Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Runners on Staten Island
Top Things to Do in New York City for Runners on Staten Island
1. Ocean Breeze Athletic Complex
A world-class indoor and outdoor track facility steps from the Atlantic, Ocean Breeze is Staten Island’s centerpiece for speedwork, strides, and all-weather training.
✓ Why Go:
Banked indoor lanes, a fast outdoor track, and nearby shoreline paths make it ideal for structured workouts without traffic or uneven terrain.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday early mornings or late evenings to avoid meets; winter months are great thanks to the climate-controlled indoor oval.
✓ Insider Tip:
Check public hours in advance; bring a lightweight layer—the ocean breeze can drop temps quickly, even in summer.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Runners rave about the smooth surface, reliable access, and professional feel—many call it the city’s most runner-friendly venue.
2. Franklin D. Roosevelt Boardwalk and Beach
A wide, seaside boardwalk linking South Beach and Midland Beach with uninterrupted views of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge and open Atlantic.
✓ Why Go:
Flat, forgiving boards for tempo efforts or recovery jogs, ocean views for motivation, and sea breezes that take the edge off summer heat.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Sunrise and golden hour; midweek is quieter. In winter, pick calm days—wind can be strong.
✓ Insider Tip:
Water fountains and restrooms cluster near Midland Beach; stash a layer because headwinds on the return can make it feel cooler.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Praised for big-sky views and stress-free miles; families and walkers share space but there’s ample room to settle into a rhythm.
3. Greenbelt Nature Center Trails
Gateway to the Staten Island Greenbelt’s rolling singletrack and wide paths, with loops that suit everything from easy trail jogs to long runs.
✓ Why Go:
Shaded woodland, soft footing, and rolling elevation—perfect for building strength and escaping traffic without leaving the borough.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Spring and fall for dry, leaf-lined trails; after heavy rain, allow a day for mud to settle.
✓ Insider Tip:
Grab a trail map inside the Nature Center and start on the White or Blue trails; watch for roots and rocks on descents.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Locals love the sense of wilderness in the city and call the trail network a secret weapon for marathon base building.
4. High Rock Park
A quiet, hilly pocket of the Greenbelt with kettle ponds and pine stands that make strides and hill repeats feel like upstate training.
✓ Why Go:
Short, punchy climbs and peaceful trails offer focused workouts and mindful miles far from traffic noise.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early mornings year-round; summer brings deep shade, while late October delivers spectacular foliage.
✓ Insider Tip:
Use the Nevada Avenue entrance and loop the red-blazed trails for compact hill circuits; shoes with good grip recommended.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Described as serene and restorative—runners appreciate the challenging terrain and minimal crowds.
5. LaTourette Park Trails
Rolling dirt and grass paths wrap around the historic LaTourette Golf Course, linking to classic Greenbelt routes like the Blue Trail.
✓ Why Go:
Soft surfaces and undulating terrain are ideal for building strength without pounding, with open meadows to reset your pace.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late afternoon in spring and fall; avoid trail edges at dawn on foggy mornings when visibility is low.
✓ Insider Tip:
Park by the clubhouse and hop on the Blue Trail for a scenic mid-length loop; tick-check after summer runs.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Popular with club runners who call it a perfect compromise between technical trails and smooth park paths.
6. Conference House Park
At Staten Island’s southern tip, coastal paths weave through meadows, woodlands, and Revolutionary War history with Raritan Bay views.
✓ Why Go:
Varied terrain and light crowds make it great for progression runs; sea air and open sightlines keep motivation high.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Mornings spring through fall; winter days are brisk but beautifully clear.
✓ Insider Tip:
Wind can be strong—plan your out-and-back to finish with a tailwind; bring water as fountains are limited.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Praised for scenery and calm—runners call it a destination run that feels far from the city without the travel.
7. Great Kills Park
Part of Gateway National Recreation Area, Great Kills offers paved paths, beaches, and breezy peninsulas perfect for tempo runs and long efforts.
✓ Why Go:
Long, flat stretches with minimal cross streets let you lock into pace; harbor views and birdlife add a nature fix.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Shoulder seasons for mild temps; in summer, run early to beat sun exposure on open sections.
✓ Insider Tip:
Use the marina area for bathroom access; check tide forecasts if you add firm-sand beach segments.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Runners highlight the spaciousness and easy pacing—many note it’s ideal for marathon-pace practice.
8. Bloomingdale Park
A South Shore favorite with paved loops, ballfields, and small hills that suit steady laps, stroller runs, and low-stress workouts.
✓ Why Go:
Predictable circuits are great for timed intervals and beginners; plenty of benches and open sightlines enhance safety.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late morning weekdays or early weekend mornings before youth games start.
✓ Insider Tip:
String together outer-loop laps for a longer effort; bring your own hydration—fountains can be seasonal.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Families and fitness groups praise its clean paths and community vibe; joggers feel welcome and unhurried.
9. Silver Lake Park
A classic reservoir loop with gentle rollers, leafy shade, and skyline peeks that keep everyday miles interesting.
✓ Why Go:
Convenient North Shore location with varied gradients—ideal for steady-state runs and recovery days.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday dawn or dusk; fall colors and spring blooms make shoulder seasons especially scenic.
✓ Insider Tip:
Add hill repeats on Victory Boulevard for strength, then cool down on the flat lakeside path.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Beloved by neighborhood runners for its reliable loop and peaceful vibe amid city life.
10. New Springville Greenway
A multi-use path paralleling Richmond Avenue with long, straight sections beside Freshkills—great for tempo runs without traffic lights.
✓ Why Go:
Predictable, gently rolling pavement supports consistent pacing and safe midweek training miles.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early mornings to avoid retail traffic; cooler months are comfortable thanks to open exposure.
✓ Insider Tip:
Start near the mall and head south to reduce road crossings; wear high-visibility gear at dusk.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Runners appreciate the no-nonsense efficiency—plenty of space, clear sightlines, and easy mileage banking.
