Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Couples on Staten Island
Top Things to Do in New York City for Couples on Staten Island
1. Staten Island Ferry
Glide across New York Harbor together for sweeping skyline, Statue of Liberty, and bridge views on a classic orange ferry ride.
✓ Why Go:
It’s iconic, relaxing, and free—an easy way to frame a date with cinematic vistas and salty sea breezes.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Sunset into twilight for golden light and sparkling city lights; late evening for quieter rides.
✓ Insider Tip:
Sit on the starboard side leaving Staten Island for Statue views; linger on the St. George waterfront afterward for photos.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Couples rave about the romance-to-effort ratio—big views with zero cost and minimal planning.
2. Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden
A serene 83-acre campus of historic architecture, fountains, and themed gardens ideal for hand-in-hand wandering.
✓ Why Go:
It mixes culture and nature in one strollable setting—perfect for slow conversations and pretty backdrops.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late spring through early fall for blooms; quiet weekday mornings year-round.
✓ Insider Tip:
Duck into lesser-known gardens near the Tuscan Garden for peaceful benches and shade.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors love the surprising calm and variety—many call it Staten Island’s most romantic walk.
3. New York Chinese Scholar’s Garden
Within Snug Harbor, this walled Ming-style garden features koi ponds, moon gates, and poetic pavilions.
✓ Why Go:
It’s intimate and transportive—an artful space that invites quiet moments and beautiful photos.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late afternoon for soft light; spring and fall for color and comfortable temps.
✓ Insider Tip:
Pause on the zigzag bridge to frame couples’ portraits through the circular moon gate.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests describe it as a hidden gem that feels worlds away from the city bustle.
4. Fort Wadsworth
A historic coastal fort set beneath the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, with sweeping harbor overlooks and grassy ramparts.
✓ Why Go:
History, architecture, and jaw-dropping bridge views create a dramatic, photo-ready date setting.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Golden hour for bridge and harbor glow; clear winter days for crisp vistas.
✓ Insider Tip:
Climb to the Overlook for the best bridge panorama; bring a thermos and watch ships glide by.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Couples praise the tranquility and cinematic scenery without Midtown crowds.
5. Alice Austen House Museum
A waterfront Victorian cottage and museum celebrating pioneering photographer Alice Austen, with lawns facing the harbor.
✓ Why Go:
Art, LGBTQ+ history, and romantic lawn views combine for a meaningful, scenic date.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Warm-weather afternoons for picnics; check for seasonal exhibitions.
✓ Insider Tip:
Pack a blanket for the lawn—sunset here frames the skyline and bridge beautifully.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors call it inspiring and peaceful, with staff noted for warm welcomes.
6. Historic Richmond Town
A living history village of restored homes and shops set along leafy lanes, perfect for a slow, story-filled amble.
✓ Why Go:
Share a sense of time travel together while exploring crafts, hearths, and seasonal events.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekends spring–fall for open interiors and programs; December for festive décor.
✓ Insider Tip:
Stop by the village green near closing for quiet golden-hour photos.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Couples appreciate the charm and authenticity—nostalgic without feeling staged.
7. National Lighthouse Museum
A waterfront museum honoring America’s lighthouse heritage, set steps from the ferry with harbor views.
✓ Why Go:
It’s quirky and romantic—maritime stories paired with breezy docks for a post-museum stroll.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late morning or early afternoon; pair with sunset on the nearby esplanade.
✓ Insider Tip:
Explore the pier outside for quiet skyline sightlines after your visit.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests find it engaging and intimate, praising knowledgeable docents and exhibits.
8. Staten Island Zoo
Compact, well-kept zoo known for reptiles, playful animals, and leafy paths that suit an unhurried date.
✓ Why Go:
Low-key and charming, it encourages conversation while you meander between exhibits.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Mornings for active animals; spring and fall for comfortable walking weather.
✓ Insider Tip:
Seek out the quiet benches near the bird exhibits for a mid-date break.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors describe it as friendly, manageable, and unexpectedly delightful.
9. Greenbelt Nature Center
The gateway to Staten Island’s forested heart, with trailheads, exhibits, and serene woodland loops.
✓ Why Go:
Trade city noise for birdsong and dappled light—an easy nature escape for two.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early mornings year-round; peak foliage in October and fresh greens in May.
✓ Insider Tip:
Try the White Trail from the center for a short, scenic loop and minimal crowds.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Couples love the restorative feel and well-marked paths.
10. Conference House Park
A bayside historic site and sweeping park at Staten Island’s southern tip, with quiet beaches and meadows.
✓ Why Go:
History meets horizon—walk shoreline trails, spot birds, and watch distant sunsets over Raritan Bay.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late afternoon into sunset; breezy summer evenings are especially romantic.
✓ Insider Tip:
Start at the stone manor, then follow the waterfront path to find secluded benches.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors praise the open skies, gentle breezes, and sense of escape from the city.
