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.

🧟 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!

Read more

🍎 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.

Read more

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.

Read more

🎃 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.

Read more

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.

Read more

Halloween display Beauclaire Lane Perinton NY cover
FEATURED

Paranormal Activities

A nightmare before Christmas!

Genesee River Broad Street cover

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!

Explore Naples

Nestled in the hills at the southern end of Canandaigua Lake, Naples is known for its beautiful surroundings and annual Grape Festival.

Read more

Explore Letchworth State Park

Letchworth has something for everyone, from hiking one of the park’s 29 trails and picnicking beside a waterfall to taking a scenic drive.

Read more

Explore Hammondsport

Hammondsport offers a charming getaway brimming with scenic beauty, delicious dining, unique shopping, and exceptional wines.

Read more

Explore East Aurora

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.

Read more

Explore Ellicottville

Ellicottville offers the perfect combination of outdoor adventures, boutique shopping, craft beverages, and delicious dining.

Read more

Explore Corning

Corning’s Gaffer District features nearly one hundred boutiques, specialty and antique shops, art galleries, glass studios, and restaurants.

Read more

Explore Ithaca

Spend a day in the City of Ithaca, exploring the waterfalls, restaurants, shops, and festivals that make this Ivy League college town unique.

Read more

Gorge Trails Near Rochester

Gorge trails call out from their deep, dark, and cool caverns. If you haven’t already, start checking these spectacular trails off your list.

Read more

Easy Waterfalls

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.

Read more

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.

Read more

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.

Read more

104 Day Trips From Rochester

I have compiled a quick reference list of 104 natural attractions, parks, museums, and tours to inspire your day trips from Rochester.

Read more

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.

Read more

Rochester-Area Parks

Beyond the gorge trails, nature centers, and gardens, these exceptional parks offer unique experiences and amenities worthy of exploration.

Read more

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.

Read more

22 Monroe County Parks

Monroe County parks are free and offer 12,000 acres of natural, zoological, horticultural, historical, and geological experiences.

Read more

Our Most Popular Guides

Discover the best restaurants, lesser-known attractions, secluded hiking trails, picturesque waterfalls, and more.

Read more

Food & Beverage Guide

Whether savoring a gourmet meal, enjoying local delicacies, or embarking on a culinary adventure, you’ll love Rochester’s dining scene.

Read more

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.

Read more

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.

Read more

H2O Heritage: Exploring Rochester’s Freshwater Resources

Rochesterians are fortunate to be surrounded by abundant freshwater resources that present us with unique stewardship opportunities.

Read more

Rochester’s Cultural Heritage

Rochester’s theaters, museums, and events offer opportunities to celebrate the region’s unique identity and cultural heritage.

Read more

Rochester-Area Shopping Guides

Rochester offers delightful shopping experiences, from charming neighborhood boutiques to bustling shopping destinations in nearby villages.

Read more

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.

Read more

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.

Read more

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.