Queens New YorkATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Queens, New York.
1. Citi Field
HOME OF THE METS
Citi Field stands as the impressive home stadium of the New York Mets baseball team, offering fans an exceptional sporting experience in Queens. Visitors can enjoy the electric atmosphere during game days along with numerous food options and baseball memorabilia throughout the venue. The stadium features excellent sight lines, a Jackie Robinson Rotunda, and various interactive experiences that celebrate the rich history of baseball in New York.
2. Gantry Plaza State Park
WATERFRONT URBAN OASIS
Gantry Plaza State Park offers a stunning waterfront experience with spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline from the shores of Queens. The park features beautifully maintained gardens, recreational areas, and the iconic restored gantries that harken back to the area's industrial past. Visitors can stroll along the promenade, relax on the park's distinctive lounge chairs, or enjoy fishing from designated piers while watching boats traverse the East River.
3. Museum of the Moving Image
CELEBRATING FILM AND MEDIA
The Museum of the Moving Image offers a fascinating journey through the history, technology, and art of film, television, and digital media right in the heart of Queens. Interactive exhibits allow visitors to experience various aspects of production, from sound mixing to special effects, creating an engaging environment for film enthusiasts of all ages. The museum's collection includes artifacts from significant productions, vintage equipment, and regularly hosts film screenings and special events throughout the year.
4. Rockaway Beach
SURF AND SAND GETAWAY
Rockaway Beach provides a refreshing coastal escape within the urban landscape of Queens, featuring miles of sandy shoreline along the Atlantic Ocean. Visitors can enjoy swimming, surfing, and sunbathing during summer months, while the revitalized boardwalk offers dining options and relaxing places to stroll. The beach area has become a cultural hub with seasonal events, food vendors, and a vibrant local scene that makes it a beloved destination for both locals and tourists.
5. Flushing Meadows-Corona Park
ICONIC WORLD'S FAIR SITE
Flushing Meadows-Corona Park serves as Queens' largest park and a cultural cornerstone, famous for hosting two World's Fairs and featuring the iconic stainless steel Unisphere. The sprawling green space encompasses multiple attractions including the Queens Museum, New York Hall of Science, and the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center where the US Open is held annually. Visitors can explore lakes, playgrounds, sports facilities, and multiple cultural institutions all within this expansive urban park that celebrates both nature and human achievement.
6. Queens Museum
ART AND LOCAL HISTORY
The Queens Museum showcases contemporary art and historical exhibitions that reflect the diverse cultural landscape of both Queens and the global community. The museum's crown jewel is the stunning Panorama of the City of New York, a meticulously detailed scale model of the entire city that was created for the 1964 World's Fair. After a significant renovation, the museum now offers expanded gallery spaces, studios for artists-in-residence, and a beautiful sky-lit atrium that enhances the visitor experience.
7. MoMA PS1
CUTTING-EDGE CONTEMPORARY ART
MoMA PS1 stands as one of the oldest and largest nonprofit contemporary art institutions in the United States, housed in a former public school building in Queens. The museum specializes in experimental and innovative works from emerging artists, featuring thought-provoking exhibitions that push creative boundaries. Visitors can experience immersive installations, performance art, and the popular summer Warm Up series that combines music performances with the museum's unique courtyard setting.
8. Louis Armstrong House Museum
JAZZ LEGEND'S LEGACY
The Louis Armstrong House Museum preserves the home where the legendary jazz musician Louis Armstrong lived for nearly 30 years in the Corona neighborhood of Queens. Visitors can take guided tours through the beautifully preserved rooms filled with original furnishings, personal artifacts, and Armstrong's extensive collection of recordings and memorabilia. The museum offers a rare glimpse into the private life of this cultural icon through audio recordings of Armstrong himself, creating an intimate experience that celebrates his musical genius and humanitarian spirit.
9. Queens Zoo
AMERICAS WILDLIFE SHOWCASE
Queens Zoo specializes in animals native to the Americas, spread across 11 acres of thoughtfully designed habitats within Flushing Meadows-Corona Park. Visitors can observe fascinating species including bald eagles, sea lions, Andean bears, bison, and alligators in environments that mimic their natural settings. The zoo features the largest petting area in the tri-state region, making it a particularly engaging destination for families with young children eager for hands-on animal encounters.
10. New York Hall of Science
HANDS-ON SCIENCE EXPLORATION
The New York Hall of Science offers an engaging educational journey through 450 interactive exhibits, demonstrations, and workshops focused on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Located in Queens, this dynamic museum encourages hands-on learning experiences that make complex scientific concepts accessible and enjoyable for visitors of all ages. The institution regularly hosts special exhibitions, educational programs, and maker spaces that inspire curiosity and foster a deeper understanding of how science shapes our world.
11. Shopping
DIVERSE RETAIL EXPERIENCES
Queens offers exceptional shopping experiences, from the authentic Asian markets in Flushing to the vibrant Queens Center Mall in Elmhurst. Visitors can explore unique finds at the Queens Night Market, which features vendors selling handcrafted items, vintage goods, and international merchandise in a festive atmosphere. The borough's shopping districts reflect its multicultural character, with specialty stores in neighborhoods like Jackson Heights' Little India and Astoria's Mediterranean marketplaces providing distinctive products not found elsewhere in New York City.
12. Dining
GLOBAL CULINARY ADVENTURES
Queens presents one of the world's most diverse culinary landscapes, with authentic international dining options spanning Chinese restaurants in Flushing, Greek tavernas in Astoria, and Indian eateries along Jackson Heights' 74th Street. Visitors can sample exceptional Thai food in Elmhurst, savor Latin American specialties in Corona, or enjoy fresh seafood near the Rockaway waterfront. The borough's food scene includes everything from cherished family-owned establishments passed through generations to innovative chef-driven restaurants that have earned critical acclaim and devoted followings.
13. Hiking
URBAN NATURE TRAILS
Queens offers surprising hiking opportunities within its urban landscape, with Forest Park's extensive trail system spanning over 500 acres of natural woodland. Visitors can explore Alley Pond Park's hiking paths that wind through wetlands, forests, and meadows, including the Tulip Tree Trail featuring New York City's tallest and oldest tree. The Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge provides serene hiking routes through diverse ecosystems where hikers can observe migratory birds and native plants while experiencing a peaceful retreat from city life.
14. Fishing
URBAN ANGLING HOTSPOTS
Queens provides excellent fishing opportunities along its extensive waterfront areas, with popular spots including the piers at Gantry Plaza State Park and Bayswater Point State Park. Anglers can cast their lines at Jamaica Bay, where the protected waters are home to striped bass, bluefish, fluke, and other species throughout different seasons. Rockaway Beach offers surf fishing along the Atlantic shoreline, while Meadow Lake and Willow Lake in Flushing Meadows Corona Park provide freshwater fishing experiences within the borough's most famous park.
15. Camping
OVERNIGHT OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
While traditional camping facilities are limited within Queens itself, the Urban Park Rangers organize supervised camping experiences in select Queens parks including Forest Park and Fort Totten Park through their popular family camping program. Visitors seeking more extensive camping options can reach nearby destinations such as Floyd Bennett Field in Brooklyn, which offers the Ecology Village camping program and year-round camping sites within the Gateway National Recreation Area. The Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge connects to additional camping resources within the Gateway system, providing urban dwellers and tourists alike with opportunities to sleep under the stars while remaining close to New York City.