John F. Kennedy International is New York City’s main international airport. One of the busiest airports in the United States, JFK serves more than 60 million passengers a year and has flights that connect the city to six different continents.
There’s more than enough in New York City itself to keep you busy for a lifetime. However, with JFK just 16 miles from Midtown Manhattan, it’s possible to get from here to just about anywhere. So if you’re looking to take a weekend trip away from the city, you’re in luck. Flights across the United States and to other nearby countries can show you something completely different from New York itself.
Drop off your unneeded bags at a JFK Airport luggage storage and consider some of these domestic and international destinations. Even if you only have a weekend to spare, the world is your oyster from JFK.
Montreal, Canada
Just a short flight from JFK, Montreal is a vibrant city with a rich history and culture. The city is known for its French-Canadian cuisine, world-class museums, and beautiful architecture. Spend your weekend exploring the Old Port, visiting the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, and trying local specialties like poutine and smoked meat.
Montreal’s French heritage makes a completely different from New York, meaning you can have an unforgettable experience in this unique city by spending only a few hours on a flight from JFK. Not only will you get to experience another country, but you’ll get to experience a unique subculture within that country, giving you a taste of Europe right in North America.
Niagara Falls, New York
Take a quick flight or drive to Niagara Falls to see one of the world’s natural wonders. You can experience the falls up close on a boat tour or from above on the Observation Tower at Prospect Point. There are also plenty of other attractions in the area, including wineries, casinos, and Niagara Falls State Park.
Washington D.C.
The nation’s capital is just a short flight from JFK and offers a wide range of cultural and historical attractions. Visit the White House, the National Mall, and the many museums and monuments scattered throughout the city. Don’t forget to try some of the city’s famous half-smokes and crab cakes.
Boston, Massachusetts
Boston is a city with a rich history and a vibrant contemporary culture. Spend your weekend exploring the entire 2.5 miles of the Freedom Trail, visiting the museums on the Boston Common, and trying some of the city’s famous seafood. The city is also home to a number of universities, so there are always cultural events and activities happening.
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is a tropical paradise that’s reachable on a flight of just under four hours from JFK. The island has beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine. Spend your weekend relaxing on the beach, touring Old San Juan, and trying some of the local specialties like mofongo and alcapurrias. Although technically still part of the USA, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to a whole new world with endless vacation possibilities.
Bermuda
Would you believe that you can even get to an exotic location like Bermuda in just over two hours from JFK? Bermuda is another beautiful island with pink sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and charming British-influenced culture. You definitely won’t get bored here. You can tour the island’s historic forts, try some of the local seafood, and relax on the beach. What more do you need out of a weekend away?
The Bahamas
The Bahamas are a group of islands just a short flight from JFK that offer a perfect break from the city, especially in the winter. As you’d expect, each of the islands has a beach more spectacular than the last, and the crystal-clear waters don’t hurt, either. You’ll feel right at home in the laid-back culture as you see some of the many islands, sample fresh seafood, and snorkel to your heart’s content. Plus, there are lots of wildlife and other tours available that you can often book directly with your hotel.
Toronto, Canada
Toronto is a vibrant city with a rich culture and a thriving arts scene. If you make it to Toronto, be sure to visit the city’s many museums, try some of the local cuisine, and check out the city’s many music and cultural festivals. Toronto is also just a short drive from Niagara Falls, so you can easily visit both destinations in one weekend.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
A weekend break in the historic city of Philadelphia can involve exploring the city’s many museums, trying some of the local specialties like cheesesteaks and soft pretzels, and checking out the city’s many historical attractions like the Liberty Bell.
For something a little different, check out the City of Brotherly Love’s incredible street art – Philly has a vibrant street art scene that’s definitely worth checking out. Home to many talented muralists and graffiti artists, you can find some truly amazing artwork all over the city.
Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles generally needs no introduction and is a vibrant and diverse city with a rich cultural and entertainment scene. The city’s many neighborhoods each offer a different experience and new attractions to visit, and you can get just about any type of food you can imagine here.
There are also plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities, such as hiking in the Santa Monica Mountains or visiting the beach. You can also head to some landmarks you’ve only seen in movies, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Hollywood sign, and the Griffith Observatory.
Miami, Florida
This is another city that most people are familiar with; Miami’s vibrant and lively nightlife, pristine beaches, and Hispanic culture are all standout features of a weekend trip here. If you aren’t a night owl, there’s lots to keep you busy during the day, from snorkeling to museums to relaxing on the beach. And, if you enjoy seeing wildlife, you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to visit Everglades National Park. You can also visit some of the city’s iconic landmarks, such as the Art Deco District and the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. Don’t forget to try some of the city’s famous Cuban food and sip on a refreshing mojito to complete the Miami experience.
Conclusion
JFK is a major airport, and as such, it can get you just about anywhere in the world you want to go. The only limit is your budget and your time. But if you only have a weekend to spare, there is still no shortage of fascinating places to go. Whether you want to see another US city or go further afield and explore Canada or the Caribbean, you have plenty of options when it comes to exciting weekend trips.
Drop off your bags and get ready to fly to one of these incredible destinations. The options for exploration from JFK International Airport are almost endless!
