Day Trip Maps

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.

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.

We’re always researching new ideas for your next Rochester day trip! Filter our day trips by drive-time, direction, or season.

Impressive waterfalls are not all buried in dark ravines accessible only by difficult trails. And for some, you do not need to get out of your car.

2020 Christmas lights around Rochester: these neighborhoods go all out with extreme holiday lights and music to fill the season with joy.

Venture into one of these New York State Parks within a two hour drive of Rochester and discover what makes them each unique!

Ice cream, gelato, Italian ice, frozen yogurt, and custard—we love these shops for their outstanding atmosphere, taste, variety, and innovation.

The Erie Canal spans 100-miles between Lockport and Clyde, with Rochester located right in the middle. Choose 15 miles to explore for a great day trip!

The Lake Ontario Seaway Trail runs along the southern Lake Ontario shoreline, from Fort Niagara in Youngstown to Fort Ontario in Oswego.

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!

These destinations offer colorful fall foliage and varied landscapes so you can appreciate them each in their own unique way.

During Maple Weekends March 20-21 and 27-28, 2021, producers open their sugar shacks to celebrate the process of turning sap into syrup.

Find out which locally grown produce (fruits, vegetables, plants) are at their peak each month, and enjoy Rochester-area harvest festivals.

Many of our City of Rochester parks have beginnings embedded in Rochester’s youth. Some were even designed by notable landscape architects.

At Genesee Valley Park, the Genesee River begins her journey through the city, racing over a dam and three waterfalls before emptying into Lake Ontario.

The great thing about sledding is that there are no barriers to entry, and Monroe County Parks have the best sledding hills around Rochester!

Rochester is well-known for our 11 Finger Lakes and 2 beautiful Great Lakes, Ontario and Erie. But there are even more fantastic, fresh-water lakes out there to discover!

Highland Park was designed to be enjoyed year-round. Every pathway, every tree, every vista & every relationship between the land & water is intentional.

If you’re cruising on Edgemere along the ponds, or on the parkway near Manitou, you’re enjoying the Braddock Bay Wildlife Management Area.

Rochester is fortunate to be one of a handful of American cities that have a park system comprised of Frederick Law Olmsted-designed parks.

You don’t have to wait for Small Business Saturday to shop local! We have some incredibly talented individuals throughout the Rochester area.

A few rustic trails around Rochester that will inspire you to take a hike. A diverse collection of rail, waterside, and inland trails.

Niagara Falls is beautiful year round. I highly recommend going at different times during the year to witness the uniqueness of each season.

The Discover Niagara Shuttle is a 2-hour round-trip journey from any starting point if you’d like to simply enjoy the ride. Otherwise, you can hop on and off at any stop–no ticket required!

From Vidler’s to the Aurora Theatre to the Roycroft Arts & Crafts movement, the early 1900’s are alive and well on Main Street East Aurora!

One of the most popular holiday family traditions is searching for the perfect real Christmas tree on the farm and decorating it together.

These Rochester craft breweries show off their newest and most popular creations while giving you a complete food experience.

Ranked as one of the “Top Ten Small Towns,” you’ll love a getaway in Lewiston, with its excellent shops, restaurants and Niagara River views.

Take a drive through the Livingston County countryside to explore charming village Main Streets, historic districts, nature trails and lakes.

The Village of Skaneateles is the perfect place to getaway and enjoy the pace of lake-life surrounded by unique boutiques and restaurants.

Rochester railfans are incredibly lucky that passionate preservationists before us saw the value in retaining structures we appreciate today.

Routes 5 and 20 is a beautiful 67-mile stretch of highway where NY-5 and US-20 converge, following an ancient foot trail of New York’s first people.

The Finger Lakes Region is one of the most beautiful places on earth, and right in our backyard! It is easy to get out there and explore.

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.

Signing up for a free library card gives you access to all 32 Monroe County libraries in towns, villages, the city, and Central Library.