Parks You Must Visit on Staten Island

Staten Island is well-known as the “borough of parks”! Explored all the natural splendor and fun activities that this beautiful borough has to offer. Here are some of our favorite recommendations of places to see in the greenest borough! Be sure to use #onStatenIsland to share your next park photo.

Take A Hike Along Staten Island’s South Shore

Photo by Daniel Avila/NYC Parks

New York’s "south pole” is home to American history, beaches, and acres of natural splendor. You can pick up a map and Blue Heron Nature Center, and then hike through secluded paths and lilly-filled ponds in Blue Heron Park. Head on over to Lemon Creek Park for birdwatching and a beautiful view of the waterfront. Then head down to Raritan Bay at Conference House Park, our southernmost park. You can find hiking trails alongside some of the oldest houses in the city, including the Conference House itself, the site of a milestone of American independence. If you're looking to go for a swim, Wolfe’s Pond Park offers one of New York City’s quietest and most serene public swimming beaches, and there are many spots for picnics just off the shore. Visit Staten Island's South Shore

Head to South Beach Without Leaving NYC

Photo by Malcolm Pinckney/NYC Parks

You don't need to go to Miami to visit South Beach. There's a South Beach on Staten Island. This beautiful beach features breathtaking views of the Narrows and the tallest bridge in NYC. South Beach, one of four public beaches on the island, also connects to another beach (Midland Beach) just next door via the boardwalk! Plan your visit to South Beach

Make a Splash at Tottenville Pool

Photo by Daniel Avila/NYC Parks

Tottenville Pool is one of our resort-style "Cool Pools" on the island. It features cabana-style umbrellas, lounge chairs, games on the deck, and bright colors that make your staycay feel like a true vacay. Tottenville Pool is one of seven free outdoor pools on Staten Island. Visit Tottenville Pool

Walk Down the Allee to the New York Chinese Scholar's Garden

Photo by Malcolm Pinckney/NYC Parks

This enchanting tunnel arch is a must see while visiting the many museums and gardens here at Snug Harbor. Be sure to head into the bamboo forest that leads into the New York Chinese Scholar's Garden, one of two authentic classical outdoor Chinese gardens built in the United States!  Visit Snug Harbor

Get a Peek of Freshkills Park

Photo courtesy of Daniel Avila/NYC Parks

When it opens in 2036, Freshkills Park will be three times the size of Central Park. The Freshkills Park Alliance hosts nature events that take you behind the scenes! Learn more about events at Freshkills Park

Train Like An Athlete at Ocean Breeze Track & Field Athletic Complex

Photo by Malcolm Pinckney/NYC Parks

While most of Ocean Breeze Park remains a pristine tidal meadow, this park by South Beach has been picking up a lot of buzz as the site of one of the nation’s premier track-and-field facilities. During the year, the track hosts a wide variety of meets, from local events to major college meets and national championships. You can visit Ocean Breeze’s meet page to catch an upcoming competition, or you can visit our Ocean Breeze Athletic Complex to learn how you can visit the center and use the same facilities as our nation’s top amateurs!

Go Behind the Scenes of Alice Austen's Incredible Life

Photo courtesy of the Alice Austen House Museum

Alice Austen was a prolific 19th-century photographer and a woman of many firsts who lived in this farmhouse at what is now Alice Austen Park with her partner Gertrude Tate. In addition to her life as a photographer, Alice Austen was the first woman on Staten Island to own a car, founder of the Staten Island Garden Club, and a master tennis player. Step inside her home, one of the oldest in NYC—it dates back to the 1690s. The walls are decorated with photos taken by Alice Austen, including self-portraits and images of New Yorkers at work and at the beach. Head out on the front lawn for a beautiful view of the waterfront—you'll see the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, Brooklyn's southern waterfront, the skyscrapers of lower Manhattan, and parts of New Jersey as you enjoy watching the ships sail in to the Harbor. The house is owned by NYC Parks, operated by the Friends of Alice Austen Inc., and is a member of the Historic House Trust. In 2017, the historic house was designated as a National LGBT Historic Site. Visit Alice Austen Park