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 and #1 Amazon Best Seller.
2024 Total Solar Eclipse: Where will you be when all of Rochester looks up on April 8?
When future generations ask where you were during the April 8, 2024, Rochester Total Solar Eclipse, what story will you tell them?
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.
🍁 Maple Weekends: 13 Sweet Sugar Shacks Near Rochester
During Maple Weekends, March 16-17 and 23-24, 2024, producers open their sugar shacks to honor the art and science of turning sap into syrup.
High School Musicals and Plays in Monroe County
Celebrate the talented young actors performing in high school musicals and plays as they bring classic and contemporary pieces to life.
Highland Park’s Lamberton Conservatory is a calm, colorful space warmed to tropical temperatures and filled with the sound of running water.
April Events: A Guide to Rochester’s Spring Fling Activities
As winter’s chill begins to fade, we eagerly await the start of spring, with its promise of warmer weather, longer days, and April events.
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.
23 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.
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.
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.
80+ Hiking Trails Around Rochester
Less traveled than in our parks, these hiking trails around Rochester offer a secluded and rustic area to immerse yourself in nature.
Escape Winter: 5 Warm & Cozy Places
With tropical temperatures or cozy environments, these Rochester-area destinations offer pleasant snowy-day getaways—at least for a few hours.
FEATURED
A Centennial Celebration
New York State Parks and Historic Sites is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2024.
Monroe County parks are free and offer 12,000 acres of natural, zoological, horticultural, historical, and geological experiences.
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.
7 Signifigant City of Rochester Festivals in 2024
This guide aims to showcase Rochester’s most popular festivals, which attract hundreds of thousands of visitors to our beautiful city.
May Events: Celebrating Rochester in Full Bloom
Perhaps the most eagerly anticipated May event is the Rochester Lilac Festival, a 10-day celebration of the city’s vibrant floral heritage.
Make Mom’s Day: Top 10 Ways to Celebrate Mother’s Day
From Lilac Fest and Mamma Mia! to baseball and plant-forward brunch, our Mother’s Day has the inspiration you need to plan a perfect day.
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.
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.
H2O Heritage: Exploring Rochester’s Freshwater Resources
Rochesterians are fortunate to be surrounded by abundant freshwater resources that present us with unique stewardship opportunities.
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.
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.
Instead of being an escape, I see these places as opportunities that encourage us to transcend space, time, and our state of mind.
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.
Geologic History of the Rochester Area
These day trips into Rochester’s geologic history will remind you just how amazing our corner of the Earth is.
Grand Adventures: 10 Rochester Skip-Gen Day Trip Ideas
This guide offers ten skip-gen day trip ideas for grandparents and grandchildren to spend quality time exploring the Rochester area together.
These day trips are filled with carefully chosen options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as memorable experiences and events.
I have compiled a quick reference list of 104 natural attractions, parks, museums, and tours to inspire your day trips from Rochester.
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.