OK, I'll be in the City for a month and I've already overspent my travel budget for the year (or maybe the next 5 years!), so I'm looking and finding lots of free and cheap things to do.
Plan to ride the Staten Island Ferry (something I've never done in my many trips to NYC) -- either during the day or at sunset. I've never heard anything good about Staten Island and usually people just say to stay on it for the return. But is there anything there worthwhile -- especially within walking distance of the ferry landing? Any restaurants? Or should I do as they say and just stay on it?

Recently I decided to get off the ferry and walk around - there wasn't much to see and there weren't many restaurants in the area I walked. Some one who lives on the island might offer advice on things to see if you take a train or bus.

Patrick,

Her's a great website with information on things to see and do on Staten Island. I have heard that the botanical garden is nice to see.

http://statenislandusa.com/

Thanks for website, Dalles. I just looked through it and although there is an interesting 5 hour tour available, $100 for the two of us kind of defeats the original purpose of the "free ride". Richmondtown looks interesting if we want to do the half hour bus each way from the ferry, so we'll see.

Otherwise, I do get the impression there is nothing near the ferry landing worth doing.

I'm born and bred in Staten Island... and I'd highly advise to STAY ON THE FERRY! There are many nice areas of SI, including Richmondtown, but nothing near the ferry terminal.

OK, professional recommendation accepted!! I'll be staying on the ferry!!!

I would aslo highly recommend staying on the ferry. The water is cold and you will be fined if you jump off.