Staten Island Grand Tour

Welcome to the Whitehall Ferry Terminal in Lower Manhattan! You're about to embark on one of New York's greatest free experiences—the 25-minute Staten Island Ferry ride. This journey offers stunning views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the Manhattan skyline. As you board the ferry, prepare to discover Staten Island's rich history and unique character. The ferry operates 24/7 and is completely free, making it the perfect start to your grand tour of Staten Island.

Welcome to the Staten Island Ferry Terminal in St. George! You've just experienced one of New York City's greatest free attractions—the 25-minute ferry ride that offers breathtaking views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the Manhattan skyline. The Staten Island Ferry has been connecting Staten Island to Manhattan since 1905, carrying over 22 million passengers annually. As you disembark, you're entering St. George, Staten Island's civic and cultural heart. This terminal area serves as your gateway to exploring the borough's unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. You've arrived at an area with multiple attractions nearby—please select the landmark detail tabs below to learn about each location before continuing to Alice Austen House.

Welcome to Clear Comfort, the historic home of Alice Austen (1866-1952), one of America's pioneering female photographers. This charming Gothic Revival cottage sits on a bluff overlooking New York Harbor, offering stunning views of the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge. Alice Austen lived in this house for most of her life, creating an extraordinary archive of over 8,000 photographs documenting life in New York from the 1880s through the 1930s. Her images captured everything from immigrants arriving at Ellis Island to society parties, street life in Lower Manhattan, and intimate portraits of friends and family. This National Historic Landmark celebrates her remarkable life and artistic vision.