
Best Parks & Green Spaces in Staten Island, New York, United States
1. Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden
A beautiful 83-acre estate featuring several historic buildings, gardens, and a maritime museum.
- Historic Buildings: Explore numerous buildings, each with its unique history.
- Botanical Garden: Enjoy various gardens showcasing a diverse range of plant species.
- Maritime Museum: Learn about Staten Island's maritime history at the New York Chinese Scholar's Garden.
2. Greenbelt Nature Center
Educational center located within the Greenbelt Recreation Area offering nature programs and hiking trails.
- Nature Programs: Join guided tours, workshops, and classes about local flora and fauna.
- Hiking Trails: Explore over eight miles of scenic trails through diverse ecosystems.
- Wildlife Observation: Spot various wildlife species, such as deer and birds, in their natural habitats.
3. Freshkills Park
An evolving park on the site of a former landfill, offering outdoor activities and stunning city views.
- Urban Landscape: Experience panoramic views of the New York City skyline.
- Art and Culture Installations: See various art and cultural installations scattered throughout the park.
- Educational Tours: Join guided tours to learn about the park's history, restoration efforts, and ecology.
4. Clove Lakes Park
A serene park with two interconnected lakes and walking paths for a peaceful escape.
- Lake Views: Enjoy tranquil lake views from the walking paths.
- Fishing Spots: Cast a line and try your luck at catching fish in the lakes.
- Seasonal Activities: Take part in seasonal activities like ice skating during winter months.
5. Fort Wadsworth
Historic fort offering panoramic views of the harbor and hiking trails through its lush grounds.
- Harbor Views: Take in breathtaking vistas of New York Harbor.
- Historic Fort Tours: Learn about the fort's rich history through guided tours and exhibits.
- Hiking Trails: Explore various trails throughout the fort's lush, green surroundings.
6. Silver Lake Park
A large waterfront park featuring a beach, sports facilities, and picnic areas.
- Waterfront Beach: Relax on the sandy beach with stunning views of the harbor.
- Sports Facilities: Play sports like basketball, tennis, and soccer at Silver Lake Park's courts and fields.
- Picnic Areas: Enjoy a picnic with family and friends amidst beautiful surroundings.
7. Midland Beach
A sandy beach along the Raritan Bay offering water activities, concessions, and scenic views.
- Water Activities: Swim, fish, or boat at this popular beach destination.
- Concessions: Find food and drinks at nearby concession stands.
- Scenic Views: Take in breathtaking views of the Raritan Bay and nearby islands.
8. Willowbrook Park
A sprawling park with a zoo, golf course, sports facilities, and picnic areas.
- Zoo: Visit the Staten Island Zoo, home to over 500 animals.
- Golf Course: Play a round of golf at Willowbrook Park's golf course.
- Sports Facilities: Play sports like soccer, baseball, and basketball on the park's many fields.
9. Great Kills Park
A waterfront park with a beach, picnic areas, and a nature center.
- Waterfront Beach: Enjoy a day at the sandy beach overlooking the Raritan Bay.
- Nature Center: Learn about local wildlife and ecosystems at the Great Kills Park Nature Center.
- Picnic Areas: Relax and dine with family and friends in one of the park's picnic areas.
10. Floyd Bennett Field
A former airport turned nature preserve offering hiking trails, wetlands, and wildlife viewing.
- Hiking Trails: Explore the diverse ecosystems on various trails throughout Floyd Bennett Field.
- Wetlands: Discover the unique plant and animal life in the wetland habitats.
- Wildlife Viewing: Spot various wildlife species, such as birds and deer, in their natural habitats.
11. Conference House Park
Historic site featuring the Conference House, where the Treaty of Paris was signed, and scenic waterfront views.
- Historic Site: Learn about American history at the location where the Treaty of Paris was signed.
- Waterfront Views: Take in beautiful views of the Kill Van Kull waterway and New York City skyline.
- Picnic Areas: Enjoy a peaceful picnic surrounded by history and nature.
12. Todt Hill Park
A picturesque park located on one of Staten Island's highest points, offering panoramic city views.
- Panoramic Views: Take in breathtaking vistas of the New York City skyline from Todt Hill.
- Trails and Walkways: Explore various trails and walkways throughout the park.
- Peaceful Environment: Find a tranquil spot to relax amidst beautiful surroundings.
13. Emerson Hill Park
A charming park with scenic views of the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge and the Lower Bay.
- Scenic Views: Take in stunning vistas of the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge and Lower Bay.
- Trails and Walkways: Explore various trails and walkways throughout the park.
- Bench Seating: Relax on comfortable seating while taking in the views.
14. Richmond Terrace Park
A beautiful park with a gazebo, playground, and scenic waterfront views.
- Gazebo: Enjoy a picnic under the shade of the gazebo.
- Playground: Let your kids play on the park's well-equipped playground.
- Waterfront Views: Take in beautiful views of the Kill Van Kull waterway and New York City skyline.
15. South Beach Park
A scenic park with a beach, picnic areas, and stunning city views.
- Waterfront Beach: Relax on the sandy beach overlooking the Raritan Bay.
- Picnic Areas: Enjoy a picnic with family and friends amidst beautiful surroundings.
- Scenic Views: Take in breathtaking vistas of the New York City skyline from South Beach Park.