Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Luxury Travelers on Staten Island
Top Things to Do in New York City for Luxury Travelers on Staten Island
1. Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden
An elegant 19th‑century campus reimagined as an 83‑acre arts and botanical enclave, where landmark Greek Revival buildings frame formal allées, fountains, and curated galleries.
✓ Why Go:
For tranquil, culture‑rich hours far from midtown rush—perfect for leisurely garden strolls, architecture lovers, and private moments among sculpture and seasonal blooms.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late April through October for peak gardens; weekday mornings or golden hour for the quietest, most photogenic light.
✓ Insider Tip:
Arrange an advance, private garden overview with Visitor Services and pair it with a reservation at a nearby waterfront restaurant in St. George.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Affluent travelers praise the serenity, manicured grounds, and sense of discovery that feels a world away from Manhattan.
2. New York Chinese Scholar’s Garden
A rare, walled Ming‑style garden with hand‑crafted pavilions, zigzag bridges, and koi ponds designed for contemplation and framed skyline glimpses.
✓ Why Go:
It’s one of the city’s most exquisite small gardens—ideal for slow, meditative exploration and refined photography.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
May–June and September for lush foliage and softer light; visit after a light rain for reflective stone and mirror‑like ponds.
✓ Insider Tip:
Enter early and linger in the Moon Gate courtyard to enjoy the space before day‑trippers arrive.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors call it a jewel box—intimate, meticulously crafted, and surprisingly uncrowded.
3. Alice Austen House
The waterfront Victorian Gothic cottage of pioneering photographer Alice Austen, now a museum with sweeping harbor and bridge views.
✓ Why Go:
Art, history, and a manicured lawn meet cinematic vistas of the Verrazzano and Lower Manhattan—perfect for refined, quiet afternoons.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late afternoon into sunset for golden light over New York Harbor; spring and early fall for comfortable breezes.
✓ Insider Tip:
Book an advance docent‑led visit and bring a catered picnic to enjoy on the lawn overlooking the Narrows.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests love the combination of cultural depth and postcard‑worthy scenery without Midtown crowds.
4. National Lighthouse Museum
An evocative waterfront museum on the site of the former U.S. Lighthouse Service Depot, celebrating maritime design and navigation.
✓ Why Go:
Nautical history meets harbor panoramas steps from the ferry—elegant, atmospheric, and distinctly Staten Island.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Mid‑afternoon on clear days for gleaming harbor views; winter weekdays for privacy.
✓ Insider Tip:
Request a curator‑led walkthrough in advance, then stroll the adjacent esplanade for skyline photos.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Well‑traveled guests appreciate the niche collection and storied setting by the water.
5. St. George Theatre
A lavish 1929 palace restored to gilded glory—think hand‑painted ceilings, grand chandeliers, and impeccable acoustics.
✓ Why Go:
For a glamorous evening of performance with the option to book premium seating and enjoy craft cocktails in an ornate lobby.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Evening show nights; arrive 30–45 minutes early to soak in the architecture and avoid lines.
✓ Insider Tip:
Reserve box or premium mezzanine seats and arrange a car service drop‑off at the Hyatt Street entrance.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Patrons rave about Broadway‑caliber ambiance without Midtown hassle.
6. Casa Belvedere
A stately Italianate villa on Grymes Hill housing a cultural foundation with exhibitions, culinary programs, and refined dining events.
✓ Why Go:
Old‑world elegance, curated culture, and terrace views of the harbor—an intimate alternative to Manhattan’s scene.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Evening cultural programs and dinner events; late spring and early fall for terrace weather.
✓ Insider Tip:
Secure reservations for members’ dining nights well in advance and request a window table for twinkling skyline views.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests describe it as romantic, polished, and authentically upscale without pretense.
7. Historic Richmond Town
A 100‑acre living history village with restored homes, heritage crafts, and seasonal markets amid leafy lanes.
✓ Why Go:
Step into early New York with space to breathe—ideal for unhurried strolling and bespoke educational experiences.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
September–November for crisp air and festivals; quiet weekday mornings year‑round.
✓ Insider Tip:
Check the calendar for candlelit evenings and limited‑attendance programs; arrange a private guide for deeper context.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Discerning visitors value the authenticity and calm, calling it a hidden cornerstone of the borough.
8. Richmond County Country Club
New York City’s only private country club, set on Todt Hill with championship golf, tennis, and refined club dining.
✓ Why Go:
For exclusive recreation in a serene, members‑only environment uncommon within city limits.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
May–October for peak course conditions and terrace dining; weekday mornings for a quieter pace.
✓ Insider Tip:
If you hold reciprocal privileges through your home club, have your concierge arrange play and a post‑round table.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Members and invited guests note impeccable service, classic design, and a discreet atmosphere.
9. Stone House at Clove Lakes
A refined lakeside restaurant set within Clove Lakes Park, known for polished service, fireplaces, and seasonal New American menus.
✓ Why Go:
An upscale, unrushed meal in a scenic park setting—ideal for celebrations or a tranquil date night.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Sunset for golden reflections on the lake; weekend brunch for a leisurely outing.
✓ Insider Tip:
Request a waterfront or gazebo‑side table when booking, and arrive early for a pre‑dinner stroll by the stone bridges.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Diners highlight attentive staff, generous portions, and romantic ambiance.
10. Conference House Museum
An 18th‑century stone manor at the tip of Staten Island where peace talks were attempted during the American Revolution, set beside breezy bayfront lawns.
✓ Why Go:
Historic gravitas meets coastal tranquility—perfect for contemplative walks and heritage appreciation.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late afternoon in spring or fall for gentle light and fewer visitors; check museum hours before you go.
✓ Insider Tip:
Time your visit for golden hour on the waterfront and consider a private, prearranged tour for deeper insight.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Travelers call it serene, dignified, and worth the journey to Staten Island’s southernmost point.
