If you’re planning a trip to New York City this summer, Flushing, Queens, is a must-visit destination that’s bursting with flavor, history, and fun. Known for its incredible Asian food markets, fascinating historic sites, and sprawling parks, Flushing is perfect for foodies, families, and anyone in town for the US Open in late August. Whether you’re craving mouthwatering dim sum, curious about Queens’ colonial past, or looking for a green space to relax, this neighborhood has it all. This guide will walk you through everything you need to make your Flushing visit unforgettable, with tips to plan your day and ideas to soak up the local vibe. Let’s get started with your summer adventure!
Flushing’s Asian Food Markets: A Culinary Haven
Flushing is a paradise for anyone who loves food, especially Asian cuisine. The neighborhood is packed with markets and restaurants that serve up everything from Chinese dumplings to Korean BBQ. Start at the New World Mall on Roosevelt Avenue, where the basement food court is a lively hub of flavors. You’ll find stalls dishing out hand-pulled noodle soups, crispy Peking duck, and bubble tea in every variety you can imagine. It’s a great spot for families—kids can try bite-sized treats like steamed buns, while adults can savor spicy Sichuan dishes or Taiwanese beef noodle soup. The food court gets busy, so arrive early to grab a table and bring cash, as some vendors don’t take cards.
Main Street’s Flushing Chinatown is another must-visit, with bustling markets selling fresh produce, exotic spices, and ready-to-eat snacks. Stop by Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao for their famous soup dumplings—delicate pockets filled with savory broth that are a local favorite. If you’re in town for the US Open, these markets are perfect for a quick, delicious lunch between matches. The variety is endless, and you’ll want to try a little bit of everything, from crispy scallion pancakes to sweet red bean pastries.
Explore Flushing’s peaceful Quaker Meeting House, a true hidden gem from America’s earliest struggles for religious liberty.
Discovering Flushing’s Historic Sites
Flushing’s history runs deep, and its historic sites are a great way to connect with the past. The Flushing Quaker Meeting House, built in 1694, is one of the oldest places of worship in the United States. This simple wooden building offers free weekend tours where you can learn about its role in shaping religious freedom in early America. It’s a calm, reflective spot that’s perfect for families looking to mix food and fun with a dose of history. The guides share stories about the Quakers’ impact, and the serene setting is a nice contrast to Flushing’s busy streets.
Nearby, the John Bowne House, built in 1661, is another gem. This museum, once home to a Quaker who fought for religious liberty, offers guided tours that showcase colonial life with artifacts like old furniture and tools. It’s engaging for both kids and adults, with stories that bring the 17th century to life. These sites are easy to visit in a day, making them perfect stops before or after a US Open match, and they give you a sense of Flushing’s unique place in American history.
Flushing Meadows-Corona Park: A Green Escape
Flushing Meadows-Corona Park is the heart of Queens and a fantastic spot for families and visitors. Home to the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, where the US Open is held, this massive park offers plenty beyond tennis. The Unisphere, a giant stainless-steel globe from the 1964 New York World’s Fair, is a must-see for photos and a great place to relax with a picnic. Kids will love the open spaces for running around, while adults can enjoy the peaceful, green surroundings after a busy day.
The park is also home to the New York Hall of Science, a hands-on museum with interactive exhibits on physics, biology, and technology. It’s perfect for families, with activities like building rockets or experimenting with light that keep kids engaged for hours. If you’re visiting during the US Open, the park’s proximity to the tennis center makes it easy to combine matches with outdoor fun. Pack sunscreen and comfortable shoes, as you’ll want to spend time wandering the park’s wide paths and taking in its iconic sights.
Queens Museum: A Cultural Highlight
Located in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, the Queens Museum is a unique stop that’s perfect for a summer visit. Its main attraction is the Panorama of the City of New York, a massive scale model of all five boroughs, featuring tiny buildings, bridges, and even airplanes landing at LaGuardia. It’s a fun way to understand NYC’s layout, and kids will love spotting landmarks like the Statue of Liberty or Empire State Building. The model is incredibly detailed, and you’ll find yourself marveling at the craftsmanship.
The museum also showcases rotating art exhibits, often highlighting local Queens artists or themes tied to the borough’s diverse communities. It’s a great place to spend an hour or two, especially if you need a cool, air-conditioned break from the summer heat. The museum is stroller-friendly and has a small café, making it a convenient stop for families exploring Flushing during the US Open season.
The Unisphere is the crown jewel of Queens’ top sightseeing, ideal for a sunny picnic or tennis-day stroll.
Where to Stay in Flushing
For a comfortable stay near Flushing during the US Open or a summer getaway, consider the Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown at 27 Barclay St, New York, NY 10007. This luxurious hotel offers spacious rooms, top-notch amenities, and easy subway access to Flushing via the 7 train, about a 30-minute ride. Located in the Financial District, it’s also close to Manhattan attractions like the 9/11 Memorial, making it a great base for exploring Queens and beyond. Book early, as hotels get booked up during the US Open!
The Four Seasons’ family-friendly vibe, with plush beds and a relaxing spa, is perfect for unwinding after a day of sightseeing or tennis matches. Its central location means you can easily combine your Flushing adventure with other NYC highlights.
Shopping and Souvenirs in Flushing
Flushing’s markets are great for more than just food—they’re also perfect for finding unique souvenirs. The Hong Kong Supermarket on Main Street is a fun place to browse for snacks, teas, or kitchen gadgets you won’t find elsewhere. Pick up packaged mooncakes or dried fruits for thoughtful gifts. For something cultural, check out small shops selling calligraphy brushes, jade trinkets, or traditional Chinese fans, which make great keepsakes.
If you’re at the US Open, the tennis center’s merchandise tents offer logoed hats, shirts, and tennis gear that are popular souvenirs. For a local touch, visit Flushing Town Hall’s gift shop, where you can find art prints and books about Queens’ history. These spots are ideal for grabbing something special to remember your trip.
See NYC in miniature at Queens Museum’s Panorama exhibit—an underrated travel guide for first-time visitors.
Family Activities Beyond Food and History
Flushing has plenty to keep families entertained. The Queens Botanical Garden, a short walk from Main Street, is a serene spot with colorful flowerbeds and themed gardens, like the Fragrance Garden, where kids can touch and smell different plants. It’s perfect for a family stroll, with plenty of space for little ones to burn off energy. The garden often hosts summer events like outdoor concerts or craft workshops, so check their schedule.
For sports fans, Citi Field, home of the New York Mets, is right next to Flushing Meadows. Catching a game during your visit is a fun way to experience Queens’ sports culture, with family-friendly seating and kid’s meals available. It’s a great addition to a day of US Open tennis or market hopping.
Evening Fun in Flushing
Flushing’s evening scene is lively and family-friendly. Check out a karaoke lounge like KTV on Roosevelt Avenue, where you can sing in private rooms with kid-friendly song lists, making it fun for all ages. For a quieter night, grab dessert at Tai Pan Bakery, where you can try sweet red bean buns or mango mochi. Summer night markets sometimes pop up, offering street food and live music, perfect for winding down after a busy day.
These evening activities are a great way to cap off your Flushing visit, whether you’re relaxing after a US Open match or spending a full day in the neighborhood. The vibrant atmosphere keeps the fun going well into the night.
Balance your US Open trip with Broadway shows today, like The Lion King for a magical family night out.
Pairing Flushing with Broadway
If you’re in Flushing for the US Open, make your trip extra special with a Broadway show. Manhattan’s Theater District is a quick subway ride away, and family-friendly shows like The Lion King or Chicago are perfect for an evening out. After exploring Flushing’s markets and parks, a Broadway performance adds a touch of NYC magic to your visit. The energy of the shows is infectious, and you’ll be talking about it long after you leave.
Booking tickets in advance is a smart move, especially during the busy summer season, to ensure you get seats for a top performance. It’s a great way to balance Queens’ local charm with NYC’s world-class entertainment.
The US Open is just the beginning—Flushing is a perfect launchpad for your one day guided tour.
Your Flushing Summer Adventure Awaits
Flushing, Queens, is a vibrant spot for a summer trip, with its unbeatable Asian food markets, historic sites like the John Bowne House, and family-friendly Queens Botanical Garden as part of the attractions in Queens and Queens NY attractions. It’s one of Queens’ top attractions, perfect for pairing with the US Open or exploring hidden gems in Manhattan. Add a One day guided tour New York City to see more of NYC, including chinatown new york and the best places to visit in Chinatown NYC, or catch a Broadway theater show with Hamilton broadway tickets New York, MJ the musical tickets NYC, the play that goes wrong NYC theater, The Outsiders New York, Water for Elephants tickets New York, or The Who’s Tommy New York for a memorable evening. Don’t miss the roosevelt island cable car, top sight seeing in New York, top of the rock, or grabbing Yankees tickets. For family fun, explore kids activities NYC. For the best Manhattan visitors guide and to discover hidden places in New York, check out VisitNYC.com to make your Flushing adventure seamless and unforgettable!
