy access to major attractions.
- Hampton Inn & Suites Staten Island: Known for its friendly service and convenient location, this hotel provides a complimentary shuttle to the Staten Island Ferry terminal.
Since 2015, our website has specialized in individual planning of unique routes, taking into account personal preferences and desires. Each of you will receive a unique PDF file from us, which contains everything you need: travel routes, car rentals, hotels, the best tourist attractions, attractions for kids and everything you need for a perfect vacation. During the trip, we are available for you by phone via WhatsApp. Our personal service provides information from A to Z, taking into account many small details that can become a decisive factor on the way from a wasted trip to an unforgettable vacation. Our service will make your trip comfortable, save a lot of time on planning and preparation, and most importantly – will allow you to become freer and fully enjoy the pleasure of the trip.
Weather and Best Time to Visit
Staten Island has a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. The best time to visit is during the mild spring (April to June) and fall (September to November) when outdoor activities are most enjoyable. Summers can be hot and humid, while winters are cold with occasional snowfall.
Two-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Exploring St. George and Surroundings
- Morning: Start your day with a ferry ride from Manhattan to St. George. Visit the September 11 Memorial and the National Lighthouse Museum.
- Afternoon: Take a short bus ride to Fort Wadsworth for a historical tour. Head back to St. George for lunch at Pier 76.
- Evening: Explore the St. George Theatre for an evening performance or movie screening.
Day 2: Cultural and Natural Wonders
- Morning: Visit the Alice Austen House for a historical and artistic experience. Enjoy beautiful views of Manhattan and Brooklyn from the house.
- Afternoon: Spend time at the Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden, exploring the Chinese Scholar’s Garden and other attractions. Have lunch at one of the nearby eateries.
- Evening: Head to Flagship Brewery for a relaxing evening with local brews. For dinner, visit Lakruwana and enjoy authentic Sri Lankan cuisine.
Tips for Tourists
- Public Transportation: Utilize the MTA subway and bus services for convenient travel around Staten Island.
- Comfortable Footwear: Wear comfortable shoes as many attractions involve walking.
- Weather Preparedness: Check the weather forecast and dress appropriately for the season.
- Local Etiquette: Respect the local customs and be courteous to the residents.
Staten Island is a treasure trove of cultural, historical, and natural wonders waiting to be explored. Whether you are a history buff, nature lover, or foodie, this guide will help you make the most of your visit to New York City’s greenest borough.
What we propose Emma Heidi Take all the stress out of planning your trip! With our experts, you can create the perfect itinerary for you – complete, comfortable, and tailored to all your dreams, wishes, and needs. We take care of every little detail, so you can simply focus on enjoying your journey. We’ve been designing personalized itineraries since 2015, and over the years we’ve created thousands of custom itineraries for happy clients. Save time, avoid confusion – we do the work for you. Our service saves you weeks of searching, reading, comparing, and complicated planning. Instead of wasting endless hours – you receive a ready-to-use, accurate and clear itinerary. A tailor-made itinerary – built just for you. Your itinerary is personally designed based on our experts’ real field experience and genuine feedback from hundreds of travelers – including hidden discoveries and insider tips that don’t appear in any travel guide. Smart accommodation selection – often saves you hundreds or even thousands of dollars. We help you choose verified and recommended places to stay, checking availability for your exact travel dates. Sometimes we suggest hotels not “in the center,” but in safe, convenient, and highly strategic locations – which can significantly reduce travel costs and save you even thousands of dollars. We’re by your side even during the trip. We stay with you throughout your vacation – providing professional help whenever needed. If the weather changes, there’s a strike, a local event, heavy crowds, or any unexpected situation – we are here to update, guide, and adjust your itinerary in real time. Easy-to-use itinerary – with direct navigation links. Your itinerary includes direct Waze / Google Maps links – no need to search for parking addresses, no stress, no mistakes. Just tap – and go. Want to know if it’s really worth it? Take a look at the experiences of travelers who built their personal itinerary with us. Click here and let’s start building the itinerary that will save you time, money, and stress – and turn your vacation into perfection. Of course, your first inquiry is completely free – with no commitment whatsoever. How it works
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