Staten Island Ferry

More than a means of transportation, the Staten Island Ferry is an attraction unto itself. For no charge, visitors can enjoy the 25-minute voyage by water from Lower Manhattan to Staten Island and take in the Statue of Liberty and amazing views of New York Harbor and the Manhattan skyline. The ferry—which runs 24 hours a day and serves beer until midnight—drops off visitors at the St. George Ferry Terminal, close to the Staten Island Museum and the St. George Theatre, and just a short bus ride from the Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden. The latter is an educational and entertaining destination (a former retirement home for sailors) encompassing numerous institutions whose diverse offerings should appeal to all interests and ages. Among them are the Newhouse Center for Contemporary Art, the Noble Maritime Collection and the Staten Island Children's Museum. Within walking distance of the ferry terminal is Richmond County Bank Ballpark, home of minor league baseball team the Staten Island Yankees (they play from June through early September). Catch a game at this intimate stadium, which affords glorious waterfront views from the stands.