Day Trips Around Rochester, New York—a digital resource for local travel inspiration and a book—focuses on exploring communities and places of interest within two hours of Rochester.
Debi Bower is the founder and creative director for daytrippingroc.com. She also authored an award-winning paperback and ebook travel guide, Day Trips Around Rochester, New York: Your Guide to Exploring Within Two Hours of Rochester and the Finger Lakes region.
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Inspiration for your day trips
Whether you’re a local looking for something new to do or a visitor wanting to make the most of your time in the area, I’m confident you’ll find something here to enhance your experience and create lasting memories. Start with the guides below, or look through all the guides.
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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.
I have compiled a quick reference list of 104 natural attractions, parks, museums, and tours to inspire your day trips from Rochester.
This A-to-Z guide explores the essentials of finding new day trips around Rochester, from charming country stores to vibrant festivals and stunning natural wonders.
Unplugged and Offline: Take This Guidebook on the Road
The second edition of Day Trips Around Rochester, New York encourages offline serendipity and getting lost in the right direction.
Transformative Travel Destinations
Instead of being an escape, I see these places as opportunities that encourage us to transcend space, time, and our state of mind.
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.
Whether savoring a gourmet meal, enjoying local delicacies, or embarking on a culinary adventure, you’ll love Rochester’s dining scene.
These day trips are filled with carefully chosen options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as memorable experiences and events.
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.
Rochester is home to world-renowned museums and thought-provoking galleries. You can spend weeks exploring our rich cultural heritage.
Sit back, relax, and enjoy a show on stage or screen. Experience diverse artistic expression, from Broadway productions to classic movies.
Monroe County parks are free and offer 12,000 acres of natural, zoological, horticultural, historical, and geological experiences.
Rochester-Area Shopping Guides
Rochester offers delightful shopping experiences, from charming neighborhood boutiques to bustling shopping destinations in nearby villages.
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.
Additional Resources for Rochester Day-Trip Inspiration
In addition to my website, here are some links to Rochester travel and tourism sites, blogs, and magazines to inspire your day-trip plans.
Rochester, NY Events & Activities: Your Guide to Year-Round Fun
From Rochester’s annual events and festivals to seasonal activities, I’ve curated a list of the best things to do around Rochester all year.
50 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.
50 New York State Parks Within a Two-Hour Drive of Rochester
Venture into one of these New York State Parks within a two-hour drive of Rochester and discover what makes them unique.
Have fun finding these fun roadside attractions—shoe trees, a skeleton army, a metal dragon, a shark girl—within two hours of Rochester.
Our 3 Favorite Neighborhoods with Spectacular Christmas Light Displays: 2024 Edition
Enjoy our favorite extreme Christmas lights around Rochester! These homeowners and communities go all out to celebrate the holiday season.
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.
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.
Our mission is to inspire exploration, appreciation, preservation, and conservation of our natural and human communities. To that end, we seek out destinations within a two-hour radius of Rochester, New York, that foster a passion for both.