NYC’s $5 Day Trip to the Forgotten Island🤔💭

i bet you no one’s ever recommended this place for your nyc trip!

⛴️ take the Staten Island Ferry over to Staten Island for a day trip! on the ferry ride you’ll see the Statue of Liberty - make sure to stay on the right side of the ferry to sneak a peek

🛍️ right when you get off the ferry, you’ll depart next to the Empire Outlets - definitely stop by for some good deals

🪴 next i would drive down to Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden for beautiful scenery (this will be the only paid activity of the day for a $5 ticket!)

& if you’re coming on a warm day & you’re feeling a picnic

🏰 either (1) go to Fort Wadsworth to catch the brooklyn and Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge view and the area is calm and there are lots of greenery there

🏖️ or (2) go to Midland Beach and take a walk down the boardwalk and picnic here instead if you prefer a sand over grass picnic

🍝 bonus tip: if you are just taking in the sights and prefer to eat indoors or coming when it’s colder out i definitely recommend Royal Crown Bakery for the BEST pasta and pastries in nyc! they don’t miss!!

#lemon8partner #statenisland #nyc #ThingsToDo #picnic

2025/12/10 Edited to

... Read moreStaten Island often slips under the radar when considering New York City’s travel destinations, yet it offers a unique blend of scenic views, cultural experiences, and budget-friendly activities perfect for a day trip. The Staten Island Ferry provides more than just free transportation; it offers breathtaking sights of the Statue of Liberty — a must-see for visitors wanting an iconic NYC photo without the crowds or entrance fees. Once on the island, the Empire Outlets stand out as a premier shopping spot featuring popular brands like Nordstrom Rack, Nike Outlet, Cotton On, and Aerie, ideal for bargain hunters and fashion enthusiasts alike. Beyond shopping, Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden is a serene escape with diverse botanical collections and beautifully maintained gardens, accessible with just a $5 admission — a great way to experience art, culture, and nature combined. For outdoor leisure, Fort Wadsworth offers peaceful picnic spots with stunning views of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge and Brooklyn skyline, perfect for warm days and nature lovers. Alternatively, Midland Beach’s boardwalk delivers a sandy shore experience, a relaxing place for walks and picnics by the water. Food lovers should not miss Royal Crown Bakery, known locally for its exceptional pasta dishes and pastries — a cozy indoor dining option especially welcoming during colder months. By exploring Staten Island through these highlighted experiences, visitors can enjoy a well-rounded and affordable day in NYC’s often overlooked 'forgotten island,' balancing sightseeing, shopping, nature, and local flavors all within a modest budget.

Related posts

Museums in NYC that are FREE to visit
Here’s a list of free and low-cost museums and cultural spots to check out on your NYC trip! American Folk Art Museum – The city’s only museum dedicated to folk and self-taught artists, always free. The Museum at FIT – A fashion-focused museum located on the FIT campus with free admissio
Brooklyn Guide

Brooklyn Guide

1244 likes

Places in NYC to enjoy in the rain ☔️
When traveling to NYC you might get a rainy day, don’t let that spoil your fun though as there are places that feel magical in NYC in the rain! Just bring an umbrella and embrace the rain! Governors Island One of the best places to enjoy the rain with a view. Either spend a rainy day soaking
Brooklyn Guide

Brooklyn Guide

397 likes

Unique museums in NYC part 2
Next time you’re traveling to New York , you will want to check out some of the city’s unique museums! MoSa Museum of Street Art (MoSA) is tucked away in the stairwell of the citizenM New York Bowery hotel ! This is best visited first by going to the rooftop bar for views then take the MoSa
Brooklyn Guide

Brooklyn Guide

239 likes

A person wearing a hat walks down a bustling New York City street, with text overlay announcing "Ultimate NYC Experience YOUR 5-DAY MASSIVE ITINERARY" and "DAY 01 Swipe" for a guide to sightseeing, restaurants, and tips.
The Vessel at Hudson Yards serves as the background for text outlining Day 01 of an NYC itinerary, covering Hudson Yards, Chelsea, and Flatiron District, designed as a light schedule for tourists.
The Vessel structure is in the background of a detailed itinerary for Hudson Yards, listing sights like the Highline, places to eat like NY Pizza Suprema, dessert at Cindy Lou's Cookies, coffee, drinks, and tips for The Edge.
The Ultimate NYC 5-Day Itinerary 🗽
So you're planning your dream trip to New York , but don't know where to start or need the inspiration to create the PERFECT itinerary… YOU'RE IN THE RIGHT PLACE! When I first moved to NYC, I spent months researching everything that I could do as a first-time traveler, and I'm
Your City Gal | NYC

Your City Gal | NYC

31 likes

An aerial view of the New York City skyline with Central Park in the foreground, featuring the title 'NEW YORK New York City on a Budget 2025'.
A collage for Day 1 of a NYC itinerary, showing Times Square, Bryant Park, Grand Central Terminal, Rockefeller Center, and St. Patrick's Cathedral.
A collage for Day 2 of a NYC itinerary, featuring the Statue of Liberty, 9/11 Memorial, Financial District, One World Trade Center, and The Oculus.
Any Plans to Visit NYC❓5 Days Itinerary 👇
#letschat Do you have any plans to visit NYC❓ 📲SAVE this 5 Day Itinerary For the Best Things to Do in NYC without Breaking the Bank👇 Day 1️⃣ 📍Times Square (Free)Times Square 📍Bryant Park (Free) Bryant Park 📍Grand Central Terminal (Free) 📍Rockefeller Center/ Top of the Rock($40-$61)
Marisol - Globe Traveler

Marisol - Globe Traveler

141 likes

NYC spots for the young at heart!
Even if you’re traveling to New York without kids, there are a few spots that spark childlike wonder even in adults! Save these spots for your visit to feel like a kid again! Delacorte Clock Located in Central Park , this is the gateway into the Central Park Zoo . The gateway features a
Brooklyn Guide

Brooklyn Guide

214 likes

An iPhone screen shows the Apple Reminders app, highlighting the 'Assign Reminder' option with 'Honey' selected, demonstrating how to assign a reminder to someone else. Text overlays read 'how to assign reminders for someone else' and 'Now your husband won't forget anything'.
A step-by-step guide on a grid background. Step 1 shows creating a new 'Honey' list in the Reminders app. Step 2 illustrates tapping and holding the list to select 'Share List' from the options.
A step-by-step guide on a grid background. Step 3 shows a 'Create Link' pop-up to share the reminder list with 'Honey'. Step 4 explains that the recipient must accept the invitation to share the list.
No more forgotten to-dos and anniversaries 💕✨
If you're sharing a grocery list, planning a trip, or managing tasks with family or coworkers, this feature makes life way easier! Here’s how to set it up: 👇 📌 1. Open the Reminders app and create or open a shared list. (Make sure you’ve invited the person!) 📌 2. Add a new reminder or tap an
Unrealtoreal

Unrealtoreal

1444 likes

An aerial view of the New York City skyline at sunset, featuring prominent skyscrapers. Text overlay announces a '3 DAYS INTINERARY New York, USA MOSTLY BY FOOT', accompanied by an American flag and Statue of Liberty icon.
A visual itinerary for 'Day 1' in New York City, showing images of Times Square, Rockefeller Center, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Top of the Rock, and Bryant Park, with estimated time spent and prices for each location.
A visual itinerary for 'Day 2' in New York City, showing images of Central Park, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Fifth Avenue, Museum Mile, and Lincoln Center, with estimated time spent and prices for each location.
3 Days in NYC ✨
Day 1 Arrival ✈️ → Check-in → Times Square → Rockefeller Center → Sunset at Top of the Rock Observation Deck 🌆 → Bryant Park 🍽️ Day 2 Central Park 🌳 → The Metropolitan Museum of Art 🎨 → Fifth Avenue 🛍️ → Museum Mile 🔍 → Lincoln Center 🎵 Day 3 Statue of Liberty 🗽 → Wall Street & Charging Bu
My Little Escapes

My Little Escapes

116 likes

✨3 Day Itinerary📍NYC🗽
📍 New York City is one of my favorite places to travel to!🗽 ✨ Above is an itinerary that helps with maximizing your time for a 3 day trip✨ ‼️We purchased CityPasses which were extremely useful when exploring various attractions. Definitely recommend‼️ #new york #citypass #statue of liberty
AC

AC

61 likes

A street view in New York City with tall buildings, cars, and a prominent domed building in the background. The sky is bright, and the image is overlaid with the text "5 NYC musts For first timers."
A young woman with curly brown hair smiles at the camera from an observation deck, with the New York City skyline visible behind a metal fence. Text on the image mentions "Empire State Building" and "$41 per person" for city views.
The Statue of Liberty stands in the distance across a body of water under a clear blue sky. The image promotes taking the "Staten Island Ferry" to see the statue, highlighting that it's free.
NYC Bucketlist Itinerary
If it’s your first time in New York City, there are a few things you definitely need to add to your to do list, and I’m here to make sure you hit all the best spots!! First up: the iconic Empire State Building . It may be a bit pricey at $41 per person, but you’ve got to do it at least once!
Lauren.e.albury

Lauren.e.albury

79 likes

The cover image features a woman in a hat and patterned dress reading a newspaper, sitting outdoors in front of a shop window. The title reads "NYC LIKE A LOCAL 50 UNIQUE NYC SOLO DATE IDEAS THE MOST UNUSUAL EXPERIENCES."
This image lists 15 unique solo date ideas in NYC, including taking a cake-making class, DIY phone case, cuddling cats, spa day, puppy yoga, and creating personalized scents, set against a blurry background of purple and pink lights.
This image presents 15 more solo date ideas for NYC, such as learning a new hobby, meditation classes, visiting a flower shop, immersive art exhibits, color analysis, and gallery hopping, with a blurry cityscape in the background.
DIFFERENT SOLO DATE IDEAS IF YOU’RE IN NYC!
✨ If you're looking for a new hobby, friends, or just something to pass the time, then I have 50 of the MOST COOL and ONE-OF-A-KIND suggestions for you to do in New York . 👉🏼 And the best part? These are all activities that you can do alone, by yourself, and just you (but they would also ma
Your City Gal | NYC

Your City Gal | NYC

69 likes

A vintage storefront on City Island, Bronx, with colorful bunting, various items displayed outside, and a bicycle. The image highlights City Island as a hidden gem for things to do in NYC.
A round black sign for Clipper Coffee, featuring a ship illustration, hangs outside a building on a tree-lined street in City Island. Clipper Coffee is described as a cozy café with great baked goods.
The interior of Dan's Parents' House & Kaleidoscope Gallery, a quirky shop filled with various toys, collectibles, and unique items on shelves and a circular display. It's highlighted as a cool gallery.
Hidden Gem Less Than 1 Hour from NYC
This small island in the Bronx feels like a hidden gem located less than an hour from the city! Less than an hour from the city, City Island is the perfect spot for a peaceful and charming day trip. I went with some friends, and even though we got a drizzly, chilly day, this place still felt st
Your City Gal | NYC

Your City Gal | NYC

66 likes

A New York City budget travel guide section titled 'Explore More. Spend Less.' It lists 10 free or budget-friendly places to visit, like the Brooklyn Bridge and Central Park, and 10 famous New York foods to try, such as New York Style Pizza and NYC Bagel with Lox.
A New York City budget travel guide section titled 'Explore More. Spend Less.' It features 10 budget-friendly hotels, 3 affordable transportation options (Subway, MTA Bus, Walking), and 5 important cautions for visitors, including pickpockets and scams.
A New York City budget travel guide section titled 'Explore More. Spend Less.' It displays an NYC map with pinned locations for 10 places to visit, 10 foods to eat, and 10 hotels to stay, along with instructions on how to use the map in Google Maps.
🗽 NYC Budget Travel Guide You Need To Save
Planning a trip to New York without spending a fortune? This NYC travel guide is packed with budget-friendly places to visit, iconic foods to try, affordable hotels, transportation tips, safety reminders, and picture-perfect spots for unforgettable photos and videos. Inside this guide you’ll f
Travel with midz!

Travel with midz!

82 likes

An aerial view of the New York City skyline at dusk, featuring the Empire State Building, with text overlays "NEW YORK" and "10 thing to do."
The Statue of Liberty stands prominently on Liberty Island, surrounded by water under a cloudy sky, with the city skyline in the distance.
People, including children and performers in blue costumes, are gathered in Central Park, enjoying large bubbles on a brick-paved area.
#NewYork🇺🇸🗽10 Things to Do in NYC
Sharing my mini guide of 10 things you can do in NYC. 📌 SAVE it for your next #Trip 1️⃣ Visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Statue of Liberty 2️⃣Take a Walk in Central Park 3️⃣Admire the Views from the Empire State Building 4️⃣ Visit The Edge Observation Deck Edge 5️
Marisol - Globe Traveler

Marisol - Globe Traveler

60 likes

Cool NYC museums: New York Transit Museum
Traveling to New York and looking for cool museums to visit? Check out the New York Transit Museum in Downtown Brooklyn , a museum worth making a trip for! The museum offers a fascinating look at the history of NYC’s public transportation set in a now defunct subway station featuring every
Brooklyn Guide

Brooklyn Guide

564 likes

The exterior of Mmuseumm, a small museum located in an alleyway, with graffiti on the walls and people looking inside. The image has a text overlay "MINI MUSEUMS IN NYC to check out."
Inside Mmuseumm, two women are observing various small, unique objects displayed in glass cases, resembling a cabinet of curiosities. The text overlay reads "Mmuseumm A natural history museum meets cabinet of curiosities located in a tiny space in an alley in Tribeca!"
The storefront of The City Reliquary Museum, a brick building with a yellow awning, an "OPEN" sign, and visible displays. The text overlay says "City Reliquary Small museum dedicated to the history of New York with quirky artifacts and memorabilia! Plus rotating exhibits."
Cool mini museums in NYC to visit
Next time you’re traveling to New York and want to visit some unique attractions, check out these small museums worth visiting! Mmuseumm Mini natural history museum in Tribeca that’s a bit tongue in cheek! Literally located in an alleyway! It’s as small as a closet and is essentially a c
Brooklyn Guide

Brooklyn Guide

301 likes

NYC itinerary 🚕✨
steal this for your future NYC trip🚕 send to someone you want to come with #nyc #nyctrip #placestovisit #placestotravel #nyctravel #nycitinerary #travelnyc #nycrecommendations #nycrestaurants #nyccoffee #newyorkcity
Mariz Kozman

Mariz Kozman

16 likes

Governors Island day trip in NYC
When traveling to New York , check out one of the coolest day trips just a few minutes ferry ride from Manhattan and Brooklyn ! Take the Governors Island Ferry from Lower Manhattan at the Battery Maritime Building ($5 for round trip) Governors Island is essentially a public park in
Brooklyn Guide

Brooklyn Guide

13 likes

Visit NYC (budget friendly!) 🗽
NYC is definitely a USA Bucket list destination, but it’s an expensive place to visit! Cost of hotels, transportation, food, etc can really add up. 📈 There’s a few big ticket items everyone decides to splurge on. Here’s a few of my favorite things to add to your list to fill in time, and save mo
Alyssa Copham

Alyssa Copham

50 likes

The image features a vibrant pink and peach floral tunnel, creating an immersive indoor pathway. Overlay text reads "THINGS TO DO INDOORS IN NEW YORK CITY WHEN IT'S TOO HOT OR RAINY," serving as the article's title.
An interior view of The Metropolitan Museum of Art shows a grand hall with a classical building facade and sculptures. Overlay text highlights "THE MET" and mentions admission details, including a bonus admission to The Met Cloisters.
A person stands amidst a futuristic interactive art installation with purple lighting and reflective tubes, creating a mesmerizing effect. Overlay text lists "INTERACTIVE ART MUSEUMS" and specific venues like INTER_IAM, Mercer Labs, and Artechouse with their price ranges.
Things to do in NYC indoors on a hot or rainy day
If it’s too hot outside or a rainy day during your New York trip check out these fun options for indoor things to do in the city! Spend a Day at The Metropolitan Museum of Art You can spend hours in here! It’s a great indoor activity in NYC to do when you have hours to spend but don’t wan
Brooklyn Guide

Brooklyn Guide

1095 likes

A laptop keyboard and a cup of coffee, with text overlayed: "TRAVEL HACKS USING AI TO PLAN MY NEXT TRIP AND THE BEST PART? IT'S FREE."
An overlay on ancient ruins showing text about an "Independent Cultural Adventurer" and a prompt to "FIND OUT YOUR TRAVEL PERSONA" for personalized AI recommendations.
An image showing examples of questions to ask the Mindtrip AI platform, including prompts for finding places, hotels, itineraries, and a specific trip to Florianopolis.
This AI Helps You Plan Your Trip- AND IT’S AMAZING
✨ I might have discovered the best platform to help you plan your trips. 💻 If you're anything like me, you love researching everything about the next place you're traveling to (or at least someone in your trip group does!). 🌏 And one of my biggest struggles when planning a trip is the
Your City Gal | NYC

Your City Gal | NYC

134 likes

A hand holds a hot chocolate from Brooklyn Farmacy & Soda Fountain, with a blurred storefront in the background, illustrating "things in NYC to warm you up on a cold day."
A close-up of a hot chocolate in a glass mug topped with toasted marshmallow, with text listing recommended hot chocolate spots in NYC.
An interior view of a spa with multiple illuminated pools and brick architecture, accompanied by text recommending NYC spa locations for a relaxing day.
things to try in NYC on a cold day
Traveling during winter in NYC can be COLD! Luckily there are a few fun ways to warm up form the inside out! Get hot chocolate! There are so many great hot chocolate spots in NYC that are perfect for a cold day! Our favorites are: Angelina Paris Bryant Park Thierry Atlan Soho Bar Pi
Brooklyn Guide

Brooklyn Guide

84 likes

📍 Little Island, NYC
Must do visit when in NYC Little Island https://morelegsroom.com/gear/outdoor/2024/04/18/what-to-wear-for-travel-my-favorite-styles.html #nyc #nyc #littleisland #nyctreats
More Legs Room

More Legs Room

39 likes

Two vintage bumper cars are displayed indoors, looking out a window at the Cyclone roller coaster and amusement park rides under a sunset sky. A sign for "BATHING OFFICE" is visible on the right.
The SeaGlass Carousel building glows with colorful lights at dusk, surrounded by trees and a path, under a dramatic pink and purple sunset sky in Lower Manhattan.
A vibrant mural-style sign for the Coney Island Museum features illustrations of historical amusement park attractions like Dreamland, Steeplechase, Luna Park, Wonder, and Cyclone.
$10 and under budget NYC activities
Traveling to New York and looking for fun things to do that won’t break the bank? Check out these fun things to do in New York under $10. SeaGlass Carousel Whimsical, under-the-sea themed carousel in The Battery in Lower Manhattan you can ride! It’s extra magical looking at dusk! C
Brooklyn Guide

Brooklyn Guide

185 likes

A woman in a light blue t-shirt and denim shorts poses in front of the Statue of Liberty under a cloudy sky. The word 'Dream' is overlaid in pink, reflecting the magical first-time visit.
Two young girls sit back-to-back, smiling, with the Statue of Liberty in the background under a bright blue sky. The word 'Love' is overlaid in pink, symbolizing an unforgettable experience.
The Statue of Liberty stands prominently in the foreground with the Manhattan skyline and One World Trade Center in the distance across the water. The word 'Positive' is overlaid in pink.
10 yrs in NYC, 1st time visiting Statue of Liberty
I’ve lived in NYC for 10 years, always admiring the Statue of Liberty from a distance. But for the first time, I visited Liberty Island—and it was truly magical to see her up close. An unforgettable experience! #cityexplorer #nyc #newyorktrip #nycguide #landmarks Statue of Liberty
Mia Hudson

Mia Hudson

2 likes

Experiencing 5 star head spa in NYC 🧖🏼‍♀️⭐️
Ultimate relaxation day unlocked! This is Island Spa Club in Glen Cove-she massaged my neck, chest, shoulders, head, even my hands. My head?? Super comfortable. And it was only $68! If you happen to be in the area, this place is a real gem! Island Spa Club #spaexperience #headspa #scalpmassag
Savannah Vinson

Savannah Vinson

5326 likes

A young woman in a bright pink two-piece outfit and headband poses against a dark building in NYC, holding a pink patterned handbag.
A YouTube channel screenshot for "CeeMoney" (@CeeMoney444) showing a video titled "24 HOURS IN NYC: GIRLS TRIP, PARTYNEXTDOOR CONCERT, SHOPPING IN SOHO, I MET KAYLO..."
A close-up selfie shows a blonde woman with blue eyes and an open mouth, smiling, next to another person, likely Kaylor from Love Island.
NYC DUMP 🎀
make sure to subscribe to my youtube to view the full trip ! I seen partynextdoor and yall i met kaylor from love islandsss make sure to tune in ! 🩷🩷🩷🩷 #nycvlog #loveisland #new york 🗽 #outfitinspo #outfitideas #partynextdoor #concertvlog
CEE <3

CEE <3

164 likes

10 FREE Things to Do in NYC 👇
Traveling to New York City to fulfill your bucket list dreams doesn’t have to break your bank. You can have an unforgettable Big Apple experience without spending much. 💰 In fact, some of the best and most iconic things to do in NYC are totally free! 🚶‍♀️ This city was designed to be lived, e
More Legs Room

More Legs Room

82 likes

Lavender Field in Long Island NY 🪻✨
Only 1.5 hours from NYC and you’re in the prettiest lavender field 💜 It’s such a peaceful spot. They have a little market with all things lavender—I tried the cookies (so good) and got a roll-on oil that smells amazing. If you’re looking for a chill summer day trip, July is the best time to go! La
Savannah Vinson

Savannah Vinson

185 likes

Two friends are shown from behind, looking at the Brooklyn Bridge on a sunny day. The image features a text overlay about fun activities to do in New York City with a best friend.
A woman pours tea at a table with a tiered stand of baked goods in a cozy, vintage-style tea room at Brooklyn High Low. The text highlights the unlimited tea and baked goods experience.
A person in a white robe sits on a wooden bench, looking out a window at an outdoor heated pool and city skyline at QC NY Spa. The text mentions relaxing with friends and birthday specials.
Best Friend activities in NYC!
Looking for things to do in NYC with your best friend on your trip? Here are a few fun activities to enjoy with your BFF! Brooklyn High Low Book afternoon tea with unlimited tea, a tier filled with baked goodies, and a cozy place to hang out and chat! There are two locations in Brooklyn i
Brooklyn Guide

Brooklyn Guide

59 likes

A vibrant sunset over the SeaGlass Carousel in Battery Park, New York City, with the title "Mermaid lovers guide to New York City" overlaid. The carousel building is illuminated, surrounded by trees and a path.
The interior of the SeaGlass Carousel, showcasing its unique, colorful fish-shaped rides. The text describes it as a beautiful, under-the-sea modern carousel in Battery Park, costing $6.
A person stands in the illuminated shark tank tunnel at the New York Aquarium, pointing upwards at a large ray swimming overhead. The text highlights it as the oldest continuously operating aquarium, with tickets costing $25-32.
Mermaid Things to do in NYC
Do you love mermaids? Under the sea theme? Or just whimsical things? Next time you travel to NYC, save these mermaid inspired spots in New York ! SeaGlass Carousel This whimsical carousel sits in Battery Park where the NY Aquarium used to be housed before it moved to Coney Island. This
Brooklyn Guide

Brooklyn Guide

346 likes

Which NYC area would YOU like most!!? 🌃
Typically when you think of New York City, you think of Manhattan !!! You think of the big city, Times Square , taxis beeping & people rushing around 🚕 But that isn’t all NYC is!! There are many different boroughs. So I want to talk about a few of my favorite & major NYC boroughs
LINDZ

LINDZ

42 likes

See more