Free Ferry to Staten Island's Harbor Fort
A harbor crossing, a bluff above the Narrows and a granite fort under the bridge make an October half day for two bus fares.
🗺️ Half a day, two stops
🌳 Stop 1 · Arthur von Briesen Park
The Staten Island Ferry leaves Whitehall Terminal for St. George at no charge, and the crossing runs about 25 minutes.
At St. George, board the S51 at the terminal bus ramps and get off at Bay Street and School Road.
Arthur von Briesen Park climbs a wooded bluff above the Narrows. From the top, the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge and Fort Wadsworth sit in one frame, with lower Manhattan back across the water.
Entry costs nothing, and the gates open at 6:00 AM.
🏰 Stop 2 · Fort Wadsworth
Fort Wadsworth starts just south of the park. Enter at the Bay Street gate and follow New York Avenue to the overlook.
From there, Battery Weed's granite tiers meet the waterline below, with the bridge deck almost overhead.
The grounds stay open 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM with no admission fee. Battery Weed's interior opens only on ranger-led tours.
For the return, ride the S51 back to St. George and take the ferry to Whitehall. Leaving the fort by 4:30 PM keeps the ride home in daylight.
