As much as there is to keep us busy here within the city of Buffalo, it’s always fun to plan an out-of-town adventure that gives us something to look forward to. If you’re ready to make the most of your adventures and explore more of what Western New York has to offer, then check out these 12 best day trips from Buffalo, one for each month of the year.

January - Rochester
Rochester, NY, USA
Roland Shainidze Photogaphy/GettyImages
Ready to explore another equally large and wonderful city within Western New York? Then let's visit our neighbor to the north: Rochester! Families who are making a day trip up to Rochester can spend the day exploring all that's inside of The Strong Museum of Play, including its very own butterfly garden that's open all year long - even during January.

If you're ready to explore other sides of the city where you'll be able to stay bundled up warm indoors, you can visit one of America's oldest operating breweries where you'll be able to enjoy views of High Falls along the Genesee River, or even go for a hike out along Turning Point Park if you're feeling up for it. You'll never run out of reasons to take day trips to Rochester.
February - Batavia
Batavia, NY 14020, USA
Denny M/TripAdvisor
A charming city out in Genesee County, Batavia has a little bit of everything to offer visitors. If you make your way out here for an easy little day trip, you can stop into places like the Adam Miller Toy & Bicycle Shop to shop for vintage trinkets that will make you feel like a kid again.

While you're in town, you'll also want to stop into the Center Street Smokehouse, which is full of nothing but finger-licking good food. What better way to stay warm this February than with barbecue in hand?
March - East Aurora
East Aurora, NY 14052, USA
Kim Carpenter/Flickr
If you don't have a lot of time to travel from Buffalo and are looking to surround yourself with Western New York's rural beauty, one of the quickest day trips you can take is to head over to East Aurora. Within this city, you'll uncover local gems like Knox Farm State Park, which will start to green up around the month of March. If the weather is still a little chilly, choose to spend the day indoors by shopping around the 16,000-square-foot Vidler's 5 & 10 store.
April - Jamestown
Jamestown, NY 14701, USA
OZinOH/Flickr
Travel south of Buffalo and make your way down to Chautauqua County to enjoy a town that's full of character. Jamestown resides along the lakefront, so there are tons of fun things to do around Chautauqua Lake, as well as plenty of in-town attractions - many of which revolve around the fact that this happens to be the hometown of Lucille Ball! Check out the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Museum or spend the day at the National Comedy Center. If you'd like to stretch out your day trip into a weekend adventure, consider staying the night at Chautauqua Harbor Hotels, which is one of only a few harbor hotels in the state. After a trip here, we're sure you'll agree that Jamestown is one of the best day trips in New York State.
May - Letchworth State Park
Letchworth State Park
Lincoln Spaulding/Flickr
Both an easy and scenic drive, heading out to Letchworth State Park for a day trip is wonderful to enjoy during any time of the year. Known as the Grand Canyon of the East, you can experience camping in rustic cabins, enjoy awe-inspiring gorge views, and explore waterfalls along the Genesee River on the amazing hiking trails that will bring out the adventurer in you. If you're looking for a day trip that's packed full of fun, then this is the one to take!

June - Watkins Glen
Watkins Glen, NY, USA
Richard Due/Flickr
If you're searching for "getaway spots near me," head on out to Schuyler County to the small village of Watkins Glen, one of the most beautiful places that you can visit outside of Buffalo. Situated along the shores of Seneca Lake, the village has everything from delightful restaurants by the waterfront to a picture-perfect pier and, of course, Watkins Glen State Park.

Though dependent on the weather, the Gorge Trail is typically open by the end of May each year, so planning a trip for June will ensure that you get to explore the most beautiful part of this park! What better way to spend the day than exploring along the lakefront and hiking your way through one of the country's most beautiful gorges?

July - Olcott
Olcott, NY, USA
Mark/Flickr
For some warm-weather fun in the midst of summer, take an easygoing drive up north to spend some time along the shore of Lake Ontario by visiting the village of Olcott. This scenic beach town is known for its beautiful lakefront views, a charming shopping village, a famous and historic popcorn stand, and an entire kiddie amusement park that will take you back to the good old days. If you're ready to take on a great family-friendly day trip, look no further than this village.
August - Lily Dale
Lily Dale, NY 14718, USA
billrock54/Flickr
Lily Dale just might be the most unique town you'll visit near Buffalo. If you've managed to go this long without hearing about it, let us give you a quick rundown. Lily Dale is known as the world's largest center for Spiritualism and all of the residents living in this gated community are certified spiritual mediums. In fact, in order to live here, you'll have to prove that you're actually a medium and not some phony!

Lily Dale is a popular spot to visit in the summer and fall because it's as scenic and peaceful as it is spiritual. Pay a visit to partake in readings and to explore all of the shops and sites that are set up inside the town. It's unlike anything else that you'll ever see here in Western New York.
September - Lewiston
Lewiston, NY 14092, USA
Jan_traveler51184/TripAdvisor
If you're itching to explore more of Western New York's history, then you'll have a blast taking a day trip up north to the historic town of Lewiston. The town dates all the way back to 1818, so you'll find buildings that are more than 200 years old on Center Street, as well as monuments highlighting the fact that Lewiston was one of the last stops on the Underground Railroad. Also, September is the last month you'll have in the year to get a taste of the seasonal The Silo Restaurant along the river!
October - Canandaigua
Canandaigua, NY 14424, USA
Debora Truax/GettyImages
If there's one thing that this list will remind you of, it's the fact that Buffalo is surrounded by an endless sea of waterfront towns and breathtaking lakes. Taking you out east towards the Finger Lakes, Canandaigua has so much to offer to those who are willing to make the drive out from the Queen City.

Make the trip up here to enjoy paddleboat tours out on the lake before things completely freeze over in winter; however, there are plenty of year-round attractions to keep you busy as well. Consider visiting the Sonnenberg Gardens, Roseland Waterpark, the stunning Canandaigua Pier, and the waterfront Kershaw Park. This little city has it all, and is home to some of the most unique things to do around Buffalo.
November - Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls, NY, USA
Tony Shi Photography/GettyImages
A popular place for Buffalonians and New Yorkers in general, Niagara Falls is one of the most scenic cities you'll ever visit. If you've already visited America's oldest state park, step outside of Niagara Falls State Park and visit unique other spots in town - like the city's Third Street Art Alley that's a totally Instagram-worthy spot!

December - Ellicottville
Ellicottville, NY 14731, USA
Holiday Valley Resort/Facebook
Although it's packed with activities and attractions all year long, the Holiday Valley Resort in Ellicottville truly comes alive in the wintertime. Whether you pop in for the day or make this an overnight trip, visiting the Holiday Valley Resort will leave you with a smile on your face. Aside from the charming attractions in the village, Holiday Valley offers activities like an exciting mountain coaster, scenic chair lifts, mountain biking trails, and even its own aerial park. Sounds exciting, right?

What are your favorite day trips to take in and around Buffalo? What do you think are the best day trips from Buffalo? What would you add to this list? Let us know in the comments below!

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More to Explore

Best day trips in Buffalo

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | July 07, 2022

What are some other things to do around Niagara Falls?

Below is a list of some other attractions near Niagara Falls:

  • Niagara SkyWheel
  • Journey Behind the Falls
  • Skylon Tower
  • Maid of Mist & Cave of Winds

 

Did you know that you can hike around Niagara Falls? There’s a fantastic hike here called the Goat Island Scenic Trail. As you might expect, it’s a waterfall hike (I mean, you are surrounded by great falls, after all!) and it offers its own unique scenery and beauty. The trail is paved so it’s easy to navigate, especially if there are multiple generations and/or physical abilities in your group.

I’m looking for some of the best day trips in Buffalo for children.

Some of the best day trips in Buffalo for children include:

  • The Buffalo Zoo
  • Buffalo AKG Art Museum
  • Tifft Nature Preserve
  • Letchworth State Park

 

Buffalo is a great place for children, and there is a wealth of attractions dotted all over the area that entertain, educate, and inspire. For starters, there is the Hidden Valley Animal Adventure Park. Located in Varysburg about an hour away from Buffalo, it is an awesome 60-acre animal safari park with over 400 wild animals, some of whom visitors can interact with like the zebras and giraffes. Hands-on, interactive activities can also be enjoyed right in town at the Buffalo Museum of Science. Here, kids and their adult companions will find exciting exhibits featuring wildlife, the planets, ancient civilizations, and so much more.

Where can I find a weekend getaway spot near me?

There are lots of great weekend getaway spots in Western New York. Lake Placid is one of the most famous and well worth the journey. It’s beautiful all year round but people really love it in the winter months for enjoying some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the state. In Allegany, one of the most popular places to visit is Allegany State Park where you can enjoy camping, hiking, bird watching, biking, and between late June and mid-July the phenomenon of the synchronous fireflies. The latter is a truly amazing treat! It's when, during the firefly mating season, the two species congregate, and the males light up the night in an attempt to attract the females. It’s a light show unlike any other!

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