Flushing Meadows-Corona Park (The "Nearby Iconic"Choice)

Flushing Meadows Corona ParkClick to open side panel for more information is the largest public park in Queens, offering a vast landscape that blends recreational green space with world-class cultural institutions. Originally a salt marsh and later a notorious ash dump famously described as the "Valley of Ashes" in F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, the site was transformed by urban planner Robert Moses for the 1939-1940 World's Fair. Today, it stands as a testament to New York City's ability to reinvent its landscape, featuring expansive winding paths, Meadow and Willow Lakes, and a variety of habitats that support local wildlife.

The park’s history is deeply rooted in international diplomacy and innovation, having hosted both the 1939 and 1964 World’s Fairs. Following the first fair, the New York City Building served as the temporary headquarters for the United Nations General Assembly from 1946 to 1950, a period during which many critical early global decisions were made. The 1964 World's Fair introduced the park's most recognizable landmark, the Unisphere—a 12-story stainless steel globe symbolizing "Peace Through Understanding." Remnants of these fairs continue to define the park's character, including the New York State Pavilion and the Queens Museum, which houses a famous scale model of New York City.

In recent years, the park has continued its legacy as a premier destination for major global events. In June 2026, it is set to host the Governors Ball Music Festival, featuring high-profile headliners like Lorde, Stray Kids, and A$AP Rocky. Beyond music, it remains a cornerstone for international sports as the home of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, where the US Open is held annually, and Citi Field, home of the New York Mets. The park also hosts community-centric events such as the Queens Night Market and various New York Road Runners races, including the Mindful 5K scheduled for May 2026.

Flushing Meadows-Corona Park Address:
89 East 42nd Street, at Park Avenue, in Midtown Manhattan, New York City

Flushing Meadows-Corona Park Website:
nycgovparks.org/parks/fmcp