Did you know that Monroe County, New York, is home to the world’s oldest photography museum and the fourth-oldest amusement park in America? This vibrant region, where the mighty Genesee River meets Lake Ontario, boasts over 12,000 acres of parkland and was once known as “The Flower City” for its booming nursery industry. Today, this blend of natural beauty, rich history, and cultural innovation makes Monroe County an unexpectedly captivating destination for travelers of all interests.
Getting to Monroe County
The Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC) serves as the main gateway to Monroe County, offering direct flights from major cities across the eastern United States. Located just 10 minutes from downtown Rochester, the airport provides convenient access to the entire region.
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Alternatively, Monroe County is easily accessible by car via the New York State Thruway (I-90), which runs east-west through the region. From New York City, the drive takes approximately 5-6 hours, while Buffalo is just an hour to the west. For those preferring public transportation, Amtrak provides daily service to Rochester’s recently renovated train station, and Greyhound and Trailways buses offer regular connections to major cities.
Best Time to Visit Monroe County
Monroe County experiences four distinct seasons, each offering unique attractions and activities. Summer (June-August) brings warm temperatures perfect for enjoying Lake Ontario beaches, outdoor festivals, and water activities along the Erie Canal. Fall (September-November) transforms the region with spectacular foliage, especially in parks like Mendon Ponds and along the Genesee River trails.
Winter (December-February) offers opportunities for skiing at nearby Bristol Mountain, ice skating at Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park, and cozy visits to museums and indoor attractions. Spring (April-May) brings the famous lilac blooms at Highland Park, culminating in the Rochester Lilac Festival, one of the region’s most beloved events.
For the ideal balance of pleasant weather and vibrant activities, plan your visit during late May through early October. This period offers comfortable temperatures ranging from 65-85°F (18-29°C) and coincides with most of the county’s major festivals and outdoor events.
Getting Around Monroe County
While having a car provides the most flexibility for exploring Monroe County’s diverse attractions, several transportation options are available. The Regional Transit Service (RTS) operates bus routes throughout Rochester and surrounding communities, with day passes available for convenient travel.
Explore Monroe County at Your Own Pace
Rent a car to discover all the hidden gems Monroe County has to offer, from scenic lakeside drives to charming canal towns.
For eco-friendly exploration, the Erie Canal Heritage Trail offers 36 miles of paved pathways perfect for cycling. Bike rentals are available at several locations, including Towpath Bike in Pittsford. In downtown Rochester, the free ROC City Circulator shuttle connects major attractions, while ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft operate throughout the county.
During summer months, consider exploring the region by water – kayak and canoe rentals are available along the Genesee River and Erie Canal, offering a unique perspective of Monroe County’s waterways.
Where to Stay in Monroe County
Monroe County offers accommodations to suit every preference and budget. Downtown Rochester features several upscale options like The Strathallan and the Hyatt Regency, placing you within walking distance of museums, restaurants, and entertainment venues. For a more intimate experience, consider historic bed and breakfasts like the Edward Harris House Inn or the Ellwanger Estate, both located in Rochester’s charming East Avenue district.
Find Your Perfect Monroe County Accommodation
From lakeside resorts to charming canal-side inns, book the ideal place to stay for your Monroe County adventure.
Families might prefer staying near Lake Ontario in Webster or Irondequoit, where you’ll find comfortable hotels with easy access to beaches and outdoor activities. Budget-conscious travelers have plenty of options along the I-390 and I-490 corridors, with chain hotels offering convenient access to major attractions.
For a truly unique experience, consider canal-side accommodations in Pittsford or Fairport, where you can watch boats navigate the historic Erie Canal from your window. The Inn on the Lake in Canandaigua offers stunning views just a short drive from Monroe County’s southern attractions.
Top Monroe County New York Things to Do
Monroe County offers an impressive array of attractions that blend natural beauty, rich history, and cultural innovation. From world-class museums to stunning waterfalls, here are the must-see highlights for your visit.
The Strong National Museum of Play
The Strong National Museum of Play houses the world’s largest collection of toys, dolls, games, and electronic entertainment. This interactive wonderland delights visitors of all ages with exhibits like the National Toy Hall of Fame, the World Video Game Hall of Fame, and a working vintage carousel. Don’t miss the Wegmans Super Kids Market, where children can shop in a miniature grocery store, or the Dancing Wings Butterfly Garden, home to hundreds of free-flying tropical butterflies.
High Falls and the Genesee River
Downtown Rochester boasts a spectacular 96-foot waterfall right in the heart of the city. High Falls, along with Middle and Lower Falls further north, showcases the power of the Genesee River as it carves through the city. View the falls from the Pont de Rennes pedestrian bridge, then explore the surrounding historic district with its 19th-century buildings that once housed flour mills powered by the rushing water. The nearby Genesee Brew House offers excellent views of High Falls from its rooftop patio, along with craft beers and delicious food.
George Eastman Museum
As the world’s oldest photography museum, the George Eastman Museum offers a fascinating look at the evolution of photography and cinema. Housed in the Colonial Revival mansion of Kodak founder George Eastman, the museum features rotating exhibitions of historic and contemporary photography, one of the world’s oldest film archives, and Eastman’s beautifully preserved home. The mansion’s conservatory and historic gardens are particularly stunning during spring and summer months.
Make the Most of Your Monroe County Visit
Book guided tours, skip-the-line tickets, and unique experiences to enhance your Monroe County adventure.
Erie Canal and Canal Towns
The historic Erie Canal cuts through Monroe County, offering scenic beauty and charming canal towns to explore. In Pittsford and Fairport, you can stroll along canal-side paths, dine at waterfront restaurants, and shop in unique boutiques housed in historic buildings. For a truly memorable experience, take a narrated cruise aboard the Sam Patch, a replica 19th-century packet boat that operates from Pittsford. Cyclists will love the Erie Canal Heritage Trail, which follows the towpath where mules once pulled canal boats.
Ontario Beach Park
Located where the Genesee River meets Lake Ontario, Ontario Beach Park offers a natural sand beach, historic pier, and the beautiful Dentzel Menagerie Carousel, which dates back to 1905. The park hosts summer concerts, food festivals, and spectacular sunsets over the lake. Nearby, you can visit the Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse, built in 1822 and offering panoramic views of Lake Ontario and the Rochester skyline from its tower.
Seneca Park Zoo
Home to more than 90 species of animals, the Seneca Park Zoo focuses on conservation education and features immersive habitats like A Step Into Africa and the Rocky Coasts exhibit. Highlights include the zoo’s snow leopards, red pandas, African lions, and orangutans. The zoo is located within Frederick Law Olmsted-designed Seneca Park, which offers additional recreational opportunities along the Genesee River gorge.
Highland Park and Lilac Festival
Another Olmsted-designed gem, Highland Park boasts one of the largest collections of lilacs in the world, with over 1,200 bushes representing 500 varieties. Each May, the Rochester Lilac Festival attracts thousands of visitors to celebrate these fragrant blooms with music, food, and art. Beyond lilac season, the park offers beautiful gardens, the Lamberton Conservatory with its exotic plants, and the unique sunken garden behind Warner Castle.
Memorial Art Gallery
The Memorial Art Gallery houses an impressive permanent collection spanning 5,000 years of art history, from ancient Egyptian artifacts to contemporary works. The gallery’s Centennial Sculpture Park extends the art experience outdoors with installations by renowned sculptors. Regular exhibitions, events, and family programs make this a cultural highlight of Monroe County.
Genesee Country Village & Museum
Step back in time at this 19th-century living history museum, the largest of its kind in New York State. With nearly 70 historic buildings populated by costumed interpreters demonstrating traditional crafts and daily life, the museum offers an immersive historical experience. Special events throughout the year include agricultural demonstrations, historic baseball games played by 1860s rules, and seasonal celebrations that bring the past vividly to life.
Outdoor Adventures in Monroe County
Monroe County’s diverse landscapes offer abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation throughout the year. The county’s extensive park system includes 22 parks covering over 12,000 acres, each with unique features and activities.
Hiking and Nature Trails
Mendon Ponds Park, the largest in Monroe County at 2,500 acres, features 21 miles of trails through diverse ecosystems, including the rare “Devil’s Bathtub,” a meromictic lake where water layers never mix. During winter, the park’s Bird Song Trail attracts chickadees that will eat seed right from your hand. Other notable hiking destinations include Corbett’s Glen Nature Park with its picturesque waterfalls and stone tunnel, and Turning Point Park with its 3,572-foot boardwalk over the Genesee River.
Water Activities
With Lake Ontario forming its northern border and the Genesee River running through its heart, Monroe County offers plenty of water-based recreation. Kayak or canoe along the Erie Canal or Genesee River – rentals are available at the Genesee Waterways Center and Erie Canal boat launches in Fairport and Pittsford. For sailing and motorboating, Irondequoit Bay provides protected waters with several marinas offering rentals and launches.
Cycling Routes
The Erie Canal Heritage Trail provides 36 miles of flat, scenic cycling through Monroe County, passing through charming canal towns and rural landscapes. For mountain biking enthusiasts, Tryon Park and Dryer Road Park offer challenging single-track trails. The Genesee Riverway Trail connects downtown Rochester to Lake Ontario with 24 miles of mostly paved paths ideal for recreational cyclists.
Winter Sports
When snow blankets Monroe County, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy cross-country skiing at Mendon Ponds Park, Durand Eastman Park, and Webster Park, which maintain groomed trails. For downhill skiing and snowboarding, Bristol Mountain is just a short drive south of the county. Ice skating is available at Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park’s outdoor rink in downtown Rochester and at several indoor facilities throughout the county.
Family-Friendly Activities
Monroe County excels at providing entertainment for visitors of all ages, with numerous attractions designed specifically with families in mind.
Seabreeze Amusement Park
Operating since 1879, Seabreeze is the fourth-oldest amusement park in America and combines classic rides with modern thrills. The Jack Rabbit, built in 1920, is the oldest continuously operating roller coaster in the United States. The park also features a water park with slides, wave pool, and splash areas perfect for cooling off on hot summer days.
Rochester Museum & Science Center
With three floors of interactive exhibits covering science, technology, and regional history, the Rochester Museum & Science Center engages curious minds of all ages. Highlights include the Expedition Earth natural history galleries, the AdventureZone with its climbing wall and simulator, and the Strasenburgh Planetarium with its immersive star shows and laser light performances.
Seneca Park Zoo
Beyond its animal exhibits, the Seneca Park Zoo offers special programs for families, including behind-the-scenes tours, keeper chats, and seasonal events like ZooBoo at Halloween. The zoo’s natural play areas encourage children to connect with nature through climbing, balancing, and exploration.
Public Markets and Festivals
The Rochester Public Market, operating since 1905, offers a family-friendly outing with its colorful array of fresh produce, food vendors, and artisanal products. Open year-round on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, the market frequently hosts special events and live music. Throughout the year, Monroe County communities host family-oriented festivals celebrating everything from lilacs and jazz to cultural heritage and seasonal harvests.
Culinary Delights and Local Specialties
Monroe County’s diverse food scene reflects its rich cultural heritage and agricultural bounty, offering everything from innovative fine dining to beloved local specialties.
Rochester’s Signature Dishes
No culinary tour of Monroe County would be complete without trying a “Garbage Plate,” Rochester’s most famous culinary creation. This hearty dish typically features a base of home fries and macaroni salad topped with your choice of protein (often hot dogs or hamburgers) and smothered in meat hot sauce, onions, and condiments. Nick Tahou Hots claims to have invented this beloved local specialty, though many restaurants offer their own variations.
Other local favorites include “white hots” (uncured pork hot dogs unique to the region), Abbott’s Frozen Custard (a Rochester institution since 1902), and Rochester-style chicken French, a lemony, buttery preparation that’s a staple at local Italian-American restaurants.
Farm-to-Table Dining
Monroe County’s location in the fertile Genesee Valley and near the Finger Lakes wine region makes it a natural fit for farm-to-table dining. Restaurants like Good Luck, Lento, and The Revelry showcase seasonal ingredients from local farms and producers. The Rochester Public Market provides an excellent opportunity to meet local farmers and sample regional specialties, especially during the warmer months when the market is at its busiest.
Craft Beverages
The region boasts a thriving craft beverage scene, with numerous breweries, distilleries, and wineries. Genesee Brewing Company, one of America’s oldest breweries, offers tours and tastings at its Brew House overlooking High Falls. Smaller craft breweries like Rohrbach, Three Heads, and Iron Tug each bring their unique approach to beer making. For spirits, Black Button Distilling produces small-batch gin, bourbon, and other liquors using locally sourced ingredients whenever possible.
While not technically in Monroe County, the nearby Finger Lakes wine region is worth a day trip for wine enthusiasts, with dozens of wineries within an hour’s drive.
Arts and Cultural Experiences
Monroe County’s vibrant arts scene offers countless opportunities to experience music, theater, visual arts, and cultural events throughout the year.
Performing Arts
The Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, founded in 1922, performs at the magnificent Eastman Theatre, while the Eastman School of Music presents hundreds of free and low-cost concerts featuring talented students and faculty. For theater lovers, Geva Theatre Center produces professional productions ranging from classics to contemporary works, and numerous smaller theaters and community groups offer diverse performances throughout the year.
During summer months, free outdoor concerts take place in parks and public spaces across the county, including the popular Party in the Park series at Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park and Concerts by the Shore at Ontario Beach Park.
Museums and Galleries
Beyond the previously mentioned George Eastman Museum and Memorial Art Gallery, Monroe County offers several specialized museums worth exploring. The Rochester Contemporary Art Center showcases cutting-edge works by regional and national artists, while the International Museum of Photography at George Eastman House houses one of the world’s most comprehensive photography collections.
For those interested in local history, the Rochester Historical Society and various town museums throughout the county preserve and share stories of the region’s past, from its Native American heritage through its industrial heyday to the present.
Festivals and Events
Monroe County’s calendar is packed with cultural festivals and events throughout the year. The Rochester International Jazz Festival brings world-class musicians to downtown venues each June, while the Rochester Fringe Festival transforms the city into a showcase for innovative performances across multiple disciplines each September.
Cultural celebrations include the Puerto Rican Festival, Greek Festival, Ukrainian Festival, and many others reflecting the county’s diverse communities. Film enthusiasts can enjoy the Rochester International Film Festival and ImageOut, Rochester’s LGBTQ+ film festival, among others.
Practical Tips for Visitors
Weather Considerations
Monroe County experiences a full range of seasonal weather. Summers are generally pleasant with average highs in the 70s-80s°F (21-32°C), though occasional heat waves can push temperatures into the 90s°F (32-37°C). Winters are cold and snowy, with average January temperatures around 20-30°F (-6 to -1°C) and seasonal snowfall averaging 100 inches (254 cm), much of it from “lake effect” snow off Lake Ontario.
Spring and fall are variable but generally mild, with spectacular foliage in October. Pack layers regardless of when you visit, as weather can change quickly, especially near Lake Ontario where temperatures can be significantly cooler than inland areas.
Local Transportation Tips
While a car is the most convenient way to explore Monroe County, Rochester’s downtown area is quite walkable, with many attractions within a reasonable distance of each other. The free ROC City Circulator shuttle connects major downtown destinations Thursday through Saturday.
For cyclists, the Pace bike share program offers rentals throughout Rochester, with bikes that can be picked up and dropped off at numerous stations. When driving, be aware that navigation apps may not account for seasonal road closures, particularly along the Lake Ontario Parkway during winter months.
Money-Saving Tips
Many of Monroe County’s best experiences come with minimal or no cost. All county parks are free to enter, and numerous hiking trails, beaches, and public spaces offer budget-friendly recreation. The Rochester Public Library’s Central Library and its branches often provide free passes to museums and attractions that can be borrowed with a library card.
For dining, lunch specials at upscale restaurants offer a taste of fine dining at reduced prices, and the Rochester Public Market (especially toward closing time) offers fresh produce and prepared foods at excellent values. Many breweries offer free or low-cost tours and tastings, and summer brings countless free concerts and festivals throughout the county.
Safety Information
Monroe County is generally safe for visitors, though standard urban precautions should be taken in some areas of Rochester, particularly after dark. The downtown area and major tourist attractions are well-patrolled and safe during regular hours. When hiking in parks or natural areas, stay on marked trails, be aware of weather conditions, and carry water and appropriate gear.
During winter, be prepared for snow and ice, especially when driving. Major roads are generally cleared quickly after snowfalls, but side streets may remain slippery. Dress warmly in layers, as wind chill can make temperatures feel significantly colder than the thermometer indicates.
Day Trips from Monroe County
Monroe County’s central location makes it an excellent base for exploring the broader Finger Lakes region and western New York attractions.
Finger Lakes Wine Country
Within an hour’s drive south of Monroe County lie the scenic shores of Canandaigua, Keuka, and Seneca Lakes, home to dozens of award-winning wineries. The Finger Lakes wine region is particularly known for its exceptional Rieslings, though many wineries also produce excellent reds, sparkling wines, and other varieties. Many wineries offer tastings with spectacular lake views, and several wine trails make it easy to visit multiple producers in a day.
Letchworth State Park
Often called the “Grand Canyon of the East,” Letchworth State Park is just an hour’s drive south of Rochester. The park features a dramatic gorge with three major waterfalls where the Genesee River cuts through cliffs as high as 600 feet. With 66 miles of hiking trails, whitewater rafting, hot air balloon rides, and spectacular scenery, Letchworth makes for an unforgettable day trip, especially during fall foliage season.
Niagara Falls
One of the world’s most famous natural wonders is just 90 minutes west of Monroe County. The American side of Niagara Falls offers close-up views of the thundering waters from Goat Island and Prospect Point, plus attractions like the Cave of the Winds and Maid of the Mist boat tours that bring visitors thrillingly close to the falls. The surrounding Niagara Falls State Park, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, provides beautiful landscapes and walking paths.
Buffalo
New York’s second-largest city is just an hour west of Monroe County and offers attractions including the renowned Albright-Knox Art Gallery, the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Martin House Complex, and the revitalized Canalside district along Lake Erie. Buffalo’s culinary scene, particularly its famous chicken wings, provides delicious reasons to visit, while architecture enthusiasts will appreciate the city’s collection of historic buildings by masters like Louis Sullivan and H.H. Richardson.
Experience the Best of Monroe County
From the thundering waters of High Falls to the world-class collections of its museums, from the historic charm of canal towns to the natural beauty of Lake Ontario’s shores, Monroe County offers a surprisingly diverse array of experiences for visitors. This region where innovation meets natural beauty has long been a hidden gem in upstate New York’s travel landscape, waiting to be discovered by those seeking authentic experiences beyond the usual tourist destinations.
Ready to Explore Monroe County?
Start planning your perfect trip to experience all that Monroe County, New York has to offer – from historic sites and cultural attractions to outdoor adventures and culinary delights.
Whether you’re captivated by history, energized by outdoor adventure, inspired by art and culture, or simply seeking new flavors and experiences, Monroe County welcomes you with unexpected treasures and memorable moments waiting to be discovered. Pack your curiosity and sense of adventure – Monroe County’s blend of urban sophistication and natural splendor promises a journey that will surprise and delight at every turn.
