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Keuka Lake Outlet Trail

Planning Your Next Rochester Day Trip

I’m always researching new ideas for day trips around Rochester. Filter our guides by drive time, direction, or season to enjoy a spontaneous getaway or plan a multi-day expedition. Planning your weekend? Feeling spontaneous? Guests visiting from out-of-town? Bookmark this page and make it your first stop before you hit the road.

Filter by Drive Time

Less than 30 minute drive

30-60 minute drive

60-90 minute drive

90-120 minute drive

120-150 minute drive

Filter by Direction

City

East of the River

West of the River

South of US Route 20

Explore by Season

Explore More

Highland Park in May

Springtime in Rochester

Enjoy delightful early springtime day trips around Rochester filled with March migrations, April showers, and May flowers.

Two cyclists riding the Erie Canalway Trail in Adams Basin

Summertime in Rochester

Plan summer day trips around Rochester with ideas for waterways, local produce, outdoor activities, evening outings, and guides for June, July, and August.

Autumn in Rochester

Scenic train rides, leaf-peeping, bird migrations, and ghost walks happen only in autumn in Rochester—take advantage of them while you can!

Family walking through the snow at Webster Park

Wintertime in Rochester

Explore winter around Rochester with snowshoeing, frozen waterfalls, museums, theaters, seasonal events, and month-by-month planning ideas.

Start with a Single Destination

These 25 day trips feature carefully chosen options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner at some of the most popular local restaurants, along with unique experiences and events that make each destination truly special. You’ll find a range of ideas to help you make the most of your time and create lasting memories. Here is a sample of the guides available on my Day-Trip Destinations guide:

Explore More

Skaneateles Getaway gallery cover

Explore Skaneateles

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

Fairport lift bridge Canal Days cover

Explore Fairport

With a wonderfully walkable Main Street and a picture-perfect setting along the Erie Canal, Fairport is the quintessential canal village.

Jeromes U-Pick Grapes cover

Explore Naples

Nestled in the hills at the southern end of Canandaigua Lake, Naples is known for its beautiful surroundings and annual Grape Festival.

Use My Themed Google Maps

Ice Cream Map
Ice Cream

These are a few of the most popular of my Day Trip maps:

Christmas Lights

New York State Parks

Scenic Drives & Overlooks

Waterfalls

Ice Cream Shops

Inspiration Guides

We have dozens of themed guides to inspire your next Rochester day trip. Pick a destination or a few places to see along the way.

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A weekly Substack newsletter, with periodic essays exploring behind-the-scenes work and reflections on traveling close to home. While the content is free, paid subscriptions support my ongoing research and writing.

What resources do you use to plan a day trip from Rochester?

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

Debi Bower, Day Trips Around Rochester NY

Debi Bower is the creator of Day Trips Around Rochester, New York—a website and collection of books celebrating local exploration throughout the Finger Lakes and Western New York.

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If my work has helped you explore and appreciate the Rochester area, please consider subscribing to Substack as a paid member. You’ll receive an email whenever I publish new content and can connect with a growing community of local explorers.

See you out there!
Debi

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Enjoy the Journey Together!

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