If you've got the travel itch, don't worry - we've got a remedy for you. From places with natural beauty to fun and educational opportunities, and everything in between, gas up the car, pack up the family, and check out these 11 best day trips in Buffalo that are absolute must-dos!
1. Niagara Falls
We'll start with the obvious. Venture north of the city to Niagara Falls for shopping, sightseeing, adventures like the Maid of the Mist, or try your luck at the Seneca Niagara casino!
2. Ellicottville
Whether you're a ski bunny or more of the window-shopping type, Ellicottville has plenty of options for year-round entertainment! Head to the spa or salt cave to relax; shop for unique home decor and clothing on Main Street, and stay for the late night scene at Ellicottville Brewing Company or Balloons Restaurant & Nightclub.
3. Old Fort Niagara, Youngstown
Built in 1726, Old Fort Niagara sits proudly on the shores of Lake Ontario in Youngstown. Enjoy learning about the history of the fort year-round through either guided or self-guided tours. As an added bonus, if you visit Old Fort Niagara during one of their special events, you'll get the full effect with reenactors on-site.
4. Letchworth State Park, Letchworth
Coined as "The Grand Canyon of the East," Letchworth State Park consists of over 66 miles of hiking trails, waterfalls as high as 600 feet, and year-round activities for visitors. You can even choose to turn your day trip into an overnight with their tent and trailer campsites and winterized cabins.
5. Corning Museum of Glass, Corning
This museum blows – in a good way! Founded in 1951, the Corning Museum of Glass houses glass artifacts thousands of years old. While you definitely don't want to touch certain exhibits, the museum also offers make-your-own glass sessions for beginners and courses for all levels of glass making.
6. Roycroft Campus, East Aurora
Considered the birthplace of the arts and crafts movement, the Roycroft Campus in East Aurora offers tours, field trips, and educational programming. Fill your brain with knowledge of the campus and then head over to the restaurant for a hearty meal!
7. Museum of Science and Technology, Syracuse
The Museum of Science and Technology in Syracuse is a wonderfully fun and educational institution for people of all ages. Hands-on interactive activies are the mainstay here, bridging science, technology, our natural world, and more that we encouter in our lives every day. Plan to spend several hours here, as there is so much to see, do, and experience.
8. Presque Isle, Erie, PA
Presque Isle in Erie, PA is a quick drive from the city of Buffalo and a popular summer spot for beach-goers. Named by "Birders World Magazine" as one of the top birdwatching locations in the country, Presque Isle also has great beaches, biking trails, and features open air concerts in the summer months.
9. Chautauqua Institution, Chautauqua
Visitors to the Chautauqua Institution in the charming town of Chautauqua can stay for the day, night, or longer for educational experiences in arts, religion, and recreation. The Institution is a non-profit organization located minutes from beautiful Chautauqua Lake.
10. Buffalo & Erie County Botanical Gardens
The Buffalo & Erie County Botanical Gardens are absolutely stunning! A major draw for folks from all over Western New York and further afield, the history of the gardens dates back to 1900. Here visitors are literally surround by verdant plants and flowers from different regions and ecosystems across New York and from other parts of the U.S. Be sure to bring your camera to bring home shots of some of this amazing beauty.
11. Griffis Sculpture Park, East Otto
Located in Ashford Hollow, the Griffis Sculpture Park is a 400-acre outdoor exhibit consisting of 250 impressive sculptures created by a wide array of talented artisans. The park is a great place for families to explore and photographers to snap shots of plenty of unique subjects.
Where are your go-to spots to travel outside of Buffalo? Share your favorites with us!
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