Rochester is a charming city located in western New York along the southern shore of Lake Ontario. It's about halfway between Buffalo and Syracuse, and just a short drive from the Finger Lakes region. Due to this central location, the city offers a unique mix of natural beauty, rich history, and easy accessibility.
Beyond its geography, Rochester is renowned for its livable atmosphere. It offers an affordable quality of life, excellent schools, reliable healthcare, and a community that values diversity.
If you're planning to relocate, working with a trusted Rochester moving company can simplify the process.
Once you're in this city, you'll realize that it has numerous fun spots, family-friendly attractions, and cultural gems worth exploring. Whether you're permanently relocating or just looking to spend a good time, here are the top places to visit in Rochester, NY.
The Strong National Museum of Play is a playful, interactive destination that delights visitors of all ages. It's home to the world's largest collection of historical toys, dolls, games, and video games, including beloved items from past and present childhoods. Right from the entrance, the vibrant and immersive exhibits encourage hands-on exploration and imagination.
Highlights include the Butterfly Garden, where tropical species fly freely, and the indoor Wegmans supermarket play area, which is a hit with younger kids. You can stroll through a full-sized Sesame Street set, ride a mini train, and even design your own comic strip.
The museum also features the National Toy Hall of Fame and the World Video Game Hall of Fame, honoring iconic games and toys from every generation. Whether you're visiting with kids or revisiting childhood memories, this museum promises hours of fun and discovery.
The Rochester Museum & Science Center combines education and entertainment through exhibits that cover space, energy, the natural world, and local history. Interactive displays let you experiment with physics, explore regional ecosystems, and delve into archaeology. Notably, there is also a section dedicated to Indigenous cultures of the Northeast, featuring artifacts, stories, and multimedia presentations.
One of the biggest draws is the Strassenburgh Planetarium, which offers laser shows, telescope viewings, and astronomy programs that wow visitors of all ages.
Inside the museum, there's a climbing structure for kids, a simulation zone, and regularly updated temporary exhibits that keep things fresh. It's a place where learning feels like play, and every visit brings something new.
Mount Hope Cemetery is a historic and tranquil site known for its beautiful landscape and notable burials. Established in 1838, it's the final resting place of famous figures like Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass, whose graves draw thousands of visitors each year. Throughout the grounds, the winding paths, old trees, and Victorian monuments make it feel more like a serene park than a cemetery.
If you're interested in history, you can join guided walking tours that tell the stories behind the gravestones, including tales of early Rochester pioneers, war veterans, and civil rights leaders.
Self-guided maps are also available for those who prefer to explore at their own pace. In autumn, the cemetery's colorful foliage makes it one of the most scenic spots in the city.
Highland Park is a sprawling, scenic space famous for its horticultural displays and peaceful green areas. Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the park features over 1,200 lilac bushes, which bloom in May and draw crowds to the annual Lilac Festival. But the beauty isn't just seasonal; the park is lovely year-round.
Throughout the park, walking paths wind through themed gardens, an arboretum, and a sunken garden with stone terraces and colorful perennials. Sculptures, fountains, and historical markers give the space a thoughtful touch, while open lawns provide room for yoga, reading, or relaxing in the sun. Locals often gather here for picnics, frisbee games, or a quiet stroll.
Ontario Beach Park is a favorite for locals looking to enjoy lakefront fun. It offers a sandy beach for swimming, volleyball courts, and a long pier where you can watch sailboats and sunsets. Especially in summer, the park becomes a hub for families, couples, and anyone who enjoys the outdoors.
Among the attractions, you'll find the historic Dentzel carousel, one of the oldest working carousels in the country, and regular live music events held at the bandstand.
There is also a marina, boat launches, and nearby restaurants serving fresh seafood and ice cream. And during festival season, you'll see fireworks shows, sand sculpture contests, and family-friendly celebrations on the calendar.
Seabreeze Amusement Park is where summer memories are made. This family-owned park features more than 70 rides and attractions, including the classic Jack Rabbit wooden coaster, which is one of the oldest operating roller coasters in the world. It's a mix of nostalgia and thrills that appeals to visitors of all ages.
Kids can enjoy gentle rides, fun slides, and splash areas, while teens and adults will find excitement in the spinning rides and fast-paced coasters.
The adjacent water park includes a wave pool, lazy river, body slides, and kid-friendly splash zones. Clean facilities and attentive staff make the park feel safe and welcoming.
The Erie Canalway Trail offers outdoor adventure along one of America's most historic waterways. The Rochester portion of the trail runs through parks, small villages, and scenic landscapes, providing a peaceful setting for walking, biking, and even inline skating. Best of all, it's paved, accessible, and well-maintained.
Along the route, you'll spot canal locks, old bridges, interpretive signs, and even small museums and visitor centers that share the story of the Erie Canal. Many people stop for a picnic, snap photos of the wildlife, or enjoy a leisurely stroll with their family dog. There are also opportunities for kayaking and canoeing in canal-adjacent areas.
Seneca Park Zoo is an exciting destination that blends conservation with entertainment. With more than 90 species, it gives you a chance to see animals like African elephants, polar bears, snow leopards, and river otters up close. Each exhibit is designed to reflect the animals' natural habitats and educate visitors on wildlife protection.
What's more, interactive features like giraffe feeding stations, underwater viewing tunnels, and animal keeper talks make the experience engaging for all ages.
The zoo also features a Discovery Zone, where kids can climb, dig, and explore through educational play. Seasonal events include ZooBoo, winter lights displays, and after-hours adult nights.
As you've seen, Rochester has no shortage of places that surprise you in the best way. Whether you're walking through a butterfly garden, riding an old-school coaster, or catching the sunset by the lake, there's always something to look forward to.
So, next time you're wondering what to do in the city, start with these local favourites, and you might end up finding the experience you've been yearning for.
