Snug Harbor New York
Gardens, culture and more
Paula from New York
Staten Islanders of all ages adore the rich community arts center of Snug Harbor. The grounds were originally a home for retired sailors. It has been re-purposed to house museums, a community theater, classrooms for the arts, elegant event venues, and beautiful botanical gardens. The grounds are free to enter and explore, but some areas such as the museums and New York Chinese Scholars Garden do charge entry.
I love Snug Harbor's extensive and varied botanical gardens. From Tuscany to China, the gardens find inspiration around the world. I love the mysterious secret garden, which can only be found if you make your way through the hedge labyrinth. In the summer, the peony garden is a riot of color, blooming in every shade of pink and purple. The white garden often lends the perfect background to wedding photos as every flower blooms white in the spring.
Snug Harbor is also home to many museums: the Newhouse Center for Contemporary Arts, the Staten Island Museum, Noble Maritime Collection, and the Staten Island Children's Museum. If you are visiting with kids, I highly recommend the Children's museum. The entire building is full of interactive exhibits, allowing kids to learn through play. The Newhouse Center for Contemporary art is located within one of the Greek revival buildings at the front. The building alone is worth a visit, as it displays unique custom-made Tiffany stained glass, an elegant light-filled rotunda, and glass etchings depicting the constellations.
New York Spotter Paula
About this spot
Our New York City Guide
Find your way with 308 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Loved it? Join us!
Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in New York
Music Mondays
UWS Free Chamber Music
The Artistic Director Aaron Wunsch says “We believe this music is for absolutely anyone and everyone—it uplifts us and brings us together, as a community”.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Bach Vespers
Candlelit Bach
A concert was held within the aura of candle light—each congregant holding one—which, combined with the many candelabra, created a calming atmosphere.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Apple Bank
Samuel Yellin Ironwork
His malleable, buttery creations are a sight to behold! They can be seen closeup outside on the buildings massive iron doors, and inside where floral motifs adorn the central teller’s 'pen' and customer desks that line the walls.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Birria-Landia Tacos
NYTimes 2 Star Food Truck
Choose: tacos, quesadillas, tostados or a hot, chunky beef based soup called consommé composed of birria, chopped onion, cilantro and squeezed lime.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
The Old Print Shop
Flatiron District Gallery
"The Old Print Shop" in New York is my hands-down, hands-on museum/gallery of choice. I love mid-twentieth century 'industrial' or 'city' art...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Sea & Sea
Fried fish takeout
"Sea & Sea " in NYC is a traditional-looking fish shop with wet, tiled floors, cool air, grated ice on every hand, busy with customers from near and far...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Modern Bread and Bagel
Extreme gluten-free bagels
"Modern Bread and Bagel" in NYC has surfaced as exemplary, using criteria such as size and texture, seed and salt density. Here are some more top picks...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Pain d’ Epices
French / American patisserie
"Pain d' Epices" is a French bakery in NYC that makes croissants so flaky & buttery, the only way to avoid the crumbs is to 'put your back to the wind...'
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Django
Tribeca jazz boîte
"Django" in NYC is proof that the city's jazz club world is recovering. I celler/cavern is intimate enough that after performances I walk over to engage...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
The Dublin House
Irish Bar Centenarian
"The Dublin House" in NYC has been around since Prohibition and it still is neighborhood-sized. By the end of the night, everyone speaks Irish here...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Pastrami Queen
Traditional kosher Jewish deli
"Pastrami Queen" in NYC has if not the best, among the very best pastrami sandwiches in the city. It's the kind of American excess you just can't miss...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Sisters Uptown Bookstore
African diaspora hub
"Sisters Uptown Bookstore" in NYC is a hidden shop/cultural center w/ an eye-opening trove of books by African diaspora authors. A true neighborhood spot!
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Heading to New York?
308 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 308 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture
Our team loves New York
Get to know our other Spotters from New York
As featured on:
