The FDR Boardwalk is Staten Island's great civic promenade, two and a half miles of planking with the Verrazzano at one end and the Lower Bay in front of it, and a community appreciation barbecue there uses the best free view on the island as a backdrop. It's a straightforward thank-you cookout for a neighborhood, held in the open air with the beach right there. If you're on the South Shore, this is a good reason to walk the boardwalk at lunchtime.
What to expect
Grills, tables and a community gathering set up along a boardwalk stretch, with the beach on one side and the boardwalk's ordinary traffic of walkers and cyclists moving past. The boardwalk and beach stay fully open. Expect strong sun and steady wind off the bay.
Good to know
- From the Staten Island Ferry, the S51 and S81 buses run toward South Beach
- Free and outdoors on public boardwalk
- The boardwalk is wide, flat and fully step-free — one of the most accessible waterfronts in the city
- There is essentially no shade; hats and water matter here
- Food concessions and restrooms cluster near the Sand Lane end of the boardwalk
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Common questions
Is the boardwalk open during the event?
Yes. The FDR Boardwalk is public and stays open to walkers, cyclists and beachgoers throughout.
How do I get to South Beach without a car?
Take the Staten Island Ferry to St. George and then the S51 or S81 bus toward South Beach and the boardwalk.
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