Are you stuck waiting at JFK Airport? Having a layover can often be the worst, but sometimes it’s a blessing in disguise. After all, you are in New York you should get out and explore.
Read on to discover everything you need to know while you’re waiting for your next flight out of JFK Airport.
How Long is Your Layover?
No one wants to be stuck on a layover, especially a long one. However, there is some good news. Being stuck in New York could give you quite the adventure if you take advantage of it.
You should get out of JFK Airport and explore the city, but first, you must determine how long you have until you need to be back for your flight.
A good rule of thumb is if you have less than seven hours, you should stay around the airport in Queens. If you have more than seven hours, you can head on into Manhattan for the quintessential New York City experience.
Under 7 hours
Being limited to only Queens is no consolation to the big city. There are plenty of things to do in and around it to keep you occupied and happy while you wait for your plane. Here are a few options for you.
Queens Botanical Garden
This garden is a serene escape from the business and industrialized lifestyle of the city. Spread out across 39 acres, this garden has been the home of beautiful plants and wildlife since the early 1900s.
Here you and your whole family can enjoy a peaceful walk with plenty of fresh air.
The Rockaways
The Rockaways is a local favorite. If it is warm out, you can head on down to the beach for some fresh ocean breeze and a nice tan, the perfect contrast from being stuck on a plane. If it is colder, you can go for a blissful walk down the boardwalk.
Corona Park
Corona Park has it all. You can play basketball, explore an art and science museum, enjoy a walk around the zoo, experience nature and fresh air, see the world’s largest globe, catch great views of the East River, and many more. The best part is that it is only a six-mile ride away from JFK Airport.
The Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Do you like birds and being in nature? If so, visiting the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge is the spot for you. Here you can witness around 300 species of birds over a range of 18,000 acres.
Needless to say, it might take a while to see all 300 different species. From a finch to an eagle, you can either experience them by hiking the land or by horseback.
Resorts World Casino
Feeling lucky? If you are going to be sitting down at the JFK Airport anyway, you might as well head over to the casino to sit down and try your luck at a few card games.
Just a two-mile ride away, you can find yourself at the Resorts World Casino for great food, drinks, and games.
Over 7 Hours
Is your layover longer than seven hours? Then you probably have enough time to head into Manhattan and experience at least one of the amazing attractions it has to offer.
This city is full of incredible local restaurants, fascinating tourist attractions, and plenty of people watching to enjoy. Here are a few things you may want to do and see during your short visit to the Big Apple.
Central Park
Starting with one of the main attractions. Central Park is a massive park placed right in the middle of the city.
Here you can find locals exercising, different genres of street performers, the best hot dog you ever had, and plenty of iconic movie spots. It is the perfect place to stretch your legs and enjoy the day.
Grand Central Station
In your travels to JFK Airport, you may not come across Grand Central by train, but it is well worth a visit anyway.
With a high-end restaurant, well-versed food hall, tennis courts, information desks, and walking tours, this is the perfect place to enjoy a nice meal and learn a little bit about the city’s history.
Times Square
This famous intersection needs no introduction. Just about everyone in the U.S. has seen this hub for advertising in movies and tv shows, if not in person. With plenty of shops, restaurants, and screens, Times Square has to be on your New York bucket list.
Don’t Bring Your Luggage
You may be thinking this all sounds great, but what about my luggage? This is a great point. Carrying luggage all over the city like this would be an absolute nightmare, so don’t do it.
There are plenty of options for luggage storage in JFK Airport. At these facilities, you can safely drop your luggage off and explore NYC hands-free.
The Takeaway
Layovers can be a huge letdown unless you have a longer one in New York. Using your extra time to explore any of the places above will give you the perfect trip within your trip.
Just drop your bags off, explore the city, and come back in time to make your next flight.
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