Things To Do Near Federal Hall National Memorial
Start your visit at the Gateway to America: Discover New York Harbor Visitor Information Center, where you can learn more about this attraction and others in New York City. Then, tour the Washington Inaugural Gallery to see parts of the original Federal Hall, which workers demolished in 1842. You can also see the Bible that George Washington used to take his oath of office and other artifacts from his inauguration. You may also want to shop in the Museum Store.
Hiking Trails
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John Muir Nature Trail
Head to Van Cortlandt Park to hike the John Muir Nature Trail. This path starts out going through a northeast trail filled with red oak, sweetgum, and tulip trees before passing alongside a frog-filled marsh. Then, it passes through another woodsy area with beautiful sugar maple and hickory trees before ending at an old aqueduct.
Location
Van Cortlandt Park, Broadway and, Van Cortlandt Park South, The Bronx, NY 10471
Length
1.5 Miles
Intensity
Easy
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Inwood Hill Trail
This trail runs through the only forest in Manhattan. See how the ice age carved out space for the Hudson River. See flying squirrels and salamanders along this path. The views from this trail’s summit are incredible.
Location
Payson Ave and Seaman Ave, New York, New York 10034
Length
3 Miles
Intensity
Moderate
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Anthony’s Nose Hike
Scramble up the rocky ridge while enjoying Bear Mountain Bridge's views at the start of Anthony’s Nose Hike. Then, climb the 500-step staircase. You will be glad that the rest of this hike is flat.
Location
Intersection of Route 9D and Route 202, Cortlandt Manor, New York 10567
Length
3.5 Miles
Intensity
Moderate
Sightseeing
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Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden
The 83-acre campus at Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden is a marvelous place to explore. It contains the Staten Island Museum, Noble Maritime Collection, Newhouse Center for Contemporary Art, Staten Island Children’s Museum, and the Green Galley. Check for special performances that may be happening in the Veteran’s Memorial Hall and the Music Hall. You will also love exploring historical buildings and statues such as Neptune’s Fountain, Carl Grillo Glass House, and the Randall Statue.
Location
1000 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island, New York 10301
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Bronx Zoo
The Bronx Zoo is the largest U.S. metropolitan zoo by square footage. You can see approximately 8,000 animals at this zoo. You may want to consider upgrading your general admission ticket to participate in up-close encounters with giraffes, cheetahs, or penguins. Do not leave without taking a ride or two on the bug carousel.
Location
Southern Boulevard, The Bronx, New York 10460
Museums
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Van Cortlandt House Museum
Constructed in 1748, the Van Cortlandt House Museum is the oldest still-standing house in the Bronx. Go on a self-guided tour of this three-story home filled with antiques while using the QR codes placed next to many objects to learn more about them. This home is in Van Cortlandt Park, which is a fantastic place to go hiking.
Location
6035 Broadway Bronx, New York 10471
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City Island Nautical Museum
The City Island Nautical Museum, which is open only on weekends, is a fantastic place to learn about the city’s wooden shipbuilding history. See photographs and models to learn more about this part of the city’s past. You can also learn about and see some of the handmade sails created at this location.
Location
190 Fordham Street, City Island, New York 10464
Nearby Shops and Restaurants
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C.O. Bigelow
When C.O. Bigelow opened his first store in 1838, it is doubtful that he thought it would become the oldest apothecary in America. The company’s first product was a cold cream cleanser, and you can still buy many types of makeup products at this store. Other products that are available include a lemon body cream the store patented in 1870. Bath, beauty, oral care, and fragrance products are also for sale here.
Location
414 6th Avenue, New York, New York 10011
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Borgatti’s Ravioli & Egg Noodles
Since 1935, chefs have been going to Borgatti’s Ravioli & Egg Noodles to get ravioli, fettuccini, and other pasta to prepare for their families. The third generation of the same family now owns this restaurant, and you will often see them operating the hand-operated pasta machines. This store also sells a variety of noodle kits, tees, shopping bags, and beanies.
Location
632 East 187th Street, The Bronx, New York 10458
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La Morada
While this restaurant serves tacos and quesadillas, you will want to go here for their Oaxaca moles that include the mole Oaxaqueño made from seven types of dried chiles and the mole verde made with sweet Cambray onions and tart tomatillos. In the back of this family-owned restaurant, you will find a lending library. Mexican immigrants own this restaurant, and they do a lot to educate other immigrants about their rights. You will see posters on the walls supporting their efforts.
Location
308 Willis Avenue, The Bronx, New York 10454
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Mario's Restaurant
For over 100 years, hungry diners have been feasting on their favorite Italian-inspired dishes at Mario's Restaurant, which is now owned by the fifth generation of the same family. The walls in this restaurant feature paintings of Italy made by the current owner’s uncle about 50 years ago. Six of the recipes on the wide-ranging menu have not changed in over 100 years. You may want to try the filetto di pomodoro, salsa alla pomodoro, or the broccoli with Italian sausage.
Location
2342 Arthur Avenue, The Bronx, New York 10458