Summertime in Rochester

Instead of being an escape, I see these places as opportunities that encourage us to transcend space, time, and our state of mind.

These top ice cream and frozen dessert shops in charming villages and city neighborhoods turn a simple scoop into an artisanal delight.

From secret gardens to enchanting waterfalls, exploring hidden places around the Rochester area is the ultimate way to add some spice to your travel experiences.

When May comes around, you find the amusement parks with the dry rides opening on the weekends and water parks opening in mid-June.

Gorge trails call out from their deep, dark, and cool caverns. If you haven’t already, start checking these spectacular trails off your list.

These carefully designed gardens, often cultivated for decades or even centuries, display exceptional collections of flowers and trees.

I find green to be a soothing color, especially when surrounded by it. Here are some of my favorite places to go green!

Have fun finding these fun roadside attractions—shoe trees, a skeleton army, a metal dragon, a shark girl—within two hours of Rochester.

Visit these wineries in Penn Yan, Dundee, and Hammondsport to taste award-winning wines paired with scenic Keuka Lake views.

These paved pathways and boardwalks are ideal for folks using strollers, walkers, wheelchairs, or managing other mobility challenges.

Griffis Sculpture Park features more than 250 sculptures that are whimsical, fantastical, and delightful, all integrated into the landscape.

The Pinnacle Range along Rochester’s southern border is a glacial moraine created by the retreating Wisconsin Glacier 12,000 years ago.

These boardwalks are integrated into larger trail systems to assist individuals in navigating wetlands and conserving wildlife.

Rochester has a vibrant street art culture, with dozens of murals, graffiti, and other forms of public art on display throughout the region.

Less traveled than in our parks, these hiking trails around Rochester offer a secluded and rustic area to immerse yourself in nature.

These day trips into Rochester’s geologic history will remind you just how amazing our corner of the Earth is.

Explore these moss-covered rock formations near Rochester, such as Little Rock City in Ellicottville and Thunder Rocks in Allegany State Park.

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

Locations northeast of Rochester close to Lake Ontario, or south of US-20 in the Finger Lakes will offer the darkest sky near Rochester.

The various nature centers, preserves, and management areas all work to protect and maintain natural spaces for the benefit of all.

Beyond the gorge trails, nature centers, and gardens, these exceptional parks offer unique experiences and amenities worthy of exploration.

Lose yourself in a sea of sunflowers! Each August, acres of bold blooms become the perfect backdrop for family photos and sunny selfies.

Pick up your “Hit the Trail Passport” booklet at Wegmans, or print your own! You’ll have everything you need to start your hiking adventure.