Day Trips Around Rochester, NY

Ice cream, gelato, Italian ice, frozen yogurt, and custard—we love these shops’ outstanding atmosphere, taste, and innovation.

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

Venture into one of these New York State Parks within a two-hour drive of Rochester and discover what makes them unique.

On a hot day, you can sit under a waterfall, swim in a lake, or jump in a creek at one of these refreshing natural swimming areas.

Here are a few places around Rochester you can pick your own raspberries, starting in July. Fall varieties ripen in late August.

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.

Here are a few places you can pick your own cherries near Rochester. The season runs mainly in July, but start checking in late June.

Less traveled than in our parks, these hiking trails around Rochester offer a secluded and rustic area to immerse yourself in nature.

I find the color green soothing, especially when surrounded by it. Enjoy some of my favorite places to go green!

Here are a few places around Rochester you can pick your own blueberries. The season typically runs from early- to mid-July through August.

Some food destinations are well-established, while others quickly become favorites as Rochester’s culinary scene explodes.

Trying various activities with your partner is a great way to connect, learn more about each other, and shake up your routine.

When you walk into one of these old country stores, you’re stepping back in time with aisles of old-fashioned toys, knickknacks, and candies.

Impressive waterfalls are not all buried in dark ravines accessible only by difficult trails. For many, you don’t need to leave your car.

Paddle your way to peace and quiet along Rochester’s water trails. Use these launches for canoes, kayaks, and small motorized watercraft.

To find Rochester’s hidden sidewalk, start at Ontario Beach Park & head west on Beach Ave. Across from Clematis St. & Cloverdale St. are the two entrances.

Have fun finding these quirky roadside attractions—shoe trees, a skeleton army, a metal dragon, a shark girl—within two hours of home.

Local experts who highlight the rich history, geology, ecology, and community of the greater Rochester region lead these guided walks.

Monroe County parks are free, so take advantage of 12,000 acres of natural, zoological, historical, and geological experiences.

Rather than an escape, I think of these as transcending places that encourage us to transcend space, time, and state of mind.

It’s critical to spend time outside. Here are a few spots where I find ample space for solitude and solace in nature.

Take a stroll behind Warner Castle and down the grassy lawn. You will find the Sunken Garden—a peaceful retreat any time of the year.

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.

The Village of Skaneateles is the perfect place to get away and enjoy the pace of lake life, surrounded by unique boutiques and restaurants.

Routes 5 & 20 is a 67-mile stretch of scenic highway where NY-5 & US-20 converge, following an ancient foot trail of New York’s first people.

The Erie Canal spans 100 miles between Lockport and Clyde, with Rochester in the middle. Choose 15 miles to explore for a great day trip.

The Finger Lakes Region is one of the most beautiful places on earth and right in our backyard! It is easy to get out there and explore.

Geneseo is the Livingston County Seat and home to SUNY Geneseo, whose beautiful campus overlooks the river valley and parallels Main Street.

If there was a Main Street, USA Cinderella story, it’s living a happy ending—rather, a new beginning—here in Mount Morris.

Caledonia has historically been an important resting place for travelers, used by Senecas traveling between Canandaigua and the Niagara.

“Festival season” in Rochester runs from May to September. Let’s focus on the six most popular summertime City of Rochester festivals!

Free outdoor concerts around Rochester start ramping up in June when local venues kick off their summer music series and festivals.

Centered on food, drink, music, and culture, these festivals and events around Rochester bring our community together throughout the year.

Our state and county fairs offer a unique blend of agriculture, amusement, and entertainment, dating back to the early 1800s.