The 15 Best Day Trips from Rochester, New York - The Crazy Tourist (2023)

Rochester is the third largest city in the state of New York and is attractively located on the shores of beautiful Lake Ontario.

It was America's first prosperous city, which gave it a real sense of history, but today it is hurtling into the future with remarkable research programs launched by its universities.

For visitors, however, it offers all the exciting diversions one could expect from a big city; from breweries and art galleries to museums and live music.

It also has natural open spaces in the form of wonderful green parks and of course the beach.

All things considered, it's a great place to base yourself; Especially with so many interesting destinations in the area.

Niagara Falls, religious relics and some amazing state parks; Here are fifteen of the best day trips from Rochester.

1. Schornsteinfelsen

Quelle: Mike Zapato / Shutterstock

East of Rochester lies this wonderfully rugged state park, untouched by the development that is choking so many other places across the country.

Chimney Bluffs is a spectacular geological site with chimney-shaped clay cliffs rising boldly out of the sand.

There are four miles of trails to explore, with the Bluff Trail taking you right to the edge of the bluff for beautiful views of Lake Ontario.

Swimming is not allowed in this area for safety reasons, but it is a fantastic place to enjoy a breathtakingly beautiful sunset.

2. Niagara Falls

Quelle: TRphotos / Shutterstock

You can hardly visit this area without visiting its most famous feature: the spectacular Niagara Falls.

Rochester is only an hour and a half drive away and makes an ideal base for the falls.

Liters of water cascade down from this majestic natural phenomenon; Visit us and feel the powerful energy of this place while the mists spray your face.

You can also visit Goat Island, which is located between the two falls.

If you're feeling adventurous, head over to the Canadian side so you can see for yourself which side does it better.

3. Niagara Region

Fuente: Ken Felepchuk / Shutterstock

Once you've seen the splendor of the falls, take some time to appreciate the bounty of the beautiful surrounding region.

The Niagara area itself is worth a visit, with the quaint town of Niagara-on-the-Lake sitting on the water just across the Canadian border and some award-winning wineries nearby.

The buildings and quaint streets of the Canadian city beg to be explored.

If you don't like either, how about the Old Fort, scene of exciting historical battles? Or take a walk through the Niagara University Museum of Art, which includes works by Motherwell and Picasso.

4. Buffalo

Quelle: Sopotnicki/Shutterstock

New York's second largest city has more to offer than just its proximity to Niagara Falls.

Sports are notoriously big here, and what better way to get a taste of the game than the famous chicken wings the city is known for? Add to this the historic architecture, with buildings designed by famous names like Frank Lloyd Wright and Louis Sullivan, and an elegantly thought out park system, and you have a delightful place to spend the day.

There are also many art galleries, including an excellent collection of 20th century paintings.

5. Cooperstown

Quelle: JonathanCollins/Shutterstock

The famed National Baseball Hall of Fame is reason enough for sports fans to visit Cooperstown, but non-enthusiasts will also find something to entertain themselves on the streets of Cooperstown.

If watching the best players in the national sport isn't your thing, there are plenty of things to do; from seeing the opera to learning about agriculture at the Farmer's Museum.

There is also a local microbrewery running a thriving trade.

If all that isn't enough, there's always a surrounding countryside to explore.

You certainly won't get bored on a day trip to this place.

6. Genesee Abbey

Those:geneseeabbey.org

Located in Livingston County, Genesee Abbey is a place of quiet reflection and prayer and certainly offers a unique and different place for a day trip.

Join the Trappist monks in prayer in the abbey church, or just go your own way and wander through the gardens. with shady pathways providing a quiet space for your thoughts.

Be sure to visit the bakery and try the famous monk's bread that has been baked there for decades; Be sure to take home a gift as a keepsake.

7. Penalties - Clause

Quelle: Michael Shake / Shutterstock

This port city is a great option for a fun day away from Rochester.

With its historical influences, from the Shakers to the War of 1812, it has much to fascinate visitors.

But perhaps more popular is the boat scene.

Once a major shipping port, it is now more of a place for amusement and enthusiasts flock from far and wide to visit this pleasant spot.

Head to Sodus Bay for a relaxing afternoon.

8. Chautauqua Institution

Quelle: Jeffrey M. Frank/Shutterstock

In southwestern New York state is the historic Chautauqua educational center.

For a more intellectual diversion of the day, the Chautauqua Institution is a brilliant option.

The home of spiritual growth and intellectual conversation, it is a great place to relax, reflect, and study.

If you're only there for the day, it's the perfect opportunity to catch a show at the amphitheatre, stroll around campus, enjoy its tranquility, and admire all the Victorian buildings in the National Historic District.

9. seen with fingers

Quelle: Albert Pego / Shutterstock

Finger Lakes is the perfect place to relax and unwind from the day.

Wineries abound in the area; over a hundred of them, and behind them a burgeoning restaurant scene is quickly catching up.

If you feel like shopping, there are many places to buy handicrafts and antiques.

For those who like to stay active, there are also plenty of outdoor diversions: fishing, hiking, rowing, and biking are popular, and skiing is also available in season.

10. Ithaca

Quelle: Lewis Liu/Shutterstock

You might not expect much from a small town like Ithaca, but there is definitely more to this place than meets the eye.

No matter what kind of activities you are looking for, there is something that will excite you.

There are many hiking trails in the area, some excellent restaurants for health lovers, and a thriving craft market.

Hit the farmer's market for fresh fruits and vegetables, or visit Buttermilk Falls or Taughannock State Park for some fresh air.

This is also the home of Cornell University, which explains its vibrant culture and whimsical whimsy.

11. Seneca Falls

Fuente: Debra Millet/Shutterstock

Not another waterfall despite the name, Seneca Falls is actually a major city for its role in history in promoting women's rights and is therefore a place worth visiting.

This is where the women's rights movement of 1848 began, and today the centrally located Women's Rights National Historical Park commemorates it.

Enter the Visitors Center to learn about the electoral struggle, among other fundamental rights, and stroll through the four properties steeped in history that are part of the park.

There's also the National Women's Hall of Fame, which honors major female icons like Maya Angelou and Rosa Parks.

12. Watkins-Glen

Fuente: Mandritoiu / Shutterstock

Arguably one of the best lesser-known parks in America, Watkins Glen features no fewer than nineteen waterfalls and some spectacular 200-foot cliffs towering over a gorge.

Once named one of the top three state parks in the United States, it attracts many tourists but is little known outside of the United States.

Get outside and smell the fresh air, you definitely won't be disappointed.

If you are in the region you simply have to stop by.

13. Darien-See

Those:Gekiju/Wikimedia

Darien Lake is the largest theme and water park in New York and is definitely worth a visit.

The kids will love it.

It's just an hour's drive from downtown Rochester, and summer concerts are held at the nearby Center for the Performing Arts.

With seven roller coasters, bumper cars, and a Ferris wheel, as well as many other rides and attractions, this is definitely a fun option for a day trip.

Just make sure you're not too exhausted from all the fun to make the return trip.

14. Corning

Quelle: Evdoha_spb / Shutterstock

You won't guess what this place is famous for if you don't know: The Corning Museum of Glass draws visitors from all over the world.

It's a one-of-a-kind attraction for sure, with glass blowing demonstrations, exhibits teaching the history, art, and science of glass-making, and many display cases filled with beautifully crafted glassware.

If you can't get enough of museums, there's also the Rockwell Museum of Western Art, which covers both Native American and American West art through a number of different exhibits.

Well worth a visit if you have the time.

15. Playa Hamlin

Quelle: Designs by Courtney Lee / Shutterstock

You can hardly visit Rochester without trying the best beaches on Lake Ontario, which are the highlight of the area.

Clear, cool water laps the shoreline, and there are more than ten kilometers of trails in the area for hiking, biking, and exploring.

Kids will love splashing around in the water, while adults get a chance to sit back and relax.

If you're there in winter, don't worry; There are even more exciting options available, including cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.