Photo Credit: Jim Montanus

International/FIT

When Are You Coming?
 

SPRING

Experience why Rochester, NY earned its nickname of the "Flower City" when you visit during the height of spring blooms. Join the thousands of annual of visitors that attend the Rochester Lilac Festival--the largest collection of lilacs in North America with 1,200 lilac bushes displaying 500 varieties of lilacs in a floral masterpiece of the deepest purples and purest whites.

SUMMER

Rochester is a festival city with an average of 140 festivals scheduled on an annual basis. Summer in Rochester, NY means that festival season is in full swing! The Rochester International Jazz Festival, Corn Hill Arts Festival, and Park Avenue Festival are just a few of the festivals and special events that happen in Rochester during the summer months.

FALL

Fall means foliage is Rochester, NY. Experience the breathtaking beauty of the changing leaves and an authentic fall rooting in our deep agricultural bounties of vineyard grapes and apple orchards. Rochester is the front door to the majestic Finger Lakes wine region also known as "the Sonoma of the East." Fall is a great time to enjoy region's more than 100 wineries and wine trails that lead to a rich array of tours and tastings. 

WINTER

Winter is no exception to enjoy the beauty and wonder of Rochester, NY.  Embrace the chill that makes the "Nectar of the Gods" during the NY Ice Wine & Culinary Festival at Casa Larga Vineyards or hit the slopes to ski or snowboard or other outdoor winter activities, as well as enjoy the many indoor activities that halt hibernation mode.

EXPLORE EXAMPLE ITINERARIES

History & ArtsWine & DineBest of Rochester
 

How To Get Here

Easy in, and easy out. Located on the southern shore of Lake Ontario, you can get to Rochester, NY from just about anywhere, anytime. While close by in air miles from New York City, we're light years away in accessibility and costs. Get in and out of the area via air, train or car. Ground transportation is readily available and affordable. Traffic is rarely a problem, and believe it or not, neither is the weather.

Airport Canopy

BY AIR

The Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC) features a newly modernized two-story terminal, enclosed parking garage and two-level roadway with separate avenues for arrivals and departures. It is a medium hub airport handling more than 500 weekly flights serving more than 2.7 million passengers annually. The airport is comfortable, easy to navigate, easy to find, provides free Wi-Fi and ranks high nationwide for affordability.

  • The Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport is served by Rochester Genesee Regional Transit Service (RTS) buses throughout the day. RTS bus schedules are available at the Visitors Information Booth near the Baggage Claim area or can be obtained by calling (585) 288-1700.
  • The taxi booth is located in front of the main terminal, center entrance, lower level.
  • There are a number of car rental companies available on the baggage claim level.
  • Most hotel properties offer free shuttle service from the airport. Use the hotel courtesy phones on the lower level, east and west end of the main terminal, or make arrangements with the hotel prior to arrival.
  • Uber and Lyft can make drop-offs and pick-ups at the Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport.
     

BY LAND

Rochester is easily accessible via the NYS Thruway (I-90), and Downtown Rochester is only a 20-minute drive from the Thruway exit. Rochester’s well-maintained highway system usually allows traversing the county in less than 30 minutes.

The downtown Amtrak station services east and westbound departures and arrivals daily. 

The Rochester Transit Authority (RTS) Transit Center is located downtown. From there, visitors can take the bus to attractions and neighborhoods around the city and region at a low rate. All day passes are also available for purchase.

Wine, Water and Wonders of New York State is a cooperative program promoting exploration of New York State beyond New York City.

DID YOU KNOW?

ROCHESTER FUN FACTS

  • Third largest metro in New York State 
  • Part of the scenic Finger Lakes Region
  • City on the Seaway Trail - The longest scenic byway in America
  • On the shore of Lake Ontario, directly across from Toronto, Canada
  • A community of waterways including a Great Lake, historic Erie Canal, Genesee River, and a 96-foot city waterfall 
  • Birthplace of Eastman Kodak Company, Xerox Corporation, and Bausch & Lomb
  • Food & drink claims to fame:
    • Graham crackers & marshmallow were created in Rochester, NY
    • Both French's Mustard and Jello-O originated in Rochester, NY 
    • Genesee & Dundee Beers are made in Rochester, NY