Looking for the right time to visit New York City, but hoping to skip the typical Big Apple tourist scene in favor of a more local experience? The Governors Ball Music Festival is right around the corner, and might have exactly what you're looking for.
Started by local music lovers eight years ago, it features 60-plus artists of all genres, plus a selection of the best eats in town, street artists from around the city, interactive games and activities, and more. What better way to experience the music, art and culture at the heart of NYC?
Thankfully, there are plenty of regular, relatively inexpensive flights between Fresno and New York City. We pulled from travel site Skyscanner to provide you with a short list of flights and hotels handpicked for the occasion. (Prices and availability are current as of publication and subject to change.)
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Cheapest New York City flights
Currently, the cheapest flights between Fresno and New York City are if you leave on May 30 and return from New York on June 3. Frontier Airlines currently has tickets for $310, roundtrip.
If you fly out of Fresno on May 30 and return from New York City on June 2, Frontier Airlines can get you there and back for $466 roundtrip.
Top New York City accommodations
Regarding where to stay, here are some of New York City’s top-rated hotels, according to Skyscanner, that we selected based on price, proximity to things to do and customer satisfaction.
The Standard, High Line (848 Washington St.)
If you're looking to treat yourself, consider The Standard, High Line. The hotel has a 4.4-star rating on Skyscanner, and rooms are currently available for $275.
All 338 rooms at The Standard, High Line have ground-to-ceiling windows with spectacular views. It is within close proximity to the west side highway, Javits Center, SoHo and the Financial District.
The Dream Downtown (355 W. 16th St.)
There's also the 4.5-star rated The Dream Downtown, which has rooms for $204/night.
This luxury property features 315 loft-inspired rooms and a rooftop lounge with city views. The hotel also has an outdoor pool.
Ace Hotel New York (20 W. 29th St.)
If you're looking for an inexpensive place to stay, there's Ace Hotel New York. The 4.3-star hotel has rooms for $84/night.
Ace Hotel New York is a 12-story hotel in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. There is a subway stop right around the corner and it's within walking distance of many popular destinations like Times Square, Empire State Building, Macy's and the Broadway theaters.
Local restaurant picks
If you're looking for a popular spot to grab a bite, New York City has plenty of excellent eateries to choose from. Here are a few from Skyscanner's listings to help you get started.
Levain Bakery (167 W. 74th St.)
Let's start with the essentials: where to satisfy your sweet tooth. For a popular option, check out Levain Bakery, which has an average of 4.8 stars out of 42 reviews on Skyscanner.
The menu includes an inventive array of rustic breads and other equally creative takes on traditional baked goods. The business mission from the start was to bake everything fresh and on-site each day and to donate the day’s leftovers to charity each night, a mission that remains solidly in place.
The Meatball Shop (84 Stanton St.)
If you're looking for a local favorite restaurant pick, head to The Meatball Shop, with 4.6 stars from 49 reviews.
"Best meatballs I ever had!" wrote reviewer ABelle. "I got the kitchen sink and the meatball burger ... the kitchen sink was delish! It was cooked with pork and spicy seasonings, topped with mushroom gravy and loaded with different types of greens."
Red Rooster (310 Lenox Ave.)
Also worth considering is Red Rooster.
The menu at Red Rooster reflects on the roots of American cuisine while celebrating local farmers and artisanal food makers. The eatery features a takeout market, welcoming bar and restaurant.
"The attention to detail in every part of this dining experience really made it a stand out that we'll remember," wrote John349.
Dominique Ansel Bakery (189 Spring St.)
Finally, there's Dominique Ansel Bakery.
"A visit to New York meant that we had to visit the bakery that started the cronut craze," wrote Trina."If you’re in the area, you should definitely stop by for a treat. Their cronut flavors rotate monthly and they never feature the same flavor twice. The cronut has flaky layers of pastry with a cream bursting from inside. It was really good."
What to see and do in New York City
Not sure what to do in New York City, besides eat and drink? Here are a few recommendations, provided by Skyscanner.
The Brooklyn Bridge Park (334 Furman St.)
First up is The Brooklyn Bridge Park.
Located in the heart of New York City, the Brooklyn Bridge Park is a great opportunity for tourists and residents to visit. This park is located beside the Brooklyn bridge, considered one of the portals into the city and although the park itself is simple, it also offers an amazing view of the entire city.
"The walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, whether you're walking from Brooklyn to Manhattan or vice versa, is one of the most iconic walks New York City has to offer," wrote visitor Gary. "The best place to take pictures is at the two towers of the bridge, where there's space for sightseeing away from the bike and pedestrian traffic."
The High Line Park (New York 10011)
Then, there's The High Line Park.
This repurposing of the old railroad line running through the Meatpacking District of Manhattan has become an outdoor favorite for locals and tourists alike. With wood-planked floors and landscaping, the High Line is a great place to escape the craziness of the city and enjoy a few quiet moments.
"The most fun place I have found to walk in the city yet," wrote visitor Lars. "The views are amazing and ever-changing. There is a lot of great art along the high line to enjoy and photo ops are endless."
The Statue of Liberty (New York 10004)
Lastly, spend some time at The Statue of Liberty.
A symbol of the country's possibilities, the Statue of Liberty National Monument includes nearby Ellis Island, where many European immigrants started on their journey of becoming Americans. If you plan far, far in advance (at least three months and up to a year for high season), you can snag an opportunity to climb the crown.
"Spend some time exploring the park and then make your way down to take the tour from the bottom of the park. You will get some epic views of the NYC skyline, save hours queuing and get to explore Liberty Park. Wins all round!" wrote visitor Claire.
This story was created automatically using flight, hotel, and local attractions data, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.
