Hampton Roads/ Health & Lifestyle
Published on May 22, 2019
Festival travel: New York City's Governors Ball is coming soon, a flight away from Virginia BeachPhoto: iStock

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?

Fortunately, there are plenty of relatively inexpensive flights between Virginia Beach and New York City, at least according to travel site Skyscanner.

Here’s a list of flights, hotels, restaurants and local attractions in New York City to round out your trip. (Prices and availability are current as of publication and subject to change.)

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Flight deals to New York City

The cheapest flights between Virginia Beach and New York City are if you leave on May 29 and return from New York on June 2. United currently has roundtrip tickets for $256.

United also has tickets at that price point later in May. If you fly out of Virginia Beach on May 30 and return from New York City on June 3, United can get you there and back for $256 roundtrip.

Top New York City accommodations

To plan your accommodations, 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.)

Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

If you're looking to splurge on top quality, 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 have ground-to-ceiling windows with spectacular views that include the Hudson River, the High Line or the city skyline. It is within close proximity to the west side highway, Javits Center, SoHo and the Financial District. 

The Dream Downtown (355 W. 16th St.)

Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

There's also the 4.5-star rated The Dream Downtown. Rooms are currently set at $204/night.

It's situated between the thriving Meatpacking District and Chelsea.

Ace Hotel New York (20 W. 29th St.)

Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

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.  It's within walking distance of many popular destinations like Times Square, the Empire State Building, Macy's and the Broadway theaters. And it's close to the old Tin Pan Alley.

Featured New York City food and drink

New York City has plenty of top-notch dining options. Here are a few of the most popular, according to Skyscanner.

Levain Bakery (167 W. 74th St.)

Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

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 creative takes on traditional baked goods and cookies.

The Meatball Shop (84 Stanton St.)

Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

If you're looking for a local favorite restaurant pick, head to The Meatball Shop, with 4.6 stars from 49 reviews.

"It was the best meatballs I have ever had," wrote reviewer ABelle.

Red Rooster (310 Lenox Ave.)

Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

Also worth considering is the Red Rooster.

"I am writing this at home after one of the most amazing meals I've ever had," wrote John349. "The attention to detail in every part of this dining experience really made it a standout."

Dominique Ansel Bakery (189 Spring St.)

Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

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. "Their cronut flavors rotate monthly and they never feature the same flavor twice."

Featured local attractions

New York City is also full of sites to visit and explore. Here are some popular attractions to round out your trip, again from Skyscanner's listings.

The Brooklyn Bridge Park (334 Furman St.)

Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

First up is The Brooklyn Bridge Park.

Located in the heart of New York City, the park is located beside the Brooklyn bridge and offers an amazing view of the entire city. It is a great place for a tourist to stop and take a quick lunch break while absorbing the skyline of Manhattan. It is a highly recommended spot to watch the sun go down over the 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 High Line Park

Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

Then, there's The High Line Park.

This re-purposing 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. "Starting in spring they offered great tours. Every time I go there are even more things blooming. 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

Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

Finally, consider checking out 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.


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.