The New York Chinese Scholar’s Garden, tucked away in Staten Island’s Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden, offers visitors an authentic taste of classical Chinese garden design—an experience that’s rare in the United States. Built with materials crafted in Suzhou, China, the garden reflects the aesthetics of the Ming Dynasty, spanning from the 14th…
Located in West New Brighton, the Staten Island Zoo is a charming destination filled with wildlife and educational opportunities. This intimate, family-friendly zoo offers visitors a chance to connect with nature and learn about a variety of animal species. Here’s why the Staten Island Zoo is a must-visit for animal lovers and families. A Legacy…
Imagine stepping back in time to 1845. That’s exactly what you can do when you visit the Henry Hogg Biddle House in Staten Island. This old home is like a time machine, showing us how people lived almost 200 years ago. The Biddle House is special because it’s one of the few Greek Revival homes…
The Conference House, originally known as the Billop House, is a site of significant historical value on Staten Island. Built around 1680 by Captain Christopher Billopp, it played a crucial role during the American Revolutionary War. This historic house was the venue for an important meeting between American and British representatives who attempted to negotiate…
Borough Hall, located in the St. George neighborhood, is a key municipal building for Staten Island in New York City. Constructed in 1906, it serves as the seat of government for the borough. The building is a notable example of French Renaissance architectural design, featuring a three-story structure with a two-story mansard roof, limestone trim,…
The St. George Theatre, located in Staten Island, New York, first opened its doors in 1929. Designed by architect Eugene DeRosa and interior decorator Nestor Castro, it was originally built as a vaudeville and movie palace, reflecting the grandeur of the era. The theater’s interior features intricate designs and ornate details, making it a stunning…
The Sri Lankan Art & Cultural Museum, located in the Stapleton neighborhood of Staten Island, is the first museum dedicated to Sri Lankan culture outside Sri Lanka. Founded by Julia Wijesinghe, the museum aims to celebrate and educate visitors about Sri Lankan heritage. The museum is associated with the Lakruwana restaurant, owned by Julia’s family,…
Located on Staten Island, New York, Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden spans an impressive 83 acres. Originally established in the 1800s as a home for retired sailors, it has since evolved into a premier cultural and botanical destination. The center is renowned for its blend of historical architecture, lush gardens, and diverse cultural…
Discover the Seguine-Burke Mansion, a stunning 19th-century Greek Revival home in Staten Island. Built in 1838 by Joseph Seguine, this historic site offers a window into the prosperous past of the Seguine family, who were key figures in local oyster harvesting and railroad industries. Marvel at the mansion’s grand columns and classical design. Inside, you…
The Reformed Church on Staten Island is a significant historical and cultural landmark. Established in 1660, it has played a central role in the community for centuries. The church is located at 54 Port Richmond Avenue, in the Port Richmond neighborhood of Staten Island, and has been on the same site since 1680. It is…
Casa Belvedere, The Italian Cultural Foundation, is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to preserving, promoting, and celebrating Italian heritage through various cultural and educational activities, programs, and events. Located on Grymes Hill with a view of the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge and New York Harbor, the 1908 building was originally the Roebling-Stirn family home and became a New…
Conference House Park is an ideal destination for those interested in Revolutionary history and nature. This 267-acre site features four historic buildings significant to Staten Island’s history. Attractions Full Day Itinerary Morning: Start your day by boarding the 10 or 10:30 a.m. boat at the Whitehall Ferry Terminal. Enjoy views of the Statue of Liberty…
If you are interested in maritime life, sea shanties, or lighthouses, Staten Island offers several attractions that showcase its contributions to the maritime industry and lore. Attractions Fort Wadsworth Museum of Maritime Navigation and Communication National Lighthouse Museum Noble Maritime Museum Full Day Option This itinerary includes visits to all four cultural attractions, with recommendations…
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…
Check Out the Wild Side of Staten Island at the Best Little Zoo in America! The Staten Island Zoo is a great spot to see some cool wildlife. They’ve got endangered Amur Leopards and energetic fossas, and the zoo keeps them safe and healthy. The zoo is called the “Best Little Zoo in America” for…
After your free ferry ride with great views of the Statue of Liberty, get off the boat and find the many interesting things to do within a short walk of the terminal. Go for a walk along the waterfront in either direction from the ferry, and you’ll quickly come across lots of attractions worth checking…
A Day Trip to Snug Harbor: What to See and Do Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden serves as the primary cultural center for Staten Island, offering a diverse array of experiences for visitors. This Smithsonian Affiliate organization provides the opportunity to explore art galleries, wander through meticulously maintained gardens, gain insights into Italian…
Staten Island offers a unique blend of urban and suburban environments. Just a short ferry ride from Manhattan, it features rich history, notable architecture, and scenic views. Home to some of the city’s oldest buildings, such as Sandy Ground, the oldest continuously inhabited black settlement in the U.S., and the Snug Harbor Cultural Center &…