Buffalo is a great place to live. Not only do we have great attractions, restaurants, and events right in the city, we’re also located near several other great cities with their own great attributes. Whether you’re planning a quick staycation or just a fun day trip, here are nine must-visit destinations that are within driving distance from Buffalo.
- The Strong Museum (Rochester)
The Strong Museum - Facebook Rochester has several great destinations within driving distance from Buffalo. One of the most popular of which (and the most family-friendly) is The Strong Museum. This children’s museum attracts visitors from near and far! But if you’re from Buffalo, you don’t have to travel far to get there.
Address: 1 Manhattan Square Dr., Rochester, NY 14607
- Corning Museum of Glass (Corning)
Corning Museum of Glass - Facebook This next destination is a bit of a further trek, but once you step inside the Corning Museum of Glass, you’ll be glad you traveled the miles! Corning is located roughly two hours from the City of Buffalo, so it’s definitely within driving distance. We highly recommend taking a trip here for the natural beauty that surrounds the area.
Address: 1 Museum Way, Corning, NY 14830
- Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls USA - Facebook The shortest trip of the bunch is from Buffalo to Niagara Falls. Our beautiful neighbor to the north is located just 20 minutes from the City of Buffalo. You haven’t lived until you’ve seen this natural wonder up close and personal!
Address: Niagara Falls State Park, Prospect St., Niagara Falls
- Toronto, Ontario
Toronto City - Facebook You’ll need your passport for this one, but if you’re ever looking for a big city getaway that doesn’t include the Big Apple, a trip to Toronto is a must! This city is just over a two-hour drive from Buffalo.
- MOST (Syracuse)
GoogleMaps/Museum of Science & Technology Syracuse is big for BBQ joints and sports games, but one little-known gem is tucked away in this city within driving distance from Buffalo, and it’s pretty phenomenal! Educational family fun awaits you at the Museum of Science and Technology (MOST) downtown.
Address: 500 S Franklin St., Syracuse, NY 13202
- Sonnenberg Gardens (Canandaigua)
Flickr/Doug Kerr If natural beauty is your thing, consider a trip to Canandaigua to visit the Sonnenberg Gardens. This stunning place will take your breath away, but try to save some to breathe in the sweet aromas of the flowers surrounding you while you’re there!
Address: 151 Charlotte St., Canandaigua, NY 14424
- Finger Lakes
Flickr/redisant Speaking of Canandaigua, the entire Finger Lakes region is a great trip idea within driving distance from Buffalo. Bring your boat to enjoy the lakes or bring your friends to enjoy the wineries. Whatever you choose, this region is a great place to get away from it all!
- Rock City Park (Olean)
Rock City Park - Facebook Olean, NY might not be known for many things, but it’s home to Rock City Park, and that’s good enough for us! This park is truly amazing with rock structures taller than you’ve ever seen around WNY!
Address: 505 NY-16, Olean, NY 14760
- Watkins Glen State Park (Schuyler County)
Flickr/Meghan Hess Another impressive rock formation awaits you just 2.5 hours from Buffalo at Watkins Glen State Park. This town is known for its car racing and waterfalls, and it’s all located within driving distance from Buffalo!
Have you ever been to these destinations within driving distance from Buffalo? Do you have any others to recommend? Share your favorite day trip treks with us in the comments below!
The Strong Museum - Facebook
Rochester has several great destinations within driving distance from Buffalo. One of the most popular of which (and the most family-friendly) is The Strong Museum. This children’s museum attracts visitors from near and far! But if you’re from Buffalo, you don’t have to travel far to get there.
Address: 1 Manhattan Square Dr., Rochester, NY 14607
Corning Museum of Glass - Facebook
This next destination is a bit of a further trek, but once you step inside the Corning Museum of Glass, you’ll be glad you traveled the miles! Corning is located roughly two hours from the City of Buffalo, so it’s definitely within driving distance. We highly recommend taking a trip here for the natural beauty that surrounds the area.
Address: 1 Museum Way, Corning, NY 14830
Niagara Falls USA - Facebook
The shortest trip of the bunch is from Buffalo to Niagara Falls. Our beautiful neighbor to the north is located just 20 minutes from the City of Buffalo. You haven’t lived until you’ve seen this natural wonder up close and personal!
Address: Niagara Falls State Park, Prospect St., Niagara Falls
Toronto City - Facebook
You’ll need your passport for this one, but if you’re ever looking for a big city getaway that doesn’t include the Big Apple, a trip to Toronto is a must! This city is just over a two-hour drive from Buffalo.
GoogleMaps/Museum of Science & Technology
Syracuse is big for BBQ joints and sports games, but one little-known gem is tucked away in this city within driving distance from Buffalo, and it’s pretty phenomenal! Educational family fun awaits you at the Museum of Science and Technology (MOST) downtown.
Address: 500 S Franklin St., Syracuse, NY 13202
Flickr/Doug Kerr
If natural beauty is your thing, consider a trip to Canandaigua to visit the Sonnenberg Gardens. This stunning place will take your breath away, but try to save some to breathe in the sweet aromas of the flowers surrounding you while you’re there!
Address: 151 Charlotte St., Canandaigua, NY 14424
Flickr/redisant
Speaking of Canandaigua, the entire Finger Lakes region is a great trip idea within driving distance from Buffalo. Bring your boat to enjoy the lakes or bring your friends to enjoy the wineries. Whatever you choose, this region is a great place to get away from it all!
Rock City Park - Facebook
Olean, NY might not be known for many things, but it’s home to Rock City Park, and that’s good enough for us! This park is truly amazing with rock structures taller than you’ve ever seen around WNY!
Address: 505 NY-16, Olean, NY 14760
Flickr/Meghan Hess
Another impressive rock formation awaits you just 2.5 hours from Buffalo at Watkins Glen State Park. This town is known for its car racing and waterfalls, and it’s all located within driving distance from Buffalo!
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