Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden

Snug Harbor Garden is in Staten Island but it's worth the free ferry ride. From the ferry terminal, you can take the bus or walk to the garden. I would prefer to take the bus since it's a bit far to walk there. The garden itself is pretty large. My favorite gardens are the Chinese Scholar's Garden and the Secret Garden. The Chinese Scholar's Garden is a typical Suzhou style garden that is probably the only one in NYC. It's gorgeous, pretty large in scale for NYC, and not crowded. There's a bamboo forest right outside which is very nice. The Secret Garden has a maze that if you reach the end, there's a "secret garden" you can explore. It's a nice day trip away from the crowds and noise of Manhattan.

Came here in the fall/winter so unfortunately, did not get to experience the beautiful botanical gardens. Nonetheless, the park is beautiful, tranquil, and very large. I'd definitely consider taking a trip back in the spring/summer.

Nice place to hangout. It's serene (when it's not crowded) and beautiful.

Snug harbor over all is awesome

This historically rich 19th-century estate made this a perfect destination for my day-trip.There also I discovered two hideaways undisturbed. A labyrinth of bushes behind a diminutive castle to see the Connie Gretz Secret Garden. And a brick-walled alcove under a thick tree canopy inspired by Frances Hodgson Burnett’s beloved 1911 novel. Beyond, just steps away, I found the peaceful New York Chinese Scholar’s Garden, featuring Chinese poetry and calligraphy on the walls of eight pavilions. So amazing weekday I spent in Snug Harbor.
*****