Stepping Off the Ferry: Staten Island Attractions You Can’t Miss
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 out on Staten Island.
Full-Day Itinerary #1
Start your day with an early ferry ride from Manhattan to Staten Island, taking either the 8:30 or 9:00 AM boat. Upon arrival at the St. George Ferry Terminal, catch the S51 Bus at Ramp B heading to Fort Wadsworth, one of the oldest military sites in the United States. Get off at the Bay Street/Sea Gate Road stop and follow the signs to the visitor’s center. Enjoy a self-guided tour of this historic site, which has served as a defense point for New York Harbor for over 200 years. Don’t miss the stunning views from Fort Tompkins and Battery Weed.
Alice Austen House
Next, either take the S51 bus back towards the Staten Island Ferry or enjoy a 25-minute walk to the Alice Austen House. Austen was a pioneering female photographer who captured life in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The site offers beautiful views of the Verrazano Bridge and includes a tranquil park. Afterward, head to Bay Street for a quick lunch at J’s on the Bay, Montalbano’s, or Tony’s Brick Oven Pizza.
Museum of Maritime Navigation & Communication
Continue your day with a visit to the Museum of Maritime Navigation and Communication, located at the corner of Bay Street and Hylan Boulevard. This museum focuses on the preservation of marine electronic equipment and the rich local maritime history of Staten Island. A 15-minute walk from here will take you to the Garibaldi-Meucci Museum, the historic home of Antonio Meucci, the true inventor of the telephone, and Giuseppe Garibaldi, an Italian revolutionary. Explore their contributions before heading back to Bay Street for dinner at Bayou or grab a quick slice at Pronto Pizza.
Return to the St. George Ferry Terminal via the S51 bus. Before boarding the ferry back to Manhattan, make sure to visit the observatory deck for a breathtaking nighttime view of the Manhattan skyline.
Optional Night Cap
For those interested in a nightcap, disembark at the Bay Street/Victory Boulevard stop and visit the Flagship Brewing Company. It’s just an 8-minute walk back to the ferry, making it easy to conclude your Staten Island adventure.
Attractions
Fort Wadsworth
210 New York Avenue 10305
(5 a.m. – 10 p.m.) Open every day
Alice Austen House
2 Hylan Boulevard 10305
(11 a.m. – 5 p.m.) Open Tuesday – Sunday
Museum of Maritime Navigation and Communication
1208 Bay Street 10305
(9 a.m.-5 p.m.) Open Monday-Friday
Garibaldi-Meucci Museum
420 Tompkins Avenue 10305
(1 p.m. – 5 p.m.) Open Wednesday – Saturday
Half-Day Itinerary #1
Enjoy visiting either the Alice Austen House or the Garibaldi-Meucci Museum, starting with lunch at various available spots. After your meal, jump back on the bus to return to the ferry, including a stop at Fort Wadsworth.
Full-Day Itinerary #2
Catch the 10:00 AM Staten Island Ferry from Manhattan, arriving at the St. George Ferry Terminal. Begin your adventure at the National Lighthouse Museum, located on the historic site of a former hospital established in 1862. This site was crucial for manufacturing, storing, supplying, and maintaining lighthouses in the region. Explore the museum and enjoy the adjacent views of the pier and New York Harbor.
Continue your journey along Richmond Terrace, turning right until you face Borough Hall. Cross the street and ascend the stairs, finding the Courtyard on your right. At the top, turn left to enter the building. Inside Borough Hall, explore the 13 murals narrating Staten Island’s history. The building, erected in 1906, showcases stunning French Renaissance architecture and a prominent clock tower.
For lunch, stop by Marie’s 2, steps from Borough Hall. After refueling, head up Hyatt Street to the St. George Theatre. Opened in 1929 as a venue for vaudeville and films, it now captivates visitors with its lavish Spanish/Italian interiors, winding staircases, and grand chandeliers. Remember to book your tour in advance.
For dinner, choose between authentic Italian dishes at Enoteca Maria or Spanish flavors at Beso, both near Borough Hall. Conclude your day at the 9/11 Postcards Memorial, located left of the Staten Island University Hospital Community Park, near the Staten Island FerryHawks’ home. This poignant memorial honors 275 Staten Islanders with two fiberglass structures reminiscent of postcards, framing the former site of the Twin Towers.
Attractions
- National Lighthouse Museum
- Open: Tuesday–Sunday, 11 AM – 5 PM
- Borough Hall
- Address: 10 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island, NY 10301
- Open: Monday – Friday, 9 AM – 5 PM
- St. George Theatre
- Address: 35 Hyatt Street, Staten Island, NY
- Visit Hours: Vary, please book in advance with Eric Petillo, Box Office Manager, at 718-442-2900 x 503 or via email at [email protected].
- 9/11 Postcards Memorial
- Open: All Day, Every Day
Half-Day Itinerary #2
Begin your Staten Island adventure with a choice between a visit to the National Lighthouse Museum, where you can enjoy historic exhibits and scenic pier views. Or a guided tour of the St. George Theatre, renowned for its architectural beauty and cultural significance. After soaking in some local history and culture, treat yourself to lunch at one of the many delightful eateries located on Bay Street, Hyatt Street, or Stuyvesant Place.
Post-lunch, take a moment to reflect at the 9/11 Postcards Memorial, a poignant tribute to the local lives lost. Conclude your half-day trip with a leisurely walk by the Staten Island FerryHawks Stadium before heading back to the ferry. This streamlined itinerary allows you to experience a mix of historical, culinary, and memorial visits, all within a short period.
