Shift into spring. Why is May the perfect time to drive to NYC?

There’s something magical about NYC in May — the city wakes up in full color, the air is fresh, and the possibilities feel endless. It's the season of cherry blossoms, long weekends, and spontaneous road trips. In short: it’s the perfect month to hit the road and see a different side of the city.

In this article, we’ll share the best spring things to do in and around NYC, practical tips for parking, and where to pick up your Drivo ride. Ready? Let’s roll.

Central Park & Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Spring paints the city pink and green. Wander the Conservatory Garden in Central Park or visit the Brooklyn Botanic Garden for their world-famous cherry blossom displays.

Parking tips:

1. For Central Park: Try garages near W. 96th St. or E. 90th St.

2. BBG has its own lot at 900 Washington Ave, but it fills up fast on weekends.

Closest Drivo pick-up locations:

1. BRK – 3221 Coney Island Ave, Brooklyn, NY

2. JFK – 124-10 South Conduit Ave, South Ozone Park, NY

The Hudson Valley

The Hudson Valley is just 1.5–2 hours from NYC and packed with vineyards, art spaces, and river towns like Cold Spring, Beacon, and Nyack. It’s perfect for a relaxing spring road trip.

Parking tips: street parking or town lots available in most villages, especially near Cold Spring Station or Beacon’s Main Street.
Closest Drivo pick-up locations:

1. EWR – 408 Rte 1 and 9 S, Newark, NJ

2. LGA – 2261 94th Street, East Elmhurst, NY

Bear Mountain state park

Bear Mountain is a spring paradise just over an hour from the city. You’ll find scenic drives, lakeside trails, picnic spots, and a panoramic view from Perkins Memorial Tower.

Parking tips: large on-site lots (small entry fee); they rarely fill up in spring unless it’s a holiday weekend.

Closest drivo pick-up locations:

1. LGA – 2261 94th Street, East Elmhurst, NY

2. JFK – 124-10 South Conduit Ave, South Ozone Park, NY

Long Island Beaches

Skip the summer madness and head to Jones Beach, Fire Island, or Robert Moses State Park. The breeze is warm, the sand is quiet, and there’s still plenty of parking.

Parking tip: State parks have large lots with low springtime fees.

Closest Drivo pick-up locations:

1. JFK – 124-10 South Conduit Ave, South Ozone Park, NY

Storm King Art Center

A massive open-air sculpture park in the Hudson Highlands — it’s peaceful, stunning, and incredibly vibrant in May. Pack a picnic and wander through the hills.

Parking tips: free on-site lot, but it fills up quickly on weekends.

Closest Drivo pick-up locations: JFK, LGA, or EWR — all within a 90-minute drive.

Hudson River towns

Need a breather from city chaos? These riverfront gems offer antique stores, coffee shops, and walking trails with a view. Cold Spring is especially cute in the spring.

Parking: street meters or free lots near train stations.

Closest Drivo pick-up locations: JFK, LGA, or EWR — easy drives from all three.

Events & concerts this May

Whether you’re a music lover, a flower fan, or just looking for something festive, May is packed with reasons to hit the road.

Events

1. Macy’s Flower Show (Apr 27 – May 11)

Stunning floral installations at Herald Square, indoors and out. Perfect for a breezy weekday visit.

2. Fleet Week NYC

Military ships, air shows, and sailor sightings along the Hudson.

3. Five Boro Bike Tour

A car-free cycling event across all boroughs — a fun one to spectate or ride.

4. Memorial Day Parade (May 26)

Held across the city — check which borough's route works best for you.

Concerts in NYC & Nearby

1. Charli XCX @ Barclays Center (April 30 — May 4) 

Head to Brooklyn for Charli XCX's electrifying performance! Barclays Center is a prime spot for live shows, and it's easy to get there by car.

Parking tip: The Barclays Center parking garage is located at Atlantic Avenue. There are also plenty of nearby lots and street parking options. Try to arrive early to secure the best spots.

2. Avril Lavigne @ MSG (May 30)

Experience Avril Lavigne live at one of NYC's iconic venues, Madison Square Garden. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to her music, the atmosphere will be electric.

Parking tip: MSG doesn't have its own parking lot, but there are many parking garages in the area. The closest options are Edison ParkFast (55th St & 8th Ave) and Icon Parking (1515 Broadway). Consider using a parking app like SpotHero for the best rates.

3. Hugh Jackman: From New York, With Love @ Radio City (May 23–24)

Catch Hugh Jackman at the legendary Radio City Music Hall for a night of show tunes and Broadway hits.

Parking tip: there are multiple parking garages nearby, such as Radio City Music Hall Parking (7th Ave & W 50th St). If you're willing to walk a little, you can also find affordable street parking a few blocks away, but make sure to check for any restrictions.

4. Shakira, (May 15-16) / Kendrick Lamar&SZA (May 8-9) / Beyonce (May 22-29) in Metlife Stadium

Experience unforgettable performances by Shakira, Kendrick Lamar & SZA, and Beyoncé. These concerts promise an incredible night of music and energy.

Parking tip: MetLife has ample parking for events, but it can fill up fast. Pre-purchase parking passes through ParkWhiz or Ticketmaster to save time. Be aware of parking fees and arrive early to avoid long lines.

Pro tips for your May trips

May is one of the busiest travel months, but with the right approach, you can navigate the city like a pro. Here are some tips for your adventures:

1. Reserve early. May is packed with weddings, graduations, and long weekends. Booking your car rental ahead of time will ensure you’re all set for your adventures.

2. Compact cars are the way to go. They’re easier to park, more fuel-efficient, and perfect for navigating NYC’s streets. Think Hyundai Solaris or Kia — they’re simple, efficient, and always ready for an urban adventure.

3. Need a little more room? If you're planning a group outing or a romantic getaway, consider renting an SUV for extra comfort and space. Perfect for those spontaneous trips to Bear Mountain or a scenic drive through Hudson Valley with your crew.

4. Traveling with a crew? A Minivan or Passenger Van is a lifesaver. Whether it’s a fun road trip with friends to Storm King Art Center or a family day at the beach, these cars will have you covered.

5. Use parking apps. SpotHero or ParkWhiz are great tools for quickly finding a garage near your destination. The app saves you time and guarantees the best parking deals.

6. Check park fees. Some places, like state parks and gardens, may have special passes or timed entry — plan ahead to avoid delays.

Book your Drivo car today and hit the road to explore New York in full spring bloom. Whether you're going solo or with the whole family, there's a perfect ride waiting for you.