Easily accessible to John F. Kennedy International Airport from different parts of New York, Jamaica is a “different world”, where cultures from different parts of the globe blend together to create a wonderful city inside the borough of Queens.
From various restaurants with exquisite cuisine to museums and historic landmarks, Jamaica has all of it in store for you. Prepare yourself for a one of a kind trip to a different world - here are the 10 best things to do in Jamaica, NY!
1. Shop on Jamaica Avenue
Jamaica Avenue is a 10.9 mile (17.5 kilometre) long area that has a west end and an east end that are easily accessible by bus. It is a famous shopping district and considered a center of commerce because of its diverse marketplace.The marketplaces of Jamaica Avenue has low price margins and offers good quality products. Here you can get many different clothes, novelty items, and much more, from different stores for your pleasure.
Jamaica Avenue
Email: info@jamaicacenter.org
Phone: +1 718-526-2422
Website: Jamaica Center
2. Join activities at York College
If passing by York College, why not ask if they have any activities for the day? Most of the time, they do. York College opens most of its events to the public and if you are in luck, you will end up with a day of fun and fulfilling activities. Events range from the athletic and active to health and talks that happen all year round for the benefit of its students and people outside the college.
Join activities at York College
Address: 94-20 Guy R Brewer Blvd, Queens, NY 11451, USA
Phone: +1 718-262-2000
Website: York College
3. Go hiking at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
A spectacular bird sanctuary, with more than 300 species of birds, the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge will help you discover whether or not you are an avian enthusiast! This place is great for families and friends because aside from the different species of birds you can see here, trails and parks are available.
The refuge will further enhance your experience of wildlife as this bird sanctuary also houses various native reptiles, amphibians, small mammals, over 60 species of butterflies and one of the largest populations of horseshoe crabs in the northeast, according to New York Harbor Parks.
Other activities include kayaking and walking tours for the viewing of different exhibits, showing the history of the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge up until the present!
Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Address: 175-10 Cross Bay Blvd, Broad Channel, NY 11693, USA
Phone: +1 718-354-4606
Opening Hours: Open seven days, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Website: Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
4. Meet the Kings at King Manor Museum
The King Manor Museum is found on Jamaica Avenue, mentioned above. Discover the family’s legacy of public service and the anti-slavery work of Rufus and John King. The home was founded in 1900 and made into a historic house museum for the preservation of Rufus King’s work, home and legacy. If you’re planning to visit here, the museum hosts weekly events, for the pleasure of citizens and tourists alike.
King Manor Museum
Address: 150-03 Jamaica Ave, Jamaica, NY 11432, USA
Phone: +1 718-206-0545
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday - 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, Saturday to Sunday - 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Website: King Manor Museum
5. Discover history at Prospect Cemetery
Prospect Cemetery was established in 1668 and is known as the “burring plas”, containing 240 family plots and over 2,100 burials from the date of founding to the late 20th century. This is one of the oldest and largest cemeteries in NYC, this site used to belong to an old Indian tribe and is now managed by the Prospect Cemetery Association. Prospect Cemetery is famous to tourists for its peaceful nature and well-kept environment that exudes a feeling of tranquility.
Prospect Cemetery
Website: Prospect Cemetery Association
6. Join workshops at Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning
More than 35,000 people of all ages, from different backgrounds, participate in different workshops, classes, and performances at the Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning, annually and you can have your share of experiences by joining these people who seek artistic knowledge here.
The Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning is open to all for visual, performing and literary arts education. Therefore, joining a couple of workshops will give you an exhilarating experience and will satisfy your artistic cravings! It also hosts a multicultural series of music, theater, and dance performances for viewing if you just want to sit in comfort as you digest the art.
Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning
Address: 161-4 Jamaica Ave, Jamaica, NY 11432, USA
Phone: +1 718-658-7400
Openng Hours: Monday - 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Tuesday to Friday - 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, Saturday - 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Website: Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning
7. Satisfy your sweet-tooth at Schmidt's Candy
Upon its establishment in 1925, with the mission to create German chocolate recipes together with the finest ingredients, Schmidt’s Candy became a success! Before becoming a full-fledged company, it was first established as a family business, built upon old-world German chocolate recipes. For all you chocolate lovers out there, be sure to check this place out, as it is a must-stop confectionery of chocolatey heaven, brought to you by the Schmidt’s.
Schmidt's Confectionery
Address: 9415 Jamaica Ave, Jamaica, NY 11421, USA
Phone: +1 718-846-9326
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday - 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Website: Schmidt’s Candy
8. Grab a drink at Maloney's
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Maloney’s is a sports bar and grill featuring 50 inch HDTVs, for the best experience of watching sports with friends or family! A great pub to unwind after a long day of sightseeing, Maloney’s is the place to meet lots of great people, who may or may not be sports fans. If you’re wondering which sport is famous here, you might want to ask the owner, as he is a world-class Yankee fan according to most regulars. Grab a cold beer and have a great evening at Maloney’s!
Maloney's
Address: 87-67 Sutphin Blvd, Jamaica, NY 11435, USA
Phone: +1 347-233-4472
9. Inspire yourself at the Afrikan Poetry Theatre, Inc.
The Afrikan Poetry Theatre, Inc. offers a venue for youth to create and express themselves. It gives freedom to art and artists alike, through performing arts, paintings, sculptures and much more, accompanied by a rich history. The theatre can be found at 17603 Jamaica Avenue, along with the many shops and restaurants close by, so, after filling yourself with inspiring art and history, you can easily get yourself a meal or a drink outside.
The Afrikan Poetry Theatre, Inc.
Address: 17603 Jamaica Ave, Jamaica, NY 11432, USA
Phone: +1 718-523-3312
Website: The Afrikan Poetry Theatre, Inc.
10. Watch a horse race at Belmont Park Race Track
The Belmont Park Race Track can be found on the outskirts of the neighborhood and offers a great deal of excitement, adrenaline, and fun to audiences of all ages. You will be very interested in the history behind Belmont Park, as, for centuries, it has been the stage for many of racing’s greatest legends, namely Man o’ War, Curlin, Beldame, and Rachael Alexandra, as well as Seabiscuit and Cigar.
Prepare yourself to see the powerful yet majestic beings of speed and agility, as they compete at this great facility. Some amenities are the Backyard area and the Children’s Playground, making for a great family bonding experience.
Belmont Park Race Track
Address: 2150 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont, NY 11003, USA
Phone: +1 718-641-4700
Website: Belmont Park Race Track
A diverse city
Wouldn’t it be nice to have a quick getaway from the usual city? Jamaica offers a unique experience since the stretch of Jamaica Avenue itself can fulfill all your tourist desires, leaving you with a lot of surprises around every corner and an experience that is as diverse as its culture and history. Don’t hesitate and book a trip to Jamaica, New York, now.
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