Niagara Falls State Park, America’s first state park, was established in 1885 and designed by Frederick Law Olmsted two years before creating Rochester’s Highland Park. Visitors travel far and wide to see Niagara Falls, and we are fortunate to drive there in 90 minutes. The falls are majestic year-round, and I highly recommend going at different times throughout the year to witness the uniqueness of each season.
While Niagara Falls, Ontario, has a falls-facing view, it can become overwhelming with many tourism-oriented distractions that cost time and money. On the New York side of Niagara Falls, activities focus on the natural world, with accessible pathways leading along the Niagara River. Make the most of your day trip by exploring Goat Island, Three Sisters Island, and Prospect Point, where you can enjoy the view of Canada across the river.
Nothing beats the exhilarating experience of Cave of the Winds and Maid of the Mist on a hot summer day. The air-conditioned Niagara Scenic Trolley provides an all-day hop-on/hop-off service that transports visitors three miles around the park, stopping at all the attractions and parking lots. Purchase a trolley ticket ($3 per person at the time of publication) from the visitor center.
Plan Your Day Trip to Niagara Falls
Breakfast
Every town and village between Rochester and Niagara Falls has a local diner. Depending on your route, some options include the Blue Ridge Grill in Greece, the Millhouse Family Restaurant or the USA Brockport Diner in Brockport, the Country Club Family Restaurant or Rudy’s Soda Bar and Cafe in Medina, and Mom’s Family Restaurant in Niagara Falls.
Morning
If you are visiting Niagara Falls on a weekend or holiday, or if the weather is delightful, you’ll have the best chance of finding parking by arriving early in the day. If the parking lots are full, you can park for free at Whirlpool State Park, located 10 minutes north of the falls, and take the free Discover Niagara Shuttle to the Niagara Falls State Park Visitor Center, which may be easier and cheaper than trying to find street parking.
Once at the falls, explore Goat Island, where a paved walkway connects Horseshoe Falls at Terrapin Point with Bridal Veil Falls and American Falls on Luna Island. To visit Three Sisters Island, enjoy a 1.5-mile walk around the perimeter of Goat Island or hop on the trolley.
Purchase a timed ticket for Cave of the Winds, where you follow a series of wooden walkways down 175 feet to the base of Bridal Veil Falls and experience what it must feel like in a hurricane. In the past, visitors were given a pair of souvenir sandals as part of the experience, but now you are encouraged to wear your own shoes to reduce waste. Sneakers or sandals that you don’t mind getting wet would be appropriate. At The World Changed Here interactive exhibit, you will learn about the history of the land and water that makes this region unique.
Lunch
Pack a picnic or grab a bite at the Cave of the Winds Snack Bar to enjoy anywhere in the park that captivates you. For indoor dining, check out the seasonal Top of The Falls Restaurant on Goat Island, where, through floor-to-ceiling windows, you can enjoy stunning views of Horseshoe Falls. Alternatively, you can walk across the American Falls Pedestrian Bridge to check out the Tastes of Niagara Food Court inside the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Welcome Center, Anchor Bar, Flip Burger, or Spot Cafe. More lunch options include Zaika Indian Cuisine, Rainforest Cafe inside the Sheraton, and Parkway Prime Steakhouse & Lounge inside the Doubletree.
Afternoon
At Prospect Point, explore American Falls and the Observation Tower, which offers breathtaking views of the Niagara River gorge. Take the elevator to the river’s edge and join a half-hour Maid of the Mist boat tour. Even without a boat tour, you can still enjoy the views from the tower and gorge for $1.25 per person. Instead of boarding the boat, follow the trail and stone steps leading to The Crow’s Nest beside American Falls to experience the base of the falls close up. Niagara Falls State Park is undergoing a $9 million renovation project to extend the Crow’s Nest stairs to the top of the gorge alongside the American Falls. This expansion aims to provide more access options to the gorge beyond the Maid of the Mist elevators from the Observation Tour, which will help reduce wait times during peak tourism. The new experience is scheduled to be completed by the 2026 season. Bring a rain poncho from home if you are not going on the Cave of the Winds or Maid of the Mist tours, both of which provide ponchos you can keep. After you visit Prospect Point, walk a half-mile north, under the Rainbow Bridge, to explore the ruins of the Schoellkopf Power Station, where you can take an elevator down to the river for a close look. Walk another quarter of a mile north to find the Aquarium of Niagara, which specializes in rescuing seals and sea lions and offers daily shows, feedings, and presentations. While you can drive here, there is an additional parking fee.
Dinner
Take a three-block walk down Old Falls Street, a playful, tree-lined cobblestone entertainment district with dining options. Other choices include the Hard Rock Cafe, Red Coach Inn, or the two restaurants inside Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino: The Western Door Steakhouse and La Cascata. More dinner options include Leon’s Italian Bistro & Pizza, Michael’s Restaurant, El Cubliete, Sawyer Creek Hotel, Buzzy’s Pizzeria, and Judi’s Lounge.
Evening
At sunset each evening, Niagara Falls is transformed by hundreds of multicolored LED lights, creating a unique and stunning display. It is worth staying to witness this spectacle.
Fun fact: The amount of water flowing over Niagara Falls varies depending on the time of day and season. In the evening, after the tourists have left, hydroelectric plants on both sides of the river divert almost half of the water, with even more being diverted in winter.
More information about Niagara Falls
Cost: Fees for parking and attractions
Located in Niagara Falls, NY, roughly 90 minutes / 90 miles from Rochester (get directions)
More information: parks.ny.gov, niagarafallsstatepark
Google Map of Locations
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Where are your favorite places to visit in Niagara Falls, USA?
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