Need a city escape with rich history, seasonal charm, and college town energy? Head to Syracuse! Located in central New York, Syracuse offers everything from historic architecture and snowy adventures to trendy coffee shops and vibrant arts. Whether you’re catching a game at the Carrier Dome, exploring Erie Canal history, or skiing nearby slopes, this city delivers four-season fun with a friendly, upstate feel.
Syracuse, NY Highlights:
- For Adventurous Travelers: Ski or tube at Four Seasons Golf & Ski Center – Just outside the city, enjoy family-friendly slopes and winter fun.
- For History Buffs: Visit the Erie Canal Museum – Step inside a preserved canal-era building and discover how the canal transformed America.
- For Shoppers: Spend a day at Destiny USA – One of the largest malls in the country with outlet shopping, dining, and indoor entertainment.
- For Couples: Stroll through Armory Square – A lively downtown district filled with breweries, boutiques, and historic charm.
- For Families: Discover science at the MOST (Museum of Science & Technology) – Hands-on exhibits, a planetarium, and IMAX theater make it a hit for all ages.
Best Time to Visit Syracuse, NY
The best time to visit Syracuse is from May through October for festivals, lake days, and outdoor markets, or December through February if you're looking for a snowy winter wonderland. Fall foliage peaks in October, and summers bring sunshine and events to downtown parks.
How to Get to Syracuse, NY
- If you are traveling by car: Syracuse lies at the intersection of I-81 and I-90 (NYS Thruway), about 1 hour from Rochester and 4 hours from NYC.
- By Air: Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR) offers direct flights from major U.S. cities and is about 15 minutes from downtown.
- By Train/Bus: Amtrak and Greyhound provide service via the William F. Walsh Regional Transportation Center.
Where to Stay in Syracuse, NY
- Recommended for Families: Embassy Suites by Hilton Destiny USA – Convenient to the mall, includes breakfast, pool, and free shuttle to downtown.
- For Couples: Marriott Syracuse Downtown – Historic 1920s hotel with modern luxury, elegant dining, and walkable downtown access.
- For a Budget Stay: Comfort Inn & Suites Syracuse North – Affordable, clean, and located near highways and restaurants.
Best Things to Do in Syracuse, NY
1. Learn about the past at the Erie Canal Museum
Rating: ★★★★★
I went to college just an hour from Syracuse so to say that I know the area well would be an understatement.
Because I'm a science and history fan, one of my favorite museums in Syracuse is the Erie Canal Museum. (The Museum of Science & Technology is actually my favorite but I saved it for the end of this post.)
You probably know a lot about the Erie Canal already. It's the historic waterway that stretches from Albany, NY, to Buffalo, NY, and was first completed in 1825. All in all, it stretches 363 miles across New York state.
When it was built, it was an integral waterway for the transportation of goods between the Atlantic Ocean and the Great Lakes Region so you've got to admire its historical significance. p>The locks and waterways of the canal, and all the lateral canals that sprung from it, are present throughout New York State, and the storied history of this scenic canal is told through the Erie Canal Museum in Syracuse. Do you see now why it's my favorite?
You can learn about the canal's past and its present impact on trade, New York State, and more.
Erie Canal Museum, 318 Erie Blvd E, Syracuse, NY 13202, Phone: 315-471-0593
2. Admire American art at the Everson Museum of Art
You don't have to drive to NYC or Albany to see great art. Just head to the Everson Museum of Art. This contemporary building in downtown Syracuse holds within its walls an impressive collection of American art.
I was interested to learn that it was the first museum to devote itself solely to American art and artists, and its collection of sculptures, paintings, video, ceramics, graphics, and photographs contains over 11,000 unique works on permanent display.
There are also a wide variety of seasonal and temporary exhibitions which the Everson Museum of Art hosts so keep and eye on the calendar because they rotate on a seasonal basis.
The museum, which is open Wednesday through Sunday, offers pay-as-you-wish admission every Wednesday, FREE admission on the third Thursday of every month, and several other free and family days throughout the year.
401 Harrison St, Syracuse, NY 13202, Phone: 315-474-6064
3. Stickley Museum
I want to include another museum here, although it's actually located inFayetteville, a 20-minute drive from downtown Syracuse.
The Stickley Furniture Company was founded by the five Stickley brothers over a century ago in Binghamton, New York.
In the early 20th century, their Mission Oak designs, excellent construction, and high-quality woods became very popular, especially because their furniture was made for being used, not as a decoration in a stuffy parlor.
The Stickley Museum, located in Fayetteville, honors the work and the legacy of the Stickley brothers, with historical furniture on display along with information about its significance.
300 Orchard St, Fayetteville, NY 13066, Phone: 315-637-2278
What to do if you are traveling with kids:
4. Rosamond Gifford Zoo
Syracuse has a pretty nice zoo if you are traveling with kids. This 43-acre zoo is a perfect destination for animal lovers. Within its bounds, you can see animals from all over the world, including elephants, penguins, exotic birds, and lions.
There are more than 700 animals at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo, and you can see them in a number of educational environments.
From the nocturnal animals in the Adaptation exhibits to the reptiles, fish, and amphibians in USS Antiquities, you'll see that the zoo has plenty to keep everyone busy. Outside, the scenic Wildlife Trail will lead you past gray wolves, tigers, snow leopards, and more.
1 Conservation Pl, Syracuse, NY 13204, Phone: 315-435-8511
Where to Eat:
5. Dinosaur Bar-B-Que
Dinosaur Bar-B-Que is a staple in Central and Western New York State, known for the best BBQ north of the Mason-Dixon line and, as some would claim, in the entire country.
The restaurant has expanded all over the region, but this location in Syracuse is the original and has been serving delicious food to the community since 1988.
Originally a biker bar, Dinosaur Bar-B-Que is now a thriving restaurant that boasts fresh, homemade, delicious ingredients and great drinks, and even hosts a music venue that offers live blues music to round out the full dining experience.
246 W Willow St, Syracuse, NY 13202, Phone: 315-476-4937
If you are a photographer, don't miss:
6. Thornden Park
If you enjoy walking, head to Thornden Park. Covering around 76 acres in Syracuse, Thornden Park is located adjacent to the university campus, where it provides a beautiful green space for visitors to enjoy.
The park comprises large areas of open grassy hills which are ideal for exploring on foot.
At the heart of the park you will find the sensational Mills Rose Garden with more than 3000 roses which fill the air with their fragrance in summer.
The park also boasts playing fields, a children’s play ground, an outdoor amphitheater (where Shakespeare is performed each summer) and a beautiful Lily Pond.
Thornden Park is a very popular destination for walkers and joggers and you will find it open year round. It's free for everyone.
Thornden Park, Thornden Park Drive, Syracuse, NY 12310, 315 473 4330
Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:
7. Museum of Science & Technology
At the Milton J Rubenstein Museum of Science and Technology, visitors of all ages can explore interactive exhibits to learn about geology, outer space, technology, paleontology, and much more. I go there to make my kid happy but secretly I love it as much as he does!
In the Link Flight Trainer, you can learn about the history of aviation and the science behind basic flight, while in the Rothschild Apothecary Shop, they’ll see a realistic reproduction of a 1900s pharmacy.
There is also a planetarium for stargazing and an IMAX theater, which screens a number of educational and fascinating documentaries and programs related to the fields of science and technology.
Admission is $18 for adults and $14 for kids. I like that it gives EBT card holders a chance to purchase admission for just $2 as part of the national Museums for All program.
Museum of Science & Technology, 500 S Franklin St, Syracuse, NY 13202, Phone: 315-425-9068
8. 5 Wits Syracuse
If you love escape rooms you will be enjoy 5 Wits Syracuse, which offers immersive physical adventures which rival any escape room you have tried in the past.
Each of the 5 Wits adventures takes place in a very carefully designed set which combines lights, sound, and elaborate special effects to set the scene for an adventure of a lifetime.
You and your team will have to pool your collective physical and mental resources in order to reach your objectives, using all your wits and senses.
5 Wits is an ideal destination for team-building events, birthday parties and other fun occasions and the center also offers a large function room and catering options.
5 Wits Syracuse, 10651 Destiny USA Drive, Syracuse, NY 13204, 315 988 4001
If you are planning a romantic night out, check out my post on Romantic Restaurants in Syracuse, NY.
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