Rochester holidays
Nestled on Lake Ontario’s southern shore, this city in upstate New York is a gateway to the Finger Lakes region. While holidays in Rochester promise outdoor adventures around its scenic waterways, there’s so much more to explore. You’ll find museums, historic sites and a culinary scene that spans everything from food trucks to upscale dining. And with more than 140 festivals celebrating music, art, food and culture, the city buzzes with activity year-round.
Rochester holiday highlights
Randall Runtsch
Outdoor escapes
The stunning scenery is the reason for many holidays in Rochester. With a river running through the city and surrounding countryside, there are countless ways to enjoy the outdoors. Relax on beaches, hike through parks and birdwatch on the Highland Reservoir Loop Trail. Just an hour away, the Finger Lakes region offers plenty of fun on the water, including kayaking, sailing and paddle boarding.
Chasing waterfalls
Tumbling almost 30 metres into the Genesee River in downtown Rochester is the stunning High Falls waterfall. For excellent views, head to the Pont de Rennes pedestrian bridge or enjoy the falls with a cool drink on the Genesee Brew House’s rooftop terrace. You’ll find Lower Falls, another cascade worth a peek, just downriver in Lower Falls Park.
Where to stay
With its central location and plenty of accommodation options, downtown is one of the best places to stay in Rochester. You’ll only be a short walk away from attractions like the High Falls and the Strong National Museum of Play. For a culture fix, the Neighborhood of the Arts is right next door, home to institutions like the Memorial Art Gallery.
Rochester: Know before you go
Language
English
Currency
United States dollar ($)
Time zone
UTC-5 (EST) and UTC-4 (EDT)
High season
July – August
Low season
January – February
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Caption
Photographer name
Things to do in Rochester
Rochester
Getty Images
Places to eat
A must-try local speciality is the ‘white hot’, a variation of the hot dog made with finely ground pork, veal and spices and served with mustard and onions. Sample other favourites at food truck ‘rodeos’, held on the last Wednesday of the month from April to September. And you’ll find a nice selection of restaurants along Lake Ontario, the Erie Canal, the Genesee River and Irondequoit Bay.
Beaches
Rochester’s beaches stretch along the sandy shores of Lake Ontario. Swim or relax under an umbrella at Durand Eastman Beach, or go boating at Hamlin Beach State Park. At Ontario Beach Park, you can splash in the water, play a game of beach volleyball or pickleball and ride the 1905 Dentzel Carousel. Outside beach season (June to September), enjoy scenic lakeside parklands.
Take in the culture
From fun to inspirational, Rochester’s museums will tickle your curiosity. Enjoy hands-on exhibits at the Strong National Museum of Play and the Rochester Museum & Science Center. Learn about the legacy of an influential suffragist at the Susan B Anthony Museum and House. Then explore the history of photography and film and enjoy manicured gardens at the George Eastman Museum.
FAQs about Rochester holidays
Rochester is generally considered a safe place, especially if you stick to the well-known tourist areas. As with any destination, be mindful of what's going on around you and keep belongings secure. Check any travel warnings or safety tips to ensure your holiday to Rochester is relaxing and stress-free.
Your city break in Rochester can differ in price based on anything from your chosen hotel to trip length. To find the best deals on Rochester flights and hotels, avoid locking yourself into fixed dates and keep an eye out for sales and discounts.
You'll be using the United States dollar (USD) during your trip to Rochester. Along with your credit and debit cards, consider having cash available for things like minor purchases and getting around.
The warmest month in Rochester is July, when temperatures reach a maximum of 28ºC (82ºF).
English is the language you'll hear most while on your city break in Rochester.
A long weekend will give you enough time to tick off the main sights and get a feel for the city. But if you want to take day trips to the Finger Lakes region or explore trails along the Genesee River and Erie Canal, set aside five to seven days for your holiday in Rochester.
January is the coolest time of year to visit. Take your Rochester holiday then and you can anticipate lows of -11ºC (12ºF).
You can enjoy a holiday in Rochester year-round. Summer is perfect for outdoor adventures, while in winter you can skate on outdoor rinks and catch an ice hockey game. Spring brings a burst of colour with the Lilac Festival. And in autumn, you’ll spot beautiful foliage at places like Letchworth State Park.
With family-friendly attractions, parks, gardens and beaches, Rochester is a fantastic holiday destination. Book flights and hotels to Rochester from late spring to early autumn, and you’ll find a festival nearly every weekend, including an international jazz festival in June and August’s Puerto Rican Festival.
The rainiest month is June, which receives an average rainfall of 11 cm. But don't let that take the shine off your Rochester trip — there's still plenty to do indoors like browsing shops, discovering museums, or checking out cosy cafes.
