The FDR Boardwalk is Staten Island's great open horizon — two and a half miles of planking above the Lower Bay with the Verrazzano arcing across the view north and Brooklyn on the far shore. Holding a service out there means the setting does most of the work: sea air, gulls, cyclists and joggers passing behind the congregation. If you want the East Shore at its best and a reason to walk the boardwalk end to end, this is an afternoon anchor.
What to expect
Expect a modest setup — chairs, a small sound system, a canopy — placed along the boardwalk with the beach directly below. The boardwalk stays open to walkers, runners and cyclists throughout, so the crowd is a mix of the intentional and the passing. South Beach's fishing pier and the Ocean Breeze track are nearby.
Good to know
- Take the Staten Island Ferry to St. George, then the S51 or S81 bus toward South Beach
- Free and open to the public on public parkland
- The boardwalk is flat, wide and fully wheelchair- and stroller-accessible
- Bring sun cover and water — there is no shade on the boardwalk
- Best paired with a walk toward Midland Beach or the South Beach fishing pier
- Sea breeze makes this one of the cooler outdoor options on a hot August afternoon
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Common questions
How long is the FDR Boardwalk?
It runs roughly two and a half miles along Staten Island's South and Midland Beaches, one of the longest boardwalks in the world.
Can I still use the boardwalk during the event?
Yes. The boardwalk remains open to walkers, runners and cyclists throughout.
How do I get there without a car?
Take the Staten Island Ferry to St. George and connect to an S51 or S81 bus toward South Beach.
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