Use our curated Google Maps to help you locate the best waterfalls, ice cream shops, farm markets, sledding hills, Christmas lights, and more.
Color-coded by distance from Center City
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60 Day Trips within 30 Minutes of Rochester
Sometimes you just need a fun, spontaneous adventure or quick getaway to refresh your day. Try one of these day trips within 30 minutes of Rochester.
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.
Planning Your Next Rochester Day Trip
We’re always researching new ideas for your next Rochester day trip. Filter our day trips by drive-time, direction, or season.
Waterfalls
Christmas Lights
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Our 4 Favorite Extreme Christmas Lights Around Rochester: 2023 Edition
Enjoy our four favorite extreme Christmas lights, plus more extraordinary Rochester-area homes and holiday-themed events.
New York State Parks within Two Hours of Rochester
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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.
Top Ice Cream Shops
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🍦The Best Ice Cream Shops Around Rochester
These top ice cream and frozen dessert shops in charming villages and city neighborhoods turn a simple scoop into an artisanal delight.
Erie Canal from Tonawanda to Lyons
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Explore the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor
Enjoy each Erie Canal city, town, and village along the 115-mile stretch between the Cayuga-Seneca Canal and the Niagara River.
Unlock the Wonder: 12 Ways to Fully Experience the Erie Canal
Experience the beauty, history, and community of the Erie Canal through activities that offer a unique perspective of life along the canal.
Lake Ontario Seaway Trail
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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.
9 Lake Ontario Lighthouses in New York
These lighthouses along Lake Ontario in New York are within a two-hour drive of Rochester. And where there’s a light there’s a sweeping view!
Scenic Drives & Overlooks
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🍁 Fall Foliage: 7 Breathtaking Views Near Rochester
If you’re looking for picturesque autumn scenery, these locations offer stunning fall foliage and unique landscapes.
Maple Syrup Farms
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🍁 Maple Weekends: 13 Sweet Sugar Shacks Near Rochester
During Maple Weekends, March 16-17 and 23-24, 2024, producers open their sugar shacks to honor the art and science of turning sap into syrup.
Farms and Farmer’s Markets
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Farms & Farmers’ Markets: Your Guide to Locally Grown Produce
Exploring local markets and roadside produce stands is a great way to immerse yourself in the community and support family farms.
City of Rochester Parks
Sledding Hills
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The Best Sledding Hills Around Rochester
Are you ready to play in the snow? Take your sled to one of Monroe County’s thrilling sledding hills, like Mendon Ponds and Black Creek.
Other Great Lakes around Rochester
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39 Other Great Lakes Near Rochester
Rochester is well-known for its 11 Finger Lakes and two beautiful Great Lakes. But there are even more freshwater lakes to enjoy.
Highland Park
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Highland Park has even been described as a museum of exotic trees, many of which are the tallest of their species in the state, though few are native.
The Lamberton Conservatory, located in Highland Park, is a serene and colorful tropical glasshouse displaying a diverse collection of plants.
Sunken Garden at Warner Castle
In Highland Park, walk behind Warner Castle or up the hill from Highland Bowl, and there you will find the magnificent Sunken Garden.
Braddock Bay
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Braddock Bay Wildlife Management Area
If you’re cruising on Edgemere along the ponds, or on the parkway near Manitou, you’re enjoying the Braddock Bay Wildlife Management Area.
Olmsted Parks
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Rochester’s Olmsted-Designed Parks
Rochester is fortunate to be one of a handful of American cities with a park system comprised of Frederick Law Olmsted-designed parks.
Additional Google Maps
Shop Local
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200+ Places to Shop Locally Around Rochester, New York
Shopping locally is about discovering something uniquely Rochester while directly impacting the lives of our families, friends, and neighbors.
Hiking Trails
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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.
Niagara Falls
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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.
21 Discover Niagara Shuttle Stops
The Discover Niagara Shuttle is a two-hour round-trip from any starting point if you’d like to simply enjoy the ride. Or, hop on and off.
East Aurora
Christmas Tree Farms
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🌲 20 Christmas Tree Farms Around Rochester
As December nears, it’s time to start thinking about one of the most beloved family traditions—selecting and decorating the Christmas tree.
Monroe County Breweries
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31 Craft Breweries in Rochester and Monroe County
Considering all the breweries that call the Greater Rochester area home can be overwhelming. Let’s focus on the ones here in Monroe County.
Lewiston
Livingston County
Skaneateles
Rochester Railfans
Routes 5 & 20
Our 11 Finger Lakes
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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.
Day Trips within 30 Minutes
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60 Day Trips within 30 Minutes of Rochester
Sometimes you just need a fun, spontaneous adventure or quick getaway to refresh your day. Try one of these day trips within 30 minutes of Rochester.
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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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.
