Did you know that Rochester, NY is also known as the Flower City? Given our reputation to have thousands of beautiful flower blooms throughout the season, spring is an amazing time to visit ROC! Read on for our list of things to do this spring when you visit Rochester.
Take a Hike
The weather is warming up, and with more than 12,000 acres of parkland in Monroe County, there is no limit to parks and trails to take a hike in the Rochester area. From leisurely strolls to bring-your-hiking-boots excursions, there are trails to discover for people of all ages and levels in Rochester. Popular places to go for a spring hike in Rochester include Mendon Ponds Park, the largest in Monroe County featuring 2,500 acres of woodlands, ponds and wetlands, Corbett’s Glen, which features an easy hike down to a small waterfall, and Durand Eastman Park, which features three lakeside trails of varying difficulty. For an easy hike with scenic views, check out the Erie Canal Towpath Trail, the Genesee Riverway Trail, Turning Point Park, Highland Park, and Cobbs Hill Park.
Play Golf
Get back into the swing of things with spring golf in Rochester, NY. Find a range of award-winning courses at a great value. Book a golf getaway through the Rochester Golf Trail and create a golf trip package that is hassle-free with top courses, advanced tee times, and nearby accommodations. If you find yourself in need of some Rochester golf inspiration, we've got you covered. Check out our course suggestions to get out on the greens! Looking to get some practice in on a rainy day? Check out the golf simulators at DICK's House of Sport Rochester or X-Golf in Pittsford.
Get on the Water
There is no limit to ways you can get on the water in Rochester this spring. Enjoy cruising the Erie Canal on the Sam Patch Tour Boat or Colonial Belle, exploring the Genesee River with The Riverie Boat Tours or The Genesee Waterways Center, kayaking in Irondequoit Bay or the Erie Canal, or sailing on the open waters of Lake Ontario. And with the Finger Lakes being so close by, the possibilities for getting on the water this spring are limitless.
Visit a Brewery
Sip your way throughout the Greater Rochester area this spring and visit a brewery (or two, or three...). Local favorites with patios perfect for soaking in the sunshine of spring include Rohrbach Brewing, Sager Beer Works, and Three Heads Brewing. Pro tip: the patio from the Genesee Brew House provides sweeping views of High Falls, a 96-foot waterfall in downtown Rochester.
Be sure to also stop by another one of our favorite local breweries, Strangebird Brewing, which was just named the #3 Brewpub in the country by USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards!
Go Wine Tasting
Rochester is the gateway to the Finger Lakes wine region! Enjoy the picturesque views of the Finger Lakes from tasting rooms on Seneca, Keuka or Cayuga Lake. Check out wineries closer to Rochester at Living Roots Wine & Co., the first urban winery located in Rochester’s Neighborhood of the Arts, Flight Wine Bar in Corn Hill, Legacy Wine Bar on State Street, and Casa Larga Vineyards, located in Fairport, NY and specializing in Italian varietals and Ice Wine. Deer Run Winery is located on Conesus lake and is just 30 minutes from Rochester. For those interested in a winery with brewery vibes, head to 20 Deep Winery, located in Mendon and just 20 minutes from most parts of Rochester. Looking to be chauffeured around and visit multiple stops at once? Explore tour options with Sip Back & Relax Tours and RocTours.
See the Flower City in Bloom
We don’t call Rochester the Flower City for nothing! Rochester has an international reputation for horticultural excellence. From the world-famous collection of lilacs in Highland Park, to historic gardens and floral displays in local parks, it is easy to stop and smell the flowers in Rochester this spring. Must visit historic gardens this season include the gardens at the George Eastman Museum, the Lamberton Conservatory, the Ellwanger Garden, the historic gardens at at Genesee Country Village and Museum, and the Sunken Gardens at the Warner Castle.
Outdoor Dining
Spring in Rochester equals the start of patio season! Explore outdoor dining options throughout the City of Rochester and neighboring towns. Enjoy memorable views and delicious food with outdoor dining at spots like the Genesee Brew House, Roux, Max of Eastman Place, Tapas 177 and Trata. On a warm spring day, head to Marge's Lakeside Inn for a tropical waterfront experience while staying in Rochester. See our full list of outdoor dining recommendations here.
Visit a Museum
Rochester is filled with museums for every age and interest. Museums like The Strong Museum of Play, RMSC Museum & Science Center, the George Eastman Museum and the Memorial Art Gallery are (rightfully) some popular options. Looking for a unique or quirky museum to check out? Consider ARTISANworks, a 40,000 square foot art studio and gallery in Rochester, Travel a short distance to experience Corning Museum of Glass, stop by the Susan B. Anthony Museum & House and learn all about the legendary suffragist who called Rochester home for much of her life. The Genesee Country Village & Museum in Mumford, NY is the largest living history museum in New York State, and is a can't-miss if you're visiting Rochester. The museum is also slotted to be featured on an upcoming episode of Antique Roadshow! Find more information here.
Explore even more Rochester museums here.
Go on a Bike Ride
Bring your bike to Rochester, NY, which Bicycling Magazine has previously named "One of the top bike-friendly cities in the U.S." Why? Scenic trails, new bike lanes and well-maintained roadways attract cyclists here from all over. Like many other outdoor activities, cycling has seen a surge of interest in recent years. Looking to rent your wheels? Stop by RV&E Bike and Skate in Fairport and get everything you'll need for your ride.
Check out our list of best trails for biking in the Rochester area here.
Taste a Sweet Treat
Warmer weather signals the start of ice cream season. Indulge in local favorites like Abbott’s Frozen Custard (a Rochester original!) and Hedonist Artisan Chocolate & Ice Cream. Stever’s is another great spot to grab a sweet treat, this chocolate shop has been producing homemade candy in Rochester since 1946.
Ride a Rollercoaster
Did you know that Rochester's Seabreeze Amusement Park is home to the oldest continuously operating wooden roller coaster in the United States? Visit Seabreeze when the park opens for the season in May, and be sure to ride the Jack Rabbit roller coaster while you're there!
Visit the Zoo
Spend a day outdoors with the animals at Seneca Park Zoo. Greet animals from around the world, including Masai giraffes, red pandas, African elephants, a southern white rhino, sea lions, and much more.
Take in a Baseball Game
Cheer on the Rochester Red Wings this spring at the newly-christened ESL Ball Park. More information and tickets for the upcoming season are available here.
Visit a Farmer's Market
The Rochester Public Market is open year-round, but is extra special to visit in the spring. Check out the latest seasonal offerings from vendors and mark your calendars for Flower City Days at the Market, taking place Sundays in May and early June. Area towns also feature farmer’s markets of varying sizes. Check out weekly markets in Rochester’s South Wedge neighborhood, the town of Brighton, Village of Fairport, and town of Greece.
Find Your Next Spring Read
Rochester, NY has tons of fabulous bookstores begging to be explored this season. From grabbing a coffee and browsing the shelves at The Siren & the Sea or Lift Bridge Bookshop, to attending an author event at Writers & Books, Rochester's literary center, to popping into a Monroe County Library, bookworms will find what they're after in ROC.
Check out our book lovers guide to Rochester here.
PS. We know when traveling you will work up an appetite no matter the season! Enjoy our favorite Rochester restaurants, many of which begin to offer al fresco dining as the temps get warmer. See our recommendations of where to eat in Rochester here.
