132 Things to Do Around Rochester

Rochester, New York, offers small-city convenience with big-city amenities. To help you make the most of your time in and around Rochester, we have compiled a comprehensive list of 132 things to do. This guide will provide you with fun and exciting ideas for your next adventure in all seasons, from museums and art galleries to outdoor activities and delicious food. So grab your friends and family, or go solo, and let’s dive into some of Rochester’s can’t-miss experiences.

1. Hidden Places

We drive right past some of Rochester’s most unique spots every day, completely unaware of their existence. I continue to meet life-long residents of Rochester who have no idea these hidden places are just minutes away from where they work and live. Some are a little off the beaten path but worth going out of your way to experience.

2. Transcending Places

When I think of “transcendence” as it relates to travel, I think of destinations that move us into a reality that differs from daily life. I look for places that encourage us to transcend space, time, and state of mind and be present and immersed in the experience simultaneously.

3. Hiking Off the Beaten Path

Here are a few less populated, rustic, or unusual trails around Rochester that will inspire you to take a hike.

4. New York State Parks

If you visit multiple New York State Parks in one day, you only pay admission at the first park. Keep your receipt and show it at each new park that day for free entry. Or, stop at a Monroe County Library and borrow an Empire Pass which entitles you to free entry at most parks.

5. Old-Fashioned Country Stores

These businesses are not just country gift shops with farm-house-themed decor. Walking into one of these old country stores, you’re stepping back in time with aisles of old-fashioned toys, knickknacks, and candies. The nostalgia is joyful!

6. Quirky Rochester-Area Roadside Attractions

Here are a few interesting things to see around the Rochester area while driving to your day-trip destinations.

7. The Best Ice Cream Shops

We love these ice cream shops for their outstanding atmosphere, taste, variety, and innovation. Try a specialty flavor like Concord Grape from Lynnie Lou’s, Lavender Goat Cheese from Eat Me, or Cookie, Fig, and Honey from Hedonist.

8. Date Ideas

We’ve broken these date ideas into themes to help you find a topic you already love or want to try.

9. Spectacular Christmas Lights

Our favorite homeowners and communities go all out with their holiday lights to celebrate the season, so let’s get out there and celebrate with them.

10. Day-Trip Destinations

Spend a day exploring a new city, village, or region around Rochester. Each of our favorite destinations offers a full day of unique site-seeing opportunities with shops, restaurants, local artisans, and signature events worth traveling to experience.

11. Street Art

Rochester has a vibrant street art culture, with dozens of murals, graffiti, and other forms of public art on display throughout the region. The art is diverse and includes commissioned works by professional artists and pieces created by community members. These murals capture historical moments and current social and political issues. Areas mentioned here offer a high concentration of wall art but keep an eye out for pops of color as you explore the region’s cities, villages, and back roads through the countryside.

12. Gorge Trails

The Finger Lakes region is well-known for its glacially carved gorges and picturesque waterfalls. Exploring a place with gorge, gully, glen, or ravine in its name guarantees a memorable experience.

13. Shop Small, Support Local

There’s no need to wait for Small Business Saturday to show some love to our local shops! We’ve got a ton of talented folks running boutiques, sweet shops, and unique hand-crafted gift stores right here in Rochester. So next time you’re out and about, why not swing by and check them out? You never know what treasures you might find! Shopping locally is about discovering something uniquely Rochester while directly impacting the lives of our families, friends, and neighbors.

14. Wonderful Winter Walks

These ideas for winter walks should motivate you to step outside for some fresh air and, with any luck, sunshine.

15. Roadside Waterfalls

Not all waterfalls are hidden in dark ravines, only reachable by challenging trails. Many of the region’s most stunning waterfalls can be viewed from the road, parking area, or a short walk on a pathway.

16. Natural Swimming Areas

Typically recognized for our 11 Finger Lakes and two Great Lakes, as you drive around the region’s countryside, you’ll find a landscape freckled with bodies of fresh water where locals are boating, fishing, swimming, relaxing, and recharging. On a hot day, you can sit under a waterfall, swim in a lake, or jump in a creek at one of these refreshing natural swimming areas.

17. The Sunken Garden

When you stroll around the back of Warner Castle and down the lawn, you’ll discover the Sunken Garden. It’s a peaceful retreat and beautiful any time of the year.

18. Rochester’s Hidden Sidewalk

To access the secret half-mile-long sidewalk, start at Ontario Beach Park in Charlotte and walk west along Beach Avenue. You will find the main entrances across from Clematis and Cloverdale Streets, with smaller entrances between roughly every fourth house. Note that the lawns, gardens, and docks along the sidewalk are privately owned and not open to the public. Only the sidewalk itself is available for public use.

19. Corbett’s Glen Nature Park

Park at the top of Glen Road for the closest entrance to Allen Creek. There are two designated accessible parking spaces after driving through the tunnel, though visitors who do not require using these spaces should walk through. The trail from the Penfield Road entrance to Tunnel Falls is more challenging.

20. Grimes Glen

Following a short walk along the creekside trail, you must wade through the water for half a mile in order to find the first 60-foot waterfall. Continuing through the creek for another half mile will lead you to the second waterfall, a picturesque cascade of the same height. To make your way back to the parking lot, simply retrace your steps.

21. Channing H. Philbrick Park

While the Irondequoit Creek Trail spans the park’s length and beyond, the most exciting section lies east of Linear Park Drive. Near the kiosk next to the upper parking lot, find the easy-to-walk dirt path that follows the creek toward an unusual series of wooden footbridges. Or, walk across the pedestrian bridge that connects Linear Park Drive with North Washington Street to find the Mills Trail—a quick path that leads to the cascades along the creek’s south bank.

22. Kayaking

Pack your life vest, food and drink, sunscreen, a hat, zip-lock bags, and a camera, and find a place to put in your kayak or canoe. If you don’t have your own vessel, you can rent one! Find businesses offering upstream rentals, excursions, tours, and shuttle services.

23. Gardens & Arboretums

The peaceful and serene atmosphere of gardens invites relaxation and contemplation. These carefully designed spaces, often cultivated for decades or even centuries, display exceptional collections of flowers and trees that captivate the visitor’s attention. Taking the time to appreciate these natural wonders can be a truly enriching experience.

24. Turning Point Park

The boardwalk takes visitors onto the river, where they can see blue herons, swans, turtles, deer, and other wildlife. For minimal elevation change, consider starting your walk from the north at Petten Street by the marina and O’Rorke Bridge.

25. Holley Canal Falls

Located in the heart of the Village of Holley, Holley Canal Falls is fed by the Erie Canal, which flows over it and into the glen.

26. Griffis Sculpture Park

Integrated into Griffis Sculpture Park’s expansive landscape, find more than 250 whimsical, fantastical, and delightful sculptures.

27. Grand Skip-Gen Adventures

Skip-gen day trips and weekend getaways have emerged as a heartwarming trend, offering grandparents and their grandchildren the unique opportunity to bypass a generation and embark on adventures together. Whether you’re a grandparent seeking ways to spend quality time with your grandkids or a parent encouraging these meaningful outings, these skip-gen adventures are your ticket to experiencing life’s wonders together.

28. Highly Recommended Restaurants

This list represents 40+ years of experience dining in the Rochester area, as well as highly recommended restaurants from friends, colleagues, and you! Rochestarians frequent these establishments because the food and atmosphere is consistently amazing. These are places the locals go several times a year, if not more, and recommend them to friends and visitors.

29. Volunteer Your Time & Talent

Take a look at these volunteer experiences and offer your time and talent with one of these amazing Rochester-area organizations.

30. ARTISANworks

This unique and immersive experience challenges the senses and defies conventional boundaries. Discover a world of vibrant color and intricate design. From the original works of Picasso and Warhol to the artist studios that showcase the creative process in action, this is a space where art lives. Explore the 360-degree canvas and discover hidden gems that can surprise, inspire, and sometimes shock you.

31. Rent Snowshoes

There’s no need to stop hiking in the winter just because there’s snow on the trail. If you’re looking to spend more time outdoors, try snowshoeing. There are a few places around Rochester where you can rent snowshoes and learn how to use them. You’ll find that many are nature centers with excellent trails for both snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

32. Taughannock Falls State Park

At 215 feet tall, Taughannock Falls is the tallest single-drop waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains. The 0.75-mile hard-packed gravel gorge trail leads to the base of the falls and is open year-round.

33. Monroe County Parks

Our county parks are free, so take advantage of 12,000 acres of natural, zoological, horticultural, historical, and geological experiences.

34. Bookstores

When reading books, the destination is the journey. Here are a few bookstores around Rochester to begin an adventure with new and used books. Plus, check out our Little Free Libraries.

35. Locally Grown Produce

Your guide to Rochester’s harvest seasons! Find out which locally grown produce (fruits, vegetables, plants) are at their peak each month, and enjoy Rochester-area harvest festivals.

36. Museums & Galleries

Rochester is home to world-renowned museums and thought-provoking galleries. The city’s Neighborhood of the Arts (NOTA) is a vibrant district that spans several walkable blocks around University Avenue, Goodman Street, and East Avenue. This area is home to many museums, galleries, and artist studios participating in popular First Friday events, when the community celebrates all things creative and enjoys a lively night out.

37. Historic Inns

These historic inns around Rochester offer unique dining experiences. Unlike bed & breakfasts, their dining rooms are open to the public. Unlike restaurants, they offer lodging. And their food is as extraordinary as their stories.

38. Explore the Image City

Rochester evolved from Flour City to Flower City to Image City when George Eastman invented a way for the masses to capture everyday moments on film. These “Quintessential Rochester” places are the ones we photograph and share. The places where Rochester’s historic foothold was established. The buildings that make up our skyline. The vistas that fill tourist must-see lists and “wish you were here” postcards.

39. Craft Breweries

It can be overwhelming to consider the many craft beverage artisans who call the Finger Lakes and Western New York home. So, let’s focus on the ones we have right here in our backyard.

40. Letchworth State Park

To experience the stunning beauty of the Genesee River through Letchworth State Park, plan a day trip that includes a visit to the Mount Morris Dam and Lower, Middle, and Upper Falls. Take a hike along Trail 1 for breathtaking views of the gorge. You can also join Adventure Calls Outfitters for a guided rafting trip downstream from Lower Falls to St. Helena, a journey of about five and a half miles.

41. Lamberton Conservatory

Take a break and unwind in the Lord and Burnham–designed glasshouse filled with exotic, desert, and economic plants, including banana trees. Enjoy tropical temperatures and the soothing sounds of running water. Find turtles lounging by indoor ponds, with tiny button quail and tortoises wandering around. The theme of the Seasonal Display Room changes five times throughout the year, with the beloved Holiday Show in December. During this time, the conservatory is open on Friday and Sunday evenings to fully appreciate the beautiful festive lights.

42. The Erie Canal

According to the New York State Canal Corporation, nearly 80% of the upstate New York population lives within 25 miles of the Erie Canal. The original “Clinton’s Ditch” was completed in 1825 and later updated to accommodate larger boats, leading to the creation of the Enlarged Erie Canal. Further modifications in 1918 allowed for self-propelled boats, which no longer required mules, resulting in the current Barge Canal. The entire waterway is commonly referred to as the Erie Canal.

43. Boat Tours

Enjoy stunning scenery, unique geology, and impressive waterfront homes. From the comfort of a boat, you’ll be able to spot local wildlife and learn about the rich history and culture of the area.

44. Eternal Flame

The natural gas flame, sheltered in a tiny cave under a 35-foot waterfall, isn’t eternal, as its name suggests, so be sure to bring a lighter in case the flame is extinguished. The way may be more difficult after heavy rain, but the waterfall will be more impressive. This unique geologic feature is a stunning reward for your effort.

45. The Pinnacle Range

Making up a portion of the City of Rochester’s southern border, the Pinnacle Range is a glacial moraine. Highland Drive connects the first four but ends at Mount Hope. The University of Rochester campus on Oak Hill lies just beyond Mount Hope Cemetery at the river’s edge.

46. Little Rock City

Exploring a rock city is an adventure like no other. Walking among them feels like being on a city street among skyscrapers. Mosses that cover each bolder help to absorb sound, and their deep shadows keep trail temperatures cool even in August.

47. Rochester’s Geologic History

These day trips into Rochester’s geologic history—filled with drumlins, eskers, kames, kettles, fossils, house-sized boulders, and a few meromictic lakes—will remind you just how amazing our corner of the Earth is.

48. Ice Skating

When looking for ice skating rinks around Rochester, NY, there are several options. It first depends on whether you own skates or need to rent them.

49. Breathtaking Fall Foliage Views

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

50. Paranormal Activities

Something about fall piques our interest in paranormal activities. From storytelling and investigating to fascinating displays, these day trips encourage you to explore the other side of Rochester.

16 Beauclaire Lane in Perinton, near Eastview Mall, is well known for its extreme Christmas wonderland display. But did you know they also create the most incredible Halloween display? This image was captured on September 28, 2024. The plan is to be up and running October 1–31, and then it all comes down to prepare for Christmas.

51. Lily Dale Assembly

Lily Dale is a lake-side hamlet of Victorian homes and cottages. It is quirky and peaceful, a spiritual community unlike nowhere else on Earth.

52. Nature Centers & Preserves

The various nature centers, wildlife preserves, and management areas in New York State all work to protect and maintain natural spaces for the benefit of all. These organizations are committed to preserving the land and its inhabitants. While their missions may be similar, the specific names of each area suggest unique characteristics and offerings. By understanding the distinctions between these names, you can better appreciate the environment and the services provided.

53. Incredible Creeks

These creeks impact us in such subtle ways that they sometimes disappear into life’s background. Our beautiful tributaries enhance the gathering places in our small towns. They provide us with opportunities for recreation, relaxation, and fresh water. I have found these particular creeks to be exceptional and worth the effort to seek them out.

54. Chimney Bluffs State Park

Rising 175 feet above Lake Ontario, the bluffs are fragile drumlins, like all of the truncated drumlins along this section of shoreline. It would be beneficial to bring water shoes for standing in the lake and sneakers for walking along the rocky shoreline. There is an admission fee, though you can park for free at the end of East Bay Road.

55. New York State & County Fairs

Our state and county fairs offer their unique blend of agriculture, amusement, and entertainment: parades, demolition derbies, contests, food, tractor shows and pulls, midway rides, vendors, livestock exhibits, and live music.

56. Performing Arts

Sit back, relax, and enjoy a show on stage or screen. Experience diverse artistic expression, including interpretive dance, chamber music, Shakespearean plays, and Broadway productions. Whether historic auditoriums or multiplex theaters with reclining seats, Rochester’s movie theaters offer a wide range of first-run, independent, foreign, and student films, live-stream events, and festivals.

57. Lighthouses Along Lake Ontario

These nine New York lighthouses are all within a two-hour drive of Rochester. And where there is a lighthouse, there is a sweeping Lake Ontario view.

58. National Natural Landmarks

National Natural Landmarks (NNLs) are natural areas in the United States that the Secretary of the Interior has designated as having outstanding biological or geological resources. These areas are considered to be some of the most significant natural features in the country and are protected by federal law.

59. Take a Guided Walk

Discover the greater Rochester region like never before with these guided walks, runs, rides, and behind-the-scenes tours. Led by local experts, you’ll delve into the area’s rich history, geology, ecology, and community. And the best part? You’ll be in good company with other like-minded individuals, sparking intriguing conversations and questions along the way. Take advantage of the perfect blend of education and socializing with these must-try guided activities.

60. Authentic Dining-Car Diners

Designed to resemble a train’s fine-dining car, diners were manufactured off-site and moved by rail to the final location. These diners are extraordinary examples of that era.

61. Watkins Glen State Park

Glen Creek descends 400 feet along its two-mile course through Watkins Glen State Park. Follow the 806-step Gorge Trail and wind your way over and under 19 breathtaking waterfalls.

62. Great Lakes

Rochester is well-known for its 11 Finger Lakes and two beautiful Great Lakes—Ontario and Erie. But as you drive around the countryside, you can see a landscape freckled with blue bodies of fresh water where locals are boating, fishing, swimming, and relaxing.

63. Rochester’s Fun Facts

I’ve been gathering Rochester’s fun facts for several years and am so excited to collect them all together here. Let these inspire your next day’s trip!

64. Harriet Hollister

Harriet Hollister Spencer State Recreation Area is a New York State Park located in the hills six miles south of Honeoye Lake. Here, you will find one of the most majestic scenic views in the Finger Lakes region.

65. “Hit the Trail” Passport

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.

66. The Finger Lakes Region

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.

67. Tinker Nature Park

Tinker Nature Park comprises 68 acres in Henrietta with a 1.2-mile flat perimeter trail for jogging, biking, skiing, snowshoeing, or walking.

68. Amusement Parks

Oh, how we miss our amusement parks in the winter. When May comes around, you find the ones with the dry rides opening on the weekends, with the water parks opening closer to Father’s Day in mid-June.

69. Find the Darkest Skies Near Rochester

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

70. Sonnenberg Gardens

Explore a magnificent late 19th-century Victorian estate, complete with a Queen Anne–style mansion and nine formal gardens in this 50-acre New York State Historic Park. Marvel at the Lord-and-Burnham–designed glasshouse conservatory.

71. Skiing

Skiing around Rochester is as much winter recreation as a social experience, competition, and tradition. A few of these destinations also offer cross-country ski rentals.

72. Cobb’s Hill and Washington Grove

Nestled between Culver Road, Monroe Avenue, and Highland Avenue, lower Cobb’s Hill Park is primarily recreational, but the hill makes it unique. Encircling the reservoir is a paved 0.7-mile walking path offering a panoramic view of the Rochester skyline. A trail through Washington Grove leads visitors through a tranquil urban forest of old oak trees to a series of ever-changing graffiti-tagged water towers.

73. Sam Patch Erie Canal Tours

Sam Patch Erie Canal Tours are a great way to experience the canal and locks and learn about its history along your narrated cruise.

74. Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse

Constructed in 1822, this is America’s oldest surviving active lighthouse on Lake Ontario. To reach the 12-foot-high lantern room, you must climb a tight 40-foot-high spiral staircase, followed by an 11-rung ladder, and crawl through an opening in the ceiling. The view from the top is worth the effort.

75. Mendon Ponds Park

The Devil’s Bathtub is one of New York’s rare meromictic lakes. It’s so deep, and so protected by the geologic features around it, that the layers in the water do not mix, or “turn over”. In 1969, Mendon Ponds Park was named to the National Registry of Natural Landmarks due to its geologic history and the presence of significant kames, eskers, and kettles.

76. Rochester Railfans

Our innovative use of the railroad, trolley, subway, and the Erie Canal helped develop the Rochester area as a center of manufacturing and commerce. So many of the places we eat and shop are reclaimed train depots. Places we get a massage, read books, laugh, sleep…

77. Ganondagan

Ganondagan State Historic Site sits atop Boughton Hill in Victor. It is the original site of the most significant 17th century Seneca town—sometimes referred to as Gannagaro—which at its peak had 150 longhouses where only one replica stands today.

78. Rock Cities

Clustered in the southwestern corner of New York State, each site has an individual creation story going back to when a vast, shallow inland sea covered the area, affected over time by continental drift, glacial activity, and mountain building. And they each present a unique experience. You can only see some in a single day, so spread them out over several Southern Tier day trips. Plan at least an hour for each park.

79. MacKay Wildlife Preserve

There are fascinating geological wonders to discover at MacKay Wildlife Preserve in Caledonia, including a sea of round, moss-covered boulders.

80. The Lake Ontario Seaway Trail

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

81. Places to Immerse Yourself in Green

I find the color green soothing, especially when surrounded by it. Enjoy some of my favorite places to go green!

82. Explore Buffalo’s Waterfront

From Canalside to the Outer Harbor and Riverworks to Silo City, there are a dozen excellent day trips from Rochester to Buffalo’s Waterfront. You may wonder why there’s a scent of cereal in the air. Buffalo is home to a General Mills plant that produces Lucky Charms and Cheerios, among other brands, filling the air with the sweet smell of toasted oats.

83. Helmer Nature Center

The paths at Helmer Nature Center, made primarily of wood chip, boardwalk, and hard-pack gravel, are marked and easy to navigate. Sloped portions take you down to the valley floor, where the terrain around you is hilly and tree-covered, making it peacefully quiet.

84. Museum of the Earth

Covering roughly 635 million years of the geologic record, the museum does a fantastic job of narrowing it down to large-scale events that are relevant to our place in New York State, and presented in a way that is engaging.

85. Sledding Hills

One of the most popular sledding destinations in Rochester is Mendon Ponds Park. This park has several hills, from gentle slopes for beginners to steep drops for thrill-seekers. You can also explore the trails, ponds, and wildlife of this scenic park while you’re there.

86. Highland Park

Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted to be enjoyed year-round, every pathway, tree, vista, and relationship between the land and water through Highland Park is intentional. Highland has even been described as a museum or zoo of exotic plants and trees. Meander along paved and mown-grass pathways to find Lamberton Conservatory, Poet’s Garden, Highland Bowl, and Warner Castle’s Sunken Garden.

87. Pathways for Easy Strolls

These paved pathways and boardwalks around Rochester have been designed for accessibility, making them an ideal destination for individuals with mobility challenges, families with young children, and those using strollers, walkers, or wheelchairs. The walkways offer a smooth ride and a beautiful view through some of the city’s most scenic areas, including parks, lakes, and other natural settings.

88. High Falls

High Falls is the name of the waterfall, the neighboring historic district, and a future Rochester state park. Popular spots to view the falls include High Falls Terrace, the Pont de Rennes Bridge, and Genesee Brew House’s rooftop patio while enjoying a casual meal and a tasty beverage. On the west side of the river, visitors can walk along cobblestone streets to learn about the area’s hydropower history and see the top of the falls near the Gorsline Building.

89. Dr Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park

Next to The Strong National Museum of Play, this five-acre park hosts a variety of events throughout the year. Some popular events include the Rochester International Jazz Festival in June, Party in the Park on Thursday nights during the summer, Rochester Fringe Festival in September, and Roc Holiday Village in December. In winter, the reflecting pool transforms into an ice-skating rink.

90. Rochester-Area Chocolatiers

The region has a rich history of chocolate-making, with many of the local chocolatiers being third- or fourth-generation descendants of the founders of their businesses. They have maintained the traditional family recipes passed down over the years while adding modern twists to create truly unique and delicious chocolate creations.

91. Braddock Bay

The Braddock Bay Wildlife Management Area (WMA) includes Braddock Bay Park and many surrounding wetlands and bird migration paths. If you are driving along Edgemere Drive near the ponds or the parkway between Island Cottage and Bennett Road, dining at the Braddock Bay Tavern & Grill, or fishing in Salmon Creek, you are enjoying the beauty of the Braddock Bay WMA.

92. Buttermilk Falls

Stairs are prevalent along the 0.65-mile Buttermilk Creek Gorge Trail. When you reach the stone bridge, you can continue to the upper park, return through the gorge, or cross the creek and take the Rim Trail back to the parking area, where you can enjoy a swim in the natural stream-fed pool beneath Buttermilk Falls.

93. Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge

You’ll find several overlooks and trails throughout the refuge, some with boardwalks to navigate the wetlands, like the Swallow Hollow Trail. Iroquois is managed by the US Fish & Wildlife Service and, along with the adjoining Oak Orchard and Tonawanda Wildlife Management Areas, makes up the 20,000-acre Alabama Swamps Complex.

94. Wineries with Scenic Keuka Lake Views

Keuka Lake in the Finger Lakes region is a great place to start if you’re looking for a scenic spot to enjoy delicious wine. There are dozens of wineries, but if you want a stunning lake view, I recommend checking out these seven in particular.

95. The Jump Off Trail

The accessible Gannett Hill Jump-Off affords one of the loveliest scenic views in the Finger Lakes region, with County Route 33/West Hollow Road, Bristol Mountain, and, occasionally, Rochester’s skyline viewable from the platform. Spectacular any time of year, the optimal time to visit is during the peak of fall foliage in late October. The Jump-Off Trail connects with the Finger Lakes Trail System’s Bristol Hills Branch Trail.

96. Seneca Park & Zoo

The 20-acre Seneca Park Zoo is a small portion of the 300-acre county park designed by Frederick Law Olmsted in 1893. The zoo operates a seasonal ZooTram shuttle, transporting visitors between the extreme ends of the park for a nominal one-way fee. Many people walk through the zoo and take the tram back up to the main entrance, appreciating Seneca Park’s scenic views. Beyond the zoo, you will find a trout pond surrounded by pavilions, a playground, and hiking trails. The south trail ends at the scenic Pure Waters Pedestrian Bridge, part of the Genesee River Trail, which spans the river to connect with Maplewood Park.

97. Take a Boat Tour

Enjoy stunning scenery, unique geology, and impressive waterfront homes. From the comfort of a boat, you’ll be able to spot local wildlife and learn about the rich history and culture of the area. Indulge in the serene atmosphere and breathe fresh air while enjoying a unique and unforgettable experience.

98. Webster Arboretum

Follow meandering pathways through Webster Arboretum’s 32 acres to discover a pond, various trees and shrubs, and formal gardens, including a daylily garden with over 200 cultivars.

99. Ellison Park

Established in 1926, Ellison is the first official Monroe County Park. It features five blazed trails of varying difficulty, making it a great spot for outdoor enthusiasts. The park is also a popular spot to launch a kayak or canoe and paddle downstream on Irondequoit Creek toward Irondequoit Bay.

100. Ontario Beach Park

At the northernmost tip of the city, the Genesee River borders the park to the east. Besides a sandy beach with plenty of parking, visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll on the boardwalk and pier, indulge in the original 1902 Abbott’s Frozen Custard, ride on the 1905 Dentzel Carousel, and tour the 1822 Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse.

101. Durand Eastman Park

In 1888, landscape architect Bernard H. Slavin designed this county park that covers 977 acres and includes five lakes, the two most prominent being Durand and Eastman Lakes. You’ll find a section of pedestrian-only roadway between Log Cabin and Zoo Roads that is perfect for a walk in the arboretum. Walk across Lakeshore Boulevard to explore the seven-mile Irondequoit Lakeside Multi-Use Trail, a paved sidewalk along 5,000 feet of Lake Ontario shoreline with a portion of wetland boardwalk. Additionally, there is a city-managed Lake Ontario swimming beach.

102. Rochester Public Market

The Public Market is a great day-trip destination in a bustling area filled with shops, restaurants, and cafes. You can find a wide variety of fresh produce, meat, seafood, and artisanal products like pasta, honey, and spices. The market is also home to popular coffee shops and restaurants. A seasonal open-air trolley transports visitors between the market and the Trinidad Street lot between North Union and Scio Streets. Be sure to check the website for free special events. Open all year on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Saturdays from 5 a.m. to 3 p.m.

103. Fabulous Fall Hikes

Some of these hikes are short and sweet, while others offer a range of terrains and distances to suit your preference. The best part is that you’ll enjoy a mix of natural and manufactured sights on these trails. From the calming presence of water to the variety of trees and the peacefulness of solitude, these hikes have it all, and that’s why they’re my top picks.

104. Stony Brook

Most visitors hike in and out along the 0.75-mile Gorge Trail, enjoying the stream-fed pool, waterfalls, and stone bridges. The walkway beside Stony Brook is composed of shale and gravel, with some spots that are moderately challenging to navigate and dozens of steps to climb alongside each waterfall.

105. Niagara Falls, USA

Niagara Falls State Park, America’s first state park, was established in 1886 and designed by Frederick Law Olmsted two years before Rochester’s Highland Park was created. Visitors travel far and wide to see Niagara Falls, and we are fortunate to drive there in 90 minutes. 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.

106. Mount Hope Cemetery

The cemetery is divided into two sections: the south side, which is the newer area, and the north side, which is older and home to notable figures such as Nathaniel Rochester, Susan B. Anthony, and Frederick Douglass. The north section’s winding cobblestone roads are best explored on foot and provide a glimpse into the cemetery’s rich history, ecology, and geology. Maps and guided tours are available to provide more in-depth information about the land’s fascinating past, including ice age landforms and fossils. While the landscape is delightful year-round, this beautiful Victorian cemetery is extraordinary in October. The diversity of trees in the arboretum displays a vibrant array of colors, with bold yellows and reds carpeting the ground before the snow arrives.

107. Perfect Picnic Spots

When it comes to choosing the best spot for a picnic, there are a few things that I prioritize. For instance, a picnic table is a must-have for me to enjoy all the food and drinks comfortably and off the ground. I also appreciate being surrounded by beautiful scenery and being near water. Shade is essential for beating the heat, and some privacy is always welcome. If you’re planning a picnic and want suggestions based on my criteria, here are my top recommendations.

108. Rochester Museum & Science Center

RMSC’s city campus features the three-story science museum and the Strasenburgh Planetarium. In the museum, don’t miss the two singing Tesla coils in the Electricity Theater, where audience members can volunteer to stand inside a Faraday cage while the coils sing a duet with lightning. The planetarium offers a state-of-the-art view of our solar system and the visible universe using near-real-time data. The lounge chairs in the planetarium are not fixed to the floor, making the space accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.

109. Apple Everything!

We are so fortunate to be surrounded not only by the freshest apples from local farms but also by talented artisans who expertly know what to do with them. And we spend September and October searching for the best.

110. Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge

The US Fish & Wildlife Service manages the Montezuma Wildlife Refuge at the north end of Cayuga Lake. The refuge is along one of the busiest flight paths in the Atlantic Flyway. Upon entering the refuge from US Route 20, you’ll find a seasonal visitor center, observation tower, viewing platform, and the Seneca Trail.

111. Strong National Museum of Play

The Strong houses the world’s largest and most comprehensive collection of play-related materials. Besides its fascinating interactive exhibits, the museum has a kid-sized Wegmans grocery store, historic pinball and arcade games, and a ropes course above Skyline Diner. The Dancing Wings Butterfly Garden offers a beautiful rainforest environment for those looking to escape cold weather. The museum also houses the National Toy Hall of Fame, World Video Game Hall of Fame, and various collections from Margaret Woodbury Strong, ensuring plenty to see and do for an entire day.

112. Powder Mills Park

Follow the marked trails to take a stroll through Irondequoit Creek’s wetlands, meadows, and woodlands. Bring a handful of quarters to the fish hatchery to purchase food pellets to feed up to 20,000 fish at different stages of development. Don’t miss the fascinating Mushroom House next to the hatchery parking lot. Visit the Daffodil Meadow from late April through mid-May to see the flowers in full bloom.

113. Genesee Valley Park

Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted in 1888, find GVP where the Erie Canal, Red Creek, and Genesee River intersect. Visitors can rent kayaks and canoes from the Genesee Waterways Center. Enjoy the four beautiful concrete footbridges that connect the park across each waterway.

114. Genesee Country Village & Museum

GCV&M is a living history museum with 68 structures on 700 acres, making it the largest and most comprehensive museum of its kind in the state and the third largest in the country. The 19th-century village features a range of buildings that were moved to the museum’s grounds starting in 1966, such as frontier homesteads, Victorian mansions, churches, schools, shops, and taverns.

115. Monroe County Libraries

The Monroe Country Library System comprises town and village locations, Rochester Public Library branch locations, and the Central Library. Each one offers unique amenities and is in a different neighborhood, providing plenty of opportunities for exploration.

116. Places in the City to Enjoy the Genesee River

The 157-mile Genesee River originates 10 miles south of the Pennsylvania border. As it flows north, it passes over Letchworth’s three major waterfalls and meanders through several towns, including Mount Morris, Geneseo, Caledonia, Avon, Rush, Scottsville, Chili, and Henrietta. At Genesee Valley Park, the river merges with the Erie Canal and continues north through Rochester, flowing over Court Street Dam and High, Middle, and Lower Falls before reaching Lake Ontario.

117. Maplewood Park

This two-mile linear Olmsted-designed park follows the river from Middle Falls north to Kings Landing, the oldest cemetery in Rochester. Most visitors start at the Rose Garden in Lower Maplewood and walk down the stairs to access the Genesee River Trail. Walking upstream, you’ll find Lower and Middle Falls. The trail heading downstream leads through Middle Maplewood and along Seneca Parkway, which Olmsted also designed as part of the park system. After passing under the New York State Route 104 Veterans Memorial Bridge, the path continues into Upper Maplewood. It ends at the Pure Waters Pedestrian Bridge, which spans the Genesee River and connects to Seneca Park.

118. Hamlin Beach

The park offers seven miles of paved and dirt hiking trails and a self-guided tour of a historic CCC/POW camp. The lake shore is perfect for reading a book in the shade with your toes in the sand. In Area One, you can find green space, an unguarded beach, a kayak launch, and the Yanty Creek Environmental Nature Trail. Areas Three and Four have guarded swimming beaches, picnic tables, pavilions, playgrounds, bathhouses, and concession stands. Area Five has green space, an unguarded beach, and the Devil’s Nose hiking trail along the West Bluff.

119. George Eastman Museum

GEM is a tribute to the life and contributions of George Eastman, the father of modern photography. As the world’s oldest photography museum, it houses an impressive collection of over 400,000 photographic objects and 28,000 moving image titles. Visitors can tour Eastman’s unique home and explore the museum’s permanent collections and temporary exhibitions. The 500-seat Dryden Theatre offers film screenings in their original format on most evenings.

120. Explore Rochester

Rochester is a vibrant and diverse city in the heart of the Finger Lakes region. With a population of over 200,000, Rochester is the fourth-largest city in New York State and is home to several world-renowned institutions and attractions. A perfect day in Rochester would involve visiting one of the city’s engaging museums, spending time in its exceptional parks, and seeing both High Falls and Lake Ontario. Enjoy amazing food and drinks, and consider rounding out the day with an evening at a theater, baseball game, festival, or concert.

121. Farm Sanctuary

The sanctuary encompasses 175 acres in Watkins Glen, with sweeping views of Sugar Hill State Forest, and is home to over 500 rescued farm animals. Take an hour-long guided walk around this exceptional shelter to learn about the sanctuary’s mission and hear each animal’s story. If you enjoy being around cows, pigs, goats, sheep, turkeys, and other farm animals, I highly recommend the tour, which encourages guests to interact with the animals and be part of their healing journey.

122. New York Museum of Transportation

Explore NYMT’s vast collection of train and trolley cars, buses, signs, photos, model railroad displays, and two Midtown Plaza monorail cars. During special events, enjoy a scenic two-mile round-trip ride on a 90-year-old electric trolley car—the only trolley ride in New York State.

123. Discover Niagara Shuttle

The Discover Niagara Shuttle is a free shuttle service that takes visitors to various destinations along a 13-mile stretch from Niagara Falls to Fort Niagara in New York State. The shuttle service operates every day from Memorial Day in late May until Labor Day in early September.
The shuttle stops at 18 destinations, including Niagara Falls State Park, Old Fort Niagara, and the Aquarium of Niagara, among others. The shuttle service, using motorcoach- and trolley-style vehicles, is a convenient and cost-effective way to explore the area without worrying about driving, parking, or navigating unfamiliar roads.

124. Cascadilla Gorge

Cascadilla Creek produces several waterfalls, ranging from swift cascades to 80-foot drops, as it descends 400 feet through the gorge. Starting from the bottom lets you encounter increasingly breathtaking waterfalls as you walk up the half-mile trail using steps and bridges to reach the top.

125. Beautiful Boardwalks

When considering strolling along a boardwalk, my initial thoughts are the Eastern Seaboard and its magnificent beach boardwalks in Atlantic City, Wildwood, Ocean City, Myrtle Beach, Coney Island, and Virginia Beach. When I think about the ones near Rochester, my mind shifts to trail systems incorporating boardwalks to assist visitors in navigating wetlands or protecting wildlife from human footprints. Nonetheless, I adore boardwalks wherever they are! Here are some of my personal favorites.

126. Black Creek Park

Black Creek is one of the largest of Monroe County’s parks, second only to Mendon. It features a variety of trails with varying lengths, difficulties, and conditions, with some trails muddy throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely walk around the pond or launch a kayak in the creek. In the winter, the park offers one of the best sledding hills in the county.

127. Memorial Art Gallery

MAG boasts a rich permanent collection, an impressive range of traveling exhibitions, and a diverse schedule of classes and events, like third-Thursday DeTOURs. On the museum’s grounds, wander through Centennial Sculpture Park, which features world-renowned artists alongside whimsical photo-ops, including some best viewed at night. Try to decipher the Morse code set into the red brick sidewalk.

128. Self-Guided Tours

These self-guided tours around Rochester offer a unique way to explore the region’s history and culture at your own pace. The list includes driving and walking tours that cover various themes, such as barns, lighthouses, cobblestone buildings, public art, fairy doors, and oak trees. They provide an opportunity to learn about the area’s past and present, from the role of the Genesee River in the region’s development to the history of freethought and the women’s rights movement. These self-guided tours offer a fun and engaging way to explore Rochester and the surrounding areas.

129. Susan B Anthony House & Museum

The docent-led tour brings to life Anthony’s mission to secure inalienable rights for all Americans and, most notably, women’s right to vote. Her Rochester home served as headquarters for the National American Woman Suffrage Association. In Anthony Square, just down the street, you will find a life-sized sculpture of Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass having tea, discussing the day’s news, or perhaps sharing a birthday celebration—Anthony was born on February 15, and Douglass chose February 14, not knowing his birthdate. While they did not always agree, they shared a lifelong friendship and rest near each other in Mount Hope Cemetery.

130. Panama Rocks

Panama Rocks was established as a privately operated park in 1885, the same year as Niagara Falls State Park. The rock formations themselves date back about 400 to 350 million years ago (Ma), during the Devonian period.

131. Oatka Creek Park

In this undeveloped county park, some pathways may be muddy and shared with horses, but there is little elevation change. The pathways lead through woodlands and wildflower meadows, offering a peaceful and picturesque experience. One highlight of the park is the purple trail that leads to a bridge over Oatka Creek, while the black trail features a beautiful quaking aspen grove.

132. Explore Livingston County

Take a drive through the Livingston County countryside and explore a few charming destinations close to home. Village Main Streets and historic districts were made for walking and shopping! Take a stroll to appreciate the details in architecture, landscaping, displays in shop windows, and memorials to our local heroes.

How many of these things to do around Rochester have you checked off your list? How many have you added?

Your insights and experiences are valuable. Please share them in the comments.