Dreaming of beaches and vineyard sunsets? With a quick car rental at JFK, you can be on the Long Island Expressway in minutes and choosing between two perfect weekend vibes: the North Fork’s wineries and farm stands, or Montauk’s surf culture and windswept dunes. Driving gives you the freedom to mix both—without juggling train schedules or rideshares.
North Fork: calm villages & wineries
Head east toward Greenport and you’ll find quiet roads, tasting rooms, and bayside walks. Towns like Mattituck and Southold are laid‑back, parking is easy, and sunrise light along the Peconic Bay makes the drive unforgettable. Plan a loop between vineyards and farm‑to‑table spots, then end with a stroll along the historic waterfront in Greenport.
Montauk: state parks & lighthouse views
Prefer a livelier scene? Continue past Amagansett to Montauk for beaches, surf breaks, and the famous lighthouse. Hike Hither Hills, watch for dolphins off Ditch Plains, and cap the day with fresh seafood. It’s more spread out here, so a vehicle with a little more space keeps boards, coolers, and beach chairs organized—see roomy options like SUV hire at JFK.
Routes, timing & distance
Off‑peak, JFK to Montauk is typically under three hours; North Fork villages are closer. Fridays after 3 p.m. and Sundays after 4 p.m. are the heaviest periods—leave early or later in the evening if you can. If your flight lands across the river, our Newark Airport location also works well for a fast getaway to the Island via the Belt Parkway connection.
Where to stay & what to pack
- North Fork: Inns and boutique hotels near Greenport make great walking bases.
- Montauk: Consider parking‑friendly motels near the beach if you’ll haul gear.
- Essentials: Reusable water bottles, beach umbrella, a lightweight cooler, and layers for breezy nights.
Traveling with kids or a bigger crew? Add sliding doors and third‑row seating to the checklist—our minivan options at JFK make packing strollers and beach bags painless.
Prefer British‑English guidance while you plan? Compare car hire at JFK with city pick‑ups and see the same transparent prices and coverage details in your language.
Why book with Hola Car Rentals
- Free Cancellation up to 48 hours before pick‑up—perfect for weather‑dependent trips.
- All‑Inclusive+ Rate options with maximum coverage for worry‑free coastal drives.
- No additional fees, so your budget goes to seafood dinners and tasting flights.
- Cashback on tolls on eligible itineraries across New York and beyond.
Whether you go vineyard‑hopping on the North Fork or wave‑chasing in Montauk, a weekend on Long Island is best with your own wheels. Book now with Hola Car Rentals and make beach time the highlight of your New York stay.
Sample 2‑day plan
- Day 1 – North Fork: Morning pick‑up at JFK, coffee in Mattituck, tastings in Southold, late lunch at a farm stand, sunset in Greenport.
- Day 2 – Montauk: Early highway run to Hither Hills, lighthouse visit, picnic at Kirk Park Beach, seafood dinner before a late return.
Local driving tips
- Route choices: For a more scenic approach, take NY‑27 (Sunrise Highway) and branch to local roads near Hampton Bays. Use the LIE for a faster return.
- Parking: Beach lots may require passes; shoulder seasons are more flexible. Always check signage in village centers.
- Weather: Ocean breezes cool evenings even in summer—pack light layers and a windbreaker.
- Tolls: Some approaches use cashless tolls; Hola Car Rentals offers toll cashback on eligible bookings.
Pro tip: Book popular stays far in advance during summer and harvest season. In shoulder months, you’ll find easier parking and shorter lines at tasting rooms, while ocean temps remain swimmable well into early fall.
