In 2017, USA Today listed their Top 10 Best New York Attractions. Seven of these are excellent day trips from Rochester! If you’re ambitious, though, NYC can be a day trip, too.
1. Letchworth State Park
Letchworth State Park comprises 14,350 linear acres along the Genesee River. It takes 30 minutes to drive from the Mount Morris entrance to the Glen Iris.
The park offers a diverse experience for visitors, so it is no wonder it is ranked number one among the best New York attractions.
Relax beside a massive waterfall, hike the gorge trails, fish in the park’s pond, take a ride during the hot air balloon festival, whitewater raft, dine at the Glen Iris Inn, learn about the local history of the Seneca people and Mary Jemison or the geology of Upstate New York.
2. Watkins Glen State Park
Watkins Glen State Park is located in the heart of the small town of Watkins Glen, at the southern tip of Seneca Lake. The glen is only 2 miles long, perfect for a day trip.
Though the park features a well-maintained walking path, it’s not easy to stroll, and it’s not handicap accessible. The gorge trail can be wet with spray (wear good walking shoes/boots and bring a pair to change into), and the majority of the walk is up/down rock stairs (800 steps!).
The elevation rise from the Main Entrance to the North Entrance is 520′.
3. Corning Museum of Glass
“Glass is a versatile, ancient material that is still being explored and understood by artists, scientists, and historians today. Glass is brought to life through live, narrated glassmaking demonstrations offered all day, every day.
“From hot glassworking, to flameworking, to fusing, to sandblasting—you and your family can do just about anything with glass, with the help of our experienced glassworkers. Opportunities exist for all ages.”
4. Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House Complex
“Frank Lloyd Wright (1867-1959) designed a unique residential complex for wealthy Buffalo businessman Darwin D. Martin and his family between 1903-1905. The most substantial and highly developed of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Prairie houses in the Eastern United States, The Darwin D. Martin House, received National Historic Landmark status in 1986.
“The house is considered by leading Frank Lloyd Wright scholars as one of Wright’s finest achievements of the Prairie period and, indeed, of his entire career.”
5. Niagara Falls State Park
Niagara Falls is beautiful year-round, and I highly recommend going at different times throughout the year to witness the uniqueness of each season. With a natural wonder this close, there’s no reason not to go more than once!
During peak season (roughly late May-late October) you can expect crowds of people from across the globe wanting to do exactly what you do–see the falls in one of the best New York attractions.
6. Empire State Building
“Located in the center of Midtown Manhattan, our 86th and 102nd floor observatories provide unforgettable 360° views of New York City and beyond. Whether you’re in town for a week or a day, no visit to NYC is complete without experiencing the top of the Empire State Building.”
7. Women’s Rights National Historical Park
“Women’s Rights National Historical Park tells the story of the first Women’s Rights Convention held in Seneca Falls, NY on July 19-20,1848. It is a story of struggles for civil rights, human rights, and equality, global struggles that continue today. The efforts of women’s rights leaders, abolitionists, and other 19th century reformers remind us that all people must be accepted as equals.”
8. Statue Of Liberty
“‘The Statue of Liberty Enlightening the World’ was a gift of friendship from the people of France to the United States and is recognized as a universal symbol of freedom and democracy. The Statue of Liberty was dedicated on October 28, 1886. It was designated as a National Monument in 1924. Employees of the National Park Service have been caring for the colossal copper statue since 1933.”
9. Broadway Theatre District
“Broadway, refers to the theatrical performances presented in the 41 professional theatres with 500 or more seats located in the Theater District and Lincoln Center along Broadway, in Midtown Manhattan, New York City.”
10. National Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum
“Standing as a three-story red brick building on Main Street in Cooperstown, the Museum opened its doors for the first time on June 12, 1939. A visit to the Hall of Fame is a journey through the past and a chance for you, your family, your friends and future generations to relive baseball’s greatest players and moments that made the game what it is today.”
Explore More
Car-Free Day Trips From Rochester
Car-free day trips from Rochester let everyone enjoy the adventure. So many excursions to choose from, and you don’t have to plan them.
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.
Routes 5 & 20, a 67-mile stretch where NY-5 and US-20 converge, is a gently rolling scenic highway passing through small cities and quaint villages.
🍁 Fall Foliage: 7 Stunning Views Around Rochester
If you’re looking for picturesque autumn scenery, these locations offer stunning fall foliage and unique landscapes.
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.
Which attractions in New York State do you think are the best?
I’d love to hear from you—please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
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Debi
Enjoy the Journey Together!
