1. Staten Island Greenbelt — Central Staten Island
Nearly 3,000 acres of woods and trails.
The Greenbelt links several parks into a vast woodland with hiking trails, ponds and a nature center.
Good to know: Start at the Greenbelt Nature Center.
The 8 Best Parks in Staten Island (2026)
The best parks on Staten Island in 2026 are the Greenbelt, nearly 3,000 acres of woodland trails, Clove Lakes Park for lakes and fall color, Conference House Park at New York's southern tip, and Freshkills Park, a former landfill turned grassland. Great Kills Park, the South Beach boardwalk, Wolfe's Pond Park and Snug Harbor's gardens complete the list.
2. Clove Lakes Park — Sunnyside / West Brighton
Lakes, a stone bridge and fall foliage.
Clove Lakes Park has a chain of lakes, rowboat rentals in season and wooded trails.
Good to know: Visit in October for the fall colors.
3. Conference House Park — Tottenville
The southern tip of New York State.
Conference House Park has the 17th-century Conference House, beaches and a waterfront pavilion at the island's southern tip.
Good to know: Find the 'South Pole' marker on the beach.
4. Freshkills Park — West Shore
A former landfill turned vast grassland park.
Freshkills Park is transforming the former landfill into one of the city's largest parks, opening in phases with trails and lookouts.
Good to know: Check the website for public access days.
5. Great Kills Park — Great Kills
Beaches, a marina and trails in Gateway National Recreation Area.
Great Kills Park, part of Gateway National Recreation Area, has a beach, marina, fishing and walking trails.
Good to know: Walk to the Crooke's Point beach at the end of the peninsula.
6. South Beach & FDR Boardwalk — South Beach
A long boardwalk with views of the Verrazzano Bridge.
The Franklin D. Roosevelt Boardwalk runs along South Beach with views of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge and the harbor.
Good to know: Bike or walk the boardwalk at sunset.
7. Wolfe's Pond Park — Prince's Bay
A beach and pond park on the South Shore.
Wolfe's Pond Park has a beach, a freshwater pond, woodland trails and picnic areas on Raritan Bay.
Good to know: Good for a quiet summer beach day.
8. Snug Harbor Gardens — Livingston
The Chinese Scholar's Garden and more on a historic campus.
Snug Harbor's botanical garden includes the New York Chinese Scholar's Garden, a Tuscan garden and a heritage rose garden.
Good to know: The Chinese Scholar's Garden charges a small admission.
1000 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island, NY 10301
Frequently asked questions
What's the best hike on Staten Island?
The Greenbelt's trails, especially through High Rock Park and up Moses Mountain, are the island's best hikes.