There are many benefits to living in Buffalo, one of which is the city’s close proximity to dozens of top upstate New York attractions. In fact, you can visit plenty of fantastic places without having to fill your gas tank until you return. These are a few that are always worth the journey.
- Ellicottville
Mark Hogan / Flickr Ellicottville may be known for its ski resort, Holiday Valley, but that’s not all there is to this pleasant town. There are also plenty of summer events, shops, and hiking trails to keep you busy, and it’s only an hour away from Buffalo.
- The Chautauqua Institution
SBNorthCanton / TripAdvisor Located about 78 miles south of the city, the Chautauqua Institution makes a great summer day trip destination for art lovers. You’ll find performances, lectures, and music here, as well as golf, boating, and a fitness center.
- Darien Lake Theme Park
Darien Lake Theme Park Facebook Darien Lake is the largest water and theme park in New York, and it’s a mere 34 miles from Buffalo. In the summer, you’ll find concerts at the Darien Lake Performing Arts Center, but it’s a blast year-round.
- Letchworth State Park
Jim Liestman / Flickr Need a little nature in your life? You can get to Letchworth State Park from downtown Buffalo in less than 90 minutes. Known as the Grand Canyon of the East, you’ll see 600-foot cliffs and plenty of scenic overlooks, not to mention two restaurants and plenty of places for a picnic.
- Rochester
J. Stephen Conn / Flickr Rochester is only 74 miles from Buffalo, and it has a little something for everyone. If you have little ones, the Strong Museum and Ontario Beach Park will keep them occupied. Otherwise, the abundance of breweries, wine tasting, eateries, art galleries, and historical sites make for a great way to spend a day.
- East Aurora
Doug Kerr / Flickr East Aurora may be a mere 20 miles from Buffalo, but it seems like a different world. The Roycroft Campus prides itself on being the home of the Arts and Crafts movement, meaning you’ll find all kinds of handcrafted goods there.
- Griffis Sculpture Park, East Otto
Iguana_Joe / Flickr This amazing and unique sculpture park is about an hour’s drive from Buffalo, and it’s a fantastic place to relax and take photos. The 400-acre outdoor space features over 250 sculptures, ranging from quirky to elegant.
- Finger Lakes
Mike Procario / Flickr This road trip will likely take an entire tank of gas (round trip), but it will be well worth it. The Finger Lakes area is absolutely beautiful, featuring several state parks and the esteemed Seneca Lake Wine Trail.
- Allegany State Park
Mark K. / Flickr Obviously, autumn is an amazing time to visit Allegany State Park, when the fall foliage is out in full force. But you’ll find stunning scenery here all year long, and it’s a mere 70 miles south of Buffalo.
How many of these awesome day trips have you taken? Are there others you love? Let us know in the comments below!
Mark Hogan / Flickr
Ellicottville may be known for its ski resort, Holiday Valley, but that’s not all there is to this pleasant town. There are also plenty of summer events, shops, and hiking trails to keep you busy, and it’s only an hour away from Buffalo.
SBNorthCanton / TripAdvisor
Located about 78 miles south of the city, the Chautauqua Institution makes a great summer day trip destination for art lovers. You’ll find performances, lectures, and music here, as well as golf, boating, and a fitness center.
Darien Lake Theme Park Facebook
Darien Lake is the largest water and theme park in New York, and it’s a mere 34 miles from Buffalo. In the summer, you’ll find concerts at the Darien Lake Performing Arts Center, but it’s a blast year-round.
Jim Liestman / Flickr
Need a little nature in your life? You can get to Letchworth State Park from downtown Buffalo in less than 90 minutes. Known as the Grand Canyon of the East, you’ll see 600-foot cliffs and plenty of scenic overlooks, not to mention two restaurants and plenty of places for a picnic.
J. Stephen Conn / Flickr
Rochester is only 74 miles from Buffalo, and it has a little something for everyone. If you have little ones, the Strong Museum and Ontario Beach Park will keep them occupied. Otherwise, the abundance of breweries, wine tasting, eateries, art galleries, and historical sites make for a great way to spend a day.
Doug Kerr / Flickr
East Aurora may be a mere 20 miles from Buffalo, but it seems like a different world. The Roycroft Campus prides itself on being the home of the Arts and Crafts movement, meaning you’ll find all kinds of handcrafted goods there.
Iguana_Joe / Flickr
This amazing and unique sculpture park is about an hour’s drive from Buffalo, and it’s a fantastic place to relax and take photos. The 400-acre outdoor space features over 250 sculptures, ranging from quirky to elegant.
Mike Procario / Flickr
This road trip will likely take an entire tank of gas (round trip), but it will be well worth it. The Finger Lakes area is absolutely beautiful, featuring several state parks and the esteemed Seneca Lake Wine Trail.
Mark K. / Flickr
Obviously, autumn is an amazing time to visit Allegany State Park, when the fall foliage is out in full force. But you’ll find stunning scenery here all year long, and it’s a mere 70 miles south of Buffalo.
You don’t have to dedicate an entire weekend to road trips when you live in Buffalo. When you’re short on time but feel like a getaway, this list will help you plan your route.
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