Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Cyclists on Staten Island
Top Things to Do in New York City for Cyclists on Staten Island
1. Staten Island Ferry
Roll your bike onto the iconic orange ferry at St. George and enjoy a breezy, camera-ready crossing with Statue of Liberty and skyline views before exploring Staten Island’s bike-friendly waterfront.
✓ Why Go:
It’s free, runs 24/7, and is the most scenic gateway into Staten Island for riders linking Brooklyn/Manhattan routes with North Shore paths.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early mornings on weekdays or golden hour for lighter crowds and prettier light; avoid rush hours when bike staging areas are busy.
✓ Insider Tip:
Follow bike signs to the aft loading zone and bring a simple strap to steady your bike during swells; on arrival, head right for quick access to Bay Street lanes.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Cyclists love the stress-free boarding, epic views, and seamless connection to island rides.
2. Fort Wadsworth
Pedal through one of the oldest military installations in the U.S., climbing to overlooks beneath the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge for sweeping harbor vistas and historic batteries.
✓ Why Go:
Short but satisfying climbs, photogenic lookouts, and links to shoreline routes make it a compact highlight for cyclists.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Clear, calm mornings for crisp views; shoulder seasons (spring/fall) for comfortable temps on the climbs.
✓ Insider Tip:
Loop the upper overlook, then descend toward Father Capodanno Boulevard to stitch in a flat waterfront spin to South or Midland Beach.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Riders praise the wow-factor bridge views and low-traffic internal roads.
3. Franklin D. Roosevelt Boardwalk
Cruise the long, flat ribbon along South and Midland Beaches with sea breezes, ocean views, and frequent rest stops—ideal for casual spins and sunset rides.
✓ Why Go:
It’s one of NYC’s most relaxing waterfront rides with miles of straight, social pedaling and easy beach access.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday mornings or sunset shoulder hours; summer weekends can be crowded near concessions.
✓ Insider Tip:
Wind can be stronger from the southwest—start into the wind and finish with a tailwind; water and restrooms are spaced along the route.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Families and leisure riders rave about the flat profile, salty air, and endless horizon.
4. Great Kills Park
Part of Gateway National Recreation Area, this peninsula park offers low-traffic roads and paths past dunes, marinas, and quiet beaches—perfect for a breezy loop.
✓ Why Go:
Scenic coastal mileage with minimal car interaction and plenty of birdlife and shoreline stops.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Spring and fall for mild weather; mid-morning after any fog lifts for clearest views.
✓ Insider Tip:
Combine a perimeter loop with a detour to the marina for snacks; bring sunscreen—shade is limited along the bayside.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Riders call it a peaceful ‘edge-of-the-city’ escape with easy navigation.
5. Clove Lakes Park
Thread through towering oaks and glacial ponds on gentle park roads and multiuse paths that feel worlds away from city bustle.
✓ Why Go:
A shady, centrally located spin with rolling terrain that suits fitness laps or relaxed cruising.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late spring through early fall; midday offers the most shade cover on warmer days.
✓ Insider Tip:
Link Clove Lakes with nearby Silver Lake for a compact, greener-than-green urban loop.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Cyclists appreciate the calm vibe and tree canopy that keeps rides cool.
6. Silver Lake Park
Circle the reservoir on low-traffic park roads and paths with skyline peeks and gentle grades—great for steady laps or warm-ups.
✓ Why Go:
Smooth surfaces and mellow inclines make it beginner-friendly while still scenic.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early mornings for glassy water reflections; fall foliage adds a colorful backdrop.
✓ Insider Tip:
Add a climb up Victory Boulevard for a fitness burst, then coast back toward the lake.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Praised for tranquility and quick, repeatable loops that fit any schedule.
7. Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden
Pedal the historic North Shore to a sprawling 19th‑century campus where quiet internal roads and gardens create a serene mid-ride pause.
✓ Why Go:
A cultural pit stop with bike-friendly grounds and easy access to Richmond Terrace waterfront riding.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekdays or early weekends; spring bloom and autumn color are especially photogenic.
✓ Insider Tip:
Lock up for a quick garden stroll, then continue west along Richmond Terrace for harbor views and murals.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Riders love the blend of history, art, and easy pedaling between attractions.
8. New Springville Greenway
Glide along the protected multiuse path parallel to Richmond Avenue, linking neighborhoods with Freshkills-adjacent greenery and easy errands.
✓ Why Go:
A safe, utilitarian spine for cyclists that doubles as a pleasant fitness route with few stops.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Daylight hours year-round; evening rides are fine with lights thanks to steady foot and bike traffic.
✓ Insider Tip:
Use the Staten Island Mall as a hydration and snack hub before continuing north toward Willowbrook corridors.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Locals value the continuity and protection from traffic, calling it Staten Island’s everyday go-to path.
9. Conference House Park
Ride to the city’s southern tip for quiet shoreline paths, historic homes, and breezy views across Raritan Bay.
✓ Why Go:
Low crowds, big skies, and layered history make it a rewarding out-and-back from the South Shore.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late afternoon for gentler winds and golden light; spring migratory birds add extra magic.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bring a windbreaker—exposure can be brisk; explore side paths toward the pavilion for uncrowded viewpoints.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Cyclists describe it as peaceful, spacious, and a satisfying ‘end of the map’ destination.
10. Alice Austen House
Spin the Shoreline Esplanade to this waterfront Victorian cottage turned museum, with lawns perfect for a handlebars-down photo stop facing the harbor.
✓ Why Go:
An easy, scenic ride with history, green space, and uninterrupted views of Lower Manhattan and the bridge.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Clear mornings for sharp views; weekdays for quieter lawns and easier bike parking.
✓ Insider Tip:
Continue south on Bay Street/Hylan Boulevard to link with the boardwalk, creating a continuous waterfront ride.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Riders love the calm setting, photogenic angles, and seamless link to other coastal routes.
