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7 Quick things to do near JFK Airport during a layover
Got a layover in New York? Here are seven fun things to do near JFK Airport, including New York City's main tourist attractions.
Got a long layover coming up in New York (JFK Airport) or even just a few hours to spare before your next flight? Don’t worry; there are plenty of things to do near JFK Airport. From famous tourist attractions near the airport to New York City’s hidden gems, you’ll find something to keep you entertained on your travels.
Here’s a guide to the best things to do around JFK Airport, from quick, budget-friendly adventures to longer excursions that will make you want to return to New York for a full-blown vacation.
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1. Relax by the shore at Rockaway Beach
- Perfect for: Layovers over 2-3 hours
- Travel time from JFK: A 20-30 minute car ride from the airport (8.8 miles from JFK)
- Cost: Entry to the beach and boardwalk is free, making it one of the top free things to do near JFK Airport. Prices may vary for rentals and restaurants nearby.
If you have a layover at JFK Airport and want to get some fresh air before your next flight, Rockaway Beach is an ideal place to spend some time — especially if you’re traveling with kids. Situated in Queens, this stunning beach has some of the best things to do near JFK Airport, including a scenic stroll along the boardwalk, golden, cushiony sands perfect for a quick snooze, and local eateries to grab a quick snack.
The ocean breeze and fresh air are also incredibly refreshing, especially after a long-haul flight!
2. Take a ferry from Rockaway to Wall Street and Chinatown
- Perfect for: Layovers over 4 hours
- Distance from JFK Airport: A 20-30 minute car ride from the airport (9.3 miles from JFK)
- Cost: A one-way ferry ticket costs between $2.50-$3 — a great affordable way to explore the city
If you’re not keen on visiting a beach during your layover at John F. Kennedy Airport, you can take a ferry ride from Rockaway to the famous Wall Street Pier 11. This short 60-minute cruise is the perfect way to enjoy New York’s iconic landmarks from the water, especially when you don’t have enough time to tour all the famous spots.
Enjoy panoramic views of the New York Harbor, Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty, Manhattan’s skyline, and the Verrazzano Bridge. The ferry stops at Wall Street’s Pier 11, where you can explore the Wall Street District and even take a quick detour to New York’s famous Chinatown. Visit Shanghai 21 for the best Chinese dishes and highly-rated soup dumplings.
3. Tour Manhattan and Times Square
- Perfect for: 3-4 hour layovers
- Travel time from JFK: Take the AirTrain from JFK to Howard Beach Station. Then, transfer to subway line A to reach Times Square in 40 minutes. (17.6 miles from JFK)
- Cost: Subway fares may amount to $11-14. Prices will vary for eateries and shopping in Manhattan and Times Square.
A trip to the Big Apple is never complete without exploring its most famous borough, Manhattan. Even if you only have a few hours before your next flight, you can safely squeeze in a trip to Manhattan and Times Square.
Tour Manhattan’s concrete jungle and pay quick visits to the most visited tourist attractions in the world: Central Park, Grand Central Terminal, and Times Square. Times Square is one of the world’s busiest pedestrian areas and offers a vibrant atmosphere and unique shopping and dining opportunities. It’s well-known for its iconic, brightly lit billboards, Broadway shows, and the New Year’s Eve ball drop. Many tourists travel to New York for the holidays, making it one of the best destinations in the USA in December.
Insider tip: New York is a highly walkable city. In fact, it holds Platinum-level Walk Friendly status! Make sure to pack comfortable walking shoes, as you’ll spend a considerable amount of time on your feet while exploring New York City.
4. Explore Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
- Perfect for: 2-3 hour layovers
- Travel time from JFK: a 15-20 minute car ride (6.5 miles)
- Cost: Entry to the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge is free!
This attraction near JFK Airport steers away from city vibes and tall buildings. Instead, you can enjoy a serene escape into nature at the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge. It’s home to over 300 bird species, with scenic trails that meander around the East and West ponds. The wildlife refuge is a part of the Gateway National Recreation Area and offers several exciting activities, such as birdwatching, hiking, and strolling through the open bay, salt marsh, mudflats, and upland woods.
You can also spot coyotes, bobcats, deer, and opossums, especially during the colder months. In the spring and fall, you’ll see more killdeer and shorebirds. Ensure you have reliable internet via eSIMs and use the PlantNet app to look up special flora, fauna, and wildlife you come across!
5. Dive into the New York Hall of Science
- Perfect for: Layovers between 2-3 hours
- Travel time from JFK: A 10-15 minute car ride distance (8.5 miles from JFK)
- Cost: Ticket prices range from $19 for children, students, and seniors to $22 for adults.
Visit the New York Hall of Science, one of the most stimulating and least time-consuming things to do near JFK Airport; you only need two hours to whizz through! Explore the interactive exhibits and engage in hands-on learning, making it the perfect place to take your kids for a fun learning experience! The museum hosts over 400 exhibits covering interesting topics from physics to technology.
Learn how energy is generated and distributed in “Powering the City” or participate in “The Big Bubble Experiment” and discover the science behind bubbles by blowing, stretching, and popping them! It’s safe to say this is one of the best attractions to visit near JFK Airport, especially with your kids.
6. Visit the iconic Empire State Building
- Perfect for: Layovers over 2-3 hours
- Travel time from JFK: a 45-50 minute car ride (16 miles from JFK)
- Cost: Ticket prices range from $44-79 for access to different floors
Visiting the Empire State Building is on every tourist’s New York travel guide, but you can also explore this iconic landmark during your layover at JFK Airport as well. Standing tall at 1,454 feet, the Empire State Building provides stunning 360-degree city views. Head up to the Observation Desks on the 86th floor for an open-air view of the city, or go even higher to the 102nd floor, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows.
As you come down, the 2nd floor has many exhibit galleries showcasing the building’s construction and history. End your Empire State Building experience by enjoying a meal at the STATE Grill and Bar on the ground floor.
7. Tour the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens
- Perfect for: 2-3 hour layovers
- Travel time from JFK: A 20-30 minute car ride (9.9 miles from JFK)
- Cost: Tickets range from $10 to $20, and children under 12 can get in for free!
Visit the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens on your layover at JFK Airport and enjoy a tranquil escape into nature from the draining airport environment. Another famous and similar location is the Queens Botanical Garden. However, Brooklyn Botanic Garden is bigger and easier to reach from JFK Airport. Spanning over 50 acres, this urban oasis is scenic with a diverse collection of plants, gardens, and lush landscapes.
Explore the specialty gardens, including the Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden, the Native Flora Garden, and the Shakespeare Garden. If you’re visiting New York in spring, you can even get the chance to experience the beauty of cherry blossoms.
Tips for your layover at JFK Airport
Whether you have a half-hour layover or a longer one at JFK Airport, there are plenty of ways to stay entertained. Instead of sitting at your gate watching the clock, you can shop till it’s time to board your flight, grab a bite of world-class food, or even check into an airport hotel for some downtime.
Here are some tips for a smooth layover at JFK Airport:
Take advantage of airport lounges
Escape the airport’s hustle and bustle by checking into an airport lounge. You can enjoy free Airport WiFi, comfortable seats, and various food options there.
Store your luggage
If you want to explore the airport or enter the city without dragging your bags, use JFK’s luggage storage system, which is available in Terminals 1, 4, and 8.
Get connected with Holafly
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Born and raised in Queens, New York, I'm a Psychology graduate with a passion for writing that I've been nurturing since 2019. Over the years, I've enjoyed creating meaningful content across various niches, including sports, hospitality, and career development. At Holafly, I focus on crafting useful and inspiring pieces to make your adventures more effortless. One of the best perks of this role? Creating travel content always seems to inspire my next vacation destination!
