By Far the Best Things to do in Rochester NY This Weekend

With the Genesee River at its heart, Rochester is one of the most fascinating cities in New York State.

To me, the evolution of Rochester over the years is what makes the city so interesting.

From starting out with its flour mills, Rochester evolved into a tech hub giving birth to some of the most iconic companies in the United States.

While business and technology has been significant to its growth, Rochester’s core is defined by its role in social movements, developing quality education, investments in research and development and of course, its vibrant music culture.

This multi-faceted city is one of the best places to be anytime during the week. There are just so many fun things to do.

Whether you prefer intellectual pursuits, sports, arts and culture, romantic outings, day trips or you just want to do something fun during the weekend, there is something for everyone.

So, considering there is a plethora of options available to you, I have tried to list the absolute best things to do in Rochester NY this weekend.

This list is in no particular order so please feel free to plan as per your preference.

The Best Things to Do in Rochester NY This Weekend

Genesee River High Falls

It is only appropriate that any sightseeing or things to do list at Rochester starts from the Genesee River.

Rochester’s rise as an important manufacturing and technological hub is all thanks to the Genesee River.

Today, this wonderful river has transformed from functionality to providing Rochester with superb scenic spots for recreational activities.

The best way to soak in the magnificence of the Genesee River is by visiting High Falls.

Genesee River has three waterfalls all within the city. They are the High, the Middle and the Low falls.

High Falls is the most significant waterfall of the three at Rochester. You have history, charm, romance and beauty all at one spot.

Genesee River High Falls area is the perfect place for just walking around, learning about Rochester’s history and for a romantic time out.

The absolutely best place to view the High Falls at Genesee River is via the Pont De Rennes bridge. It is located near the base of the falls and the entire bridge has been converted for pedestrian use.

It is mesmerizing to say the least to have not one, but three waterfalls within the city walls. Rochester is truly blessed by the Genesee River and the High Falls area is a must-visit especially if you are visiting for the first time.

Highland Park

If your idea of fun is to spend a day in the lap of nature without leaving the city, then Highland Park is for you.

Also, referred to as Highland Botanical Park by many locals, you have outstanding 150 acres of lush greenery, home to thousands of exotic plants and floral species.

Highland Park was designed by the renowned Frederick Law Olmsted, who is also the designer of several important landmarks across Rochester.

There are several attractions of interest within Highland Park. There are multiple gardens, memorials and natural resources within the park.

Highland Park hosts many special events including the famous Rochester Lilac Festival that usually takes place in May each year.

Considering there is so much to do and see inside Highland Park, I am giving a few that are of special interest.

Things to do and see in Highland Park, Rochester NY

• Lamberton Conservatory
• Ice Skating at Lily Pond (seasonal)
• Vietnam Veterans Memorial
• Workers’ Memorial
• Victims’ Rights Memorial
• War on Terror Memorial
• AIDS Remembrance Garden
• Warner Castle
• Sunken Garden
• Lilac Arches
• Highland Park Bowl – Shows and Concerts

Each of the above attractions have their own special history and significance.

You can spend an entire day within Highland Park with friends and family.

There are shows, events, nature walks, playgrounds, sports activities and many more for you to enjoy.

The natural setting of Highland Park itself is a visual treat. The 150-acre park is located within hills that were a result of glacial deposits.

While I have not gone into detail on each of the park’s attractions, I do recommend you take time to explore each of them. They are filled with rich history and are a sight to behold.

Erie Canal

Erie Canal is another landmark of Rochester full of incredible history.

It is a scenic location and as described by Visit Rochester, a ‘modern engineering marvel’.

This 200 year old canal provides a great opportunity to explore Rochester from its calm waters.

Boating or kayaking on Erie Canal is one of the best things to do in Rochester. There is also a towpath for walking or biking.

While the canal itself is historic, there are many buildings of importance in the area.

You can even attend a concert or just walk through the streets discovering wonderful local delights all around the place.

I would say boating, shopping at the farmer’s market, exploring the historical buildings, attending a festival, if any and indulging in a nice meal at Erie Canal is a great way to spend the weekend at Rochester.

Memorial Art Gallery

The Memorial Art Gallery is located within the University of Rochester and is over 100 years old.

During any day of the week, there are several exhibits to explore or events to attend.

Besides the main exhibits, you can take art tours, attend concerts and festivals, attend creative workshops, learn and do so much more.

Since the monthly calendar is regularly updated on the Memorial Art Gallery website, you can plan your weekend activities in advance.

While at the Memorial Art Gallery in Rochester, do take time to marvel at the building itself. There is a lot of history there. Explore the nearby areas and if possible, participate in any of the workshops.

Of course, just checking out the main exhibits of the month are stimulating enough for a fun time.

The Centennial Sculpture Park, right in front of the Memorial Art Gallery Museum is also a great place to spend your time.

Memorial Art Gallery is one of the best and most comprehensive art galleries in New York.

Definitely worth your time for a nice stimulating weekend for your mind.

Seneca Park Zoo

Seneca Park Zoo is an impressive zoological garden at Rochester.

You can easily spend a wonderful afternoon here on any weekend with friends or family.

Those with kids will definitely love the zoo thanks to its exotic inhabitants.

Seneca Park Zoo has a notable wildlife presence. This includes zebras, giraffes, elephants, red pandas, polar bears, lions and even a tiger.

Apart from this, you have several species of reptiles, birds, amphibians and fishes to keep you company.

In total, the 20-acre zoo has a presence of about 90 wildlife species.

If you want to get closer with the animals, you can opt for feeding experiences, guided tours and other activities.

For me, I actually like that Seneca Park Zoo allows the public to participate in conservation efforts.

There are community events, nature hikes and other events organized regularly. These efforts go a long way in wildlife conservation and building awareness.

So, if you want to do something interesting during the weekend, why not join one of the conservation events at Seneca Park Zoo.

Ontario Beach Park

For ocean lovers, Ontario Beach Park is the perfect place to spend your weekend.

Located right on the shores of Lake Ontario, the 39-acre Ontario Beach Park has one of the best beaches of Upstate New York.

You can swim, walk on the smooth sandy beach, go boating or indulge in sporting activities at the park.

Fishing is allowed for those with a license and over the age of 16.

If you do not wish to get wet or get sand over your feet, you can stick to the lovely pier overlooking the cool waters.

You can walk to the lighthouse at one end or marvel at the scenic beauty of Genesee River meeting Lake Ontario.

The picnic areas at Ocean Beach Park are fantastic. Perfect for a lovely day with family.

On certain times during the year, you can enjoy live music at the free concerts organized within the park.

For the sports enthusiasts, you can book one of the 6 beach volleyball courts, basketball courts or softball fields.

While at Ontario Beach Park, do not forget to ride on the 100 plus year old carousel. This is a Rochester Historic Landmark and has a special place in the city’s history.

Riding the carousel and treating yourself to an ice cream later is a favorite activity at the park.

Ontario Beach Park has it all. It’s a great place for a romantic date, family picnic, aquatic adventures and sports activities.

Parking is free and there are several great restaurants in the area.

George Eastman Museum

George Eastman Museum is one of the great museums of America, located at East Avenue in the city of Rochester.

Famous for being the oldest museum in the world for photography, it was founded in 1947.

The George Eastman Museum is a non-profit organization and is one of the most important historical landmarks of Rochester.

It is also referred to as the George Eastman House, considering it was the old estate of George Eastman, founder of Eastman Kodak Company.

While at the George Eastman Museum, you can learn about the history of photography. and go through one of the many exhibits on display.

There are regular workshops, events, live music and film screenings organized at the museum.

The Dryden Theatre within the museum with 500-seat capacity is especially popular with visitors.

The entire estate is a pure joy to walk around and explore. There are several things to do and learn at the museum.

You can check the monthly calendar updated regularly on the museum’s website to plan for weekend activities.

Admission fee for the museum is $20 for adults and $7 for ages 5 to 17.

Strong National Museum of Play

Rochester is not just replete with great museums, but with some of the most unique museums in the United States.

The Strong National Museum of Play is the best example of a great as well as unique museum.

As the name suggests, Strong Museum of Play is dedicated to exactly that – ‘play’.

The museum has incredible interactive exhibits including the popular Can You Tell Me How to Get to Sesame Street?

If you love video games, you will have a great time at the eGameRevolution exhibit.

Honestly, there are just too many exhibits and collections to mention here.

All you need to know, is that there is something for all age groups from toddlers to adults.

Do not mistake this place as a children’s museum. There are enough for adults and those still a child at heart.

Strong National Museum of Play offers a great way to learn while having fun.

You can easily have a good time with family and friends here. Thanks to the type of interactive exhibits, it is easy to lose track of time inside the museum.

I also need to make a special mention of the National Toy Hall of Fame exhibit at the Strong Museum of Play.

This exhibit is basically a hall of fame, inducting new toys each year that have special place in our hearts.

Kids and adults alike will really enjoy going through the National Toy Hall of Fame, reliving their best toys.

Rochester Museum & Science Center

The Rochester Museum & Science Center along with the RMSC Strasenburgh Planetarium is the best place in Rochester to have fun with science and learn about our cosmos.

As the name suggests, it is a museum, science center and planetarium, with superb exhibits and special shows.

Starting with the museum and science center, there are plenty of programs and events that take place throughout the year.

Many of the exhibits and programs are interactive and perfect for the entire family.

Obviously, there are too many exhibits and events to mention here. You can check the current calendar at the museum’s website to plan for any weekend activities.

One of my favorite things about the museum is actually the RMSC Strasenburgh Planetarium.

The planetarium has incredible featured presentations, star shows and laser shows that are simply spectacular.

They also organize special events at specific times during the year, such as the Valentine’s Dinner Under the Stars.

I can’t imagine a more romantic way to spend your Valentine’s Day than having a specially curated meal under the stars of the planetarium.

I strongly suggest checking both the museum and planetariums monthly calendar regularly. That way you can plan a fun weekend that is out of this world.

Rochester Public Market

Rochester Public Market is open on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays throughout the year.

For me, there are three main reasons to plan a visit to the Rochester Public Market.

First, with over 300 vendors, you get a wide variety of the best fresh produce Rochester has to offer.

This includes fresh fruit, meat, seafood, dairy products etc. You get both local and global delicacies that are mouth-watering.

Second, the cafes, restaurants, food stalls, breweries and other eateries are quite enticing for all food lovers.

Great shopping followed by even better meals is a brilliant way to spend the weekend for me.

Third, Rochester Public Market organizes highly enjoyable events throughout the year that have free admission for all.

These events have special themes ranging from art, flowers, food trucks, flea markets, festivals and holidays.

Rochester Public Market is especially busy on Saturdays when it is open to the public from 5 am to 3 pm.

Located at 280 North Union Street, the market has an interesting history since its opening in 1905.

For both locals and tourists, exploring Rochester Public Market should be a top priority to learn more about the wonderful community of Rochester.

Letchworth State Park

Letchworth State Park is a short drive away from Rochester.

This is where the Genesee River flows north through a deep gorge and several giant waterfalls.

The scenic beauty of Letchworth State Park and its surroundings is spectacular.

Letchworth State Park makes for one of the best options for day trips from the city of Rochester.

The 17-mile-long state park is frequently visited by nature-lovers, campers, hikers and wildlife enthusiasts.

Its lush thick forests make a superb backdrop to the gorgeous Genesee River and over 600-feet waterfalls.

The greenery is captivating enough for people to spend 2 to 3 days inside the park.

You can easily spend the weekend at Letchworth State Park or visit the place for a day trip.

Often referred to as the Grand Canyon of the East, you can go rafting, fishing, hiking or simply sit and admire the natural beauty at Letchworth State Park.

Riverside picnics are also popular and there is a great option for dining as well at the Glen Iris Inn.

Don’t forget to drive around exploring the various waterfalls. Drive plus short walks to scenic spots within Letchworth State Park is a real thrill that you must experience.

Downtown Rochester Heritage Trail

Many of the natural and historical landmarks of Rochester are actually at a short distance from each other.

One of the best ways to explore and see many of these landmarks is via the Downtown Rochester Heritage Trail.

The Rochester Heritage Trail is basically a 1.25-mile path taking you to as many as 15 important historical landmarks of the city.

You can walk peacefully through the path while learning about various aspects of Rochester’s history.

There are plaques, signs and markers strategically placed all over the path. These give valuable insights and help you learn more about each point on the trail.

You can pay homage to some of the more admired and respected heroes of Rochester such as Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass.

The trail also connects to the Pont de Rennes Bridge from where you get the best views of High Falls.

To be honest, if you are short of time but want to see as many landmarks of Rochester as possible, just take a walk on the Rochester Heritage Trail.

Apart from the Heritage Trail, Downtown Rochester is also a good place to explore.

There are several recreational opportunities including great restaurants, museums, art galleries etc.

National Susan B. Anthony Museum & House

The National Susan B. Anthony Museum & House is located at Madison Street. It was the former home of Susan B. Anthony in Rochester.

It is hard to put in words what Susan B. Anthony meant for both Rochester and The United States of America.

She was one of the most important voices for both civil rights and women’s rights movements in the country.

Many of the civil liberties we enjoy today and take for granted were thanks to her tireless work for our society.

I strongly urge all visitors to Rochester to visit the House and Museum to learn more about Susan B. Anthony.

At the Susan B. Anthony House & Museum, you can not just learn about her, but also about her work.

You can understand the causes she worked for, her bravery, courage and sacrifices.

You can gain new appreciation for our civil rights movement and learn things you never knew before.

Apart from the museum exhibits and other permanent fixtures, there are regular programs organized on various topics.

Programs are connected with the life of Susan B. Anthony, her causes and social issues.

Note, prior reservation is recommended for tour of the museum as direct walk-ins may not always get entry.

Admission fee is $15 for adults and $5 for students.

Rochester Red Wings

We have covered museums, art galleries, places of natural and historical significance and options for day trips so far.

It is time for something for the sports fans.

Watching the Rochester Red Wings play at home is one of the premier sporting events of the city.

If there is a home game during the weekend, then you definitely must go for it.

If you love baseball and I am guessing you do, you will have a wonderful time at the game.

In fact, it is not just about the game. Rochester Red Wings have outstanding picnic areas at their ballpark at Downtown Rochester.

These picnic areas can be booked well in advance. You can even order a customized menu for your group.

A special picnic menu followed by a thrilling game of baseball is just perfect.

So, cheer for your team, indulge in scrumptious food and have a jolly time with the Rochester Red Wings.

Niagara Falls

The best natural wonder and pride of North America, Niagara Falls is about 90 miles from Rochester.

It takes approximately 2 hours to reach Niagara Falls by road from Downtown Rochester.

For obvious reasons, I do not need to get into why Niagara Falls is a must-visit.

What I can tell you, is that it is easily accessible from Rochester by car, bus or train.

Bus and train are the cheapest mode of transport and there are several of them operating daily.

Ideally, if you can drive, that would be better as it would give you the flexibility of time. You could even stop over wherever you would like on the way.

The drive from Rochester to Niagara Falls is quite scenic and easy. It takes only 2 hours each way so you can plan a wonderful road trip during the weekend.

Seabreeze Amusement Park

Seabreeze Amusement Park has the distinction of being the fourth oldest amusement park in the country.

The park consists of both an amusement park with lots of rides and a water park.

It also has one of the oldest carousels in the United States along with a wooden roller coaster named 1920 Jack Rabbit.

As per Seabreeze Amusement Park, the 1920 Jack Rabbit is the oldest continuously operating roller coaster in US.

There is a nice picnic area in the park where families can enjoy themselves, relax and eat delicious snacks.

The park is just big enough to complete in one day. Do not expect a huge park with endless rides.

This is a nice amusement park with several rides for kids of all ages along with games and other activities.

Overall, Seabreeze Amusement Park is well maintained, has views of Lake Ontario and is great for one weekend.

Mount Hope Cemetery

Mount Hope Cemetery is the oldest municipal cemetery in America.

Founded in 1838, this 196-acre property is at one of the most picturesque locations of Rochester.

The entire cemetery is covered with hills, valleys, forests and beautiful Victorian structures.

Many of the most famous personalities of Rochester are buried here including Susan B. Anthony.

The Friends of Mount Hope Cemetery, a non-profit organization, organizes regular tours and events.

These tours take you through the most important landmarks within the cemetery while explaining its significance in American history.

There are 85 Mausoleums at Mount Hope Cemetery with magnificent architecture.

It also boasts of some of the finest flora and fauna you can find in or around Rochester.

Tour tickets can be bought at a flat rate of $12. All proceeds go to the preservation and restoration of Mount Hope Cemetery.

Genesee Brew House

Genesee Brew House is an iconic restaurant and brew pub located near Genesee High Falls.

In fact, the views of High Falls from Genesee Brew House is one of the big draws of the restaurant.

However, this is much more than just a good restaurant in Rochester.

Genesee Brew House is located in the same building where the Genesee Brewery used to be.

This is an iconic 100-plus year building with substantial history in Rochester.

Genesee Brew House is spread over multiple levels. You can learn about the history of Genesee Brewery, go through interactive exhibits, learn their beer making process and also visit the gift shop.

The restaurant is on the upper level. One good thing about Genesee Brew House is that the food quality lives up to its reputation.

For me, there are three reasons you should visit Genesee Brew House.

First, to learn about Genesee Brewery, one of the oldest running breweries in the United States.

Second, to taste the beer and of course the food.

Third, is for the gorgeous views of high falls. Depending on where you are seated, viewing the roaring waterfalls while gorging on American delicacies is the perfect setting for a weekend meal.

Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse

The Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse is just a short walk from Ontario Beach Park.

Typically, people combine visit to both places for a fulfilling weekend.

Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse is a historical landmark of Rochester. It is known for being the oldest actively surviving lighthouse that was first opened in 1822.

With over 200 years of history, Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse has a lot of offer visitors.

Its octagonal shaped building along with the keeper’s house sit majestically in front of Lake Ontario.

The setting is simply superb. Taking a walk around Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse and Ontario Beach Park is like rejuvenation for your soul.

There are special tours organized by the Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse Historical Society.

The Keeper’s House has been converted into a museum which provides great insights into the Lighthouse and its surroundings.

Admission fee is $5 for adults and $2 for 5 to 17 year-olds. Note, the lighthouse tower may be closed during adverse weather conditions.

Nick Tahou Hots Garbage Plate

The second restaurant in our list, Nick Tahou Hots is another Rochester special.

If you want to taste something unique, something special to the city of Rochester, you need to order the Garbage Plate at Nick Tahou Hots.

This is a dish that was said to have been invented by Alex Tahou in 1918.

The restaurant was operated by Nick Tahou, grandson of the original creator. The Tahou family is the original trademark owner of the Garbage Plate.

Essentially, the Garbage Plate is a heaped plate of meat, French fries, macaroni, baked beans, various sauces, mustard, ketchup, garnishes and buttered bread.

It all mashes up into one amazing plate of wholesome goodness. It has been a local favorite since decades.

If you are a tourist and visiting Rochester, please try the Garbage Plate even if you are there just for a day.

You can choose your meat when order the dish.

Visiting Nick Tahou Hots and ordering the Garbage Plate is a must-eat meal in Rochester.

Artisan Works

Artisan Works is a not-for-profit art space that houses over 500,000 items of artwork, antiques, memorabilia and automobiles.

Spread over 40,000 square feet, it will take you at least 2 to 3 hours to go through the immense collection.

This is one of the most comprehensive art galleries located in an old renovated factory from the WWII era.

It is open all days for scheduled tours or you could visit between 12 pm to 5 pm from Friday to Sunday.

As you can imagine, with 500,000 pieces of artwork, it is one of the most comprehensive art galleries you can find anywhere.

Each section is built into themes that can include paintings, sculptures, memorabilia etc. The classic automobiles are a great attraction for enthusiasts.

Admission fee is $15 per adult and $10 for students.

Finger Lakes Region Camping and Exploration

One of the great things about Rochester is that it is a gateway to some of the best natural wonders of America.

The Finger Lakes Region is one such natural wonder.

Spread over 9000 square miles, it is named after the 11 picturesque lakes that are narrow and long.

Hence the name Finger Lakes.

There are not just the lakes obviously, but also glacial valleys, beautiful thick forests, and lush greenery for you to explore.

Camping or glamping at the Finger Lakes Region is a popular weekend activity from Rochester, NY.

If you do not want to spend the night, you can plan a day trip visiting incredible wineries and breweries around the region.

The natural beauty of Finger Lakes and its surroundings is hard to beat. It is the perfect playground for nature lovers.

The great thing about Finger Lakes Region is that you could go rustic and go camping or you could visit farm-to-table restaurants, try wines, drive around and have a more indulgent time.

Whatever you choose to do, ensure you visit as many waterfalls, valleys, gorges and lakes as you can.

Genesee Country Village & Museum

The Genesee Country Village & Museum is a short 30-minute drive from Rochester. It is actually located in the town of Wheatland.

This is unlike any other museum or art gallery that you may have visited.

The Genesee Country Village & Museum is a living history museum. It is spread over 600 acres.

Founded in 1966, Genesee Country Village & Museum showcases works or skills that are fast disappearing from modern life.

You get to experience work from regional carpenters, builders, housewrights and artisans.

It is a beautiful place and exploring the property is a wonderful way to spend the weekend.

You can check out the historic village, nature center, various galleries and learn about several skills. This includes pottery, quilting, woodworking, farming etc.

There are special events that take place regularly at the living history museum. You can check the event calendar from their website and plan a great weekend in advance.

The historic buildings at the property is in itself worth the visit to the Genesee Country Village & Museum.

Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra

Music is an important part of Rochester’s culture and so is the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra.

Throughout the year, there are several concerts and orchestral performances organized mainly at Eastman Theatre in Rochester, NY.

The Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra was founded in 1922 and George Eastman himself was one of the founders.

There is a lot of history about the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra.

If you get a chance, do visit one of their concerts or performances that are a treat for your senses.

You can check the schedule of upcoming performances and buy tickets from the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra website.

Rochester Broadway Theatre League

The Rochester Broadway Theatre League owns and manages Rochester’s Auditorium Theatre.

This is where all the touring Broadway shows take place. Live concerts, performance arts and entertainment shows are regularly organized at the venue.

You could say this is Rochester’s premier performance arts and entertainment theatre.

There are several shows and events each month. Tickets can be purchased from the Rochester Broadway Theatre League website.

The range of shows are quite diverse including comedy, drama, dance, musicals and innovative acts.

If you are inclined towards performance arts, do check for upcoming plays or shows for a great weekend.

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Final thoughts

Rochester is such a lively and vibrant city.

I love its culture, natural beauty, history and people.

There is so much to do in Rochester that you can never get enough of it.

From historical landmarks to natural wonders, art galleries, museums, sporting events, culinary experiences, performances and activities. Rochester has it all.

Have a fun time in Rochester. Don’t forget to let me know your pick of the best things to do in Rochester NY this weekend.