Need a cultural and nature-filled escape in upstate New York? Head to Rochester! Located on the shores of Lake Ontario, Rochester offers historic landmarks, beautiful parks, family-friendly attractions, and a thriving food and arts scene. Whether you're visiting museums, exploring gardens, or catching a festival, Rochester is full of surprises year-round.

Rochester, NY Highlights:

  • For Adventurous Travelers: Hike and waterfall-hop in Letchworth State Park – Just outside the city, explore the “Grand Canyon of the East” with stunning cliffs and scenic trails.
  • For History Buffs: Tour the Susan B. Anthony Museum & House – Step into the home of the famous suffragist and learn about the women's rights movement.
  • For Shoppers: Browse Park Avenue and the Neighborhood of the Arts – Discover local boutiques, art galleries, and unique finds in walkable districts.
  • For Couples: Stroll through Highland Park – Visit during lilac season or enjoy a peaceful walk among historic trees and garden paths.
  • For Families: Explore The Strong National Museum of Play – A world-renowned interactive museum dedicated to play, games, and childhood fun.

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 offers beautiful foliage and apple-picking, while winter brings snow sports and cozy 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.

Where to Stay in Rochester, NY

  • Recommended for Families: Hyatt Regency Rochester – Modern rooms, indoor pool, and convenient location near downtown and museums.
  • For Couples: Ellwanger Estate B&B – Romantic, historic bed-and-breakfast with garden views and charming suites.
  • For a Boutique Stay: The Strathallan Hotel & Spa – Upscale boutique hotel with rooftop dining and walkable access to art and dining districts.

Best Things to Do in Rochester, NY

Take the kids to The Strong - National Museum of Play

Take the kids to The Strong - National Museum of Play

© The Strong - National Museum of Play

  • What is The Strong - National Museum of Play?
    • The Strong, previously known as The Strong Museum of Play, is one of the most exciting children's museums in the world, offering interactive exhibits and a focus on play.
  • How large is the museum?
    • The museum spans 150,000 square feet of exhibit space, all dedicated to toys, games, and interactive play experiences.
  • What exhibits can visitors explore?
    • The museum features board games, dolls, video games, and books, as well as a century-old carousel and New York’s only indoor butterfly garden.
    • Other exhibits include displays on Berenstain Bears, Sesame Street, Monopoly, The Wizard of Oz, and many more.
  • What is the mission of The Strong Museum?
    • The museum's mission is to research and record the history of play and its role in human development and learning.
  • Does the museum have research facilities?
    • Yes! The museum houses research facilities and libraries dedicated to the study of play.
  • Is the museum fun for families?
    • Absolutely! The Strong Museum is filled with interactive exhibits and hands-on activities, making it a fantastic experience for the whole family.
  • Where is The Strong - National Museum of Play located?

Have fun with interactive exhibits at Rochester Museum & Science Center

Have fun with interactive exhibits at Rochester Museum & Science Center

© Rochester Museum & Science Center

  • What is the Rochester Museum & Science Center?
  • What interactive activities can visitors enjoy?
    • Guests can climb a wall, zap lasers, build robots, throw a catapult, and fly through space.
  • How many exhibits does the museum have?
    • Visitors can explore more than 200 interactive exhibits, exciting shows, and original collections.
  • What kinds of collections are housed at the museum?
    • The museum holds 1.2 million items across various collections, showcasing the natural wonders of the region, the world, and beyond.
  • What is Science on a Sphere?
    • Science on a Sphere is a unique exhibit that displays our planet in 3D, appearing to float right in front of visitors.
  • Are there any virtual experiences at the museum?
    • Yes! Guests can take a virtual trip on a simulator and explore various scientific concepts.
  • What other unique experiences does the museum offer?
    • Visitors can talk to a frog expert, see bolts of lightning up close, and engage in many other exciting activities.
  • What additional attractions are part of the museum?
    • The museum also includes the Strasenburgh Planetarium and the Cumming Nature Center, both of which inspire young minds to explore science.
  • Where is the Rochester Museum & Science Center located?
    • 657 East Ave, Rochester, NY 14607. For more information, call 585-271-4320.

Explore the Finger Lakes Wine Country

Explore the Finger Lakes Wine Country

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  • What is Finger Lakes Wine Country?
    • Finger Lakes Wine Country is a region in central New York known for producing some of the tastiest wines in the U.S. The area is home to over 100 wineries and features breathtaking natural scenery.
  • What makes the Finger Lakes ideal for winemaking?
    • The Finger Lakes region benefits from a unique climate, where the great depth of some lakes creates a lake effect, protecting the grapes from harsh winter conditions.
  • What types of wines are produced in the region?
    • Wineries in the region produce Chardonnays, Rieslings, Pinot Noirs, and many other varieties that attract wine lovers from all over the world.
  • How can visitors explore the wineries?
    • Three well-organized wine trails help visitors explore the region, allowing them to visit up to 35 wineries and experience wine tastings.
  • What experiences do the wine trails offer?
    • The trails often include wine and food pairings, barbecues, and festivals that showcase the best of Finger Lakes Wine Country.
  • What other attractions are in the area?
    • In addition to wineries, the region features great restaurants, markets, breweries, and distilleries.
    • Visitors can also explore excellent museums like the Corning Museum of Glass and enjoy the natural beauty of Watkins Glen State Park.
  • Where is Finger Lakes Wine Country located?
    • 1 W Market St #203, Corning, NY 14830. For more information, call 607-936-0706.

Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:

Visit the George Eastman Museum, the oldest museum of photography

Visit the George Eastman Museum, the oldest museum of photography

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  • What is the George Eastman Museum?
    • The George Eastman Museum is a historic museum dedicated to George Eastman, the pioneer of modern photography. It is located in a magnificent Colonial Revival mansion that Eastman completed in 1905.
  • What happened to George Eastman’s mansion?
    • Upon his death, Eastman bequeathed the mansion to the University of Rochester, which later donated it to the museum dedicated to his memory and contributions.
  • Why is the George Eastman Museum significant?
    • The museum is the oldest museum of photography in the world and one of the oldest film archives, preserving a vast collection of photographic and cinematic history.
  • What are some of the museum’s original collections?
    • The museum's original collections included the historical collection of Eastman Kodak Company, the Medicus collection of Alexander Gardner’s Civil War photographs, and the extensive Gabriel Cromer collection.
  • Has the museum expanded its collections?
    • Yes! Thanks to numerous donations over the years, the museum's collection of photography and film has greatly expanded.
  • Are there temporary exhibits at the museum?
    • Yes, the museum frequently hosts well-received temporary exhibits that showcase various aspects of photography and cinema history.
  • What is the Dryden Theatre?
    • The museum is home to the 500-seat Dryden Theatre, which screens historic and contemporary films.
  • Where is the George Eastman Museum located?
    • 900 East Ave, Rochester, NY 14607. For more information, call 585-271-3361.

Admire flowers and plants at Highland Park

Admire flowers and plants at Highland Park

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  • What is Highland Park?
    • Highland Park is a world-class arboretum and landscape spread over 150 acres of valleys and hills. It was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted.
  • What makes Highland Park famous?
    • The park features 1,200 lilac shrubs, making it the site of the famous annual Lilac Festival.
  • What plant collections can visitors find in Highland Park?
    • Highland Park is home to a collection of Japanese Maples, 35 kinds of magnolias, a collection of barberries, and a rock garden with dwarf evergreens.
    • It also features 700 varieties of azaleas and rhododendrons, Andromeda, mountain laurel, horse chestnuts, spring bulbs, native wildflowers, and many exotic trees.
  • What is unique about the park’s pansy bed?
    • Each year, the pansy bed contains 10,000 plants arranged in a unique and different pattern.
  • What attractions are located within Highland Park?
    • The park is home to the Lamberton Conservatory, the Greater Rochester Vietnam Memorial, Warner Castle, and the John Dunbar Memorial Pavilion.
  • Where is Highland Park located?
    • 180 Reservoir Ave, Rochester, NY 14620. For more information, call 585-753-7270.

See a Rochester City Ballet performance

See a Rochester City Ballet performance

© Serenade choreography by George Balanchine, Courtesy of The George Balanchine Trust, Photo: Will Brenner

  • What is the Rochester City Ballet?
    • Since its inception in 1987, the Rochester City Ballet has been performing award-winning contemporary ballets and enriching the Rochester community through the art of dance.
  • What is the mission of the Rochester City Ballet?
    • One of the company’s aims is to enrich the quality of life in the Rochester community by providing performances for a broad range of audiences.
  • What is the Sensory-Friendly performance?
    • The Sensory-Friendly performance, first performed in May 2015, was the first of its kind and allows children on the Autism spectrum to enjoy artistic performances in a welcoming environment.
  • What other programs does the ballet company offer?
    • The ballet offers workshops, donates to underserved youth, and actively engages in community outreach programs.
  • Where can I find ticket and performance information?
    • The Rochester City Ballet puts on several performances throughout the year. Ticket information and event schedules can be found on the company’s main website.
  • What is the Draper Center for Dance Education?
    • The Draper Center for Dance Education, affiliated with the Rochester City Ballet, provides high-level dance training in classical ballet and offers dancing opportunities for the community.
  • Where is the Rochester City Ballet located?
    • 1326 University Avenue, Rochester, NY 14607.

What to do if you are traveling with kids:

Spend an afternoon at The RMSC Strasenburgh Planetarium

Spend an afternoon at The RMSC Strasenburgh Planetarium

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  • What is the RMSC Strasenburgh Planetarium?
  • What are the star shows at the planetarium?
    • The planetarium features star shows that use a star projector to accurately display the sun, planets, and more than 8,000 stars as they would appear on a perfectly clear night.
  • What are the Saturday night laser shows?
    • The planetarium hosts Saturday night laser shows that project choreographed beams of light onto the indoor sky, synchronized with music.
  • Does the planetarium offer interactive experiences?
    • Yes! Visitors can participate in hands-on space mission simulations, experience world exploration through giant-screen films, and enjoy free public telescope viewing.
  • Is the planetarium open to the public?
    • Yes, the planetarium is open to the public and welcomes grade-appropriate class visits.
  • Are there special ticketed events?
    • Yes! The planetarium offers featured shows that are ticketed events and open to the public.
  • Where is the RMSC Strasenburgh Planetarium located?
    • 657 East Avenue, Rochester, NY 14607. For more information, call 585-697-1945.

See a show at the Theatre Young Kids Enjoy (TYKEs)

See a show at the Theatre Young Kids Enjoy (TYKEs)

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  • What is Theatre Young Kids Enjoy (TYKEs)?
    • Theatre Young Kids Enjoy (TYKEs) is a non-profit organization that brings meaningful stories to life on stage, captivating young audiences with professional performances.
  • Where do TYKEs performances take place?
    • TYKEs performances take place in the Hart Theater at the JCC in Brighton.
  • Who performs in TYKEs productions?
    • The stories are presented by adult professional actors who bring imaginative and inspiring performances to young audiences.
  • What is the mission of TYKEs?
    • TYKEs aims to inspire children’s appreciation of the arts and literature, promote communication, and teach valuable life lessons through theater.
  • What makes TYKEs productions special?
    • The scripts are carefully chosen, the costumes are spectacular, and the actors transport audiences to faraway lands and fantasy worlds.
  • What facilities does the theater have?
    • The theatre features a cozy and intimate space, state-of-the-art light and sound equipment, and a large, comfortable lobby for families to enjoy.
  • Are TYKEs performances accessible to all children?
    • Yes! TYKEs performances are accessible to all children regardless of their ability to pay.
  • Where is TYKEs located?
    • 1200 Edgewood Avenue, Rochester, NY, 14618. For more information, call 585-461-2000.

Watch animals at the Seneca Park Zoo

Watch animals at the Seneca Park Zoo

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  • What is the Seneca Park Zoo?
    • Seneca Park Zoo is a 15.5-acre zoo in Rochester, New York, located within Seneca Park, which was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted.
  • What animals can visitors see at the zoo?
    • Visitors can see African elephants, white rhinos, and Bornean orangutans, as well as polar bears and sea lions in their underwater habitats.
    • The zoo is home to over 90 species of animals, each living in naturalistic habitats.
  • When was Seneca Park Zoo founded?
    • The zoo opened in 1893 with just an aviary containing a few birds and several species of deer.
  • What is the Rocky Coasts exhibit?
    • The Rocky Coasts exhibit, which opened in 1997, is a state-of-the-art habitat designed to give animals more spacious and natural environments. It represents the future of zoos.
  • Where is Seneca Park Zoo located?
    • 2222 St. Paul Street, Rochester, NY 14621. For more information, call 585-336-7200.

Step back in time at the National Susan B. Anthony Museum & House

Step back in time at the National Susan B. Anthony Museum & House

© National Susan B. Anthony Museum & House

  • What is the National Susan B. Anthony Museum & House?
  • Where is the museum located?
    • The museum is housed in the home where Susan B. Anthony lived during her most active years and where she was arrested in 1872 for voting.
  • What can visitors see at the museum?
    • The house features a collection of research materials, artifacts, and memorabilia related to Susan B. Anthony’s struggles and legacy.
  • What is the significance of this house?
    • This is the house where Susan B. Anthony spent her final years and where she passed away after delivering her famous speech, "Failure is Impossible," in Baltimore.
  • Does the museum offer educational programs?
    • Yes! The museum serves as a learning center, inspiring younger generations to make a difference through various programs such as Girl Scouts, Healthy Aging, and Grade School initiatives.
  • Where is the National Susan B. Anthony Museum & House located?
    • 17 Madison St, Rochester, NY 14608. For more information, call 585-235-6124.

Where to Eat in Rochester, NY

  • Recommended for Families: The Owl House – Cozy, casual spot with creative American fare and great options for kids, vegans, and gluten-free diners.
  • For a Local Favorite: Dinosaur Bar-B-Que – Beloved for its bold BBQ flavors, live music, and riverside location.
  • For a Casual Meal: Dogtown – Unique hot dog spot serving creative combinations and comfort food with personality.

If you are interested in local events:

  • For Garden Fans: Rochester Lilac Festival (May) – Celebrate spring with floral displays, food trucks, music, and craft vendors in Highland Park.
  • For Jazz Lovers: Rochester International Jazz Festival (June) – One of the largest jazz fests in the U.S. with top global artists.
  • For Families: ZooBoo at Seneca Park Zoo (October) – Family-friendly Halloween fun with costumes, animals, and trick-or-treating.

Day Trip Itineraries Within 30 Minutes of Rochester, New York:

  • For Nature Lovers: Mendon Ponds Park (20–25 min) – Hike, birdwatch, or cross-country ski in this expansive, peaceful park.
  • For Wine & Views: Finger Lakes Wine Region (Canandaigua) (30 min) – Tour scenic vineyards and lakeside tasting rooms.
  • For History Buffs: Genesee Country Village & Museum (30 min) – Living history museum with 19th-century buildings and demonstrations.
  • For Waterfall Watchers: Lower Falls Park (10–15 min) – See one of three major falls on the Genesee River right within the city.
  • For Family Fun: Seabreeze Amusement Park (15–20 min) – Classic amusement rides, water park, and lake views for a day of thrills.
  • For Lakeside Relaxation: Ontario Beach Park (20 min) – Sandy beach, pier walks, and a historic carousel on Lake Ontario.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • How did Rochester grow to become a thriving city?
    • Rochester grew from being the biggest supplier of flour in the country to a booming city known for its innovation, 140 fantastic festivals, 60 golf courses, and over 12,000 acres of parks.
  • What are some top attractions for kids in Rochester?
    • Top things to do in Rochester with kids include visiting the Seneca Park Zoo, The Strong - National Museum of Play, and the Rochester Museum & Science Center.

Plan Your Trip


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