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Nothing can surpass the feeling of new life and thaw with spring, the careless warm days of summer, the autumnal beauty of changing leaves, and even the crisp clean cold of a winter’s day. Rochester is one of these places blessed with the magic of seasons, and in this post we’ll show you how to make the best of each one!

Winter

Winter in Rochester can be cold and snowy, but it brings a cozy and seasonal charm! Enjoy outdoor activities like cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and sledding in local parks, or go to some local ski resorts like Swain or Bristol mountains for downhill skiing. For ice skating, the Manhattan Square Park downtown transforms into a rink where you can glide against the backdrop of city lights.

You can also take this time to enjoy Rochester’s many indoor activities. Rochester has museums for everyone—science-enthusiasts can nerd out at the Rochester Museum and Science Center, while the young at heart can bring out their inner child at the Strong Museum of Play. The George Eastman Museum offers a spectacular history of photography, and those missing the summer heat can check out the tropical indoor gardens at the Lamberton Conservatory.

No matter the season, Rochester offers a variety of activities to enjoy the beauty and culture of the region year-round. Whether warm, sunny summer, or cold, windy winter, every season brings its own charm and countless things to enjoy!

Spring

Spring brings the end of winter, and a breath of freshness into the city. This is the time to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors, as trees and flowers spark to life. A must-visit is Highland Park, home to countless flowering plants and trees, including giant magnolia bushes and over 500 varieties of lilacs. Don’t miss the annual Lilac festival, which includes live music, craft vendors, and food stalls, and attracts visitors from all over the state.

Nature lovers should also explore hiking trails in Durand Eastman Park, with walks along Lake Ontario and Mendon Ponds Park, which was designated a Natural Historical Landmark due to its many complex glacial features.

Spring sports fans can catch the Rochester Red Wings, the city’s minor league baseball team, as their season kicks off. Nothing says spring quite like a day at the ballpark with a hot dog and some local craft beer!

Summer

Summer in Rochester is all about outdoor fun, with temperate summer temperatures and long days filled with sunshine. Head to Ontario Beach Park to swim, sunbathe, or enjoy the nearby theme park Seabreeze. The Genesee Riverway Trail offers fantastic biking and walking paths with scenic views of the river. Biking north from the U of R brings you to Lower Falls Park for a refreshing waterfall adventure, and biking south brings you to Pittsford to enjoy its scenic canalway. Don’t forget to grab some ice cream at Pittsford Dairy!

Rochester is also famous for its summer festivals. The Rochester International Jazz Festival draws top musicians from around the world, transforming the city into a hub of live performances and great food. The Corn Hill Arts Festival is another summer favorite, featuring works from local and national artists. Finally, at the end of summer Rochester invites performing acts and other entertainment for the week-long Fringe Fest.

Fall

Fall in Rochester is marked by the brilliant colors of autumn foliage. Check out the colors in local parks, such as Highland Park or Mount Hope cemetery, or, if you’re down for an adventure, travel to one of the nearby state parks. Two of the local favorites are Letchworth, known as the “Grand Canyon of the East” for its stunning canyon and views, and Watkins Glen, which also displays unique and beautiful rock fixtures.

Fall also means apple-picking season in the surrounding Finger Lakes region. Visit local orchards like Wickham Farms for a classic autumn experience, complete with hayrides, pumpkin patches, and corn mazes. Also, for a spookier autumn experience, look for some haunted hayrides and haunted corn fields to give you a thrill—if you dare.