10 Easy Road Trips From Buffalo, NY: Short Drives, Big Adventures
If you live in or around
Buffalo, New York and you're itching to get out of town for a day, you're in luck. Within just an hour or so, you can reach forests, waterfalls, Amish country, lakeside towns, and one of the most famous natural wonders in the world.
The best part? These are all
out-of-county road trips, so you’ll be exploring beyond Erie County into nearby spots in:
- Cattaraugus County, NY
- Chautauqua County, NY
- Genesee County, NY
- Niagara County, NY
- Wyoming County, NY
Gas up the car, grab some snacks, and let’s hit the road.
1. Niagara Falls, NY – Classic Day Trip With a Big Wow Factor
If you haven’t done a proper
Niagara Falls road trip from Buffalo yet, it’s time.
The drive is only about 25–30 minutes north, but the change in scenery feels huge. The roaring water, the mist on your face, and the views of the American and Horseshoe Falls never really get old.
Top things to do in Niagara Falls, NY:
- Cave of the Winds – Walk right up near the base of Bridal Veil Falls. You’ll get soaked, but in the best way.
- Maid of the Mist – The classic boat ride into the heart of the falls. Yes, it’s touristy. Yes, it’s worth it.
- Niagara Falls State Park – Stroll along the paths, grab ice cream, and stop at the overlooks.
- Goat Island – Easy walking, great views, and lots of photo ops.
If you’re traveling with kids or out-of-town guests, this might be the easiest “instant win” road trip from Buffalo.
2. Lewiston, NY – Charming Riverside Village With History
Just a bit farther north along the Niagara River, you’ll find
Lewiston, a small village with a big personality. It’s quieter than the Falls but packed with charm.
Why go to Lewiston:
- Walkable Main Street with local shops, cafés, and patios.
- Waterfront views along the river – perfect for a slow stroll.
- Artpark – Outdoor art, walking paths, and in summer, concerts under the stars.
- Historic sites tied to the Underground Railroad and War of 1812.
If you like towns where you can park once and just wander, Lewiston makes a relaxed, low-stress afternoon getaway.
3. Lockport, NY – Erie Canal Locks and Cave Adventures
About 30–40 minutes northeast of Buffalo,
Lockport sits right on the historic Erie Canal. It’s a nice mix of history, small-town feel, and slightly weird-but-fun attractions.
Don’t miss in Lockport:
- Lockport Locks & Erie Canal Cruises – Take a boat through the famous canal locks and watch the water rise and fall around you.
- Lockport Cave & Underground Boat Ride – A bit spooky, a bit cool, and very memorable.
- Canal-side walking – Great for photos and stretching your legs after the drive.
Love learning while you travel? Lockport is a fun way to mix a mini history lesson with an easy day trip from Buffalo.
4. Niagara Wine Trail, USA – Relaxed Countryside Sipping
Yes, Western New York has wine country. And it’s closer than you might think.
The
Niagara Wine Trail runs through Niagara County, roughly 30–45 minutes from Buffalo, with rolling vineyards and rural back roads that feel far from the city.
What to expect:
- A string of wineries offering tastings of riesling, ice wine, and fruit wines.
- Scenic drives past farms, fields, and small towns.
- Laid-back, friendly tasting rooms (often owner-run).
Plan a DIY route, pick a few wineries, and take your time. Just be smart—bring a designated driver or limit your pours. This makes a great
date day or friend getaway from Buffalo.
5. Letchworth State Park – “The Grand Canyon of the East”
Head southeast into
Wyoming County, and in about 1 to 1.5 hours you’ll hit
Letchworth State Park, one of the most stunning places near Buffalo.
Deep gorges, big waterfalls, and dramatic cliffs—this park really does live up to the nickname.
Highlights at Letchworth:
- Upper, Middle, and Lower Falls – Three major waterfall areas, all very photogenic.
- Scenic overlooks – Drive along the park road and stop at the pull-offs.
- Easy hikes – Plenty of short trails if you don’t want a full-on workout.
- Hot air balloon rides (seasonal) – For a seriously memorable splurge.
Pack a picnic, comfy shoes, and maybe a light jacket. Even on warmer days, the shade and river gorge can feel a bit cooler.
6. Darien Lake – Theme Park Thrills and Summer Fun
If your idea of a perfect road trip from Buffalo includes roller coasters, water slides, and classic park food, head about 45 minutes east to
Six Flags Darien Lake in Genesee County.
What you’ll find:
- Roller coasters and thrill rides for adrenaline-seekers.
- Water park area with slides, wave pool, and lazy river.
- Concerts at the Darien Lake Amphitheater in summer.
This is an easy, family-friendly day trip especially when the weather is warm. Just expect crowds on weekends and holidays—and plan your parking and tickets ahead of time.
7. Chautauqua Lake & Chautauqua Institution – Lakeside Culture and Calm
Drive about 1.5 hours southwest of Buffalo into
Chautauqua County, and you’ll hit
Chautauqua Lake and the historic
Chautauqua Institution area.
Think peaceful shoreline, sailboats, porches, and a slower pace.
Things to do around Chautauqua Lake:
- Stroll the Chautauqua Institution grounds (seasonal gate fees may apply) – Charming streets, lectures, art, and music in summer.
- Boat rentals and fishing on the lake.
- Small-town exploring in places like Lakewood or Bemus Point.
If you’ve been craving a quiet weekend or a thoughtful, artsy escape from Buffalo, this is a great choice.
8. Ellicottville, NY – Ski Town Vibes All Year Long
About an hour south of Buffalo in
Cattaraugus County, you’ll find
Ellicottville, a four-season village that feels a little like a mini mountain town.
In winter, it’s all about skiing and snowboarding. In the other seasons, it turns into a laid-back getaway with shops, events, and outdoor activities.
Why Ellicottville works as a road trip:
- Holiday Valley & HoliMont – Skiing, snowboarding, and in warmer months, hiking and mountain biking.
- Walkable village – Restaurants, pubs, boutiques, and coffee shops.
- Festivals – Fall fests, beer and wine events, and more throughout the year.
It’s the kind of place where you can spend all day outdoors, then warm up with a good meal and a drink in town.
9. Allegheny State Park – Deep Woods and Cabin Cozy
If you want real nature—towering trees, quiet trails, and starry skies—head deeper into
Cattaraugus County to
Allegheny State Park, about 1.5 hours from Buffalo.
This is one of those places where your phone might lose service, and that’s kind of the point.
What to do at Allegheny State Park:
- Hiking on miles of wooded trails.
- Cabin or campsite stays if you want to turn your road trip into an overnight escape.
- Swimming, kayaking, and canoeing at the lakes in season.
- Wildlife spotting – deer, birds, and more.
If your life in Buffalo feels busy and loud, a day or weekend here can feel like hitting the reset button.
10. Lily Dale, NY – A Quiet, Quirky Spiritual Community
Looking for something a little offbeat? Drive about 1.5 hours southwest into
Chautauqua County and visit
Lily Dale, a small gated community known for its spiritualist mediumships and old-fashioned lakefront charm.
Even if you’re not into spiritualism, it’s an interesting, peaceful place to walk around.
What you’ll find in Lily Dale:
- Mediums and readings (by appointment or walk-in, depending on the day).
- Workshops and talks in summer on spirituality, healing, and related topics.
- Pretty lake views and historic cottages.
It’s one of the more unique day trips near Buffalo, and it definitely gives you a story to tell when you get back home.
Tips for Planning Easy Road Trips From Buffalo
To keep your out-of-county adventures smooth and fun, a little planning goes a long way:
- Check drive times – Most of these spots are within 30 minutes to 1.5 hours from Buffalo.
- Look up hours and seasons – Parks, wineries, and attractions may have limited winter hours.
- Pack a “car kit” – Water, snacks, phone charger, light jacket, and maybe a small blanket.
- Have a backup plan – If one spot is crowded, pick a second choice nearby.
Think of each trip as a test run. Try one place, see what you like, then slowly build your own list of favorite getaways beyond Erie County.
Where Will You Go First?
From
Niagara Falls to
Letchworth State Park, from the
Niagara Wine Trail to the forests of
Allegheny State Park, there are plenty of
short road trips from Buffalo that feel big on adventure without requiring a long drive.
Which one sounds most like “you” right now? A loud waterfall, a quiet lake, a historic canal town, or a cozy ski village?
Share Your Favorite Day Trips From Buffalo
Have you done any of these out-of-county road trips from Buffalo?
Do you have another hidden gem in Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Genesee, Niagara, or Wyoming County that deserves some love?
Drop your tips, stories, and must-visit spots in the comments below.
And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends and family who are looking for easy weekend escapes from Buffalo. The more ideas we trade, the better our adventures get.
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