Queens in one of the great boroughs located in New York City. The borough has a rich history and is known for its diversity. It was founded in 1683 and became a city in 1898.
Queens is the most ethnically diverse borough in the United States, with more than two hundred languages. Queens is home to many attractions, such as the Queens Zoo and Flushing Meadows Park. There are many reasons to come to Queens, including its vibrant culture and beautiful landscape.
The History of Queens
Queens is the most populated of New York City’s five boroughs. It has 2.271 million people. In the United States, it covers the entire county of Queens. Long Island’s westernmost borough stretches from the confluence of the East River and Long Island Sound to the azure waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
The Dutch established their first settlement in Flushing Bay in 1636. In 1664, Peter Stuyvesant surrendered to an English force working on behalf of the Duke of York, who took possession of these towns.
Queens County was created in 1683 and is now one of New York’s 12 official counties. Catherine of Braganza, Charles II’s queen consort, inspired the name.
In the 19th century, Queens was largely rural, but several of its shore towns began attracting summer vacationers. Queens evolved as a part of New York City in 1898.
As a result, the towns of Hempstead, North Hempstead, and Oyster Bay were incorporated into Nassau County, which at the time had a population of little over 500,000 people. So, New York City became a more developed area with the Queensboro Bridge (1909) and the Long Island Railroad Tunnel (1910).
Why Should You Visit Queens?
There is a lot of love for Queens, New York. It was recently ranked as the best place to travel in 2015 by Lonely Planet. It was given the ever-popular moniker of “the future Brooklyn” by The New York Times.
Even though knowledgeable travelers have long known how amazing Queens is, we’re confident that some people only associate it with flights to or from New York City.
There are many grounds why you should see Queens, and one of the most important is its rich history. This borough has been home to some of the most iconic figures in American history, including Martin Luther King Jr., John F. Kennedy, and Diana Ross. Additionally, Queens is a center for cultural diversity, with over 100 different languages spoken within its boundaries.
The following reasons should convince you to visit Queens if you belong to the latter group.
- Having Everything in One Place
- The Seaside
- Delicious Foods
- The Nightlife
- The Amazing Museums
- The Record of Past Events
- The Mets
- Recreational Activities
The 7 Best Places to Visit Queens
There are many wonderful locations in Queens, and it is hard to choose just a few. Here are five of our favorite choices:
1. Flushing Meadows Corona Park
This vast park has plenty of activities for all ages, from tennis and basketball courts to baseball and soccer fields. The forest scattered throughout the park offers a peaceful place to relax or hike through forests full of trees and wildlife. There’s also an exhibit that highlights the history of Flushing Meadows-Corona Park as well as art installations made by local students.
2. Gantry Plaza State Park
Gantry Plaza State Park is an excellent place to visit if you’re looking for a quiet getaway in Queens. The park is home to two peaceful lakes and various trails that wind through the woods.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try out more challenging trails leading to hidden streams and waterfalls. Alternatively, suppose you want to spend your time in the company of other people. In that case, several hiking and biking trails take you through the forest and around the lakes.
3. “The Wave” at Citi Field
Home to both New York Mets (MLB) games as well as concerts during football season (NFL), this ballpark is always buzzing with excitement thanks to its iconic “Wave.”
4. Alley Pond Park
Alley Pond Park is a beautiful park located in Queens, New York. It’s perfect for a day trip or weekend getaway and has lots of activities to keep you entertained.
Alley Pond Park is the perfect place if you’re looking for something to do on a hot day. There are several pools and playgrounds to explore, a basketball court, and plenty of picnic areas. You can also walk along the water’s edge or catch a sunrise over the pond.
5. The Rockaways
The Rockaways is a beautiful area of Queens that’s home to some of the best beaches in all of New York City. The coastline here is sandy and perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing. There are also plenty of parks, shopping areas, and restaurants to choose from, making it a great place to spend a day or two.
Suppose you’re looking for an exciting place to visit that’s still relatively close to home. In that case, the Rockaways should definitely be at the top of your list.
6. Forest Hills Garden
Forest Hills Gardens is known for its greenery and vintage architecture. At the same time, Baldwin Park boasts plenty of recreational activities like tennis courts, basketball courts, playgrounds, and hiking trails.
7. Astoria Park
Astoria Park is a beautiful 5.3-acre park in Astoria, Queens, offering residents and visitors plenty of things to enjoy. Aside from its stunning gardens and gardens, Astoria Park is home to impressive waterfalls, a zoo, playgrounds, a swimming pool, tennis courts, basketball courts, and more.
It’s also a popular spot for walking and jogging; it’s close to several major landmarks like the Steinway piano factory and the New York Aquarium.
How to Visit Queens?
There are several ways to get to Queens, depending on what you want to do while there. Bus or train travel is the best option if you’re looking for a day trip.
New York City’s Queens neighborhood is served by the following public MTA transportation lines:
- MTA Bus
- Long Island Railroad
- Subway: 7, N, R, E, F, M
Driving is a straightforward mode of transport because it’s easy to scroll down your phone screen and find directions without looking up your road map. The roads in Queens are relatively flat and easy to navigate, making it perfect for long drives. Additionally, traveling by car allows you to take in more scenery than if you were visiting Queens via train or plane.
Summary
Queens is a diverse and exciting borough with a long and fascinating history. There are many reasons to come to Queens, and it’s a great place to live, work, and play. So why not give Queens a try?
