Weekend & Day Trips from Rochester, New York

1. Sonnenberg Gardens Estate and Mansion National Historic Park

Built between 1885 and 1887, Sonnenberg Mansion and its surrounding gardens in Canandaigua are a joy to behold from May to October and provide a wonderful day-trip destination for history and garden enthusiasts. The beautiful mansion is built in the Queen Anne style and is as impressive today as it was on completion in 1887. Your entrance to the Sonnenberg Gardens Estate and Mansion National Historic Park includes a guided walking tour of the property but you are also free to wander around in your own time – you can download a Smartphone tour guide.

The outstanding landscaping includes nine formal gardens, a greenhouse conservatory, a tranquil Japanese garden and much more. While you are there you can also visit the Finger Lakes Wine Center, the High Noon Café and the Gift Shop.

Sonnenberg Gardens Estate and Mansion, 151 Charlotte St, Canandaigua, NY 14424, Phone: 585-394-4922

2. Canandaigua

Located just half an hour from Rochester, Canandaigua is a great day trip destination with attractive options for all interests. Many people visit Canandaigua to take advantage of the many options on offer for outdoor recreation, including sailing on the beautiful Finger Lakes, canoeing, kayaking, boating and fishing. You can have yourself a hair-raising zip-line adventure at Bristol Mountain Aerial Adventures or take a relaxing lake cruise on the Canandaigua Lady Paddle Wheeler. There are several historical sites and museums to visit including the Sonnenberg Gardens and Mansion State Historic Park and the Genasee Country Village and Museum. Other activities on offer include brewery tours, shopping and dining.

3. Cooperstown

A day visit to Cooperstown is a must for all baseball fans. This pretty small town, which is located on the shores of Otsego Lake in central New York State, is home to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum which showcases the history of baseball and honors the excellence of many of the most famous players.

Ardent fans can book the VIP Experience behind-the-scenes-tour. Getting to Cooperstown is half the fun – you can anticipate an extremely scenic drive through the beautiful Hudson Valley. Other Cooperstown attractions include the Fenimore Art Museum and the Farmer’s Museum which showcases farm life in the 19th century.

4. Niagara-on-the-Lake

Located across the border in Canada, pretty Niagara-on-the-Lake is definitely worthy of a place on your day trip list. Here you can step back in time, surrounded by the charm of 19th century Victorian architecture, horse-drawn carriages and an array of fabulous attractions and activities.

Patrons of the arts will not want to miss the annual Shaw Festival (April to October) when first-class productions burst onto stages across the town. Equally exciting for art enthusiasts, the Niagara Pumphouse Arts Center should not be missed. Beyond the city you will find numerous vineyards and wineries to explore, as well as fabulous farm-to-fork restaurants.

Niagara on the Lake, Ontario, Canada

5. Corning

Corning is proud to have been named as one of the best small towns in America, and welcomes visitors to come and find out how it earned this reputation. At the heart of the town lies an historic main street lined with interesting galleries, studios and trendy eateries. The town has always been at the fore-front of glass innovation and no visit would be complete without touring the Corning Museum of Glass, the largest and most prestigious museum of its kind in the world. From here you can move on to admire some of the many glass shops, studios and galleries in the Gaffer District. Historians and families can learn about ancient crafts in the Heritage Village of the Southern Finger Lakes.

6. Corning Museum of Glass

You can spend an interesting and educational day learning everything you every wanted to know about glass at the fascinating Corning Museum of Glass, located in one of America’s most popular small towns in the Finger Lakes region. You should plan to spend most of your day exploring the museum or even consider a two-day visit if you would like the chance to make your own unique piece of glass art (entry tickets are valid for 48 hours). To make the most of your visit you can download the GlassApp to guide you through your tour of the facility. Highlights include the museum exhibit which showcases 35 centuries of glass-making, the Contemporary Glass Galleries and the fascinating Innovation Center.

Corning Museum of Glass, 1 Museum Way, Corning, NY 14830, Phone: 607-937-5371

7. Cumming Nature Center

Located near Naples, about an hour from Rochester, the Cumming Nature Center is a fun family destination at any time of the year. You should start your day out at the Visitor’s Center which has several animal exhibits as well as a touch-table, where children can get hands-on as they examine tusks, bones and furs. You can watch a short orientation video before you set off to explore the trails which lead you through the forests. There are plenty of opportunities to catch a glimpse of birds and other wildlife as you explore six miles of trails. If you visit during the maple harvesting time you may be lucky enough to see part of the harvesting process and enjoy a pancake breakfast. In winter the trails are great for cross-country skiing.

Cumming Nature Center, 6472 Gulick Rd, Naples, NY 14512, Phone: 585-374-6160

8. East Aurora

More of a village than a town, East Aurora continues its heritage as a center of Arts and Crafts and beckons day tripper to come and explore all it has to offer. The prime attraction in East Aurora is the National Historic Landmark Roycroft Campus where you can learn all about the 1900’s Arts and Crafts Movement. If you visit during summer you can join one of the regular guided walking tours (off-season tours can be arranged in advance).

Architecture enthusiasts will enjoy strolling around the village to admire the distinctive architectural styles. There are many quaint and quirky shops, galleries, studios and great eateries. When you have worked up a thirst you can head to the taproom at 42 North Brewing Company to try a craft beer (or two).

East Aurora, NY 14052

9. Erie Canal Way

Rochester residents and visitors are fortunate to be located close to the amazing Erie Canal Way which offers many opportunities to enjoy a fun day outing on the water. You can rent a canal boat and spend a day navigating the scenic waterways and locks, stopping here and there to visit one of the many canal-side communities. If you prefer to relax and watch the passing parade you can go on a cruise. Other activities on or around the canal system include canoe, kayak and paddle-board rentals, guided kayaking excursions and cycling the Erie Canal Heritage Trail which runs along the canal ways for over 365 miles.

10. Geneva

Scenically nestled along the shores of Seneca Lake, less than an hour from Rochester, Geneva is a great place to spend a day. You can start your day out at the Finger Lakes Welcome Center where you will find info on everything there is to do in the city. If you love the arts you can get tickets for a show at the Smith Center for the Arts, which is located in the history old Smith Opera House. Geneva has developed a wonderful reputation as a Foodie destination – gourmands can spend some time visiting vineyards and wineries, micro breweries and innovative farm-to-fork restaurants. In addition there is great shopping, outdoor recreation at the Seneca Lake State Park and plenty of fun activities for children.

Geneva, NY 14456