Thinking about swapping city sirens for forest trails? With a quick pickup and a flexible car rental at JFK, New Yorkers can turn a regular weekend into an easy upstate escape. The Hudson Valley, the Catskills, and the open‑air galleries of Storm King Art Center are all within a few scenic hours—no train timetables, no waiting, just your playlist and the open road.
Hudson Valley: Storm King, Bear Mountain & river towns
Start at the iconic Storm King Art Center, where monumental sculptures sit among meadows and rolling hills. Continue to Bear Mountain and cruise Seven Lakes Drive, a winding ribbon that threads past overlooks and picnic spots. If you prefer a different pick‑up point or find better arrival times, consider Newark—our Newark Airport rental location works perfectly for heading west of the Hudson.
Round out the day with a stroll through Cold Spring or Beacon. Cafés, antique shops, and riverfront views make either town a relaxed base for dinner. Parking is generally straightforward; just watch local signage on weekends and during festivals.
Catskills: Woodstock vibes & mountain byways
The Catskills deliver a slower pace and bigger vistas. Follow the region’s scenic byways toward Phoenicia and Woodstock, stop for a creek‑side lunch, and—if you’re feeling adventurous—tackle a short hike at Kaaterskill Falls. For families or travelers carrying gear, upgrading into a roomier ride can make the drive more comfortable. See our spacious options with SUV hire at JFK for all‑weather traction.
Weekend timing matters. Leaving Friday before 2 p.m. or after 7 p.m. generally yields steadier traffic, and Sunday evenings back into the city are always busier. Build a buffer for photo stops and detours—half the fun upstate is discovering small farm stands and trailheads along the way.
Itinerary ideas
- Storm King + Beacon: Sculpture park in the morning, Dia Beacon after lunch, sunset at Long Dock Park.
- Bear Mountain Loop: Seven Lakes Drive, Perkins Memorial Tower, ice‑cream stop in Cold Spring.
- Catskills Sampler: Phoenicia coffee, Slide Mountain trailhead, golden‑hour stroll in Woodstock.
Smart planning tips
- Map out parking: Many villages use paid or time‑limited zones on weekends.
- Pack layers: Weather swings near the river and at higher elevations can be dramatic.
- Tolls & bridges: Some crossings are cashless; Hola Car Rentals offers cashback on tolls on eligible itineraries.
- Choose the right vehicle: For four travelers plus bags, a midsize SUV or a minivan simplifies loading and back‑road comfort. If you need extra seats, check our minivan options at JFK.
Prefer phrasing tailored to British English? If you’d like to compare car hire at JFK with city pick‑ups, you’ll find the same transparent pricing and coverage.
Why book with Hola Car Rentals
- Free Cancellation up to 48 hours before pick‑up.
- All‑Inclusive+ Rate with maximum coverage on select plans.
- No additional fees—save up to 60% compared with on‑site rates.
- Free travel insurance up to US$150,000 on eligible bookings.
Upstate weekends are easier when the details are sorted. Lock in dates, choose a car that fits your crew, and keep your route flexible for last‑minute discoveries. Ready to roll? Book now with Hola Car Rentals and enjoy your next New York escape.
Sample 2‑day plan
- Day 1: Early pick‑up at JFK, Storm King Art Center (3–4 hours), lunch in Cornwall, afternoon in Beacon, dinner along the river, overnight in Cold Spring.
- Day 2: Drive Seven Lakes Drive to Bear Mountain, continue toward Woodstock via NY‑28 with photo stops, late lunch and a leisurely return to the city.
Seasonal note: Foliage peaks from late September through late October at higher elevations first, then along the river. Winter brings postcard views but shorter daylight—pack warm layers and check conditions before heading up mountain roads.
