The Ultimate Guide to Staten Island Parks & Outdoors
Whether you are a local or looking to move to the "Borough of Parks," Staten Island offers an incredible diversity of green spaces. From the historic southernmost tip of New York to the massive forest preserve of the Greenbelt.
🌳 Explore the Greenest Borough
Staten Island isn't called the "Borough of Parks" by accident. With over 12,000 acres of protected parkland, it offers everything from glacial ponds and hiking trails to historic colonial manors.
Staten Island Parks Guide
From waterfront trails and historic harbor views to wooded preserves, playgrounds, golf courses, nature centers, and peaceful neighborhood green spaces, Staten Island is home to some of New York City’s most beautiful parks. Use this guide to explore parks by area and discover nearby Staten Island neighborhoods.
North Shore Parks
Staten Island’s North Shore offers a mix of waterfront promenades, historic harbor views, classic neighborhood parks, and scenic green spaces close to the ferry, cultural attractions, and established residential communities.
Silver Lake Park
Reservoir views, an 18-hole golf course, paved trails, tennis courts, and classic North Shore charm.
View North Shore ListingsClove Lakes Park
One of Staten Island’s most beloved parks with lakes, bridges, trails, paddle boats, playgrounds, and beautiful scenery.
Homes Near Clove Lakes ParkAllison Pond Park
A peaceful North Shore nature preserve with a scenic pond, walking paths, mature trees, and quiet wildlife viewing near Snug Harbor.
Explore West Brighton HomesNorth Shore Waterfront Esplanade
A beautiful waterfront promenade connecting the St. George waterfront with Empire Outlets, the Staten Island Ferry, public art, and breathtaking harbor views.
Explore St. George HomesFort Wadsworth
Historic military grounds with sweeping views of New York Harbor, the Verrazzano Bridge, and the Manhattan skyline.
Homes Near Fort WadsworthVon Briesen Park
A hidden waterfront park offering panoramic views of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, New York Harbor, walking paths, and spectacular sunsets.
Homes Near Von Briesen ParkMid-Island Parks
Mid-Island parks are known for wooded trails, golf, nature preserves, recreation fields, and easy access to some of Staten Island’s most central neighborhoods.
High Rock Park
A peaceful woodland preserve featuring hiking trails, freshwater ponds, wetlands, and some of the best birdwatching and nature photography on Staten Island.
Explore Manor Heights HomesThe Greenbelt
2,800 acres of preserved forest, scenic trails, nature centers, and peaceful wooded escapes in the heart of Staten Island.
Find Your Mid-Island RetreatWillowbrook Park
Known for scenic ponds, paved walking paths, sports fields, and beautiful seasonal foliage.
Homes Near Willowbrook ParkFairview Park
A neighborhood recreation spot with playgrounds, sports courts, open green space, and family-friendly amenities.
Browse Mid-Island HomesLatourette Park
Home to a public golf course, scenic woodlands, horseback riding trails, and miles of hiking paths connecting to the Greenbelt.
Explore New Springville HomesFreshkills Park
One of New York City’s most ambitious park transformations, offering wide-open landscapes, trails, and restored natural habitat.
Homes Near Freshkills ParkSouth Shore Parks
From Bay Terrace down to Tottenville, Staten Island’s South Shore features waterfront parks, beaches, nature preserves, family recreation areas, and some of the borough’s most scenic outdoor destinations.
Conference House Park
A blend of colonial history and stunning waterfront vistas at the southernmost tip of New York.
View Tottenville ListingsWolfes Pond Park
One of Staten Island's most diverse parks, offering beach access, biking trails, picnic areas, and waterfront recreation.
Homes in HuguenotBlue Heron Park Nature Center
A peaceful nature destination with wetlands, ponds, wildlife viewing, trails, and educational exhibits.
Homes Near Blue Heron ParkBloomingdale Park
A South Shore favorite with athletic fields, playgrounds, trails, wetlands, and one of Staten Island’s largest dog runs.
Explore Rossville HomesMount Loretto Unique Area
A stunning wildlife preserve with Raritan Bay views, walking trails, birdwatching, and open coastal landscapes.
Discover South Shore HomesLemon Creek Park
A waterfront gem with salt marshes, fishing access, kayak launches, scenic trails, and coastal wildlife.
Explore Prince's Bay HomesLenape Park
A quiet community park with athletic fields, walking paths, playgrounds, and open green space.
Homes in TottenvilleBrookfield Park
A peaceful natural area with wetlands, wooded trails, wildlife, and quiet open space tucked into the South Shore.
Explore Eltingville HomesGreat Kills Park
A waterfront destination with beaches, marina access, biking paths, fishing, and open space along Staten Island’s shoreline.
Explore Bay Terrace HomesPirate Park
A favorite neighborhood destination featuring a pirate ship-themed playground, splash area, ball fields, basketball courts, and picnic space for families.
Discover Great Kills HomesDiscover Staten Island Wildlife
Staten Island's parks are home to more than just trails. From the Great Egrets of the Bluebelt to the majestic eagles and hawks soaring over the Greenbelt, our island is rich with diverse ecosystems. Discover the unique wildlife that makes our 'Borough of Parks' an extraordinary place to call home.

Local Knowledge from Your Neighborhood Realtor
The Bluebelt: Staten Island's Hidden Superpower
Staten Island is home to one of the most innovative stormwater management systems in the world. The Bluebelt protects neighborhoods by using wetlands, ponds, streams, and natural drainage corridors instead of relying entirely on underground pipes.
Throughout Annadale, Arden Heights, Eltingville, Huguenot, Prince's Bay, Rossville, and Tottenville, these preserved natural areas help reduce flooding while creating beautiful habitats for birds, turtles, frogs, butterflies, and countless native plants.
Those distinctive manhole covers featuring the Great Egret aren't just decorative—they mark one of New York City's most successful environmental engineering projects and serve as a reminder that Staten Island's natural beauty plays an important role in protecting our communities.
The South Shore Bluebelt & Property Privacy
Learn how this award-winning conservation system creates the "gold standard" for backyard privacy and home values in Annadale, Tottenville, and Eltingville.
Read the Full GuideMore Parks to Explore on Staten Island
While Staten Island's signature parks attract visitors from across New York City, you'll also find dozens of neighborhood parks, waterfront promenades, athletic fields, nature preserves, and hidden gems throughout the borough. Whether you're looking for hiking trails, playgrounds, fishing spots, scenic overlooks, or a peaceful afternoon outdoors, there's a park waiting to be discovered in nearly every Staten Island neighborhood.
Corporal Thompson Park
Enjoy panoramic views of New York Harbor and the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge from this peaceful waterfront neighborhood park.
Explore Rosebank HomesTappen Park
The heart of Stapleton featuring seasonal events, green space, playgrounds, and one of Staten Island's most vibrant community gathering places.
Explore Stapleton HomesFaber Park
A neighborhood favorite with playgrounds, athletic fields, walking paths, and waterfront recreation along the Kill Van Kull.
Explore Port Richmond HomesOcean Breeze Park
A scenic waterfront park with walking paths, playgrounds, athletic facilities, and access to the Ocean Breeze Athletic Complex.
Explore Ocean Breeze HomesMahoney Playground
A community park featuring playgrounds, basketball courts, athletic fields, and open space for neighborhood recreation.
Explore New Brighton HomesWillowbrook Lake
A peaceful freshwater lake surrounded by walking paths and mature trees, providing a quiet retreat within Willowbrook Park.
Explore Willowbrook HomesFranklin D. Roosevelt Boardwalk
Stretching along Staten Island's eastern shoreline, this boardwalk offers beaches, fishing, biking, jogging, playgrounds, and ocean views.
Explore South Beach HomesMiller Field
A National Park Service recreation area popular for biking, sports, festivals, kite flying, and waterfront activities.
Explore New Dorp HomesSnug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden
Discover 83 acres of botanical gardens, museums, historic architecture, walking paths, and year-round cultural events.
Explore Livingston HomesLive Near the Parks You Love
One of the best things about living on Staten Island is having incredible outdoor spaces just minutes from home. Whether you're searching for a waterfront property near Conference House Park, a family-friendly neighborhood close to Clove Lakes Park, or a quiet home bordering the Greenbelt, there's a community that fits your lifestyle.
As a lifelong Staten Island resident and local real estate expert, I can help you discover neighborhoods that match the way you want to live.
Why Staten Island Parks Matter When Choosing a Neighborhood
For many Staten Island buyers, nearby parks are more than a bonus. They shape the lifestyle of a neighborhood. Whether you want waterfront views, weekend walking trails, playgrounds, dog-friendly spaces, ball fields, beach access, or peaceful natural areas, Staten Island offers a wide variety of outdoor spaces across the North Shore, Mid-Island, and South Shore.
As a local Staten Island real estate resource, this guide is designed to help you explore not only the parks themselves, but also the communities surrounding them.
Clove Lakes Park
One of Staten Island’s most beloved parks, Clove Lakes Park is known for its scenic lakes, wooded trails, paddle boating, playgrounds, and peaceful natural beauty. It is a favorite for families, walkers, runners, and anyone looking for a classic Staten Island outdoor escape.
🌳 Must See
The famous 300-year-old Tulip Tree, scenic bridges, lakes, and beautiful wooded walking paths.
🛶 Best For
Paddle boating, walking, jogging, fishing, picnics, playgrounds, photography, and seasonal ice skating.
🏡 Nearby Neighborhoods: Sunnyside, West Brighton, Randall Manor, Castleton Corners
Conference House Park
Located at New York State’s southernmost point, Conference House Park blends waterfront scenery with centuries of American history. Visitors can explore shoreline paths, wooded trails, wetlands, and the historic Conference House while enjoying sweeping views of Raritan Bay.
🏛️ Must Explore
The historic Conference House, shoreline views, fishing pier, wooded paths, and peaceful waterfront scenery.
🌅 Best For
Sunsets, history lovers, fishing, photography, birdwatching, and relaxing waterfront walks.
The Greenbelt
The Greenbelt is one of Staten Island’s greatest natural treasures, offering thousands of acres of preserved forest, scenic trails, nature centers, and peaceful escapes right in the center of the borough.
🥾 Trail Highlights
High Rock Park, Moses Mountain, scenic overlooks, wooded trails, and the Greenbelt Nature Center.
🌲 Best For
Hiking, trail running, nature walks, birdwatching, mountain biking, and quiet wooded escapes.
🏡 Nearby Neighborhoods: Todt Hill, Manor Heights, New Springville, Willowbrook, Richmondtown
Blue Heron Park Nature Center
Blue Heron Park Nature Center is a peaceful South Shore destination known for freshwater ponds, wetlands, wooded paths, wildlife viewing, and educational nature programs. It is one of Staten Island’s best spots for a quiet walk surrounded by nature.
🦅 Wildlife Spotting
Freshwater ponds, wetlands, birds, turtles, wooded trails, and peaceful natural scenery.
📸 Best For
Birdwatching, nature photography, quiet walks, family nature outings, and learning about local wildlife.
Great Kills Park
Great Kills Park is one of Staten Island’s most popular waterfront destinations, offering beaches, marina access, walking and biking paths, fishing areas, open space, and beautiful views along the shoreline.
🌊 Waterfront Highlights
Beach access, Great Kills Harbor, marina views, fishing areas, and wide-open shoreline scenery.
🚲 Best For
Biking, walking, kayaking, fishing, beach days, birdwatching, and waterfront relaxation.
Freshkills Park
Freshkills Park is one of New York City’s most ambitious environmental transformations, turning a once-closed landfill into a vast parkland of restored wetlands, open meadows, trails, wildlife habitats, and scenic overlooks.
🌾 Nature Highlights
Restored wetlands, open fields, scenic overlooks, wildlife habitats, and peaceful natural landscapes.
🚴 Best For
Cycling, birdwatching, nature tours, photography, educational programs, and exploring Staten Island’s changing landscape.
🏡 Nearby Neighborhoods: Travis, Chelsea, Bloomfield, Arlington
Mount Loretto Unique Area
Mount Loretto Unique Area is one of Staten Island’s most scenic natural destinations, offering dramatic Raritan Bay views, open fields, wooded trails, coastal landscapes, and exceptional wildlife watching along the South Shore.
🦅 Scenic Highlights
Raritan Bay views, coastal bluffs, open meadows, wildlife habitats, wooded paths, and peaceful shoreline scenery.
🌅 Best For
Hiking, birdwatching, nature photography, sunsets, quiet walks, and scenic South Shore views.
🏡 Nearby Neighborhoods: Prince’s Bay, Pleasant Plains, Tottenville
Meet Your Wild Neighbors
Staten Island’s parks are home to incredible wildlife, from Great Egrets to White-Tailed Deer. Explore my guide to the animals that share our beautiful "Borough of Parks."
Explore Wildlife 🤍Snug Harbor Cultural Center
Where history meets horticulture. An 83-acre former sailors' retirement home transformed into a premier cultural destination featuring stunning architecture and diverse botanical gardens.
- Must See: The New York Chinese Scholar's Garden.
- Best For: Botanical walks, architecture photography, and museums.
Westerleigh Park
Known for its iconic bandstand and century-old trees, Westerleigh Park is the heart of one of Staten Island’s most picturesque neighborhoods. This park isn't just a green space; it's a community gathering spot famous for summer concerts, patriotic celebrations, and a timeless, small-town atmosphere.
🎼 Community Spirit
Home to the Westerleigh Improvement Society’s events, including the popular Sunday summer concert series.
🌳 Historic Beauty
Surrounded by stunning Victorian and Craftsman homes, making it a favorite for architecture and nature lovers alike.
Joann’s Neighborhood Note:
Westerleigh is a "front porch" community. The park's flat, paved walkways and ample seating make it an exceptionally accessible and social spot for seniors and families looking for a connected, local lifestyle.
High Rock Park & Walking Trails
Recognized by the Department of the Interior as a National Natural Landmark, High Rock Park offers some of the most tranquil walking trails in New York City. For those seeking a quiet retreat from the urban bustle, the hardwood forests and quiet ponds here provide a perfect sensory escape.
🌲 The Quiet Trails
High Rock is famous for its six walking trails, ranging from the easy-to-navigate paths around Loosestrife Swamp to more elevated wooded views.
🦉 Bird Watching & Peace
Commonly home to Wood Ducks, Great Blue Herons, and Screech Owls, it is a sanctuary for nature photographers and those looking for a peaceful stroll.
Joann’s Pro-Tip for Seniors:
High Rock Park is an excellent choice for those looking for gentle exercise. The Lavender Trail is a favorite for its accessibility and sensory beauty, making it one of the most relaxing spots on the island.
Staten Island Parks: At-A-Glance
| Park Name | Best Activity | Key Feature | Neighborhood |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conference House | History / Shoreline | Southernmost Point | Tottenville |
| The Greenbelt | Rugged Hiking | Moses Mountain | Central S.I. |
| Clove Lakes | Boating / Picnics | 300yr Old Tulip Tree | Sunnyside |
| Silver Lake | Running / Golf | Reservoir Views | Silver Lake |
| Wolfes Pond | Beach / Biking | Glacial Pond | Huguenot |
| The Bluebelt | Birdwatching | Natural Drainage | Annadale / South Shore |
| Snug Harbor | Art / Gardens | Chinese Scholar’s Garden | Livingston / North Shore |
Curated by Joann Impellizine | SRES® Associate Real Estate Broker
Local Stewardship & Resources
The Greenbelt Nature Center
Hiking trails, maps, and education.
Visit Site →
Snug Harbor Cultural Center
Botanical gardens and museums.
Visit Site →
Conference House Association
History and waterfront tours.
Visit Site →
NYC Parks: Staten Island
General maintenance and permits.
Visit Site →
Staten Island Parks FAQ
What are the best parks on Staten Island for waterfront views?
Some of the best Staten Island parks for waterfront views include Conference House Park, Great Kills Park, Lemon Creek Park, Mount Loretto Unique Area, Fort Wadsworth, Von Briesen Park, and the North Shore Waterfront Esplanade.
Which Staten Island parks are best for nature walks?
The Greenbelt, Blue Heron Park Nature Center, Latourette Park, Willowbrook Park, Brookfield Park, Allison Pond Park, and Freshkills Park are excellent options for nature walks and scenic trails.
What are the best family-friendly parks on Staten Island?
Bloomingdale Park, Willowbrook Park, Wolfes Pond Park, Pirate Park, Clove Lakes Park, Fairview Park, and Lenape Park are popular choices for families because they offer playgrounds, open space, trails, and recreational amenities.
Which Staten Island neighborhoods have great access to parks?
Tottenville, Huguenot, Annadale, Prince's Bay, Great Kills, Rossville, West Brighton, Willowbrook, New Springville, Travis, and St. George all offer convenient access to major parks and outdoor recreation.
Live Near the Parks You Love
One of the best things about living on Staten Island is having incredible outdoor spaces just minutes from home. Whether you're searching for a waterfront property, a family-friendly neighborhood, or a quiet home near the Greenbelt, there’s a community that fits your lifestyle.
As a lifelong Staten Island resident and local real estate expert, I can help you discover neighborhoods that match the way you want to live.
