Staten Island’s Rich History and Nature 1-Day Itinerary

North Shore

Step back in time at Historic Richmond Town, the only historic village in New York City. This open-air museum features 28 landmark buildings in a beautiful park setting. Take a walk through the village and see what life was like from the 1600s to the present day.

Don’t miss the Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art, founded in 1945 by a woman who loved Tibetan art and culture. You can experience a taste of Tibet without needing a Sherpa guide!

​Attractions

1. Historic Richmond Town – Address: 441 Clarke Avenue, 10306 Public Tours:
   • Wednesday – Friday: 1:30 pm daily
   • Saturday and Sunday: 1:30 pm and 3:00 pm
2. Staten Island Range Lighthouse – Address: Edinboro Rd., between house numbers 402 and 426, in Lighthouse Hill neighborhood
3. The Crimson Beech – Address: 48 Manor Ct, 10306
4. The Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art – Address: 338 Lighthouse Avenue, 10306 Hours: Wednesday – Sunday, 1-5 p.m.
5. Greenbelt Nature Center – Address: 700 Rockland Avenue, 10314 Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Full-Day Option 1

This itinerary includes visits to Historic Richmond Town, a walk by the Staten Island Range Lighthouse and The Crimson Beech, and a tour of The Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art.

1. Take the 11 a.m. ferry from Manhattan to the St. George Ferry Terminal on Staten Island.
2. At the terminal, go to Ramp B and take the S74 bus to the Arthur Kill Road/Cemetery Gate 1 stop.
3. Cross the street and walk along Clarke Avenue until you find the visitor’s center for Historic Richmond Town on your left. (Look for a big parking lot enclosed by a white wooden fence.)
4. If you arrive before the 1:30 p.m. public tour, take some time to admire the architecture and colonial village, which has 28 buildings dating back to the 1600s.
5. After the tour, ask a staff member for directions to Richmond Road. Turn right on Richmond Road.
6. Walk a few minutes until you see Lighthouse Avenue on your left. (Note: This is a steep hill and may not be suitable for those with mobility issues.)
7. As you walk up Lighthouse Avenue, look for “The Crimson Beech” house on your left, designed by the famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright.
8. Continue up the hill and take a photo of the Staten Island Range Lighthouse on your left, which stands 145 feet above sea level and was built in the early 1900s.
9. Keep walking up the hill until you reach The Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art on your right. Tour the museum, which features art and artifacts from Tibet, Nepal, Mongolia, and northern China, as well as the Samadhi Garden.
10. After the museum tour, take a taxi to the intersection of New Dorp Lane and New Dorp Plaza, where you will find many dining options.
11. After dinner, walk back to the intersection and take the Staten Island Railway back to the St. George Ferry Terminal for your return trip to Manhattan.

Full-Day Option 2

This itinerary includes a visit to the Staten Island Zoo, lunch at the zoo’s café, and a brief walk to Clove Lakes Park, staying close to Martling Avenue.

1. Take the 9:30 a.m. ferry from Manhattan to the St. George Ferry Terminal on Staten Island. (Bring snacks and water for your trip to the Greenbelt Nature Center and your hike.)
2. At the terminal, go to Ramp A and take the S62 bus to Bradley Avenue to reach the Greenbelt Nature Center, which has a visitor’s center and several hiking trails.
3. Transfer to the S57 bus and get off at the Brielle and Rockland Ave. stop. Cross the street at the light.
4. Choose one of the six available trails. To get to the Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art, take the Red Trail.
5. While on the Red Trail, you will reach Edinboro Road. Turn left onto Edinboro Road and continue until you see the intersection of Terrace Ct. and Lighthouse Avenue.
6. Turn right on Lighthouse Avenue and follow it until you see the museum’s entrance on your right. Tour the museum and its exhibits.
7. After your visit, take a taxi to the intersection of New Dorp Lane and New Dorp Plaza, where you can find many dining options.
8. Following dinner, walk back to the intersection of New Dorp Lane and New Dorp Plaza to catch the Staten Island Railway back to the St. George Ferry Terminal for your return trip to Manhattan.

Full-Day Option 3

1. Take the 9:30 a.m. ferry from Manhattan to the St. George Ferry Terminal on Staten Island. Remember to bring snacks and water for your trip to the Greenbelt Nature Center and during your hike.
2. At the terminal, go to Ramp A and take the S62 bus to Bradley Avenue to reach the Greenbelt Nature Center, which has a visitor’s center and multiple hiking trails.
3. Transfer to the S57 bus and get off at the Brielle and Rockland Ave. stop. Cross the street at the light.
4. Choose the Red Trail from the six available trails and hike to Historic Richmond Town, the only walking historic village in New York City.
5. Stop for lunch at Casa Verde, which opens at noon.
6. After lunch, return to Historic Richmond Town’s visitor’s center for the 3 p.m. public tour.
7. Following the tour, take a taxi to the intersection of New Dorp Lane and New Dorp Plaza, where you can find various dining options.
8. After dinner, walk to the intersection of New Dorp Lane and New Dorp Plaza to catch the Staten Island Railway back to the St. George Ferry Terminal for your return trip to Manhattan.

South Shore

Discover Staten Island’s rich African American history at Sandy Ground, the oldest continuously inhabited free Black settlement in the United States. This significant stop on the Underground Railroad is a must-see for history buffs and anyone interested in learning more about the struggle for freedom and equality.

Don’t miss the chance to visit the Seguine-Burke Mansion, a stunning example of antebellum architecture right here in New York City. This historic home offers a glimpse into the life of wealthy Staten Island residents in the mid-19th century.

Attractions

• Seguine–Burke Mansion – Address: 440 Seguine Ave, 10309
• Lemon Creek Park – Address: Seguine Ave, 10309

OR

• Sandy Ground Historical Society – Address: 1538 Woodrow Rd, 10309
• Clay Pits Pond National Park Reserve – Address: 83 Nielsen Avenue, 10309

Full-Day Option 1

Seguine-Burke Mansion and Lemon Creek Park
Before your trip, make an appointment with Seguine-Burke Mansion for the early afternoon and inquire about their horseback riding lessons.

1. Take the 10 a.m. Staten Island Ferry from the Whitehall Terminal to the St. George Ferry Terminal.
2. From the terminal, take the Staten Island Railway to the Princes’ Bay stop.
3. Have lunch at either Fratelli’s Pizzeria or Cucumber Sushi & Salad Bar before heading to the Seguine-Burke Mansion.
4. Walk south on Seguine Avenue for about 20 minutes, passing the Staten Island University Hospital. The Seguine Mansion is visible from Hank Place or Seguine Avenue near Wilbur Street.
5. Tour the mansion and admire its Greek Revival architecture. The house is located in Lemon Creek Park, which also features an equestrian center.
6. Explore the park’s trails, playgrounds, and beach before having dinner and drinks at Lily’s Red.
7. Walk back to Hylan Boulevard/Seguine Avenue and take the S78 bus to return to the St. George Ferry Terminal.

Full-Day Option 2

Sandy Ground Historical Society and Clay Pit Ponds Interpretative Center
If you have a group of 4 or more, you can make appointments for tours at Sandy Ground Historical Society between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. If you choose this option, take an earlier ferry.

1. Take the 10 or 10:30 a.m. Staten Island Ferry from the Whitehall Ferry Terminal, enjoying views of the Statue of Liberty and the Lower East Side.
2. Arrive at the St. George Ferry Terminal and take the S74 Bus at Ramp B to the Woodrow Rd/Winant Ave stop.
3. Walk to the right and cross the street to reach the Sandy Ground Historical Society, the oldest continuously inhabited free Black community in the United States.
4. Tour the museum and learn about Sandy Ground’s history, arts, crafts, and music, as well as life after the abolishment of slavery for the Black community.
5. After the tour, exit the museum and head east on Woodrow Road. Turn left on Bloomingdale and walk for 5-10 minutes before turning right on Sharrotts Road.
6. Continue on Sharrotts Road until you reach the Clay Pit Ponds Interpretative Center on your right. The new Interpretive Center is an excellent starting point for visitors.
7. Picnic or hike on the designated trails at the Clay Pit Ponds Interpretative Center.
8. After exploring, return to Sharrotts Road and continue to Killmeyer’s Old Bavaria Inn for dinner.
9. Walk to the Arthur Kill Road/Sharrotts Road bus stop and take the S74 bus back to the St. George Ferry Terminal. If you’re traveling with a group, taking a taxi is preferable.