New York's JFK airport is located relatively close to the city, with several public and private transportation links. Before or after a flight into or out of JFK, take in one of several attractions in the immediate vicinity of the airport. From botanical gardens to birdwatching, the JFK area offers recreational activities from the outdoor to the offbeat.
Bird-Watching in Jamaica Bay
The Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge covers some 9,155 acres, reaching to within three miles of the JFK terminal. The bay's diverse habitats include salt marsh, field and woods, ponds and open bay. More than 330 species of bird have been seen in the Jamaica Bay refuge, and the area is known as one of the best places in the New York region to view migrating birds.
Rockaway Beach
Particularly popular in the summer, Rockaway Beach is located some three miles southwest of JFK, and is accessible via the AirTrain-subway rail network serving the airport. With more than 170 acres of beach, Rockaway is a great place for people watching, as New Yorkers flock to the beaches during warm weather. Children's playgrounds, volleyball, and skating are all available to the public. Rockaway Beach is the only place in New York for surfing, while aso offering fishing and swimming opportunities.
Ganesha Temple
Just over eight miles from the JFK terminals is the Ganesha Temple, which is home to the Hindu Temple Society of North America. This building is an unusual visual and cultural experience. The temple was constructed in India before being shipped to the United States, where it is situated on the former site of a Russian Orthodox church. The architectural style of the building is unusual and ornate, featuring many carved elephant heads.
Queens Botanical Garden
Queens Botanical Gardens are located just under eight miles to the north of JFK, and are accessible by a short taxi ride or public transport. The Gardens were initially created as an exhibit for the 1939 New York World's Fair and today feature rose, herb, perennial and bee gardens alongside seasonal displays. Much of the Gardens is wheelchair-accessible, and the flat topography of the Gardens makes them an excellent choice for travelers with ambulatory difficulties. The Gardens are closed Mondays, with free admission offered between November 1 and March 31. Between April and October, free admission is offered on Wednesday and Sunday afternoons. At other times there is a modest admission charge, with discounts for students and seniors.
Queens Museum of Art
Like the Queens Botanical Garden, the Queens Museum of Art is situated in a building that was originally a part of the 1939 World's Fair. One of the few buildings originally intended as a permanent structure, the museum is now the only surviving building from the fair. To the south side of the museum is an ice rink which is open to the public. The museum houses fine arts exhibitions and also hosts performances and film showings. Additionally, the museum has on display the Panorama of New York City--an architectural scale model of the city that is the largest such model in the world.
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