Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden in Newark

When you enter Snug Harbor it feels like youve walked into an estate from the 1800s. They have beautifully maintained sprawling gardens. There are so many well kept buildings with seemingly secret winding pathways. Nice place to spend a morning.

Nice museum display and big tropical gardens.

Beware of this guard dog of S.I.Museum @ side door, he not allowed me to use the bathroom inside museum even its free museum day there, When I pass the main entrance, the people are so nice to invite me for a free visit and using the lavatory inside of cause.

Beautiful gardens but a bit neglected nice to walk around on a nice day only one food option I didn’t see any security while I was there which could be a problem for older adults

Im giving 3 stars because I think they can take better care of the place. But, somehow, it has a lovely creepiness that my children and I enjoyed. I think it is the best place to have a Halloween Festival every year!!

Its run down and full of holes. Dont bother going to the secret garden, it looks like its been closed for years. Or the healing garden, there is no water in the ponds, its not worth the walk.The chinese temple is probably the only thing worth looking at, but even that its a bit repetitive. There are holes every in the walkways in that temple area, one in my party nearly broke an ankle in a deep depression in one of the side rooms (between those wood doors). There are a lot of bees in the eaves of the roof, the thing is, we went there 16 years ago, and bees were there then too. The koi are nice though. They surface near by because they think its feeding time. Silly fish.The rest of the park didnt have that many interesting flowers when we went in september. But there are pot holes everywhere, tripping hazards everywhere. Even the bathroom by the tent (the only ones we could find), had a 12" drop off at the edge of the door and poor lighting. How people dont break bones is beyond me. This park is not handicap friendly. Too many hills, valleys, drop offs etc. No water fountains either.I found the place to be bland, a lot of walking without a lot of stuff to really look at. There is a greenhouse in the middle, but I dont think you can go into it.

It was okay. But nothing special, we didn’t took much pictures coz there’s no instagrammable space/area, just this tunnel. Looks like no one taking care of the place. Its aint unclean, you not gonna see litters but it doesn’t look botanical garden anymore, the plants and trees are not well taken care of. Just good for some walks.

Great place to visit. This historic location used to be a place for retired sailors. Now everyone can come and enjoy the beauty of this park. There are fun locations here for all. Try them all

A lovely hidden gem in Staten Island. Definitely worth a visit should you find yourself in Richmond County.

Just an awesome experience. If you want to get away from NYC without leaving come here and bring lunch. There are art museums and old historical buildings on these massive acres. Check out the Andrea Doria exhibition. Unbelievable but cant post photos here so youll have to go see for yourself 😉 100 percent worth the trip!!!

It is a miniature version of Central Park right here in Staten Island its a nice place to hang out at and beautiful scenery

Fascinating group of 19th century buildings in superb classical style, originally built as an old age home for sailors and opened in 1833. Beautiful grounds and always interesting exhibitions.

This was a really lovely place to visit on a summer day. The different gardens are very nicely put together and still have plenty of open space for kids to run around.

Really nice and big park; perfect for a good walk. This place have lots of ponds and it’s a nice place to get away from it all. They have a children’s museum and sometimes events here too. I would recommend anyone to visit here.

I live near this park and visit it almost every day. I cant even imagine my life anywhere else. I am grateful to all the park workers for this beauty. I would like to see the governors house restored and the lack of vehicles crossing the park.

I really enjoyed my time here at the garden. It’s really big. It was a peaceful walk just roaming around. There are little museums, ponds, etc. Most of the places are free to go to. Very family friendly. Only thing is there’s no food inside. The only cafe they have is closed and there’s not much food around.

Very cool spot in Staten Island. Like most of Staten Island things are different here from what you might expect in other Burroughs.Childrens Museum is excellent - definitely needs some TLC (Tender Loving Careto rate a 5 star experience.Cafe was interesting. Good and interesting!

Such a beautiful space, nothing more can be said.

Maintenance has clearly been very, very deferred here. The upkeep is lacking, weeds crowding out the healing garden for examples, but in a charming way mostly; you feel like you have stumbled on a secret. We enjoyed our time and will be back but I am not sure why the maintenance has been so poor. Lack of funding, probably.

Snug Harbor is a magical place where the history of Statenisland is taught in so many ways. The staff of the Statenisland Museum were so professional and they welcomed my brother in law and I with open arms. My experience was warm relaxing and full of positive vibes from everyone I came in contact with. I highly recommend this wonderful place you wont be disappointed.Michael Huston

Unlimited potential to be a major attraction just passed over again and again. Desperately needs an indoor food court and parking garage. Should be a destination for Manhattan tourists (ferry stop?but languishes as is. Needs leadership with vision. Beautiful grounds and old buildings.

Got there early they opened and told us they open at 11 they got us the staff was very friendly they helped my friend thru the disabled entrance saw the museum the gardens a lot to see will be back soon its kid friendlyTheres a story at night its haunted well I believe in ghosts staff said they saw ghosts late at night but overall its a great place they have a refreshment bar moderate priced andthe garden is beautiful didnt get to see everything but I will be going back

It is amazing what a team of landscapers can do given the time and tools necessary to make it a tourist attraction once again. Many buildings on site with rich history dating back to the 1800s. Childrens museum and several botanical gardens but it’s Mid June and the duration of neglect is starting to show . Empty a trash can or two …..

Big, beautiful, and has tons of things to see and do. From the ballpark, the gardens, the childrens museum to the farm stand and concert spaces theres fun to be had here.

This place is lovely and worth a visit. Sad to see the lack of upkeep in some areas, but Im sure that proper funding is the issue. May I suggest better signage? Particularly on the roads that barely accommodate cars, Amazon trucks, fire trucks, police cars, and pedestrians!

We had no idea that everything was closed except on weekends. At first we thought "oh well, not a huge issue, we can just enjoy the gardens."Except there are no public toilets. The only restrooms are inside the buildings which are locked except for those specific opening days.Would it be so difficult to provide a toilet that is open every day?Also I was looking forward to the Sensory Garden but it has been completely abandoned. The paths were all overgrown, the waterfall was bone dry, and it just looked awful.Not worth making the trip over. Just go to Central Park.

If you own this place, get yourself some ice cream today! SOOOOOOOO MUCH RESPECT FOR EVERYONE WHO HAS A PART IN RUNNING THIS PLACE AND KEEPING IT CLEAN, DIGNIFIED AND ORGANIZED! Best place on the entire island, I felt like I entered an entire new world👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 Naturally beautiful!! *I wish I could go into the greenhouse but maybe its closed due to covid*(Update: Ive been here now a lot of times and each time I find some place new and beautiful)

New Yorkers and tourists must visit Snug Harbor. I grew up on Staten Island and Snug Harbor was a staple of my childhood. Coming back to S.I after i moved to the city , I had forgotten how calm, seren, and peaceful it is there. Its quite, secluded, and beautiful. Everyone should visit at least once.

This is a really nice place. Save money and park on the street. Went to the festival of lights and proposed to my girlfriend here.

The best light display in NYC! It is soooooo cute! I love it so much. It is my 2nd year going. It is so worth it!

The Lantern Festival was bright lighted forms jumbled together in a very small section of Snug Harbors many areas.If this had been planned inside the botanical gardens, perhaps with some more thought, it would have been worth the $30 admission.Be prepared for 20 or more of the exact same flower, duck, cat, fish displayed en masse but in their respective “groups” just heaped onto the south meadow.Super disappointing…

Absolutely magical display for the winter lantern festival. Would highly recommend it for a date night or a family outing.

I’m here for the NYC Winter Lantern Festival which opened on October 29. There are concession stands and vendors selling their merchandise. Live DJ playing awesome music.

Beautiful historic grounds, youre likely to walk past a few blushing brides here! Wonderful place for a picnic, a stroll or even just to sit and admire the glorious atmosphere and beautiful gardens. The Heritage Farm has a produce stand every Thursday and Saturday. Theres occasionally public and paid events in various sections of the park. A beautiful place full of history and always with things to do!

We drove from Brooklyn to see the Scholar garden only to find it closed for a private event. We checked the website first. Really annoying! But we made the best of it. Botanical garden was pretty! A bunch of old houses in disrepair were interesting.

Used to love this place the few times Ive visited. Really loved the beautiful chinese garden but unfortunately online openings were not accurate. Took my visiting auntie there as I thought it was opened and they said its only opened Wed - Friday. All the attractions were closed off and was not much to see besides the two small, circular gardens. At least I got to see my homeland flowers (the hibiscus). 🌺

Quiet and beautiful place. We moved to SI from Brooklyn so imagine Prospect Park on Saturday: no words can describe how tired of it I was. Snug Harbor is a true gem! Well maintained plants, beautiful blossoms almost year round, birds singing, turtles in the pond. Lovely place for a walk or picnic.

Its very unfortunate that the grounds and garden isnt kept up better. Its a great place for a walk, but I was expecting a bit more from this garden. The plants were beautiful, but sections of the garden were overgrown. There were weeds growing throughout the park. The fountains throughout the park werent on.If you live locally, its a nice place to check out. As this was a stop on my way home the Philadelphia, it wasnt really worth the detour.

We love this park! It’s huge with many interesting places and historic corners.

Its not a bad little botanical garden/walking area. They have some pretty plants and coming here in the morning its quiet and peaceful. Its just a little rundown and it could use better maintenance but other than that its free theres also the staten island children museum on the grounds. Its a nice place to kill some time definitely worth a visit if youre in the area

It was amazing 👏🏽 I definitely recommend everyone to go to Sung Harbor at least once. Its a nice beautiful garden, park like place. And you must go to the Traditional Chinese Garden its AMAZING and worth the $5. You will feel as though youre on vacation cause its divine. You know if you dont belive me go see for yourself.

An interesting complex with historic buildings, various museums and galleries, botanic gardens, and green space.I enjoyed a contemporary art gallery opening, the maritime museum, and the springtime flowers in the gardens.Being so close to the ferry, Snug Harbor makes for a fantastic day trip to Staten Island. Stop by one of the many great restaurants on your way back!

A large complex of museums, botanical gardens and parks, with representation from many different cultures. No matter the age, the entire family will be able to have a great time here.

Beautiful outdoor gardens! We went on Saturday and there was the PopsUp music event where different musicians/artists would perform during the day. All free!! Just bring a blanket and enjoy. There’s a cut little eatery that sales burgers and funnel cakes for the kids!

Discovered the secret garden today so many blooms!! Also made a squirrel bestie. Definitely will be coming back here on my next off day🌺 I love how well taken care of the property is.

A very nice park, with small sections, suitable for hanging out, taking pictures. Many kinds of flowers, and some ponds.They are have options for holding weddings here tooI hope it was a little better maintained, because the roads get muddy after rain and some fountains didnt work

Staten island is so close to Manhatten. But I went to island from New Jersey side. And found this wonderful park without hesitation. Gardens, museums, outdoor places are took my attention the rest of day. Take your kids and get a clear air at this time if you are living close to NYC. Ok

It was nice overall, walkway was not well set up or maintained. Also walkway passes right through the lines for the food vendors, very hard to get around with a stroller as the area is small. Parking is nightmarish so be prepared. The walk is pretty and short so not bad if you are bringing the kids.

Great way to spend 1 hour walking around with friends or family or the kids. This place is fun for all folks of all ages. Its not religious but very diverse. The lights, figures, houses and pathways are all very well made. They offer snacks and refreshments so come hungry. And watch the show and cheer loudly as the performers are young adults and did a great job!

Came here for the NYC Lantern Festival and it was a great venue. It was very well put together and had more than enough exhibits and areas to keep everyone entertained. There are also food stations with different varieties of food and drinks for all ages. Please note that the snug harbor entrance includes a loooong walk so if youre not prepared, it may tire you out initially. Once you get closer to the entrance you start to see many of the beautiful exhibits. After they scan your ticket note that there are a few benches available for those who might need a break. After that its a long winding walk with so many great things to see. Once you reach the food stations, note that youre close to the exit. The food is priced fairly, everything was prepared well and tasted great. If youre not sure about the hot apple cider... get it! Tastes like youre drinking an apple pie. At this point, theres also a heated tent so you can go inside to warm up and have your snacks. When youre ready to go back outside, the stage has a beautiful cultural show that happens every hour. Then, there are a few more exhibits before the main light tunnel / exit. This part will get crowded so be prepared to wait or walk around everyone thats stopped for a selfie or posing for photos. I recommend stopping for photos too because it really is iconic and a beautiful sight to see. Overall this was a wonderful event that everyone should visit at least once. Its worth the drive to staten island and depending on what time you go, traffic isnt even that bad. Enjoy! 🤩