Exploring Jfk Airport And Its Surroundings

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is located in Queens, New York, and offers a range of attractions and hidden gems for travellers with layovers. From natural havens to cultural landmarks, here are some options for things to do around JFK Airport.

Visit the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge

If you're looking for things to do near JFK Airport, one option is to visit the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, one of the largest bird habitats in the northeastern United States. The refuge is a prime location for observing both seasonal bird migrations and resident species. It is also the only "wildlife refuge" in the National Park System.

The refuge consists of several islands in Jamaica Bay, located in both Brooklyn and Queens, with the Queens portion near JFK Airport. It includes over 12,600 acres of water, salt marshes, freshwater and brackish water ponds, upland fields and woods, and open bay and islands. The site became part of the National Park Service in 1972 and is now managed by them as part of the Gateway National Recreation Area.

The refuge provides habitat for a wide variety of flora and fauna, both marine and terrestrial. It is a prime location for birding, with 332 bird species sighted over the last 25 years. It is also a great place to observe other animal activities, such as diamondback terrapin egg-laying and horseshoe crab mating and egg-laying.

The refuge trails and parking lot are open daily from 6 am to 9 pm, and the Visitor Center is open Friday to Monday from 10 am to 4 pm. To get to the refuge, you can take the Rockaway Bound A train to Broad Channel Station and then walk along Noel Road to Cross Bay Boulevard. Alternatively, you can take the Q21 or Q53 bus to the refuge.

Explore the Queens Botanical Garden

If you're looking for a peaceful escape from the bustling city, the Queens Botanical Garden is the perfect spot. Nestled in Flushing, Queens, this 39-acre urban oasis is just 7.7 miles from JFK Airport. With various themed gardens, walking paths, and innovative educational programs, it's a great place to spend a few hours or even an entire day.

The Queens Botanical Garden has a rich history, dating back to the 1939 New York World's Fair. It was originally located in nearby Flushing Meadows-Corona Park as part of a horticultural exhibit called "Gardens on Parade." In 1963, it moved to its current location, a landfilled area east of Flushing Meadows Park, in preparation for the 1964 World's Fair. Today, it boasts several themed gardens, including rose, bee, herb, wedding, and perennial gardens, as well as an arboretum and an art gallery.

The garden is committed to environmental stewardship and has implemented several sustainable features. The Visitor and Administration Building, which opened in 2007, was the first public building in New York City to achieve the "Platinum" LEED rating for energy efficiency. It includes features such as geothermal heating, waterless urinals, and composting toilets. The building also has a green roof with solar panels, a rainwater collection system, and a section using plants as insulation.

The garden offers free admission year-round, with select events requiring admission fees. From April 1 to December 15, admission is free for members, $4 for seniors (age 62+), $2 for children (age 4-12), and free for children under 3. From December 16 to March 31, admission is free for everyone. The garden is open Tuesday through Sunday, with varying hours depending on the season.

When visiting, you'll find two entrances: a pedestrian entrance on Main Street and an entrance with a parking lot on Cromellin Street. The majority of the public exhibits are located on the east side of the garden, while educational buildings and non-public structures are on the north side. Don't miss the Fragrance Walk, an outdoor walkway lined with flowers near the Main Street entrance, and the Bee Garden in the centre south portion of the garden.

The Queens Botanical Garden also offers a variety of educational workshops, tours, and cultural celebrations throughout the year. It's a great place to spend a relaxing day surrounded by nature and learning about environmental stewardship.

Take in the Flushing Meadows-Corona Park

Flushing Meadows-Corona Park is a mere 8.6-mile drive from JFK Airport, and there are plenty of transport options to get you there. The park is home to the Queens Zoo, which showcases American animals in their natural habitats, and the New York Hall of Science, which offers interactive exhibitions for all ages. The park is also adjacent to the Queens Botanical Garden, which features themed gardens, walking paths, and educational programs.

Flushing Meadows-Corona Park

Take a stroll through Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, a large park in the borough of Queens, New York City. The park is an excellent destination for those seeking a break from the hustle and bustle of city life, offering a peaceful escape within the urban landscape.

Queens Zoo

Nestled within the park, the Queens Zoo spans 18 acres and is home to over 75 species of animals native to the Americas. The zoo offers educational programs, such as the Advanced Inquiry Program, where visitors can learn more about wildlife conservation. It's a great option for families, with reasonable admission prices and varied opening hours.

New York Hall of Science

Also located within the park, the New York Hall of Science provides an engaging experience for visitors of all ages. With interactive exhibitions, programs, and activities, it's an ideal spot to spend a few hours, especially if you're travelling with children.

Queens Botanical Garden

Adjacent to Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, the Queens Botanical Garden offers a tranquil escape with its themed gardens, including rose, bee, herb, wedding, and perennial gardens. The majority of the pathways are paved and flat, making it accessible for visitors with disabilities. The garden's proximity to the park makes it a convenient addition to your itinerary.

Fantasy Forest Amusement Park

For those seeking a more thrilling experience, Fantasy Forest Amusement Park, located within the park, is Queens' only amusement park. It offers a range of rides and games for all ages, providing a fun-filled day out for families and groups.

Transport Options

You can easily get to Flushing Meadows-Corona Park from JFK Airport by train, bus, taxi, car, town car, or tram. The fastest option is by taxi, which takes around 12 minutes, while the cheapest option is by car, with a minimal cost of $1-3. The AirTrain and bus combination is also a popular choice, taking around an hour and costing $7-16.

Head to Rockaway Beach

If you're looking for a fun day out near JFK Airport, Rockaway Beach is a great option. Located just 8.8 miles from the airport, Rockaway Beach is the perfect spot for a day of sun, sand, and surf. This New York City beach, often referred to as the "Irish Riviera", offers a variety of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy.

To get to Rockaway Beach from JFK Airport, you can take a taxi or town car, which will take around 16 minutes and cost between $60-75. Alternatively, you can take public transportation, such as the AirTrain and subway, which will take about 33-39 minutes and cost $11-12.

Once you're at Rockaway Beach, you'll find a beautiful stretch of sand and water, with plenty of room to relax and enjoy the sun. The beach is well-equipped with lifeguards and police presence, ensuring a safe environment for all visitors. There are also a variety of concessions available, as well as playgrounds and other outdoor activities. For surfers, Rockaway Beach offers some of the city's only legal surfing beaches, making it a great spot for both beginners and experienced wave riders.

If you're looking for a bite to eat, you'll find a variety of food options near the beach, including Mexican, vegan, beer, and ice cream. However, some visitors have noted that sit-down restaurants may be harder to find, so you may want to bring your own snacks or plan to return to the airport or head elsewhere for a larger meal.

Rockaway Beach also features a brand-new boardwalk, which is perfect for a stroll and offers beautiful views of the ocean. The boardwalk is open from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., and there are free parking lots and street parking available nearby.

So, if you're looking to make the most of your layover at JFK Airport, Rockaway Beach is a great choice. With its close proximity to the airport and a range of activities, it's the perfect spot to enjoy a taste of New York City's beach culture.

Wander around Times Square

Times Square is a bustling hub of entertainment and cultural allure, renowned for its dazzling lights, towering billboards, and vibrant atmosphere. If you're in New York, wandering around Times Square is a must. Here are some things to do and see in the area:

• Snag a photo on the iconic red steps: The TKTS ticket booth in Times Square sells discount tickets to Broadway shows, but the real attraction is behind the booth, where you'll find a set of iconic red stairs. From here, you can take in unobstructed views of the flashing lights and bustling crowds, making it the perfect spot for a memorable selfie.
• Visit the Drama Book Shop: The Drama Book Shop is a serene oasis in the midst of the Times Square commotion. This charming bookstore has a long history in the New York theatre scene and was even purchased by Lin-Manuel Miranda in 2020. It's the perfect spot to unleash your inner bookworm.
• Customize your own chocolate at M&M's World: M&M's World is a three-story interactive store where you can create your own customized candy. It's a fun activity for the whole family and a great place to pick up some edible souvenirs.
• Get tacos at Los Tacos No.1: Los Tacos No.1 is a renowned taqueria founded by Tijuana and California natives, bringing authentic Mexican flavour to Manhattan. Their simple menu honours traditional flavours, and their juicy, tender meat is well worth the price.
• Catch a Broadway show: There are 41 official Broadway theatres in NYC, with most of them concentrated around Times Square. Seeing a Broadway show is an unforgettable experience and a must-do for anyone visiting the city. Keep an eye out for lotteries, where you can score discounted tickets.
• Grab a cream puff from Bibble & Sip: Indulge your sweet tooth at Bibble & Sip, a fusion of French confectionery and Asian-inspired flavours. Their cream puffs are downright delicious and too cute to pass up.
• Enjoy a treat from Hershey's Chocolate World: Spanning 7,800 square feet, Hershey's Chocolate World is a must-visit for families. Enjoy cookies, s'mores, cupcakes, and frozen treats like Reese's Peanut Butter milkshakes. You can even customize your own candy bar wrapper!
• Visit the Yankee Clubhouse Shop: If you're travelling with a baseball fan, be sure to stop by the official New York Yankees store in Times Square. Here, you'll find authentic gear, including jerseys, t-shirts, hats, balls, and more. Just be prepared for steep prices!
• Grab a coffee from Ten Thousand Coffee: This Australian-based cafe, located in Times Square, serves up delicious coffee and is the perfect pick-me-up. Try their Einspänner and Espresso Cream Latte for a unique caffeine experience.
• Check out Urbanspace (Food Hall): Urbanspace is a food hall located just a 10-minute walk from Times Square, featuring a variety of different eateries. It's the perfect spot to mix and match with a group, and you can even find popular NYC spots like Roberta's Pizza, often hailed as the best pizza in the city.
• Grab a slice of cheesecake from Junior's: Junior's Cheesecake is a New York institution, opening its doors in 1950. Their cosy diner-style restaurant is the perfect place to enjoy a slice of cheesecake, with endless flavours to choose from.
• Take in the views from a rooftop bar: Step away from the chaos of Times Square and enjoy the scenery from above at one of the many rooftop bars in the area. Popular spots include Castell Rooftop, St. Cloud Rooftop, Hard Rock Hotel, and Beast & Butterflies.
• Sign up for a live TV show taping: Be a part of the audience for a live TV show taping! Shows like "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert", "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon", and "Saturday Night Live" often offer free tickets to be part of the live audience. It's a unique and memorable experience.
• Shop your way through Times Square: Times Square is filled with shops, from souvenir shops to official stores like the Yankee Clubhouse and Hershey's Chocolate World. You're sure to find something to suit your taste!
• Try your luck at the Broadway Tickets Lottery: The TKTS ticket booth in Times Square offers discounted same-day tickets to Broadway shows. Download the TKTS app to stay up-to-date on ticket availability and be ready to line up when your desired show becomes available.
• People-watch at Times Square: With over 50 million visitors annually, Times Square is a people-watching paradise. You'll encounter people from all walks of life and hear a multitude of languages. It's a fascinating glimpse into the diverse world of human interaction.
• Grab drinks at R Lounge in The Renaissance Hotel: The R Lounge offers panoramic views of Times Square, making it the perfect spot to relax and enjoy a cocktail while taking in the pandemonium below. Make a reservation for sunset to truly appreciate the stunning views.
• Take a selfie with your favourite celebrity at Madame Tussauds: Madame Tussauds is home to incredibly lifelike wax figures of celebrities and icons. Get up close and personal with your favourite stars and snap some unforgettable selfies.

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