Between breathtaking views of enormous skyscrapers, to just about any type of restaurant a person could want to eat at, it's little wonder that New York City is one of the most popular places to visit in the world. But what about Staten Island? The fifth, often forgotten, borough of New York doesn't have the same appeal as some of the other, more well known, boroughs such as Manhattan or Brooklyn. This is unfortunate, as Staten Island is a very beautiful place to visit; especially if you're in the right place at the right time. To a dedicated sight seer, getting the perfect view may mean waking up a little early, but it's well worth it. Check out some of the most beautiful places on Staten Island to watch the sunrise.

Seaside Wildlife Nature Park

The Seaside Wildlife Nature Park, located on Nelson Avenue in Great Kills, is a great place to watch the sunrise. Not only is there an amazing view of the ocean, which has lots of wood posts just littered about the sea scape; creating a very unique visual presentation, but you also have a front row view of the boat docks, the marina, and New Jersey in the distance.

South Beach Boardwalk

If you live, have visited, or know anything about Staten Island, you've almost certainly heard of the boardwalk which runs along South Beach. What you may not know is that it's one of the most impressive places to watch the sun come up. With a view of the Verrazano Bridge that could only be described as breathtaking under the morning sun, as well as the ocean to the east, visiting South Beach in the morning will be well worth that early alarm clock.

Arthur Von Briesen Park

This park is at the very north end of Staten Island and so there is nothing to obstruct the view of the sun rising over the Narrows. Not only do you get yet another view of the Verrazano Bridge, but you also get much more of a view of Brooklyn in the distance. With some morning fog over the water, you're bound to get a view that will leave you satisfied.

Great Kills Park

My personal favorite place to go to watch the sunrise is easily Great Kills Park. Great Kills park covers a large amount of space which includes beaches, fishing piers, and playgrounds, all of which run along the east coast of Staten Island; meaning the views of the sunrise are stellar at almost any point in the park.

Watching the sunrise is a thrilling and evocative experience, whether you're going by yourself, with a friend, or someone special, you will always find that a Staten Island sunrise is as serene as it gets.