City Guides: Things to do While Boating in Rochester, New York

Situated along the shores of Lake Ontario and Irondequoit Bay, Rochester is between Syracuse and Buffalo in the Finger Lakes region of western New York. The 11 long and narrow “finger-like” lakes make this an excellent area for boaters, nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Boaters trailering a vessel will be happy to know that there are several public boat ramps in the area. 

Other area attractions include the Genesee River’s High Falls historic district, Lake Ontario beaches and more than 100 wineries of the Finger Lakes Wine Country. Let’s check out some more sites to visit from a hotel, marina or private boat slip rental in Rochester.

Ontario Beach Park

Photo: Wikimedia

Along with the Finger Lakes, Rochester visitors have convenient access to the Great Lake of Ontario. The sandy beach of Ontario Beach Park, in the northwest section of the city, is part of a 39-acre park. Enjoy swimming, boating and fishing as well as sports such as volleyball, basketball and softball. There are picnic shelters, a carousel, food vendors, restrooms and a performance pavilion.

Strong Museum of Play

Photo: Strong Museum of Play (Facebook)

If you’re looking a museum that’s not the typical history and science variety, the Strong National Museum of Play is the way to go. It features a gigantic collection of dolls and toys in 150,000 square feet of space. Relive your childhood love of board games, dolls, video games and more. There’s a carousel, an indoor butterfly garden and exhibits on the Wizard of Oz and the Berenstain Bears. The museum’s goal is to record, preserve and research the history of play and its role in human development. We think it’s a super fun place to visit from a private boat lift for rent.

Rochester Museum and Science Center

Photo: Wikimedia

If however, you are looking for a science and history-type museum, the Rochester Museum and Science Center is where you want to be. It’s full of interactive displays on science, technology and history. Visitors can build robots, throw catapults, zap laser beams, discover the power of lightning and watch a 3-D show of the planets and view more than 200 shows, exhibits and collections. The Strasenburgh Planetarium is next to the museum for the stargazers in your group.

Seneca Park Zoo

Photo: Seneca Park Zoo (Facebook)

The Seneca Park Zoo is one of our favorites for keeping the kids entertained. It’s within easy access to private boat slip rentals in Rochester. Open since 1893, the zoo is situated on 15.5 acres within Seneca Park, a 297-acre park along the Genesee River. Visit orangutans, African elephants, polar bears and white rhinos. Combine a zoo visit with bicycling, fishing, picnicking or geo-caching  in the park.

The George Eastman Museum

Photo: Wikimedia

Fans of photography won’t want to miss the George Eastman Museum. Built in 1905, it’s the world’s oldest photography museum. The Colonial Revival mansion was the home of George Eastman, the founder of the Kodak Company. Exhibits include film archives, gardens, photo exhibits, Alexander Gardner’s Civil War photographs and a historical collection of the Eastman Kodak Company. Special events such as educational talks and film screenings are often held there. The museum is home to the Dryden Theatre, which shows movies from the museum’s collection, restorations, foreign film premiers and traveling exhibitions.

Seabreeze Amusement Park

Photo: Seabreeze Amusement Park (Facebook)

Located on Lake Ontario and Irondequoit Bay, the Seabreeze Amusement Park opened in 1879 and offers more than 70 attractions that include a log flume, roller coasters and shows. There’s also a water park with a wave pool if you and the crew would rather just cool off. It’s a favorite whether you’re docked at a private boat slip rental, anchored at a local hotel or moored at a resort.

Charlotte – Genesee Lighthouse

Photo: Wikimedia

Constructed in 1822, the stone octagon-shaped Charlotte - Genesee Lighthouse is Lake Ontario’s oldest active lighthouse. It sits on Lake Ontario at the Genesee River, making it a terrific spot to visit from private boat dock rentals. Climb 42 steps and take an 11-step ladder to the top of the 40-foot-tall tower. If you’re not interested in that, there’s a lighthouse keeper’s museum and a gift shop.

We hope you’ve discovered some new attractions and activities to add to your Rochester itinerary. Whether you’re in town for a week, a long weekend or an extended stay at a private boat lift for rent, there’s bound to be something for the whole crew to enjoy in Rochester.