10 Easy Out‑of‑County Road Trips From Rochester, NY (That Locals Actually Love)
If you live in or around
Rochester, New York in
Monroe County, you know it’s easy to fall into the same routine: the same restaurants, the same parks, the same weekend plans.
But what if you could hop in the car, drive 30–60 minutes, and feel like you’ve escaped for the day?
In this guide, we’ll explore
10 short road trips from Rochester that all take you
outside Monroe County into the neighboring counties of
Genesee, Livingston, Ontario, Orleans, and Wayne.
These are simple, low-stress getaways: no packing for hours, no crossing state lines—just fun, easy drives with plenty to do when you get there.
1. Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel – Genesee County
Want a night that feels “Vegas‑ish” without boarding a plane? Head west to
Batavia Downs in
Genesee County, about 35–45 minutes from Rochester (depending on where you start).
You’ll find:
- Gaming floor with hundreds of video lottery terminals
- Live harness racing in season
- Several restaurants and bars on site
- Live concerts and events throughout the year
What I like about Batavia Downs is that it’s easy to make it exactly what you want. Want a casual night out? Grab dinner, play a little, and be home by 11. Want a mini “staycation”? Book a room at the attached hotel and sleep in the next morning.
If you’re planning a date night or a friends’ outing, this is one of the easiest
short trips from Rochester you can do.
2. Letchworth State Park – Livingston County
They don’t call it the “
Grand Canyon of the East” for nothing.
About an hour south of Rochester, straddling Livingston and Wyoming Counties,
Letchworth State Park is a must‑do road trip at least once a year.
In the Livingston County portion, you can:
- Walk to sweeping gorge overlooks
- See powerful waterfalls, including Lower and Middle Falls
- Hike miles of trails with different difficulty levels
- Enjoy scenic picnic areas with tables and grills
One of my favorite memories here is sipping coffee at a picnic table on a cool fall morning, watching the mist rise from the gorge as the leaves showed off every shade of red and gold.
If you need a break from screens and city noise, this is your spot.
Tip: Arrive early on sunny fall weekends—parking lots can fill up fast.
3. Canandaigua Lake & City Pier – Ontario County
Looking for water views without the chaos of a full beach vacation? Drive about 35–45 minutes southeast to
Canandaigua in
Ontario County.
Head straight to the
City Pier and you’ll find:
- Classic boathouses that look great in photos
- Peaceful lakefront views—especially at sunset
- Benches for people‑watching and relaxing
From there, you can:
- Stroll Main Street and browse local shops
- Grab ice cream or coffee at a nearby café
- Rent a kayak or paddleboard in season
If you time it right on a warm summer evening, the lake gets that glassy, mirror‑like look, and it feels like your stress just drifts away with the ripples.
4. CMAC Concerts – Ontario County
While you’re in Canandaigua, consider planning a whole night around a show at
CMAC (Constellation Brands–Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center).
This outdoor amphitheater:
- Hosts big‑name concerts and tours
- Offers lawn seating where you can bring a blanket or low chair
- Has a fun, festival‑style vibe in the summer
Picture this: you leave Rochester late afternoon, grab dinner in Canandaigua, then head to CMAC for a concert under the stars. You’re close enough to drive home afterward, but far enough that it feels like a real night away.
Pro tip: Check parking options ahead of time, and pack a light jacket—nights can get cool, even after hot days.
5. Sodus Point Lighthouse & Beach – Wayne County
About an hour northeast of Rochester, in
Wayne County, you’ll find
Sodus Point, one of the prettiest little lakefront villages on Lake Ontario.
Don’t miss the:
- Sodus Point Lighthouse Museum with lake history and exhibits
- Public beach for swimming and sand‑castle building
- Pier and breakwall for long, breezy walks
I still remember the first time I walked out along the pier on a slightly windy day. Waves crashed against the rocks, the lighthouse stood solid at the end, and it felt like standing on the edge of the world—only an hour from home.
It’s an easy day trip for:
- Families with kids
- Couples looking for a romantic sunset
- Anyone who just needs to hear waves for a while
6. Chimney Bluffs State Park – Wayne County
If you’ve ever wanted to see landscapes that look almost other‑worldly without going far,
Chimney Bluffs State Park in Wayne County is the place.
Located on the shore of Lake Ontario, the park features:
- Sharp, dramatic earthen spires and cliffs
- Bluff‑top trails with wide lake views
- Woods and shoreline paths for quieter walks
The “chimneys” were carved by wind, rain, and waves over time, and up close they look like something from another planet.
Trails vary in difficulty, so wear good shoes and watch your footing. Parts of the bluff edge can be steep, so it’s wise to keep a safe distance.
Good to know: There’s not a ton of shade on the ridge trail. On sunny days, bring water, sunscreen, and maybe a hat.
7. Historic Mount Morris & Main Street – Livingston County
If you like small towns with character, head toward the southern entrance of Letchworth and stop in
Mount Morris in
Livingston County.
Here you can:
- Wander a classic Main Street with historic storefronts
- Stop at cafés and diners for homemade comfort food
- Browse antique shops and local boutiques
This is the kind of town where you can park the car once and spend a couple of relaxed hours just strolling, chatting with shop owners, and enjoying the slower pace.
A simple combo day:
Breakfast or lunch in Mount Morris → Afternoon exploring Letchworth State Park → Easy drive back to Rochester.
8. Medina’s Historic Downtown & Erie Canal – Orleans County
About an hour west‑northwest of Rochester, in
Orleans County, sits
Medina, a village full of charm and canal‑front history.
Highlights include:
- The Erie Canal running right through the village
- Historic sandstone buildings (Medina sandstone is famous)
- Local shops, cafés, and bakeries
Take a slow walk along the canal path, grab a coffee, and enjoy the old‑time feel of the downtown. It’s a great place for:
- Casual day dates
- Photography walks
- Family strolls with a treat as a “bribe” for the kids
If you’re into history or the Erie Canal, this short trip from Rochester is a nice change of pace.
9. Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion – Ontario County
Back in Ontario County, just a few minutes from downtown Canandaigua, you’ll find
Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park.
This 19th‑century estate offers:
- A grand mansion you can tour
- Multiple themed gardens (Japanese garden, rose garden, and more)
- Quiet benches and shady spots for relaxing
Walking the grounds can feel like you’ve stepped onto the set of a period movie. On a warm afternoon, it’s easy to lose track of time as you wander from one garden to the next.
This makes a great:
- Romantic day trip
- Peaceful solo escape
- Photography outing—especially when the flowers are in full bloom
10. Darien Lake Area – Genesee County (Theme Park & More)
If you’re up for more excitement, drive about an hour west to the
Darien Lake area in
Genesee County.
The region around the park (and the park itself) is known for:
- Thrill rides and roller coasters (seasonal)
- Water attractions in the warmer months
- Outdoor concerts and events
Even if full‑on amusement parks aren’t your thing, a day here can still be fun:
- Kids burn off energy on rides and in the water
- Adults kick back, people‑watch, and enjoy summer food
Think of it as your “big day out” road trip, the kind you remember at the end of the summer.
How to Make the Most of These Short Road Trips From Rochester
To keep these getaways easy and enjoyable, a little planning goes a long way:
- Check hours and seasons: Some attractions are seasonal or have limited hours.
- Pack a small “go bag”: Water, snacks, phone chargers, sunscreen, light jackets.
- Combine stops: Mount Morris + Letchworth, or Canandaigua Pier + CMAC, make great pairings.
- Watch the weather: Bluff hikes and beach days are a lot more fun when the forecast cooperates.
Final Thoughts: Your Next Adventure Is Less Than an Hour Away
You don’t have to fly to another state—or even leave Western New York—to feel like you’ve gone somewhere special. From
Genesee to
Livingston,
Ontario,
Orleans, and
Wayne County, there are endless
things to do near Rochester that are just a short drive away.
Whether you’re in the mood for:
- Quiet lake views
- Hiking and waterfalls
- Small‑town charm
- Live music and big thrills
There’s a day trip waiting for you—no plane tickets, no huge planning sessions, just a set of car keys and a free afternoon.
Share Your Favorite Day Trips From Rochester
Have you visited any of these spots in Genesee, Livingston, Ontario, Orleans, or Wayne County?
- Which place surprised you the most?
- Do you have a hidden‑gem café, trail, or overlook you’re willing to share?
Drop a comment with your favorite short road trip from the Rochester area—or the one you’re planning to try next.
And if you know someone who’s always saying, “There’s nothing to do around here,”
share this post with them and help them prove themselves wrong.
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