Syracuse, New York: Best Things to Do - Top Picks

Imagine walking through a city full of history, culture, and energy. Welcome to Syracuse, New York, a place with lots to see and do. It's a city that stands out as a must-see spot in upstate New York.

Key Takeaways

• Discover a city rich in history, from the iconic Erie Canal Museum to the Onondaga Historical Association Museum.
• Immerse yourself in the arts at the Everson Museum of Art and its impressive collection of American ceramics.
• Enjoy outdoor recreation and scenic views at Onondaga Lake Park, with its miles of paved trails perfect for various activities.
• Experience the thrill of sporting events at the JMA Wireless Dome, home to Syracuse University's NCAA Division I teams.
• Indulge in world-class dining and entertainment at the Destiny USA complex, featuring over 200 retail, dining, and entertainment venues.

Syracuse is captivating for many reasons. It has a vibrant cultural scene and beautiful natural landscapes. This city offers experiences that will leave a lasting impression. Discover the best things to do in Syracuse and see what makes it special.

Explore Armory Square and the MOST Museum

Armory Square is a lively spot in downtown Syracuse. It's known for its cool shops, diverse food, and fun nightlife. Right in the middle, the Museum of Science & Technology (MOST) stands out. It's in the old Armory building, giving the square its name.

The National Grid ExploraDome at the MOST Museum

The National Grid ExploraDome at the MOST Museum takes you on a cosmic journey. It's a planetarium and theatre that shows amazing visuals and stories about space. You can see the stars up close or learn about new scientific discoveries. It's an exciting place for all ages.

The MOST Museum has more than the ExploraDome. It has interactive exhibits and hands-on activities. You can play with science, learn about bread making, or see how butterflies make patterns. The museum is great for anyone who loves to learn and explore.

Armory Square is perfect for shopping, eating, or learning at the MOST Museum. It's where you can feel the lively culture and history of downtown Syracuse.

Catch a Game at the JMA Wireless Dome

If you love sports and are in Syracuse, don't miss the JMA Wireless Dome, also known as the Carrier Dome. It's the biggest domed stadium in the Northeast and the largest on-campus basketball arena. Here, the Syracuse University Orange NCAA Division I football, basketball, and lacrosse teams play, creating an electric atmosphere for fans.

The JMA Wireless Dome opened in 1980 and got a $118 million upgrade. It can hold 49,207 fans for football and 35,652 for basketball. The stadium has 48,000 aluminum bleacher seats and 850 theatre seats, plus 40 luxury suites. Tickets cost between $20 and $60, and parking is $20 in remote lots.

But it's not just about the games. The JMA Wireless Dome also has fun off-field activities. For example, the Syracuse Tailgate BlockParties offer free parking and $2 shuttle rides. Places like Ale 'n' Angus Pub, Willow Rock Brewing Company, and Heritage Hill Brewhouse and Restaurant serve tasty food and drinks.

Whether you're a huge Syracuse University sports fan or just want an exciting game-day vibe, the JMA Wireless Dome is the place to be. With its history, great facilities, and lively atmosphere, it's a top spot for sports fans in Syracuse.

Shop and Play at Destiny USA

Destiny USA in Syracuse, New York, is a place full of fun and shopping. It has over 200 places to shop, eat, and play. You can find everything from luxury brands to exciting activities here.

Explore Luxury Outlets and Fine Dining

Destiny USA is perfect for those who love to shop. It has luxury stores like Coach, Michael Kors, and Victoria's Secret. After shopping, enjoy a meal at one of the many dining spots. You can choose from casual to fancy restaurants.

Exciting Entertainment Awaits

There's more to do than just shop and eat at Destiny USA. Try out the go-kart tracks, play laser tag, or go on the SkyTykes ropes course. With so many activities, you'll find something fun to do.

Destiny USA has something for everyone, whether you want to shop, eat, or have fun. Plan your visit and see what this amazing place has to offer.

Syracuse, New York: Best Things to Do - Top Picks

Syracuse, New York, is a city full of life and activities. It has history, culture, outdoor fun, and entertainment for everyone. Let's check out the top things to do in Syracuse.

Discover the Great Outdoors

Outdoor lovers will find lots to do in nature. Onondaga Lake Park is great for walking, running, biking, or skating. For mini-golf, try Fairmount Glen, Big Don's Wild River Mini Golf, or Four Seasons Golf & Ski Center.

Nature fans should visit Green Lakes State Park. It's a 2,000-acre park with two rare lakes in New York.

Indulge in Culinary Delights

Syracuse's food scene is amazing for food lovers. Salt City Market has many vendors with tasty multicultural food. Beer fans will enjoy the city's craft breweries.

The Rosamond Gifford Zoo has "Brew at the Zoo" in August. It's a fun event for enjoying local beers.

Explore Iconic Attractions

Syracuse has attractions that show its history and culture. The Everson Museum of Art has American art. The Erie Canal Museum tells about the Erie Canal's importance.

The Skä·noñh-Great Law of Peace Center shares Iroquois history. The Matilda Joslyn Gage House is about the suffragette Matilda Joslyn Gage.

Enjoy Family-Friendly Fun

Families will find lots to do in Syracuse. Destiny USA is a big place with shopping, eating, and fun. This summer, it introduces the 2023 Destiny fun pass.

NBT Bank Stadium has Syracuse Mets games with special events like fireworks Fridays. For indoor fun, check out the National Grid ExploraDome at the science museum.

Syracuse, New York, has outdoor adventures, food, culture, and fun for families. It's a place where everyone can find something interesting to do. Make memories by exploring what the city offers.

Discover the Erie Canal Museum

Dive into the story of the Erie Canal's key role in American history at the Erie Canal Museum. It's located in a historic canal building. This top-rated museum shows how the Erie Canal changed the nation by connecting the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean.

See artifacts, interactive displays, and a full-size replica of a canal boat. These help take you back in time. Learn how building the Erie Canal from 1817 to 1825 opened new trade routes and helped the westward expansion.

• Discover the museum's interactive exhibits that bring the canal's history to life.
• Marvel at the intricate details of the full-size canal boat replica, offering a glimpse into the daily lives of those who traversed this vital waterway.
• Delve into the museum's collection of historic photographs documenting the different phases of the canal's construction.

If you love history or are just interested in engineering feats, the Erie Canal Museum in Syracuse, New York, is a must-see. It lets you explore American history and understand the Erie Canal's big impact on the nation.

"The Erie Canal Museum is a treasure trove of American history, offering an unparalleled glimpse into the engineering marvel that transformed the nation."

Admire the Everson Museum of Art

In the heart of Syracuse, New York, the Everson Museum of Art is a treasure for art lovers. It has a huge collection of American art and ceramics. Here, visitors can see the amazing work of famous artists from all over the world.

The museum has over 11,000 works, including sculptures, paintings, ceramics, graphics, and photographs. It's a chance to dive into American art's history and see how it has changed over time.

There are also seasonal and temporary exhibits that change often. These shows feature new works by both famous and new artists. This means every visit is different and always exciting.

The museum is open from Wednesday to Sunday, making it easy to visit. On Wednesdays, you can pay what you wish. And on the third Thursday of each month, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm, it's free.

If you love art or just want to learn more, the Everson Museum of Art in Syracuse, New York, is a place you must see. Get ready to be amazed by the beautiful American art and the new exhibits that celebrate artists' creativity.

Enjoy Onondaga Lake Park

Onondaga Lake Park is a beautiful spot just north of downtown Syracuse. It's an urban oasis with lots to do for all ages. Visitors can enjoy outdoor fun in a lovely setting.

The park has great walking trails and biking paths through greenery. You can take a slow walk or work out hard here. Cyclists can ride on miles of paths without cars. For more excitement, try the skate park with its ramps and half-pipes.

There's more to do than just walking and biking. You can have a picnic, watch birds, or fish by the lake. The park also has events and festivals all year, bringing people together.

Onondaga Lake Park is known as the "Central Park of Central New York." It has beautiful views, lots of activities, and is easy to get to. Whether you want peace or adventure, this park will make you happy and refreshed.

"Onondaga Lake Park is a true gem of Syracuse, offering miles of trails, outdoor activities, and a breathtaking natural setting right in the heart of the city."

Visit the Onondaga Historical Association Museum

In the heart of Syracuse, New York, the Onondaga Historical Association Museum takes you on a journey through the area's history and culture. It's one of the biggest collections of regional history in the country. You'll see how events, architecture, sports legends, industries, transportation, and recreation have shaped Syracuse over time.

Get ready to dive into the past with the museum's exhibits. You'll find interactive displays and important artifacts. Every visit gives you a deeper look at the area's amazing history. It's a place everyone, locals and visitors alike, should see to appreciate Syracuse's history and heritage.

"The Onondaga Historical Association Museum is a true gem, offering a window into the fascinating history of the Syracuse region. It's a must-visit for anyone interested in exploring the area's vibrant past."

Walking through the museum, you'll see exhibits on the city's role in the Underground Railroad and the Syracuse China company. You'll also learn about how transportation in the region has changed over time. Plus, there are temporary exhibits that make each visit different.

Plan your trip to the Onondaga Historical Association Museum for a deep dive into Syracuse's history. You'll get to see the stories that have made this city what it is today.

• Explore the museum's extensive collection of regional history artifacts and exhibits
• Dive into the stories of Syracuse's pivotal role in the Underground Railroad
• Discover the legacy of the iconic Syracuse China company
• Learn about the evolution of transportation in the region
• Enjoy rotating temporary exhibits that offer a fresh perspective on local history

Conclusion

Syracuse, New York, is a city full of life and things to do. It has trendy spots like Armory Square and top museums. Plus, there's the big Destiny USA complex and historic parks for everyone.

The city is known for its food scene, with cool coffee spots and restaurants from all over the world. Nature lovers can hike, bike, or have picnics in beautiful parks like Green Lakes State Park and Pratts Falls Park.

Syracuse also has a lot of history and culture. Places like the Niagara Mohawk Building and the Upside-Down Traffic Signal show its past. Even with some safety issues, crime is going down. The schools are working hard to fix teacher shortages, showing they care about the community.