Rochester, New York grew from the biggest supplier of flour in the country to a booming, thriving city known for innovation, 140 fantastic festivals, 60 golf courses, and over 12,000 acres of parks. I want to college near Rochester and many of my friends went to Rochester Institute of Technology so I know the city well. There is so much to see and do here! But if you want to pack it all into an exciting weekend, here are my favorites.
Rochester, NY Highlights:
- For Adventurous Travelers: – Hike in Letchworth State Park, the “Grand Canyon of the East” with stunning cliffs and waterfalls.
- For History Buffs: Tour the Susan B. Anthony Museum & House. I enjoyed stepping into the home of the famous suffragist and learning more about the women's rights movement. I took my son because everyone should know this history.
- For Shoppers: Shop along Park Avenue and the Neighborhood of the Arts
- For Couples: Stroll through Highland Park during lilac season
- For Families: Explore The Strong National Museum of Play. It's one of the best "museums" for kids I know!
Best Time to Visit Rochester, NY
The best time to visit Rochester is from late spring through fall (May–October). Enjoy blooming gardens, festivals, and outdoor activities. Fall foliage was always my favorite here. But the season is short and the leaves fall quickly. While winter brings snow sports and museum visits.
How to Get to Rochester, NY
- If you are traveling by car: Located along I-490 and I-390, Rochester is about 1.5 hours from Buffalo and 6 hours from NYC.
- By Air: Frederick Douglass–Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC) is located just 10 minutes from downtown.
- By Train: Amtrak connects Rochester to cities like Buffalo, Albany, and New York City. From experience, I can tell you that trains here get delayed a lot in the winter.
Where to Stay in Rochester, NY
- Recommended for Families: Hyatt Regency Rochester has an indoor pool. I like its convenient location near downtown and museums too.
- For a Boutique Stay: The Strathallan Hotel & Spa has rooftop dining. I enjoyed its walkable access to art and dining districts.
Best Things to Do in Rochester, NY
Take the kids to The Strong - National Museum of Play -
Have fun with interactive exhibits at Rochester Museum & Science Center -
Explore the Finger Lakes Wine Country -
Visit the George Eastman Museum, the oldest museum of photography -
Admire flowers and plants at Highland Park -
See a Rochester City Ballet performance -
Spend an afternoon at The RMSC Strasenburgh Planetarium -
See a show at the Theatre Young Kids Enjoy (TYKEs) -
Watch animals at the Seneca Park Zoo -
Step back in time at the National Susan B. Anthony Museum & House -
In Summary...
(and if you want to revisit my photo journey)- • Take the kids to The Strong - National Museum of Play
- • Have fun with interactive exhibits at Rochester Museum & Science Center
- • Explore the Finger Lakes Wine Country
- • Visit the George Eastman Museum, the oldest museum of photography
- • Admire flowers and plants at Highland Park
- • See a Rochester City Ballet performance
- • Spend an afternoon at The RMSC Strasenburgh Planetarium
- • See a show at the Theatre Young Kids Enjoy (TYKEs)
- • Watch animals at the Seneca Park Zoo
- • Step back in time at the National Susan B. Anthony Museum & House