Car Rental in New York City

While NYC offers plenty of activities for people of all ages, you might want to get out of the city for a few hours to experience nearby smaller towns in New York and Connecticut.

Start with the Sannino Bella Vita Vineyard, which sits on the outskirts of Peconic, New York. You can take a tour of the vineyards, then check out the tasting room for some of the company's best wines. There's a scenic deck where you can relax with a glass and chat with your fellow travelers. The Sannino Bella Vita Vineyard is about one hour and 45 minutes from NYC's city center, so it's ideal for a quick trip.

You'll also want to visit Annandale-on-Hudson, New York, which is a two-hour drive from NYC. It's a historic destination filled with gorgeous architecture and quaint, tree-lined streets. Visit the Richard B. Fisher Center for the Performing Arts if you enjoy opera, ballet, orchestra, or any other musical performances. The Frank Gehry-designed building will delight architecture enthusiasts. Annandale-on-Hudson also offers hiking trails at Montgomery Place, stunning gardens at Blithewood Manor, and excellent Japanese food at Osaka.

Consider traveling to New Canaan, Connecticut, as well. It's a beautiful town, especially during autumn, thanks to the gorgeous fall colors. It's also home to the Glass House, which is a historic house museum that hosts exhibits related to architecture, art, and interior design. The grounds feature beautiful landscaping, and the house itself is constructed almost entirely of glass. You can get to New Canaan in about two hours if you leave from NYC's city center, and don't forget to stop in town for a bite to eat and to browse in some of the local antique shops.

NYC's infamous traffic can frustrate out-of-towners, but you can avoid the worst of it by traveling at ideal times. Late evening and early morning offer the least congestion. Try to avoid driving around lunch time because the streets become packed with cars and taxis.

When traveling with the kids, focus on family-friendly destinations in NYC. Visit some of the city's most famous landmarks, such as the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building. Hit the High Line Park to enjoy the flowers and greenery, and to view the city from a unique vantage point. It's also the ideal place to take photographs, especially if you like industrial backgrounds.

Go ice skating and visit the LEGO store in Rockefeller Center. As one of the most tourist-friendly areas of NYC, this legendary destination also offers enormous murals and beautiful statues and other works of art. There's also the Children's Museum of Manhattan, which offers hands-on exhibits that kids love. Even if you've visited before, the museum hosts traveling exhibits, so there's always something new to see.

New York City has developed a reputation as an ideal nightlife destination, but it offers plenty of fun for families. Consider eating an early dinner every evening, so you don't have to wait in line to get seated. Return to your hotel or Airbnb early to wind down and enjoy a glass of wine while the kids watch television or play. Start your mornings early to avoid traffic, especially if you're heading out for a day trip, and use your phone's GPS to make sure you never get lost.

Whether you're visiting overnight or for several days, don't miss the excitement and bustle of NYC. With a rental car and a GPS system, it's easy to visit all five boroughs as well as outlying areas.