Photo: The Links at Greystone
Golf Magazine got it right when the publication ranked Rochester as the 10th Best Golf City in the U.S.
It's not just all about what happens on the greens, but it's everything Rochester and the Finger Lakes offers that makes the area a great golf destination. Check out our list of the top reasons to plan a golf getaway with the Rochester Golf Trail this season.
1. Affordability & Quality
In addition to our accolades as a top golf city, Golf Magazine also ranked Rochester, NY as THE top city for golf affordability. Enjoy playing top courses, created by legendary designers, at a value not attainable in other areas of the country. In this golf city, you have more than 60 semi-private and public courses available for play with many of the courses rated among the top ten in New York State according to Golf Digest.
2. Accessibility
The courses are easy to get to and easy to get on with no long commutes or waits for tee times. Whether you get here by car, plane or train, Rochester makes for an ideal destination for a golf getaway. Traffic is rarely a problem with an average travel time of about 15-20 minutes in and around the city and to the suburbs of Monroe County.
Thinking about driving to Rochester, NY? Check out the mileage and average drive time to get here.
| CITY | MILEAGE | DRIVING TIME |
| Albany, NY | 220 | 4 Hours |
| Baltimore, MD | 324 | 6.5 Hours |
| Boston, MA | 382 | 8 Hours |
| Cleveland, OH | 253 | 5 Hours |
| Detroit, MI | 421 | 8.5 Hours |
| Hartford, CT | 317 | 6 Hours |
| Montreal, Canada | 324 | 7.5 Hours |
| New York, NY | 314 | 7 Hours |
| Niagara Falls, NY | 84 | 1.5 Hours |
| Ottawa, Canada | 263 | 5 Hours |
| Philadelphia, PA | 307 | 6.5 Hours |
| Pittsburgh, PA | 279 | 5.5 Hours |
| Scranton, PA | 200 | 3.5 Hours |
| Toronto, Canada | 170 | 3 Hours |
| Washington, DC | 363 | 7.5 Hours |
3. Off The Course Activities
It's not just what happens on the greens, but the play time you get off the course that makes Rochester and the Finger Lakes an ideal destination. Check out what else you can see and do during during your trip with this list of places to grab a cold craft beverage, eat at, or Rochester attraction to visit.
Craft Beverages
Rochester and Monroe County are now home to more than two dozen craft breweries, distilleries and wineries. Local favorites include the Genesee Brewery & Brew House, Rohrbach Brewing, ROC Brewing, Black Button Distilling, Iron Smoke Distilling, Casa Larga Vineyards & Living Roots Winery (the first urban winery in the Finger Lakes).
Culinary Hot Spots
Rochester has been recognized as one of the top cities for food in the country, and our local restaurant scene is filled with scores of creative culinary hotspots. Whether you are looking for a casual dinner or fine dining, you will find delicious delectables suitable for every palate. It’s not hard to find a fabulous restaurant in Rochester.
Check out our ROC Foodie Bucket List for some inspiration for your next meal. It's a guide to everything and everywhere a food lover must eat in Rochester, NY.
Attractions
DICK'S House of Sport Rochester
A game-changing experience for athletes! DICK's House of Sport Rochester, located at the Eastview Mall in Victor, NY is a destination devoted to sport. Through the passionate experts, in-store experiences and local partnerships, DICK'S House of Sport is a place for everyone to connect and play.
Genesee Country Village & Museum
Take a step back in time and visit the largest living history museum in New York State.
George Eastman Museum
Visit the oldest photography museum in the world, housed within the stunning estate of Kodak founder and pioneer of modern photography, George Eastman.
Memorial Art Gallery
This art museum features 5,000 years of artwork from around the world, including Monet, Rembrandt, and O’Keefe as well as contemporaries such as Kehinde Wiley and Mickalene Thomas.
National Susan B. Anthony Museum & House
Come and see the place Susan B. Anthony called home during the most politically active period of her life. Stand in the front parlor where she was arrested for voting in 1872. Experience her amazing story of courage and determination at this National Historic Landmark.
The Strong National Museum of Play
The ultimate play destination for all ages! The Strong is the only museum dedicated to the discover of all things play, housing the largest collection of toys, dolls and games in the world. The Strong is also home to the National Toy Hall of Fame and the World Video Game Hall of Fame.
Another exciting reason to play golf in Rochester? The upcoming PGA Championship at Oak Hill Country Club, coming soon in May 2023. Visit Rochester to practice your skills and play like a pro!
