These day trips offer carefully chosen breakfast, lunch, and dinner options at some of the most popular local restaurants. They also include unique experiences and events that make each destination truly special. Here, you’ll find a range of ideas to help you make the most of your time and create lasting memories.
Start Planning Your Day-Trip Adventures
The Genesee Valley
A perfect day in Rochester would include a visit to one of its world-class museums, spending time in its exceptional parks, and seeing both High Falls and Lake Ontario.
Finger Lakes Region
Of the five Finger Lakes closest to Rochester, Canandaigua Lake and the city’s historic downtown have the most to offer visitors.
Nestled in the hills at the southern end of Canandaigua Lake, Naples is known for its beautiful surroundings and annual Grape Festival.
One hour from Rochester, Penn Yan is a unique day-trip experience due to the significant presence of Old Order Amish and Mennonite communities.
Hammondsport offers a charming getaway brimming with scenic beauty, delicious dining, unique shopping, and exceptional wines.
Corning’s Gaffer District features nearly one hundred boutiques, specialty and antique shops, art galleries, glass studios, and restaurants.
Situated midway between Rochester and Syracuse on Route 5 and 20, Geneva feels like the center of the Finger Lakes region.
The heart of the village of Watkins Glen is the 1.5-mile-long gorge, a truly breathtaking and awe-inspiring showcase of nature’s beauty.
Seneca Falls, on historic Route 5 and 20, is the birthplace of the Women’s Rights movement and is the inspiration for It’s a Wonderful Life.
Spend a day in the City of Ithaca, exploring the waterfalls, restaurants, shops, and festivals that make this Ivy League college town unique.
Auburn offers a full day of immersive experiences. Follow this guide to make the most of your time exploring the city’s rich culture.
The Village of Skaneateles is the perfect place to get away and enjoy the pace of lake life, surrounded by unique boutiques and restaurants.
Western New York
Ranked as one of the “Top Ten Small Towns,” spend a day in Lewiston, with its excellent shops, restaurants, and Niagara River views.
Visitors travel far and wide to see Niagara Falls State Park, America’s first state park, and we are fortunate to drive there in 90 minutes.
Explore Buffalo’s Delaware Park
Delaware Park combines Buffalo’s cultural and recreational offerings along a two-mile path that winds around lakes, gardens, and meadows.
From Canalside to Outer Harbor and RiverWorks to Silo City, there are a dozen excellent day trips from Rochester along Buffalo’s waterfront.
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.
Map of Day-Trip Destinations
Other Regional Guides
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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.
Explore The Lake Ontario Seaway Trail
The Lake Ontario Seaway Trail runs along the southern Lake Ontario shoreline, from Fort Niagara in Youngstown to Fort Ontario in Oswego.
Explore the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor
Enjoy each canal town along the 115-mile stretch between the Cayuga-Seneca Canal and the Niagara River, with Rochester at the heart.
Explore New York’s Finger Lakes Region
The Finger Lakes region is a popular tourist destination, featuring 11 lakes, charming cities and villages, and scenic farmland.
Monroe County is the heart of the Greater Rochester Nine County Region. The City of Rochester is surrounded by 19 towns and villages.
Things to See Along the Way
As you drive the back roads and scenic bi-ways of the Genesee Valley, Western New York, and the Finger Lakes Region, look for our fascinating roadside attractions.
I travel not to go anywhere but to go. I travel for travel’s sake. The great affair is to move.
Robert Louis Stevenson
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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.
Have fun finding these fun roadside attractions—shoe trees, a skeleton army, a metal dragon, a shark girl—within two hours of Rochester.
Which are your favorite villages and cities for a day trip?
I’d love to hear from you—please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
Help Support My Work
People often ask if I get free access to the places I visit. The answer is no—unless I’m invited to a special preview or offered behind-the-scenes access through my media role. Most of the time, I don’t even mention Day Trips Around Rochester, New York when I visit a place. I want to have the same experience you would.
I create and share this content because it brings me joy—and I hope it adds value to your adventures, too.
If my work has helped you explore and appreciate the Rochester area, please consider becoming a paid subscriber on Substack. You’ll receive an email whenever I publish new content and have the chance to connect with a growing community of local explorers.
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Thank you!
Debi
Enjoy the Journey Together!
Hey, Debi!!! I really appreciate your innovation!! Your website is so informative and helpful- even for a Rochester native! Thank you!!!
Hi Mary, thank you! I’m happy to be helpful 🙂 It’s great to hear from you!
I tell everyone about your FB, etc! I’m always sharing your info with my friends & family and am always excited when I learn about a new place to explore!
Well done!
Thank you for sharing this with me, Amy! I’m happy to be helpful, and I hope you are enjoying memorable day trips together. Happy summer!