New York City's Neighborhood With Suburban Vibes Has Walkable Shopping Streets And A Peaceful Beach

If you want to experience the vibrant boroughs of New York City without the Times Square crowds, head over to a quiet neighborhood on Staten Island with a welcoming disposition. There is plenty for visitors to discover, from Staten Island's family-friendly trampoline adventure park to welcoming neighborhood enclaves. New Dorp, nestled in the heart of Staten Island and just 13 miles from Newark Liberty International Airport, offers convenient access to the Big Apple metropolis and to bustling local shops and scenic parks on the island. It's easy to get around between boroughs, whether by ferry, subway, or car — giving you effortless access to lively entertainment as well as scenic beaches to enjoy.

The picturesque residential streets of New Dorp are what one would expect in a quiet suburban community, lined with oak trees and American flags. Visitors can stroll through this pleasant slice of suburbia, with a walkable shopping district close by, and get acquainted with the softer side of Staten Island. Brimming with 9,300 acres of peaceful green spaces, it's largely residential and has less tourist traffic than the other boroughs. Visitors can come here to escape New York City crowds while staying close to the action.

You'll find various shopping, dining, and entertainment options around New Dorp Lane. You can start your day at one of the quaint neighborhood cafes, such as Moka & Co., which features a sleek, modern interior and rave-worthy desserts, before heading out to peruse nearby shops and explore one of the island's busiest shopping districts.

Popular among Staten Island shoppers, New Dorp Lane is where visitors come to find unique gifts and curious stores. You'll find a variety of merchandise on this street, including tattoo shops and jewelry, as well as delicious eateries to refuel between stores. Whether you are looking for striped window shades at Gables or hunting for cotton stationery for your wedding invitations at Plum Paperie, New Dorp Lane has you covered. Although you'll find some peculiar items, not all of these are niche stores. There are pharmacies and food marts for your convenience, as well as hair salons, wellness spas, and yoga studios.

Visitors can find some good bargains on Hylan Boulevard, among its shopping centers and restaurants. This is a more commercial shopping area, with big brand-name stores, as opposed to the more local shopping nooks you would see on New Dorp Lane. If you want to break up your shopping with a bit of entertainment, head to Alamo Drafthouse Cinema for dinner and a movie. They have a full-service kitchen and bar, offering a unique dining experience during your film. 

As you walk the pedestrian-friendly streets of New Dorp, you'll notice a sense of community among the small business owners, who take pride in their picturesque storefronts and mingle with customers. The district has over 200 businesses engaged in ongoing improvement efforts to keep the area looking beautiful for residents and visitors alike. The streets are clean and well-maintained, with ample sidewalks and plenty of room for pedestrian traffic. The community hosts fun events, like festivals and restaurant crawls, offering diverse entertainment for attendees.

While some folks might travel to Staten Island for its fresh air and man-made mountain, most people still consider the borough too urban for a true natural escape. Still, you can find many walkable enclaves around town, as well as parks and beaches. New Dorp is close to several beaches, including New York's least-crowded summer secret, Wolfe's Pond Beach. Other nearby beaches travelers could easily walk or drive to are Midland Beach, Cedar Grove Beach, and its very own New Dorp Beach.

New Dorp Beach, located just southeast of the neighborhood, is a family-friendly waterfront area with clear views of the Atlantic. A quiet oasis away from New Dorp's bustling shopping district, this beach provides an ideal spot to watch the sunrise and take relaxing strolls along the shore. It sits not far from natural areas such as Great Kills Park, making it an excellent place to bring the family for a relaxing day by the water. 

Enjoy sunbathing and the calm atmosphere around New Dorp Beach, which draws fewer crowds than popular tourist hotspots like Brooklyn or the Jersey Shore. The beach is next to Miller Field, a former military base with various sports facilities and recreational areas. Given the parks and wooded areas surrounding the beach, mosquitoes can be present, so make sure to pack some bug spray with your sunscreen. If you plan to stay the whole day, bring food and refreshments for a seaside picnic.