Picnic Spots Around Rochester

My favorite picnic spots have a few things in common: a table, some shade, a view of the water, and a little space away from the crowd. These places around Rochester, the Finger Lakes, and Western New York include tables beside waterfalls, along the Erie Canal, and overlooking lakes and valleys.

The Google Maps links point to the picnic spots I’ve photographed rather than just the park entrances. Tables may be moved or removed, and shade changes throughout the day, so leave room for a different spot when you arrive.

Packing for a Picnic

A picnic can be as simple as sandwiches and a drink. Bring what suits your meal, with a backup plan if your preferred table is occupied.

This section contains affiliate links. If you choose to purchase after clicking a link, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

A small cooler. Leave room for ice packs, and choose one you can comfortably carry from the car. Compare small picnic coolers.

A picnic blanket. A blanket gives you another place to sit when tables are occupied. A water-resistant backing is useful on damp grass. Browse picnic blankets.

Reusable utensils. Bring what your meal requires, along with a bag or container for used utensils on the trip home. Browse travel utensil sets.

A folding chair. If you prefer a chair to a picnic bench or blanket, consider its seat height and how far you’ll carry it. Compare portable folding chairs.

Bring napkins and a bag for your trash, and leave the picnic area ready for the next visitor. Use the dishes and supplies you already own when they suit the outing.

City of Rochester

Port of Rochester

Rochester

At the Port of Rochester, I like the riverside tables near the restaurants, where boats pass between the Genesee River and Lake Ontario. Nearby Ontario Beach Park has more tables in the park and beneath its pavilions.

Granite Mills Commons

High Falls, Rochester

Granite Mills Commons has public seating beside the Pont de Rennes pedestrian bridge in Rochester’s High Falls neighborhood. Pair lunch with a walk across the bridge for views of the waterfall and gorge.

Highland Park

Rochester

In Highland Park, this picnic table sits beneath the spreading branches of a katsura tree near Highland Drive. The broad canopy provides shade for a picnic.

George Eastman Museum

Rochester

The George Eastman Museum has picnic tables on the University Avenue side of the grounds, where you can pause for lunch before or after exploring the gardens.

Genesee Valley Park

Rochester

Genesee Valley Park has picnic tables scattered through the grounds and beneath its pavilions. I especially like this spot near the Roundhouse.

Monroe County

Brighton Town Park

Brighton

At Brighton Town Park, picnic tables along the pond put the water beside your lunch spot.

Charles E. Sexton Memorial Park

Webster

Charles E. Sexton Memorial Park, formerly North Ponds Park, has several picnic tables around its ponds.

Rotary Park

Honeoye Falls

Rotary Park’s creekside table puts you beside Honeoye Creek in the village of Honeoye Falls.

 

Black Creek Park

Chili

A few tables around the pond at Black Creek Park offer places to stop for lunch before or after a walk.

Erie Canal

Kennelley Park

Fairport

Kennelley Park in Fairport has public seating beside the Erie Canal, near the village’s lift bridge. Watch boats pass through, then leave time to explore the village.

Port of Pittsford Park

Pittsford

Port of Pittsford Park faces Schoen Place from the opposite bank of the Erie Canal. I like to bring a book from the library and watch canal boats and kayaks pass through Pittsford.

Lock 32 State Canal Park

Pittsford

At Lock 32 State Canal Park, this shaded picnic table offers a place to watch boats lock through.

Holley Canal Park

Holley

Holley Canal Park has picnic tables beside the Erie Canal, with views of passing boats and the village’s lift bridge.

Holley Canal Falls

Holley

Below the canal, Holley Canal Falls feels like a separate stop within Holley Canal Park. The canal is out of sight here, with the waterfall taking its place beside the picnic area.

Lake Ontario

B. Forman Park

Williamson

B. Forman Park’s shaded picnic tables overlook Lake Ontario. The broad lake view is the reason to bring lunch to this shoreline park.

Hamlin Beach State Park

Hamlin

Hamlin Beach State Park has plenty of picnic tables beneath shade trees, near the beach, and along its walkways.

Golden Hill State Park

Barker

At Golden Hill State Park, the table pictured here sits behind Thirty Mile Point Lighthouse, facing Lake Ontario. It’s set apart from the park’s busier picnic areas.

Finger Lakes

Honeoye Lake Overlook

Honeoye

Honeoye Lake Overlook is a roadside picnic stop on US Route 20A, with a view down Honeoye Lake.

Carolabarb Park

South Bristol, near Naples

Carolabarb Park, on County Road 12 in South Bristol near Naples, overlooks the southern end of Canandaigua Lake and the surrounding hills.

Long Point Park

Conesus Lake, Geneseo

Long Point Park has picnic tables on the western shore of Conesus Lake, along with lawns, a beach, and a public dock. This is a seasonal park, so check current access before planning your visit.

Vitale Park

Conesus Lake, Lakeville

Vitale Park’s picnic tables overlook the northern end of Conesus Lake. Stop for lunch beside the water in Lakeville.

Seneca Lake State Park

Geneva

Seneca Lake State Park has picnic tables beneath shade trees along the northern shore of Seneca Lake. Include a lakeside lunch in a day exploring Geneva.

More Picnic Spots Worth the Drive

Ganondagan

Victor

At Ganondagan State Historic Site, the table pictured here is along the Trail of Peace, overlooking the countryside around Victor. Plan to carry your lunch along the trail rather than picnic beside the parking area.

Papermill Falls

Avon

Papermill Falls has a picnic table beside a waterfall along a country road in Avon.

Griffis Sculpture Park

East Otto

Griffis Sculpture Park has several picnic tables among its outdoor sculptures. I particularly like the one near the pond.

Gannett Hill

South Bristol

Ontario County Park at Gannett Hill has picnic areas among the woods and open hilltop grounds. Pair lunch with a walk to the Jump Off Overlook for views of the Bristol Hills.

Moss Lake

Houghton

Moss Lake Preserve has a picnic area beside a bog lake edged with sphagnum moss. A boardwalk offers another place to observe the lake and its plant life.

From the parking area, follow the crushed-stone trail toward the picnic area. Consult The Nature Conservancy’s current trail information when planning your visit.

Darien Lakes State Park

Darien Center

At Darien Lakes State Park, Picnic Island on Harlow Lake offers a place to spend a few leisurely hours with lunch beside the water.

Silver Lake State Park

Perry

Silver Lake State Park has shaded picnic tables near the boat launch at the lake’s southern end. Watch boats come and go while you eat.

Letchworth State Park

Castile

Letchworth State Park has picnic tables throughout the park, but the stone tables at Eddy’s Overlook near Wolf Creek are among my favorites.

Where are your favorite picnic spots around Rochester?

I’d love to hear from you—please reach out and share your thoughts and experiences.