New York City Staten Island

Staten Island Ferry, South Ferry in Manhattan and St. George Ferry in Staten Island Over 80,000 passengers ride this famous ferry every day. The vast majority are Staten Islanders commuting to work, but a handful are tourists eager to catch the stunning (and, of course, free) views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the Manhattan skyline. It's become a classic part of any New York visit, so succumb to the temptation—and, while you're there, check out some of Staten Island's own sights. Free. Runs 24hr., every 30min. during the day, every hr. at night. Wheelchair access. Serves alcohol. Has outdoor seating.
Snug Harbor, Entrance at 1000 Richmond Terr. (www.snug-harbor.org), The Main Hall facing you as you enter is the site's oldest and most majestic building. Built in 1833, it now houses the Eleanor Proske Visitors Center, where you can pick up maps and other info, and is connected to the galleries of the Newhouse Center for Contemporary Art. Check out the nautical themes of the interior, from constellations and Neptune on the ceiling to compass points on the floor. The New York Chinese Scholar's Garden is modeled on gardens of the Ming Dynasty in China; the landscaping and buildings are beautiful, and there's plenty of shade for muggy days. Connie Gretz's Secret Garden nearby is modeled on the eponymous European-style formal garden of Frances Hogson Burnett's classic. Nearby, the Healing Garden is an expansive natural memorial to the 267 residents of Staten Island who died on September 11. The Tuscan Garden includes an Italian neo-Renaissance villa that once served as dorms for nurses; a v From the ferry terminal, take the S40 bus or S96 bus to the Snug Harbor entrance stop on Richmond Terr. Entrance to grounds free. Entrance to Newhouse Center $3, students $2. Entrance to Chinese Scholar's Garden $5, students $4. Entrance to Children's Museum $5. Grounds open daily dawn-dusk. Newhouse Center open Tu-Su 10am-5pm. Chinese Scholar's Garden open Apr-Oct Tu-Su 10am-5pm; Nov-Mar W-Su 10am-4pm. Children's Museum open July-Labor Day Tu-Su 10am-8pm; Labor Day-June Tu-F noon-5pm. Wheelchair access.
Historic Richmond Town, 441 Clarke Ave. (www.historicrichmondtown.org), Anybody who grew up near the East Coast probably remembers some school trip to a preserved colonial town with staff dressed in period wear and refusing to answer your annoying questions about TV. Here's your chance for nostalgia: Richmond Town stretches over 100 acres and preserves many buildings from the colonial era to the 19th century. A museum at the heart of the complex includes documents and exhibits on Staten Island's history from earliest to present times. Old-fangled festivals and events also take place here, from Independence Day celebrations to square dancing to county fairs. The “town” is very small, and the subject is clearly of narrow interest, but history diehards will love this stuff. Bus S74 to Richmond Rd. and St. Patrick's Place. $5, students $3.50. Open W-Su July-Aug 11am-5pm; Sept-June 1-5pm. Guided tours Sept-June W-F 2:30pm, Sa-Su 2, 3:30pm. Wheelchair access.
Richmond County Bank Ballpark, 75 Richmond Terr. (www.siyanks.com), If Yankee Stadium is too much for you, head south to the home of their farm league: the proud Staten Island Yankees. If you get the right seats, you may be able to see the Manhattan skyline rising above the game. The season runs from June to September; check the website for schedule details. Fridays are the best days—you may get Z fireworks over the stadium after the game. Turn right from the ferry station and follow signs to the park entrance (5min.). Tickets $6-18. Box office open during games and M-F 9am-5pm. Takes credit cards. Wheelchair access. Serves alcohol. Has outdoor seating.
Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art, 338 Lighthouse Ave. (www.tibetanmuseum.org), This beautifully located hilltop museum is a great bit of randomness in Staten Island. Almost 65 years old, the museum holds the private collection of artist and Himalayan enthusiast Jacques Marchais. The placement on a hill—and the two-building design—are meant to replicate the experience of a Buddhist monastery. Exhibits on all things Tibet can be found inside: photos, old paintings, sculpture, musical instruments, and books. A Buddhist altar is sometimes used by actual Tibetan Buddhist monks, consecrated by the Dalai Lama himself. The terraced gardens outside are designed for meditation and provide views of the Lower Bay. Inquire at the desk about special events and educational opportunities, including guided meditation. A two-day festival in October centers on craft-making and mask-designing. Bus S74 to Richmond Rd. and Lighthouse Ave. Walk uphill along Lighthouse Ave. to the museum. $5, students $3. Open W-Su 1-5pm. Wheelchair access. Has air conditioning.
Alice Adams House Museum, 2 Hylan Blvd. (www.aliceausten.org), Alice Austen was one of the earliest photographers of note. Her work, much of it depicting upper-class individuals and street scenes of fin de siècle New York, reflected her upbringing. This museum uses her own cottage, nicknamed “Clear Comfort” and dating from the 1700s, to present some samples of her work alongside more modern photography exhibits. The grounds by the water are perfect for strolling and view-catching. Bus S51 to Hylan Blvd. Suggested donation $2. Museum open Mar-Dec Th-Su noon-5pm. Grounds open daily dawn-dusk. Takes credit cards. Wheelchair access.