After immigration and baggage at JFK Airport, allow roughly 90–150 minutes to reach your Manhattan hotel. Take the AirTrain to Jamaica Station, then the LIRR to Penn Station—usually the quickest public-transport option, about 35–50 minutes after reaching the station. From Penn Station, use the subway or a yellow taxi to your hotel; expect approximately $15–25 for the AirTrain/LIRR combination, plus $2.90 for the subway or around $15–25 for a short Midtown taxi ride. With luggage, avoid changing trains more than necessary, and keep some energy in reserve after the overnight flight.
Once checked in, take an easy 45-minute recovery walk through Bryant Park, beside the New York Public Library on Fifth Avenue. The lawns and café tables are ideal for sitting down, and the park is generally open until late evening; this is a good first taste of Manhattan without committing to a long sightseeing day. From there, walk west along 42nd Street or Sixth Avenue to Times Square, where the signs are most impressive after dark. Spend about 45 minutes wandering around the pedestrian plazas, but keep phones and wallets secure in the busiest areas.
For dinner, stop at Joe’s Pizza Broadway in the Theater District for a classic, quick New York slice—roughly $10–20 per person, depending on how hungry you are. It is casual and typically busy, so expect to eat standing or at limited seating rather than linger. Then attend your booked Broadway theater district show, allowing 2.5–3 hours including intermission. Arrive 30–45 minutes before curtain for security and seating; after the show, take the subway or a licensed yellow taxi back to your hotel rather than walking long distances while jet-lagged.
Start early at the Empire State Building, ideally for an 8–9 a.m. entry, before the Midtown crowds build. Allow about two hours for security, the exhibits, and the 86th-floor observatory; timed tickets commonly cost roughly $45–60 per adult, with the 102nd-floor upgrade costing more. The 34 St–Herald Sq subway station is closest, and taxis or walking are straightforward if you are staying nearby. Afterward, walk north to Koreatown via Broadway or Fifth Avenue—about 10 minutes—and spend 45 minutes browsing the restaurants, beauty shops, and bakeries around West 32nd Street. For a quick bite, Tous les Jours is convenient for pastries, while Woorijip is a good casual choice for Korean prepared dishes; expect around $10–25 per person.
Continue east along 32nd Street and then north toward Grand Central Terminal, roughly a 15-minute walk. Take time inside the Main Concourse to look up at the restored celestial ceiling, visit the Whispering Gallery near the Oyster Bar, and browse the small shops. The terminal is generally open from early morning until late evening, though individual businesses vary; it is free to enter, and the landmark is best enjoyed before the after-work rush. From Grand Central, walk west along 42nd Street or take the 7 train one stop to Times Sq–42 St, then walk north to The Museum of Modern Art at 53rd Street. Reserve an afternoon timed ticket—general admission is usually about $30—and allow two to three hours for the modern-art galleries, including the Van Gogh and Picasso rooms. MoMA is typically open late on some evenings, but check the official schedule for the 2026 date; August crowds make advance booking worthwhile.
After the museum, give yourself a little breathing room rather than adding another attraction. Walk west through the theater district toward Le Bernardin on West 51st Street, or take a short taxi if you want to arrive fresh. This is a serious fine-dining reservation, so dress smartly and confirm the booking and menu format in advance; tasting menus are commonly in the $200–350-plus range before drinks, tax, and service, while lunch can be a less expensive alternative. Allow at least two and a half hours for dinner. If you want a brief post-dinner stroll, the nearby stretch of Sixth Avenue is lively and well lit, but avoid packing in another major stop after the meal.
Start from your Manhattan hotel around 8:00 a.m. and head to the Lower Manhattan entrance of Brooklyn Bridge—use the A/C to High Street–Brooklyn Bridge or the F to York Street, depending on your starting point. If you are already near the Financial District, simply walk to the pedestrian ramp at Centre Street and cross eastbound. Allow about 1½ hours, including frequent photo stops; the harbor, Statue of Liberty, and Manhattan skyline are best in the softer morning light. Stay in the marked pedestrian lane and keep right, as cyclists pass quickly.
Descend into DUMBO and walk roughly 10 minutes to Jane’s Carousel, the beautifully restored 1922 carousel beneath the Manhattan Bridge. It usually opens around 11:00 a.m.; rides are inexpensive, generally about $3, and the surrounding waterfront is ideal for a short pause. Continue a few minutes along Water Street to Time Out Market New York in Empire Stores for lunch. Its vendor stalls offer plenty of choice, with about $20–40 per person a realistic budget; go upstairs to the rooftop for views across the East River, though seating can fill quickly on summer weekends.
After lunch, spend the afternoon at Brooklyn Bridge Park, wandering from John Street toward Pier 1 and the Brooklyn Heights waterfront. This is deliberately unhurried: find a shaded bench, watch the ferries, and enjoy the changing views back toward Manhattan. Bring water and sunscreen—August heat reflects strongly off the promenade, and public restrooms are available at several park areas. Around sunset, walk back toward DUMBO for dinner at Juliana’s Pizza on Old Fulton Street. Expect coal-fired New York-style pies at approximately $20–40 per person; waits are common, so join the list before you are hungry, and note that the restaurant is cash-friendly but accepts cards. After dinner, take the F from York Street or the A/C from High Street–Brooklyn Bridge back to Manhattan, allowing roughly 30–45 minutes.
After breakfast, allow 30–60 minutes from Brooklyn to The Metropolitan Museum of Art using the subway—your exact route depends on your hotel, but the 4/5/6 or Q trains are generally useful for the Upper East Side. Aim to arrive close to the museum’s 10:00 a.m. opening; admission for adults is typically around $30, and you should reserve at least three hours for the Egyptian, European, Asian, and American galleries. The museum is vast, so choose a few wings rather than trying to see everything, and take a short break in the rooftop or café area if you need one.
From the Met, walk south through Central Park for about 20–25 minutes to Conservatory Garden, entering around East 104th Street. This beautifully maintained formal garden is one of the park’s calmer corners, with fountains, seasonal flowers, and shaded benches—ideal for an unhurried hour after the museum. Continue north or take the M1, M2, M3, or M4 bus up Fifth Avenue toward Harlem, allowing roughly 15–25 minutes depending on traffic, and spend about an hour at the Apollo Theater on West 125th Street. Check the day’s tour or visitor hours in advance, since access can vary around performances.
It is only a short walk along West 125th Street to Red Rooster Harlem, where dinner usually runs about $50–90 per person before drinks and tip. Reserve ahead, especially for the dining room; the menu is a lively take on Southern and Harlem cooking, and the atmosphere is part restaurant, part neighborhood gathering place. After dinner, stroll north toward Central Park North and Harlem Meer—roughly 15 minutes on foot—to enjoy the water, broad lawns, and evening light. Stay on the main paths as it gets dark, and use the 2/3 train from 110th Street or a rideshare back to your hotel rather than making a long late-night walk.
Take a morning nonstop flight from JFK Airport to Salt Lake City International Airport, ideally departing between 7:00 and 9:00 a.m. From your Manhattan hotel, allow at least 60–90 minutes to reach JFK, then arrive two hours before departure for check-in and security. The flight takes about five hours, but Salt Lake City is two hours behind New York, so you should reach Utah in the early afternoon local time. A one-way ticket is commonly around $150–350; check baggage rules carefully, especially if you are carrying hiking gear.
After collecting your bags, take the TRAX Green Line toward downtown or use a rideshare; the trip to central Salt Lake City generally takes 20–30 minutes. If you are picking up a rental car for the national parks, collect it at the airport and confirm your hotel’s parking arrangements before driving downtown. Settle in briefly, then visit Temple Square, where the landscaped grounds and historic buildings make an easy first introduction to the city. Allow about an hour; access to some interiors may vary because of ongoing renovations, so treat this as a relaxed outdoor visit rather than a full museum stop.
Walk from Temple Square to City Creek Center—roughly 5–10 minutes via Main Street—for an easy hour of browsing, air-conditioning, and a chance to stretch after the flight. Most shops generally open until around 8:00 or 9:00 p.m., though individual hours vary. Finish at The Copper Onion, a short walk south in downtown, for modern Utah-focused American cooking; budget approximately $35–60 per person before drinks and tip. Reservations are sensible, particularly on a Friday or Saturday, and this is a good night to keep unhurried since the time-zone change and tomorrow’s Park City outing will make an early start worthwhile.
Start with The Park Café near Liberty Park for a relaxed breakfast before heading east into the foothills. It is a casual neighborhood spot, so allow 45–60 minutes and expect roughly $15–30 per person; arriving early is wise, especially on a summer weekday. From there, drive or take a rideshare to Red Butte Garden—about 15–20 minutes without heavy traffic—and spend around two hours wandering the themed gardens and shaded paths. The garden typically opens in the morning, with admission commonly around $14–16 for adults. Bring water, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes; August heat arrives quickly, even with the Wasatch Mountains rising dramatically behind you.
Late morning, continue a few minutes downhill to the Natural History Museum of Utah at the Rio Tinto Center. Allow about two hours for the dinosaur halls, Utah geology exhibits, and the building’s excellent valley views. Admission is generally around $20–25 for adults, and timed or advance tickets are sensible during summer. The museum is usually open from 10 a.m. into the early evening; check the exact schedule before leaving, as hours can vary. Parking is available on-site, though rideshare avoids the uphill drive and parking fee.
After the museum, visit This Is the Place Heritage Park, just a short drive away along the east bench. Give yourself roughly 1½ hours to explore the reconstructed pioneer buildings, gardens, and open trails; the site is outdoors and exposed, so carry water and consider using the small train or shuttle if operating. Admission is commonly about $15–20, with seasonal hours often extending through the afternoon. Then return toward central Salt Lake City for an unhurried hour at Liberty Park. Walk beside the pond, find a broad patch of lawn, and let the day slow down—late afternoon is much more comfortable than midday. You can finish with an early dinner back at The Park Café, where the atmosphere is easygoing and portions are generous. Allow about 20 minutes by car from the heritage park, longer during rush hour; street and nearby park parking are usually easier outside peak meal times.
After breakfast in Salt Lake City, collect your rental car and take I-80 east toward Park City. The drive is usually 40–50 minutes, though summer roadwork or weekend traffic can add time. Park once at your hotel or in an Old Town Park City garage and leave the car there for the rest of the day—Main Street is very walkable. Head first to Park City Mountain, where the scenic summer gondola is the highlight. Allow about two hours for the ride and alpine views; check the resort’s same-day operating schedule before leaving, as weather can affect lifts. Summer gondola tickets commonly cost around $30–50 per adult.
Walk or take the free Park City Transit shuttle into the Park City Main Street Historic District, a few minutes away. Have lunch along Main Street, then spend time browsing its galleries, independent boutiques, and former mining buildings rather than rushing from shop to shop. Afterward, visit the Park City Museum at 528 Main Street for about an hour. It is compact but excellent for understanding the town’s silver-mining past and transformation into a ski destination; typical admission is roughly $15–20, and hours are often approximately late morning to early evening in summer, so confirm before setting out.
For dinner and drinks, walk to High West Saloon on Main Street, ideally reserving ahead for the evening. Its Utah-made whiskey, Western atmosphere, and substantial food make it a better choice than trying to drive elsewhere tonight; budget about $35–70 per person before drinks and tip. Afterward, take a relaxed stroll through Old Town while the historic buildings light up, or use the free local shuttle back to your lodging. Keep tomorrow’s early drive to Moab in mind and avoid a late night.
Leave Park City around 7:00 a.m. for the drive to Moab, allowing 4½–5 hours behind the wheel plus fuel and rest stops. Take US-40 toward US-191, then continue via I-70 and south toward Moab. Fill the tank before leaving Park City and carry water and snacks; services become more widely spaced once you are away from the Salt Lake City area. With an early departure, you should reach Moab around lunchtime or early afternoon, leaving time for a gentle first outing rather than a strenuous hike.
After checking in, head north of town to Moab Giants, near the Arches National Park area. The outdoor dinosaur replicas are especially fun in the afternoon light, while the indoor paleontology exhibits provide a useful break from the heat. Allow about 1½ hours, and bring sun protection—the open site has limited shade. Admission is commonly around $20–30 per adult, though check the current summer hours and ticket prices before driving out.
Return to downtown Moab and spend the late afternoon at the Moab Museum on Center Street. Allow about an hour to learn how the surrounding desert shaped Indigenous, geological, mining, and recreation history; it gives tomorrow’s park scenery more context. The museum generally operates daytime hours, but confirm its schedule because seasonal closing times can vary. If you need a short break between visits, downtown is compact and easy to explore on foot, though August temperatures can still be intense.
For dinner, settle into the Moab Food Truck Park, where rotating vendors make it easy for everyone to choose something different—usually about $15–30 per person. Go relatively early if you want the widest choice, since some trucks may close once they sell through their evening preparation. After eating, drive north to the Arches National Park entrance area for a brief practical check: confirm the next day’s timed-entry requirements and route, top up fuel in Moab, and make sure each person has plenty of water. Keep this to about 30 minutes; the goal is to be organized for the morning, not to begin sightseeing in the park after dark.
Leave Moab around 3:30–4:00 a.m. for Arches National Park—the drive to the Delicate Arch Trailhead takes about 35 minutes. In August, this is the right call: the 3-mile round-trip hike is exposed, rocky, and much hotter once the sun is up. Allow roughly three hours, including time at the viewpoint and the walk back. Carry at least 2–3 liters of water per person, wear sturdy shoes, and use a headlamp before sunrise. The park’s entrance fee is generally $30 per private vehicle unless your pass covers it; check the current timed-entry rules before leaving, as summer access requirements can change. Parking at the trailhead fills early, so arriving before dawn is worthwhile.
After returning to the car, drive north through Arches Scenic Drive to the Windows Section, about 25–30 minutes from the Delicate Arch area. Take the short loop toward North Window, South Window, and Turret Arch; the trails are much easier than Delicate Arch but remain almost completely exposed. Spend about 90 minutes here, and bring water even if the walk feels brief. By late morning, the sandstone is intensely hot, so take photographs from the shaded side of the formations when possible and avoid climbing on fragile cryptobiotic soil.
Continue to Devil’s Garden, near the end of the park road, allowing about 35–40 minutes from the Windows. Focus on the main trail and the easier arch viewpoints rather than attempting the full primitive loop in August heat; two hours is enough for a rewarding visit. If you still have energy, Landscape Arch is the essential stop. Afterward, return to Moab for dinner at Moab Diner, a casual downtown choice with generous breakfasts, burgers, sandwiches, and shakes—roughly $15–30 per person. It usually serves from morning into the evening, but confirm closing time locally, particularly in summer. After eating, drive back through Arches Scenic Drive for evening light, stopping only at signed pullouts and allowing about 90 minutes. Sunset colors are especially good around the Windows and Balanced Rock area; keep headlights on after dark and watch for wildlife on the road.
Leave Moab around 6:00–6:30 a.m. for Canyonlands National Park’s Island in the Sky district, about 35–45 minutes by car. August heat becomes intense quickly, so fill your tank in Moab, carry at least 3–4 liters of water per person, and bring breakfast to eat on the way or at a viewpoint. Start at the Island in the Sky Visitor Center when it opens—summer hours are generally around 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.—to collect maps, check road and trail conditions, and ask rangers about heat, wildfire closures, and flash-flood risks. The entrance fee is typically about $15 per person or $30 per private vehicle unless covered by an America the Beautiful pass.
From the visitor center, drive to Mesa Arch and take the short, moderately uneven trail to the overlook; allow about an hour including time for photographs. The arch is especially atmospheric in the morning, but the viewpoint is narrow and busy, so take turns at the edge and stay well back from the drop-offs. Continue to Green River Overlook, an easy stop with an enormous view over the deeply cut Green River canyons. It is one of the best places to appreciate Canyonlands without adding another strenuous hike, and 30 minutes is enough unless you bring a picnic.
After a relaxed lunch—ideally something packed from Moab, since food options inside the park are extremely limited—continue along the paved park road to Grand View Point. Walk the rim trail for about an hour, stopping whenever the changing light reveals another layer of mesas and canyon walls. There is little shade anywhere in this district, so keep the hike conservative, drink regularly, and avoid standing close to unfenced edges. Allow roughly 45 minutes to return to Moab, with a fuel stop and a proper break once back in town.
For dinner, reserve a table at Desert Bistro, a polished Southwestern restaurant on South Main Street. Expect approximately $60–100 per person before drinks and tip; dinner service commonly begins in the late afternoon and runs into the evening, but schedules can change seasonally. It is a good night to dress neatly, order slowly, and let the day wind down rather than adding another activity—Canyonlands’ distances and heat make an early night worthwhile.
Leave Moab around 7:00 a.m. with a full tank, plenty of water, and breakfast packed for the road. Take I-70 west toward Green River, then continue to Goblin Valley State Park; the drive to the park entrance is roughly 1½–2 hours. The route is remote, so download maps in advance and do not count on reliable mobile service. Allow about 1½ hours to wander among the hoodoos in Goblin Valley, where the informal trails let you walk right into the formations. The park usually opens from sunrise to sunset, and the day-use fee is commonly around $20 per vehicle; August heat is serious, so keep this stop focused and avoid scrambling on unstable rock.
Return to US-24 and continue toward Torrey, with another hour or so of driving before reaching Capitol Reef National Park. Stop at the Capitol Reef National Park Visitor Center for roughly 45 minutes to study the geology exhibits, collect current road and heat information, and refill water if facilities are operating. The center generally keeps daytime hours, but check the National Park Service listing before departure because summer hours can change. From there, follow scenic UT-12 through the high desert toward Bryce Canyon City; this is one of Utah’s most rewarding drives, so allow extra time for safe pullouts rather than trying to maintain the fastest possible schedule.
Arrive in Bryce Canyon City in the early evening, check into your accommodation, and spend about an hour settling in and stocking up on water and trail snacks. Stop at a local grocery or convenience store in town, then confirm the next morning’s Bryce Canyon National Park shuttle arrangements; in summer, using the shuttle is usually easier than searching for parking inside the park. For dinner, head to Stone Hearth Grille near Bryce Canyon City for a relaxed meal—budget approximately $35–60 per person and make a reservation or call ahead, since dining choices around the park are limited. Keep the evening quiet: tomorrow’s canyon viewpoints and trails are best enjoyed with an early start.
Start before dawn at Bryce Point, ideally arriving 30–45 minutes before sunrise. The overlook opens onto one of the best wide views of the amphitheater, and the first light gradually turns the hoodoos pink, orange, and gold. From Bryce Canyon City, the drive to the viewpoint is about 20–25 minutes; in August, the park road is generally accessible by car, but check the morning shuttle and road status at the visitor center or park website. Bring a warm layer—the rim sits around 8,000 feet and can feel surprisingly chilly before sunrise. Allow about 45 minutes, then continue to the nearby Navajo Loop and Queen’s Garden Trail.
Set aside 2½–3 hours for this hike and begin with plenty of water. The combined route descends steeply into the amphitheater, passing the switchbacks and towering formations of Navajo Loop before winding through the hoodoos on Queen’s Garden. In August, start early to avoid the strongest heat, take regular breaks on the climb back to the rim, and carry at least 2–3 liters of water per person. The trail can be dusty and uneven, so sturdy shoes and a hat are worthwhile. If part of the route is closed, follow current park signage rather than improvising a descent.
For lunch, walk over to the Bryce Canyon Lodge Dining Room, a convenient choice right beside the amphitheater rim. Expect roughly $25–50 per person for a sit-down meal; service is relaxed, so allow about an hour. The lodge is one of the few atmospheric dining options inside the park, and eating here saves you the time and hassle of driving back to town during the middle of the day. After lunch, spend around 45 minutes at Sunset Point, where the dense cluster of hoodoos is especially impressive from the rim. Despite its name, it is also an excellent daytime viewpoint, and the short paved walk makes it an easy recovery stop after the hike.
Later, drive south along the park road to Rainbow Point for the quieter Bristlecone Loop Trail. Allow about an hour for this high-elevation walk through ancient bristlecone pines, with broad views beyond the main amphitheater. Late afternoon is a pleasant time to go, when the light softens and the crowds thin out. Bring water even for this short trail, and keep an eye on the time: thunderstorms can develop quickly at elevation in August. From Rainbow Point, return to Bryce Canyon City via the park road, a drive of roughly 40–45 minutes; refuel in town and have dinner there, since food options inside the park become limited later in the evening.
Have breakfast in Bryce Canyon City and leave around 8:00 a.m. for Springdale, allowing about 2½ hours of driving with the scenic stop. Take US-89 south, then UT-12 and UT-9 toward Zion National Park. Your first stop is Red Canyon Arch in Red Canyon, just off the highway near Panguitch. Give yourself roughly 45 minutes to stretch your legs, photograph the orange formations, and take the short walk toward the arch. There is roadside parking, but do not leave valuables visible in the car; August mornings are already warm, so carry water even for this brief stop.
Continue toward Springdale and plan to arrive around lunchtime. Zion parking fills quickly in summer, and parking in town is often easier than trying to find a space at the park entrance. If you park in Springdale, use the free town shuttle when operating, or walk to the Zion National Park Visitor Center; admission is covered by the national-park entrance pass, while parking in the park is limited. Spend about 45 minutes collecting maps and confirming the current Zion Canyon Shuttle schedule and trail conditions. The visitor center is generally open daily from morning through early evening, but check the National Park Service site shortly before traveling because hours and shuttle arrangements can change.
After the visitor center, take the shuttle or walk to the start of the Pa’rus Trail, an easy paved route beside the Virgin River. A leisurely out-and-back walk or bike ride takes about 1½ hours, with broad canyon views and less demanding terrain than Zion’s steeper trails. Bring sun protection and at least one bottle of water per person; there is little shade, and August afternoons can be extremely hot. Return to Springdale afterward for a relaxed dinner at Oscar’s Cafe, a dependable local favorite for generous Southwestern and Mexican comfort food. Expect about $20–40 per person, and arrive before the busiest dinner period or expect a wait; the portions are large, so sharing a plate can work well after the trail.
Start early from Springdale and walk or use the town’s free shuttle to the Zion Canyon Visitor Center; during August, parking there can fill very early, often before 8:00 a.m. The park’s shuttle is the practical way into the canyon—private vehicles are generally restricted beyond Canyon Junction—so board as soon as service begins and ride to Temple of Sinawava. Allow about 30 minutes for the ride, longer if queues have formed. The park entrance fee is typically $35 per private vehicle, valid for seven days; check the official Zion National Park site for the current shuttle schedule and any alerts.
From Temple of Sinawava, follow the Riverside Walk beside the Virgin River, then enter The Narrows if water levels, weather, and your footwear allow. The paved Riverside Walk takes about 1½ hours round-trip at an easy pace, while continuing into the river can turn this into a 2–4-hour outing. Rent canyon shoes and a walking stick in Springdale if you do not have sturdy water footwear, and carry water, snacks, and a dry bag. Flash-flood risk is serious in August: do not enter if thunderstorms are forecast upstream, even if the canyon overhead looks clear.
Return by shuttle to Zion Lodge Red Rock Grill for lunch, generally around $20–40 per person. It is one of the easiest places to eat inside the canyon, but service can be busy at midday; counter-service options at the lodge are useful if you want to get back on the trail quickly. After lunch, take the shuttle to the stop for the Emerald Pools Trail. Allow roughly two hours for the moderate walk to the lower and, if conditions and energy permit, upper pools. Expect exposed sections and little shade, so refill water before leaving the lodge and avoid rushing during the hottest part of the afternoon.
Rather than returning immediately to Springdale, drive east through the dramatic Zion–Mount Carmel Highway toward the Canyon Overlook Trail. The short trail takes about an hour round-trip but includes uneven rock and a steep drop near the overlook; use a headlamp if sunset runs late and stay well back from the edge. Parking is very limited near the trailhead, so arrive well before sunset and never leave valuables in the car. Watch the canyon walls shift from orange to purple as the light fades, then return through the tunnel and back to Springdale for dinner. Sunset timing changes through August, but it is around 8:20 p.m. early in the month and closer to 8:00 p.m. later on; check the exact time before setting out.
Leave Springdale around 3:30–4:00 a.m. for Salt Lake City International Airport, allowing 4½–5 hours on US-9 and I-15, plus a fuel stop and time to return the rental car. This is a long, dark drive through largely quiet country, so fill the tank the evening before, download offline directions, and keep water and snacks in the car. If your flight departs later than planned, do not be tempted to cut the timing close: roadwork, wildlife, or a slow rental-car return can easily add an hour.
Return the car in the airport’s rental-car center, then take the airport shuttle to the terminal. For the domestic Salt Lake City–JFK sector, arrive at least two hours before departure; if your bags are checked through or your airline advises a longer buffer for the onward international flight, follow that guidance. A nonstop flight with Delta or JetBlue usually takes about 4½–5 hours, and the two-hour time difference means you will land at JFK later by the clock than the elapsed travel time suggests. Bring food for the flight or buy it after security—airport prices are high, but the early departure from Springdale makes a proper breakfast impractical.
After landing at JFK, follow signs for baggage collection and the correct international-departures terminal; the terminal depends on your airline, so check the booking rather than assuming. If the flights are on separate tickets, allow extra time to collect and recheck luggage. For the overnight flight to Accra, complete check-in, security, and any document checks as soon as possible, then settle near your gate—JFK’s terminals are large and inter-terminal transfers can be slow. Keep your passport, Ghana entry details, and valuables in your hand luggage, and aim to be at the gate well before boarding rather than relying on the airport train or a last-minute meal.