Day Trips Around Rochester, New York
Your guide to exploring within two hours of Rochester and the Finger Lakes region.
Best of Rochester Award-Winning Book for Best Published Literary Work of 2023.
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🧟 Paranormal Activities: Our Favorite Haunts for 2024
There is something about October that piques our interest in paranormal activities. Explore the other side of Rochester!
🍎 Apple Everything! Rochester’s best ciders, fry cakes, fritters, pies, and more
Come September, we begin to crave all things apple: cider, donuts, fritters, hard cider, pie, and warm cinnamon fry cakes.
22 Fabulous Fall Hikes in Monroe County
My favorite fall hikes offer a variety of landscapes and scenic views, including rivers, forests, and peaceful surroundings.
🎃 Pumpkin Patches & Farms Around Rochester
Experience the perfect autumn day at our Rochester-area pumpkin farms with wagon rides, fresh apple cider and donuts, and corn mazes.
Brewing Excellence: A Guide to Rochester’s Finest Coffee Roasters and Cafes
Rochester is well known for its robust coffee culture, with unique roasts and inviting cafes known for their sense of community.
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Paranormal Activities
A nightmare before Christmas!
Upcoming Event
Roc the Riverway Weekend, October 4–6, 2024, highlights the Genesee River’s natural beauty, historical significance, and plans for its future. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature enthusiast, or just looking for an early-fall outdoor experience, each event provides an opportunity to better know Rochester’s amazing river. Check out my favorite events!
Perfect for Fall Leaf-Peeping
Nestled in the hills at the southern end of Canandaigua Lake, Naples is known for its beautiful surroundings and annual Grape Festival.
Letchworth has something for everyone, from hiking one of the park’s 29 trails and picnicking beside a waterfall to taking a scenic drive.
Hammondsport offers a charming getaway brimming with scenic beauty, delicious dining, unique shopping, and exceptional wines.
From Vidler’s to the Aurora Theatre to the Roycroft Arts & Crafts movement, the early 1900s are alive and well on Main Street in East Aurora.
Ellicottville offers the perfect combination of outdoor adventures, boutique shopping, craft beverages, and delicious dining.
Corning’s Gaffer District features nearly one hundred boutiques, specialty and antique shops, art galleries, glass studios, and restaurants.
Explore Deeper
Gorge trails call out from their deep, dark, and cool caverns. If you haven’t already, start checking these spectacular trails off your list.
Not all waterfalls are hidden in dark ravines. Many of the region’s most stunning waterfalls can be viewed from the road or a short walk.
24 Hidden Places Around Rochester
From secret gardens to enchanting waterfalls, exploring hidden places around the Rochester area is the ultimate way to add some spice to your travel experiences.
132 Things to Do Around Rochester
We’ve pulled together a list of fun and unique things to do around Rochester, NY, within two hours of home—perfect for quick getaways.
I have compiled a quick reference list of 104 natural attractions, parks, museums, and tours to inspire your day trips from Rochester.
Nature Centers and Preserves Around Rochester
The various nature centers, preserves, and management areas all work to protect and maintain natural spaces for the benefit of all.
Beyond the gorge trails, nature centers, and gardens, these exceptional parks offer unique experiences and amenities worthy of exploration.
Our Favorite 5 Town Parks to Explore
Among my top five favorite town parks are those with distinctive wooded areas, diverse wildlife, and captivating water features.
Monroe County parks are free and offer 12,000 acres of natural, zoological, horticultural, historical, and geological experiences.
Discover the best restaurants, lesser-known attractions, secluded hiking trails, picturesque waterfalls, and more.
Whether savoring a gourmet meal, enjoying local delicacies, or embarking on a culinary adventure, you’ll love Rochester’s dining scene.
My Favorite Books About the Rochester Area
I’ve provided links to borrow these Rochester-themed books from a Monroe County Library or to purchase them online via Amazon or Bookshop.
Land That I Love: Your Guide to Roaming the Earth Around Rochester
Enjoy the beauty and wonders of the world by making the most of the varied memorable experiences offered by our parks, gardens, and farms.
H2O Heritage: Exploring Rochester’s Freshwater Resources
Rochesterians are fortunate to be surrounded by abundant freshwater resources that present us with unique stewardship opportunities.
Rochester’s theaters, museums, and events offer opportunities to celebrate the region’s unique identity and cultural heritage.
Rochester-Area Shopping Guides
Rochester offers delightful shopping experiences, from charming neighborhood boutiques to bustling shopping destinations in nearby villages.
Unplugged and Offline: Take the Day Trips Around Rochester, New York, Guidebook on the Road
Day Trips Around Rochester, New York, the book, encourages offline spontaneity, serendipity, and the joy of getting lost in the right direction.
Your Rochester Date Guide for Spending Quality Time Together, Day or Night
Whether it’s your first date or 50th anniversary, trying various activities with your partner is a great way to shake up your routine.
People often ask me if I get free access to places while exploring. The answer is no unless I’m invited to previews or granted behind-the-scenes access as part of my media role. Generally, I don’t mention my project, Day Trips Around Rochester, NY, because I want the same experience you would have. I create and share content simply because it brings me joy. I would appreciate your support—a cup of coffee or two to help fuel future field trips—if you have found valuable information here that has helped you explore the Rochester area.
Find hundreds of fun and unique things to do around Rochester, NY, within two hours of home—perfect for a spontaneous day trip. Use our themed guides and maps to plan memorable adventures all year long.