Cultural Delights & Outdoor Fun

Located on Lake Ontario, Rochester blends urban spaces with natural beauty in New York State. With museums and cultural centers, year-round festivals and events, abundant green space and water features, Rochester is sure to please travelers looking for off-the-beaten-path gems.

Waterway wonders

Boat through canal locks, hike to cascading falls and bike along the Genesee River’s edge.

Playful discoveries

Browse interactive museums, from the world’s largest toy collection to hands-on science exhibits.

Heritage sites

Trace Rochester’s evolution through quaint villages, historic homes and industrial heritage sites.

Escape to Flower City

Outdoor Pursuits

  • Climb aboard the Sam Patch or Colonial Belle for narrated tours of this historic waterway.

  • Witness the iconic 29-meter waterfall that plunges through the heart of downtown Rochester.

  • Cycle the Erie Canalway Trail or Genesee Riverway in this designated Bike-Friendly City.

Play & Explore

  • Immerse yourself in video games and tour the world’s largest collection of games and toys.

  • Tour the world’s oldest photography museum inside the colonial mansion where Kodak began.

  • Delve into the 19th century with 50+ historic buildings, animals and costumed interpreters.

Experiences

Rochester Lilac Festival in Rochester, New York; Credit: North Glow Photography

Rochester Lilac Festival

See Flower City in full bloom at the annual 10-day Lilac Festival each spring.

Get trip ideas

The village of Pittsford in Rochester, New York; Credit: Matt Baldelli

Canal Towns

Roam scenic villages like Pittsford or Fairport for shops, food and waterside fun.

Get trip ideas

Genesee Brew House in Rochester, New York; Credit: Carol Cain

Genesee Brew House

Enjoy craft beers with stunning views of High Falls from New York’s oldest brewery.

Get trip ideas

Rochester International Jazz Festival in Rochester, New York; Credit: Aaron Winters, RUF

Rochester International Jazz Festival

Experience nine days of world-class jazz with 250+ shows and 18 venues each June.

Get trip ideas

The Jack Rabbit coaster at Seabreeze Amusement Park in Rochester, New York

Seabreeze Amusement Park

Ride the historic Jack Rabbit wooden coaster at this timeless theme park from 1879.

Get trip ideas

Trip Ideas & Itineraries

Browse articles featuring the best of Rochester, from boat tours and waterfall views to immersive museums and extraordinary events.

Family-Friendly Outdoor Adventures in New York State

Wine, Water & Wonders of New York State: Scenic Charm, Natural Marvels
Cycling along the Erie Canal in Rochester, New York; Credit: Matt Baldelli

Visit Rochester

See website Experience Rochester

Explore Nearby.

Finger Lakes

Cayuga County

Watkins Glen

Buffalo

Niagara Falls

Ithaca

Cooperstown & Utica

Happy Valley

Capital Saratoga Region

Lake George

Albany

Hershey & Harrisburg

Orange County

Lehigh Valley

Pittsburgh

Lancaster

York County

Morris County

Gettysburg

Plattsburgh

Somerset County

Burlington

Cleveland

Westchester County

Newark

The Countryside of Philadelphia

New York City

Delco

Wilmington

South Jersey

Stowe

Montpelier

Wheeling

Hartford

New Haven

Morgantown

Baltimore

Detroit

Long Island

Annapolis

Dover

Fairfax County

Alexandria

Atlantic City

Mystic

Lake Winnipesaukee

Providence

White Mountains

Rehoboth Beach

Boston

Block Island

Newport

Portsmouth

Lansing

Ogunquit

Columbus

Ocean City

Portland

Martha’s Vineyard

Cape Cod

Charleston

Sault Ste. Marie

Grand Rapids

Williamsburg

Fort Wayne

Traverse City

Holland

Norfolk

Virginia Beach

The Cincy Region

Bar Harbor

Door County