10 Things to do in Rochester NY for First Time Visitors

Whenever you go to visit someplace new, it's always good to know what types of attractions you can expect to enjoy once you get there. If you're planning a trip to Rochester, New York, you'll be happy to know that there is definitely no shortage of things for you to do. Below are 10 activities that are great for first-time visitors and seasoned travelers alike.

Seneca Park Zoo

Who doesn't love a relaxing trip to the zoo? It's a great way to get out and enjoy the day, get some exercise and have fun at the same time. It's also the perfect opportunity to see something that you haven't seen before and maybe even get a little education about some of the animals there along the way.

George Eastman Museum

If you're a photography or film buff, this is probably going to feel like Heaven on Earth to you. It's a museum that caters to exactly such things, and it's all set in a historical Victorian mansion. The museum even has a special room for private screenings and other special events. It's truly one of the more unique locations in this city or any other, for that matter.

The Strong Museum

If you have kids or you’re a kid at heart, this is a place that has to be near the top of your list. It's all about everything geared toward play. As such, it includes interactive exhibits about different types of toys and video games. There's even a special exhibit dedicated to Sesame Street.

Highland Park

Maybe you are the type of person that enjoys being outdoors. If that's the case, this is a stop that you have to make or you could end up regretting it for the rest of your life. It's a beautiful park with different types of flowered walkways and gorgeous trees, all covering 150 acres. There's even an amphitheater and a special garden that's located down a set of steps. When you get there, you feel like you're in a world all your own.

Durand Eastman Park

This is another great stop for people that love the outdoors. It's located on the shores of a beautiful lake and includes a golf course and some of the most challenging hiking trails that you're likely to encounter for quite some time.

Seabreeze Amusement Park

Who doesn't love having a chance to go to an amusement park? This one has been around since 1879 and they have entertainment down to a fine art. If you like the idea of combining some family time with a little adventure, this is the perfect place to do exactly that.

High Falls

This is easily one of the most breathtakingly beautiful natural areas that you're going to see in New York or virtually any other state. It incorporates a natural waterfall along with an outdoor museum and even a visitor center. One thing is certain, if you decide to make a stop here, you won't soon forget it.

Genesee Valley Park

It doesn't matter if you plan on making an extended stay in Rochester or you're only there for a day or two, this is one of the best places to go for some relaxation or to catch up with friends and family. Whether you're looking forward to a leisurely stroll or you simply want to sit at one of the many park benches and enjoy people-watching, this is the perfect way to cap off an otherwise busy day of sightseeing.

Rochester Museum & Science Center

Your trip wouldn't be complete unless you visited one of the premier science museums in the country. Here, you can enjoy different types of exhibits that explain concepts of science in easy to understand and interesting manners. There are even rotating special exhibits so if you visit more than once, you don't ever have to worry about seeing the same thing twice.

Irondequoit Bay

If you enjoy activities on the water, this is a great place to enjoy as many hours as you care to spend. This is a relatively narrow bay that directly connects to Lake Ontario. You can enjoy strolling around on the shore, fishing or get up-close-and-personal to the action by taking a boat out on the water. The choice is yours.