Newark is in the northern tip of the Garden State and just eight miles from New York City. New Jersey’s gateway to the Big Apple, the city has stellar views of the Manhattan skyline and offers plenty to see and do for travelers in the tri-state area.

The Garden State comes by the nickname honestly – Newark is home to the largest number of blossoming cherry trees in the U.S. Besides the beautiful pink blooms each spring, outdoor enthusiasts can also enjoy miles of hike and bike trails. The city is also near the Atlantic Ocean, which makes it a convenient starting point for travelers who want to head to the beach. During hockey season, you can also catch a game with the home team New Jersey Devils.

If you’re staying in Newark, plan a meal in the Ironbound district, where you can sample Brazilian, Portuguese, and Spanish cuisine. And while New York is as famous for its pizza as Chicago, you can also head about 90 minutes south to Trenton for the city’s hyper-regional specialty, the Trenton tomato pie. Free GPS makes it easy to plan a quick road trip to De Lorenzo’s Tomato Pies. The restaurant is deep in the heart of central New Jersey and has been turning out their signature pizzas since 1947.

Sync your smartphone and use the free Wi-Fi to stream a custom playlist of Jersey natives for your trip. Every genre seems to be represented, with singers such as Jon Bon Jovi, Bruce Springsteen, Whitney Houston, and Paul Simon as well as Queen Latifah, Frankie Valli, The Jonas Brothers, and George Clinton. If you don’t have time to create a playlist, you can always choose a channel from the included SiriusXM satellite radio.

Locals also find the Newark location to be a convenient starting point for weekend trips from New York City. Your Audi rental car includes many premium features, including free child car seats, a great convenience for families that don’t have their own seats for young children.