The Best Activities in Rochester, NY
With endless indoor and outdoor activities, sites to see, and food to eat, Rochester is a great destination for a weekend away.
Rochester is more than just a college town, it is a destination that has something for everyone. Be sure to add this city to your bucket list for must-visit destinations in New York State.
Lodging Recommendations
The Del Monte Lodge Renaissance Rochester Hotel & Spa
Dining Recommendations
Dinosaur Bar-B-Que – BBQ and drinks
Pittsford Farms Dairy & Bakery– ice cream
Simply Crepes – as the name says, simply (amazing) crepes
The Gate House – you have to get the “gate” plate
The Original Steve’s Diner – unbelievably amazing breakfast
Unleashed Nutrition – amazing tea concoctions
Things to Do
Cobb’s Hill Park – views of the Rochester city skyline
Erie Canal trail
Radio Social – bowling, dining, and drinks
Port of Rochester/ Lake Ontario Beach Park
Vinyl and Sensation night club – popular spots for nightlife
Day One
The first thing you have to do in the Rochester area (after checking into your hotel, if it is time for check-in) is head to Simply Crepes for lunch. You can’t go wrong with any of the sweet or savory creations on the menu, like the simply strawberry or goat cheese & arugula crepes. And if it is chilly, they have amazing hot chocolate. After you lunch excursion, walk right down to the canal and take a stroll on the beautiful Erie Canal Trail (you will observe beautiful houses, quirky boats, and ducks). After you’ve walked off the crepes, if you have any room left in your belly you have to go to Pittsford Farms Dairy & Bakery. The ice cream is outstanding and fresh. End the night at Radio Social for dining, drinks, bowling, and games.
Day Two
Start the day with breakfast at The Original Steve’s Diner, where you just can’t go wrong with the incredibly large pancakes. They have multiple locations in the Rochester area, my personal favorite is in Fairport, because after you can pop over to Unleashed Nutrition and get a unique tea or shake. After your filling breakfast, drive on over to Turing Point Park for a scenic and beautiful hike. If it is a warm day, park over at Lake Ontario Beach Park/ Port of Rochester so after your out-and-back hike you can spend time by the lake (no it’s not the ocean…if you squint you can see Canada!). There are some food places near the Port of Rochester if you are feeling hungry for lunch, such as Bill Gray’s. But for dinner you have to go to the Gate House restaurant, for wood-fired pizzas, burgers, and of course the “gate” plate (a fancier version of a garbage plate). Also if you walk around the area where the Gate House is there are cool shops to see (even to window shop). If you are looking for nighttime entertainment, hit either Vinyl or Sensation night club (popular among the Rochester area college students).
Day Three
Wake up for the day with a coffee or latte from Cafe Sasso. The iced coffees are always so good. Then set out to Cobb’s Hill Park, where you can take a walk around the reservoir and catch views of the Rochester city skyline. After a nice walk, head over to the George Eastman Museum to take a tour of the enchanting mansion that was once home to George Eastman, founder of Kodak (the once dominate employer/ business in Rochester). Hit a Wegmans (if you’ve never been you definitely have to go, it’s the most amazing grocery store) for a quick lunch, their grab-and-go sushi is out of this world. After lunch, head to Powers Farm Market to pet farm animals and get fresh baked donuts and goodies. If your trip is in the fall, you must go to the farm market for the jack-o-lantern tepees! For Dinner, go to Dinosaur Bar-B-Que for as you guessed, delicious barbecue food and drinks.
Day Four
Before your departure, perhaps take a stroll down the Erie Canal Trail one last time. Grab a cup of joe or breakfast/ lunch at Neutral Ground Coffee before your departure.
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