Are you on the hunt for the best parks in Rochester, New York? You’re in the right place!
Whether alone or with our loved ones, parks are excellent places to get fresh air and engage in fun activities to escape our daily hassles. For those of you who live in Rochester or planning to visit this beautiful city on Lake Ontario, there are several must-visit parks that you should include in your plans.
Let’s go through the five top-rated parks in Rochester that you don’t want to miss!
Book ahead so you don’t miss out on the top tours in Rochester New York.
5 Best Parks in Rochester New York
1. Seabreeze Amusement Park
Since 1879, Western New Yorkers have made Seabreeze their preferred summer vacation location thanks to the amazing lake breezes and other attractions. Located in Irondequoit, NY, where Irondequoit Bay meets Lake Ontario, Seabreeze Amusement Park is a historic family park that attracts plenty of families seeking the best time. You can also join the fun and enjoy the amusement park and water park Seabreeze offers today.
This park is the thirteenth-oldest amusement park in the world and the fourth-oldest amusement park in the US, which makes it one of the most trustworthy, fun places to make everlasting memories with your family.
So, bring your loved ones to Seabreeze and engage in various enjoyable activities there, including family and kiddie rides, thrill rides, riding a roller coaster, live shows, games, and much more!
- Address: 4600 Culver Rd, Rochester, NY 14622, United States
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2. Highland Park
Highland is one of the most beautiful parks in the city. This 150-arc park hosts many events, entertaining activities, and fascinating attractions. Highland Park offers Warner Castle, ice rugby, skating, and a sunken garden. Plus, the pavilion can be rented by individuals and organizations, which is a fantastic place to go in the evening.
Don’t miss my article on the most beautiful waterfalls in Rochester New York.
We have good news for you if you like flowers (who doesn’t?). This stunning park features 35 varieties of lovely-smelling magnolias, a Japanese Maple collection, a beautiful collection of barberry, 700 types of Rhododendron, many exotic trees, mountain laurel, azaleas, andromeda rock garden with dwarf evergreens, spring bulbs, horse chestnuts, and wildflowers.
And you don’t want to miss the annual Lilac Festival this park holds—you’ll be mind-blown by the stunning beauty of the 500+ lilac varieties when they bloom in May. Finally, the park boasts the oldest arboretum in NY, further increasing its appeal for nature lovers.
- Address: 171 Reservoir Ave, Rochester, NY 14620-2728
3. Ontario Beach Park
Located in the northwest quadrant of NY, you can find the 39-arc Ontario Beach Park on the shores of Lake Ontario. Whether scorching or chilly outside, this park never fails to fill your life with joy.
Ontario Beach Park hosts free events, concerts, and festivals even better. It boasts six beach volleyball courts, a bathhouse, playing equipment, a food concession, and a performance pavilion. It also offers restaurants, boat rides, and facilities that can be rented for the occasion.
It’s a perfect place to view a breathtaking sunset or work out on a beautiful morning. Finally, the park features several separate places to have fun, including a running track, jogging trail, walking path, and playground.
- Address: 50 Beach Ave, Rochester, NY 14612, United States
4. Cobb’s Hill Park
Looking for an excellent picnic spot in Rochester? Then you may want to visit the stunning 109-arc Cobb’s, Hill Park! The park features amusing fields, courts, and trails for you and your family, including tennis courts, ball fields, basketball courts, fitness courts, sports fields, cross-country skiing, a hilltop trail, a scenic area, hiking trails, and a playground.
This beautiful park is also great for family gatherings, wedding ceremonies, and long and short runs, especially in the morning when it’s not as crowded!
- Address: 80 Culver Rd, Rochester, NY 14610, United States
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5. Seneca Park Zoo
Located in Rochester, NY, Seneca Park Zoo has more than 90 species, including reptiles, mammals, amphibians, arachnids, fish, and birds. You and your kiddos can see some of the most beautiful creatures at the zoo, such as white rhinos, Masai giraffes, Southern African lions, Snow leopards, Amur tigers, Gray wolves, African penguins, Snowy owls, African bush vipers, African pancake tortoises, Candy coral, Yellow tang, plains zebras, Red-tailed hawks, and much more!
The zoo also hosts various amusing events you can attend with your family, some of which are free with admission. So what are you waiting for? Take your kids to this unique, 20-acre zoo and introduce them to the numerous wildlife there to make unforgettable memories for your little ones!
- Address: 2222 St Paul St, Rochester, NY 14621, United States
6. Genesee Valley Park
Genesee Valley Park, formerly known as ‘South Park,’ is situated alongside the Genesee River on the south side of Rochester. Within the park, the Genesee River is crossed by the New York State Barge Canal, and the Erie Canal section is still in use. The north entrance to the park is close to the University of Rochester.
This place is beautiful in all seasons and is perfect for picnics, running, or just feasting your eyes on the beauty of nature while sitting down on the grass.
This 800-acres park boasts a great recreational area and two public golf courses. Genesee Valley Park is situated at the intersection of the Erie Canal towpath and the Genesee Valley Greenway trails. It also features four footbridges crossing the Erie Canal and Genesee River.
- Address: 1000 E River Rd, Rochester, NY 14623
Now that you know everything about the top parks to visit in Rochester, which one do you intend to visit? Let us know in the comments!
You might like to read some of my other articles about New York State:
–Famous Bridges in New York
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–How to See Niagara Falls from the US Side
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Amanda O’Brien is the creator and editor of The Boutique Adventurer. She has visited 80 countries and is a member of the British Guild of Travel Writers as well as the IFTWTA. She is passionate about wine had has just completed Level 3 of the WSET. Born in Australia, she lives in London.