13 Terrific Things to Do in Staten Island, NY

Tap to Read ➤ Ishaan Govardhan

Despite being New York City's wealthiest and greenest borough, Staten Island has always been something of an outlier when it comes to the typical NYC tourist experience. But there are enough points of interest and exciting experiences offered here to fill your day several times over.

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video. This is NYC's least populated borough, so the first thing you'll appreciate about Staten Island is that there's a lot more breathing room here, compared to the rest of The Big Apple.

Begin by hopping onboard one of the most iconic ferry rides ever: the historic Staten Island Ferry. From this vantage point, Game of Thrones fans may be able to tell that George RR Martin based the map of King's Landing on Staten Island.

Continue your adventure with a kayak ride at Staten Island's Fresh Kills Park. This wide open space used to be Earth's largest man-made structure back when it was a trash landfill. Now, it's being restored into a sprawling public park.

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video. Back on dry land, animal-lovers should swing by the Staten Island Zoo next. The star of this zoo is Staten Island Chuck: an adorable groundhog/ meteorologist who predicts the duration of winter, come Groundhog Day.

Staten Island is dotted with over 170 protected urban parks! This corner of NYC is most in touch with Mother Nature. Whatever you do, don't miss out on the slice of wilderness that is Clove Lakes Park.

Drop by the iconic St. George Theatre, which is one of NYC's leading cultural arts centers. The ornately decorated Spanish-Baroque style interior of this theater is a work of art unto itself, not to mention the memorable shows and performances on its stage.

Feel like a pint of American Pale Ale? Or perhaps some good old Dark Mild? Look no further than The Flagship Brewing Company: the best brewpub and tasting room on the island.

For a taste of history, drop by Fort Wadsworth: a former military fortification. It served as an integral mobilization center during every major war. Nowadays, the annual NYC Marathon begins right here.

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video. Next, check out the architectural marvel that is the iconic Verrazano-Narrows Bridge. Until this bridge was finally built in 1964, Staten Islanders were relatively isolated from the rest of NYC. This, among other factors, has led locals to nickname Staten Island "the forgotten borough".

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video. Just south of the bridge, Staten Islanders hang out on the soft sands of South Beach. This strip of pristine coast is perfect for evening strolls.

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video. Not far from the beach, skateboarders flock to the asphalt heaven of Ben Soto Skate Park and the 5050 Skatepark. Learn some new tricks from the pros that tear up the tarmac everyday!

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video. Get the kids to put away their phones by taking them to the interactive exhibits and educational fun at Staten Island Children's Museum. Their activities and learning programs are known for bringing out the creativity in kids.

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video. Do your taste buds a favor, and swing by locals' favorite restaurant: Marie's 2, for more than a few delicious slices of classic Italian pizza (with an NYC twist, of course!).

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video. Before you leave, have a picnic and fire up the grill in the greenery of Staten Island's Wolfe Ponds Park. There's nothing like some BBQ with friends!