What to do and see in Staten Island, New York (NY): The Best Hidden Gems Things to do

The New York Chinese Scholar's Garden is truly unique attraction that adds new dimension to our understanding of life in ancient China and serves as the perfect setting for a host of multi-cultural events. It features magnificent rockery that resemble mountains that inspired the poetry and paintings of Confucian, Buddhist and Taoist monks and other scholars. Visitors can explore eight pavilions, a bamboo forest path, waterfalls, a Koi-filled pond, Chinese calligraphy, and a variety of Ghongshi scholar's rocks including a 15-foot formation that towers over the central courtyard. The Garden is a compilation of different gardens in China. It is based on Ming Dynasty Gardens (1368-1644). The New York Scholar's garden is the one of two authentic scholar's gardens in the United States. A team of 40 Chinese artists and craftsmen spent a year in China creating the Garden's components and another six months in Staten Island as craftsmen-in-residence at Snug Harbor to complete the construction. The Chinese Scholar's Garden at Snug Harbor is one of only two authentic scholar's gardens in the United States.

This gingerbread cottage was the home of one of America's most revered photographers, whose works are exhibited here.

Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden, a distinguished Smithsonian Affiliate, is Staten Island's premier destination for culture and entertainment. Set within a stunning 83-acre park-like setting, Snug Harbor presents a unique blend of gardens, museums, theaters, educational opportunities, and seasonal festivals. Snug Harbor's historic grounds and Greek Revival buildings house arts organizations with the area's most vibrant and intriguing activities, providing numerous ways for visitors of all ages and backgrounds to explore. The richness of this captivating environment truly makes Snug Harbor the heart of Staten Island's social life and a must-see destination in the region. Entrance to Snug Harbor's campus is free. Entrance to the Newhouse Center for Contemporary Art and the Chinese Scholar's Garden is $5. The Snug Harbor grounds are open daily, dawn to dusk. The Chinese Scholar's Garden is open from Tuesday - Sunday, 10am-5pm (last admission at 4:30pm). The Newhouse Center for Contemporary Art is open Wednesday - Sunday, 10am-5pm. Check our Facebook page for current happenings and upcoming events!

This fort played an important role in U.S. history starting during the Revolutionary War.

Resembling a small Tibetan mountain temple, this unique museum showcases objects of Tibetan, Nepalese, Tibeto-Chinese and Mongolian in origin, dating primarily from the 17th to 19th centuries.