When most people think about New York City, they think of the bright lights at Times Square or the picturesque landscape of Central Park. While these are both must-see locations for anyone who plans to visit the big apple, they are far from the only locations to visit. Staten Island, while rich in history and only a short ferry ride from Manhattan, is often forgotten by New York City tourists. The Staten Island Ferry tour, which passes by the Statue of Liberty, is very popular, but tourists rarely stay on Staten Island to visit. Later this year, The Empire Outlets will be opening on the St. George Waterfront in Staten Island, which is certainly something to look forward to. However, there are several tourist-friendly Staten Island attractions that are open now! One of these is the South Beach Boardwalk.

The South Beach Boardwalk, built-in 1935, stretches nearly two miles along the South Beach coast. A lesser-known fact about the South Beach Boardwalk is that its part of a New York City public park. The boardwalk is in the path of a public park that stretches all the way from federal park Fort Wadsworth to federal park Miller Field. The South Beach Boardwalk, which is sometimes referred to as the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Boardwalk, is a lively and entertaining area of Staten Island. It isn’t just any boardwalk. Depending on where you’re from, the word “boardwalk” may conjure up images of a creaky walkway that extends a few hundred feet over the ocean and is filled with fisherman. The South Beach Boardwalk isn’t that kind of boardwalk.

The South Beach Boardwalk, which has been nicknamed “The Riviera of New York City,” was recently restored and has since been the site of slightly more tourist activity. However, there are still large numbers of New York City tourists who miss out on the experience of a lifetime by skipping over the South Beach Boardwalk. Who wouldn’t love to dip their toes in the water while looking at a picturesque view of the New York City skyline? The boardwalk is filled with unique fountains, fun playing fields, snack bars, and several restaurants. The boardwalk itself borders one of the cleanest beaches in New York City! If you’re looking for a spot to dip your toes in the water or let your children swim, South Beach is a fantastic choice because it is lifeguard manned.

The South Beach Boardwalk is a lovely place to visit year-round, but it particularly comes alive in the summer. The warmer weather makes taking a stroll on the boardwalk extremely refreshing- especially if you’re a tourist that has been walking around in the heat all day! However, The South Beach Boardwalk also hosts several summer events, such as concerts and festivals. It’s never a boring day in South Beach, Staten Island! The next time you’re in the New York City area, carve out some time to spend on Staten Island. There are so many family-friendly locations, like the South Beach Boardwalk, that can keep you and your family busy for hours!