Its eastern end is at the city line in Bellerose, Queens, where it merges into NY 25 (Jericho Turnpike) to serve the rest of Long Island.

Jamaica Avenue was part of a pre-Columbian trail for tribes from as far away as the Ohio River and the Great Lakes, coming to trade skins and furs for wampum.

Dutch Director-General Peter Stuyvesant dubbed the area "Rustdorp" in granting the 1656 land patent.

It is also the historic center of the former village with several city landmarks including the King Manor.

Jamaica Avenue is also the main shopping street for many other neighborhoods it runs through as well, including Woodhaven, Richmond Hill, and Queens Village.