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.

Your 2024 Holiday Spirit Guide: Festive Events that Celebrate the Season

As the holiday season approaches, Rochester transforms into a place filled with community warmth, light, and festive spirit.

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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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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.

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Skaneateles Dickens Christmas 2024

Experience the magic of Skaneateles’ Dickens Christmas with festive performances, carriage rides, and a cast of merry-making characters.

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Rochester-Area Shopping Guides

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

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Kindling Community: A Guide to Finding Rochester’s Cozy Fireplaces

I’ve curated a list of spots around the city perfect for quiet reading or community engagement next to a comforting fireplace.

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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.

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ROC Holiday Village at night
FEATURED

Your 2024 Holiday Spirit Guide

Festive events that celebrate the season.

Museums Around Rochester

Rochester is home to world-renowned museums and thought-provoking galleries. You can spend weeks exploring our rich cultural heritage.

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Rochester-Area Experiences for College Students

Take advantage of discounts for college students—many places around Rochester offer deals on admission, food, and activities.

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Food & Beverage Guide

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

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31 Monroe County Libraries

A free library card allows you to access 31 Monroe County libraries, including Central Library and Libby, the digital library.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Rochester’s Cultural Heritage

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

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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.

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Unplugged and Offline: Take This 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.

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Our Most Popular Guides

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

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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.

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Rochester-Area Parks

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

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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.

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22 Monroe County Parks

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

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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.

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H2O Heritage: Exploring Rochester’s Freshwater Resources

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

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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.