Things to do in Rochester, New York
- Rochester was historically known as the Flour City due to its massive milling operations in the 19th century, eventually transitioning to the Flower City as the nursery industry took root.
- The city is home to a unique underground tunnel system originally built for a subway line that operated from 1927 to 1956.
- Rochester's proximity to the Finger Lakes region creates a unique microclimate that supports the development of one of the most productive fruit-growing areas in the state.
- Susan B. Anthony, the legendary suffragist, lived in Rochester for 40 years, and her home is now a national historic landmark.
- The city hosts the annual Lilac Festival in Highland Park, which features over 500 varieties of lilacs, representing the largest collection of its kind in North America.
- Rochester has a historically high concentration of inventors and patent holders per capita, a legacy dating back to the early growth of Kodak, Bausch & Lomb, and Xerox.
About Rochester, New York
Rochester, New York, is a historic industrial hub located on the southern shore of Lake Ontario, known globally as the birthplace of the film and photography industry. The city features a dense collection of cultural institutions, including the world-renowned George Eastman Museum and the interactive exhibits at The Strong National Museum of Play. Its landscape is defined by the Genesee River, which cuts through the center of the city and forms three major waterfalls. Visitors can explore extensive green spaces like Highland Park or experience the arts at the historic Eastman Theatre. Rochester balances its heritage as a tech and innovation center with significant investments in public parks and performing arts venues.
Highlights of Rochester, New York
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Museums
It houses the National Toy Hall of Fame and offers expansive, interactive exhibits focused on the history of play.
Museums
This museum is located in the founder of Kodak's historic mansion and holds a massive archive of photographic history.
Parks
The park is home to the largest collection of lilac bushes in North America and hosts an annual bloom festival.
Museums
The collection features a diverse range of fine art, including works by Monet, Picasso, and significant American painters.
Venues
This architectural landmark serves as a primary performance space for the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra.
Venues
It is a popular downtown venue for Triple-A minor league baseball games during the warmer months.
Parks
This park offers some of the highest elevation points in the city, providing expansive views of the Rochester skyline.
Parks
Spanning over 700 acres, this park provides extensive trails and access to the Genesee River for recreational activities.
Top things to do in Rochester, New York
The 176 highest-rated places in Rochester, New York, ranked by travellers.
1
Museums
The Strong National Museum of Play is the world's largest museum dedicated to the history and exploration of play. It ho...
2
Parks
Ontario Beach Park is a 39-acre public space located on the southern shore of Lake Ontario in Rochester, New York. The p...
3
Parks
Highland Park is the oldest arboretum in the United States, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and established in 1888. I...
4
Amusement parks
Seabreeze Amusement Park is one of the oldest operating amusement parks in the United States, founded in 1879. It is loc...
5
Venues
Innovative Field serves as the home stadium for the Rochester Red Wings, the Triple-A affiliate of the Washington Nation...
6
Parks
Hamlin Beach State Park spans 1,280 acres along the southern shore of Lake Ontario, approximately 20 miles west of Roche...
7
Parks
Mendon Ponds Park is the largest park in the Monroe County system, encompassing over 2,500 acres of protected land. The...
8
Museums
The George Eastman Museum is the world's oldest photography museum and a preeminent archive for cinema preservation. It...
9
Parks
Cobbs Hill Park is a 109-acre public space in Rochester, New York, featuring a mix of wooded trails, athletic fields, an...
10
Parks
Genesee Valley Park was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the architect behind Central Park, and serves as a vital conn...
11
Museums
Genesee Country Village & Museum is the largest living history museum in New York State, spanning over 700 acres. The si...
12
Venues
Blue Cross Arena at the War Memorial is Rochester's primary indoor multi-purpose venue, situated along the Genesee River...
13
Venues
The West Herr Auditorium Theatre, formerly known as the Rochester Auditorium Theatre, is a historic venue located in Roc...
14
Venues
CMAC, or Constellation Brands-Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center, is a 15,000-capacity outdoor amphitheater located on...
15
Parks
Webster Park is a 550-acre Monroe County facility located along the southern shore of Lake Ontario. The park features a...
16
Museums
The Memorial Art Gallery (MAG) is an academic museum affiliated with the University of Rochester, housing a collection s...
17
Historical places
Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park at Manhattan Square is a central urban park in downtown Rochester featuring a multi...
18
Parks
Ellison Park is a 447-acre municipal park located in the town of Penfield, just east of Rochester, New York. It is chara...
19
Parks
Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park is a 50-acre Victorian estate overlooking Canandaigua Lake in the Finge...
20
Historical places
The Grandin Printshop is the site where the first edition of the Book of Mormon was typeset, printed, and bound in 1829...
21
Venues
The Eastman Theatre is the primary concert venue for the Eastman School of Music, a constituent college of the Universit...
22
Venues
Geva Theatre occupies a historic 1868 building that formerly served as the 7th Regiment Armory in Rochester, New York. A...
23
Historical places
High Falls is a 96-foot waterfall located on the Genesee River in downtown Rochester, forming the centerpiece of the his...
24
Parks
Holley Canal Falls is a unique man-made waterfall located on the Erie Canal in Orleans County, New York. The falls were...
25
Historical places
The Sacred Grove is a historic site in Palmyra, New York, recognized as the location where Joseph Smith, founder of the...
26
Places of interest
Bristol Mountain Aerial Adventures is a forest-based recreation park located on the slopes of a ski resort in the Finger...
27
Amusement parks
Clubhouse Fun Center in Greece, New York, is a multifaceted family entertainment venue located on West Ridge Road. The f...
28
Parks
B. Forman Park is a waterfront recreation area located on the southern shore of Lake Ontario in Williamson, New York. Th...
29
Parks
Onanda Park is a 70-acre public facility situated on the western shore of Canandaigua Lake in New York. The park feature...
30
Museums
The Susan B. Anthony Museum & House preserves the Rochester home where the famous suffragist lived for 40 years and was...
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Rochester, New York on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Rochester, New York
Late spring and summer (May through September) offer the most pleasant weather for outdoor activities, including the famous Lilac Festival in mid-May.
3 days, which allows enough time to visit the major museums and explore the natural river-front landscapes.
A car is the most practical way to navigate Rochester and the surrounding suburbs, though the city is serviced by public bus routes and has limited ride-sharing availability.
The Neighborhood of the Arts (NOTA) is ideal for those who prefer proximity to museums and galleries, while the Park Avenue area provides a walkable atmosphere with local shops and dining.
Rochester is generally considered a mid-range destination with affordable dining and accommodation options compared to larger coastal US cities.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 176 curated attractions in and around Rochester, New York, ranked by traveller ratings.
The Strong National Museum of Play is the highest-rated place to visit in Rochester, New York right now.
The largest category is parks, with 83 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Bayonne, New Jersey, Downtown Los Angeles, Washington, D.C..
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