Leisure Activities in Rochester

All year round, leisure activities in Rochester provide a wide range of options for every age group. Rochester is loaded with lavish shopping areas, resorts, restaurants, and spas that ensure that your trip to Rochester is hassle-free. From a convincing landscape and outdoor to some world-class stay options and facilities, Rochester packs an incredible amount of diversity in the luxury activities it offers. So be it a family vacation, a friends reunion or a solo trip to feed your wanderlust, these activities in Rochester are a must try for a leisurely vacation!

Let's explore our list of recreational & leisure places in Rochester:

  1. Seneca Park Zoo

    4.5 (24 Votes)
    Seneca Park Zoo

    Park, Zoo

    Spread over 15 acres, this excellent zoo is home to about 90 species of animals. Opened in 1894, it’s quite old. Most of the animals here are from the planet’s temperature and polar regions - penguins, sea lions, cranes and lynx. They have large water tanks too, and you can view the more amphibious animals, including the polar bears, swimming through the the glass walls of the tanks...Read more
  2. Highland Park

    Garden, Park, Statue

    Formed of a glacial moraine, this 150-acre park was one of USA’s first municipal arboretums. With 1200 lilac shrubs covering 500 different varieties of the flower, this park is the reason lilacs came to be associated to the city of Rochester. The remaining floral wealth of the park isn’t bad either - Japanese maples, hundreds of kinds of rhododendrons, azaleas, pansies, and wildflow...Read more
  3. Rochester Public Market

    Market

    Cities don’t feel complete without a really good farmer’s market. This one, in operation since 1905, 52 weeks a year on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, is one of the finest you’ll find in the state. On the busiest weekends, you can find up to 300 vendors selling everything from meat, vegetables, fruits, cheeses, baked goods, perfumes, flowers, coffee, beer, and specialty it...Read more
  4. Ontario Beach Park

    4.4 (19 Votes)
    Ontario Beach Park

    Park, Walking Area

    This 39-acre beach park has a lot to offer to everyone looking for a relaxing day out. Queen among its highlights is the lovely pier, which is perfect for romantic walks in the sunset. Nearby you’ll spot the Historic 1905 Dentzel Carousel, a pretty ride with 52 animals; kids can’t get enough of it. But kids can also make use of the excellent playground. When it comes to water activi...Read more
  5. Durand Eastman Park

    4.5 (32 Votes)
    Durand Eastman Park

    Park, Wildlife Park, Lake

    Popular with the sunbathers in the summer and cross country skiers in the winter, this is Rochester’s favourite waterfront. The north end of the parks runs along the waters of the Lake for 5000 feet. The Durand Eastman Beach in turn is the city’s favourite beach, and where most of the city comes to swim, though that is only permitted in the summer months. The park is 977 acres in si...Read more
  6. Village Gate

    4.4 (10 Votes)
    Village Gate

    Mall

    This is a rather unusual mall. It was originally or shopping complex that was converted into a mall in 1981. But it doesn’t host any of the big chain staples. Rather, it’s home to a series interesting independent shops (mostly mom-and-pop stores) selling books and clothes, eateries, offices, and even homes. There’s a cute courtyard inside. On the upper floors, you’ll fin...Read more
  7. Rochester Riverside Convention Center

    Convention Center

    The four storey high Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center is 100,000 square feet worth of conference and exhibit space in the middle of the city. It has meeting rooms, banquet facilities, exhibit halls, and a 10,000-square-foot ballroom. In addition to all this, the center is known for the lovely views of the city from its patios and balconies. It offers catering services to...Read more
  8. Pittsford Plaza

    4.4 (1 Vote)
    Pittsford Plaza

    Mall, Shopping Center

    In one of Rochester’s most upscale neighborhoods you’ll find the city’s favourite shopping mall. With classic mall staples such as Barnes & Noble, Bath & Body Works, J.Crew Factory and Stein Mart, and also a heap of excellent local retailers, the plaza offers an easy way to spend almost an entire day shopping. Supplementing the shopping are a handful of excellent resta...Read more
  9. The Marketplace Mall

    4 (2 Votes)
    The Marketplace Mall

    Mall

    Someway southwest of the downtown area you will find the large Marketplace Mall. When opened in 1982 it was notable for being the first regional mall between New York City and Cleveland. There are about a hundred and forty store and service outlets, 100000 square meters of retail space, and several restaurants. Plans are underway to convert the mall into an indoor outlet mall, a project that is...Read more
  10. Manhattan Square Park

    4.5 (61 Votes)
    Manhattan Square Park

    Park, Square

    The five-hectare park, with a great viewing platform, a sunken fountain, and stages for outdoor concerts, sees a lot of family visitors throughout the year, making it a fantastic meeting place. Special events are held during times of Festival such as the Martin Luther King Commemoration Skate, the New Year's Eve celebration, the Valentine's sweetheart skate and St. Patrick's Day. The skating fa...Read more
  11. The Mall At Greece Ridge

    Mall

    Northwest of downtown this shopping mall was opened in 1967. Currently at houses several big box retailers including Barnes & Noble, Bed Bath & Beyond, Dick's Sporting Goods, Macy's, Old Navy and Sears. All together there are a hundred and forty stores spread over 150000 square meters of retail space. That actually makes it one of the largest shopping spaces in the country. The mall is ...Read more
  12. Maplewood Park And Rose Garden

    Park

    Also, known as Seneca Park West, this landscaped green space, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, offers more than you’d expect. The Genesee River flows down its east bank, making for breathtaking views down middle Maplewood. The Rose Garden in the park is practically an attraction in its own right, with over 3000 roses. It is also local favourite wedding venue. The Maplew...Read more
  13. Turning Point Park

    4.7 (43 Votes)
    Turning Point Park

    Park, Leisure

    The Genesee Riverway Trail passes through this park, 275 acres of wooded greenery and the occasional open park area. People usually come to the park for several specific activities. Hiking and biking are the main ones, and the boardwalk is fantastic. You can also launch boat into the river for some fishing. Check out the oak woods known as Bullock's Woods. Inside the park there are also two wat...Read more
  14. Ellison Park

    4.6 (44 Votes)
    Ellison Park

    Park

    This 447 -acre Park combines a lot of elements to become the city’s favorite recreational attraction. The location near the Irondequoit Creek makes it a popular fishing spot. You can launch motorised boats from near the circle shelter too. In winter, two of the park’s hills are designated sledding areas. There’s an Off-leash Dog Area. For the more sports centric visitor, the p...Read more
  15. Genesee Valley Park

    4.5 (29 Votes)
    Genesee Valley Park

    Park

    Three waterways intersect through this park - Red Creek, the Genesee River and the New York State Barge Canal. The 800 acres of the park are comprised of moody woods and pretty green meadows. Hikers and bikers love the Erie Canal Heritage Trail and Genesee Riverway Trail. You can rent kayaks and canoes at the Genesee Waterways Center, which also offers rowing courses. Golfing is had at the Nort...Read more