Best Parks & Green Spaces in Rochester, New York, United States

1. Highland Park

Historic park with beautiful gardens and a scenic view of the Genesee River.

Botanical Gardens: Features a diverse collection of plants and flowers, including an iris garden.
Rochester Museum & Science Center: Located within the park, offers interactive exhibits for all ages.
Susan B. Anthony Statue: Honors the famous suffragist and Rochester native.

A scenic roadway lined with trees, offering a tranquil escape from the city.

Architecture: Features historic homes and monuments along its route.
Scenic Views: Provides panoramic views of the city and nearby parks.
Pedestrian Friendly: Designed for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists to enjoy.

A peaceful park offering a sandy beach, fishing pier, and picnic areas.

A multi-use trail spanning 12 counties and 95 miles.

Length: One of the longest recreational trails in New York State.
Variety of Scenery: Offers a mix of urban, suburban, and rural landscapes.
Accessibility: Connects numerous parks, villages, and towns along its route.

A popular spot for picnics, baseball games, and bird watching.

Sports Facilities: Includes baseball diamonds, soccer fields, and tennis courts.
Wildlife Viewing: Home to numerous bird species, including blue herons and ospreys.
Historic Carousel: Features a restored historic carousel with hand-carved figures.

A sprawling park with golf courses, beaches, and hiking trails.

Golfing Options: Offers two 18-hole courses: a public course and a private course.
Beaches: Features three sandy beaches along Lake Ontario.
Hiking Trails: Provides a variety of trails for hikers of all skill levels.

A large park with sports facilities, gardens, and a historic mansion.

Sports Facilities: Includes soccer fields, baseball diamonds, basketball courts, and tennis courts.
Historic Mansion: The George Eastman Museum showcases photography and film history.
Rochester Lilac Festival: Hosts an annual festival celebrating the city's beautiful lilacs in bloom.

A hilltop park with panoramic views of Rochester and the Genesee River.

Panoramic Views: Provides stunning views of the city and surrounding areas.
Sports Facilities: Includes baseball diamonds, soccer fields, basketball courts, and a golf course.
Monuments: Features the Soldiers and Sailors Monument, honoring Rochester's veterans.

A modern park featuring a performance pavilion and interactive water features.

Performance Pavilion: Hosts concerts, festivals, and other events throughout the year.
Interactive Water Features: Includes fountains and sprays for visitors to enjoy during warm weather.
Urban Setting: Located in downtown Rochester, offers a unique cityscape backdrop.

A natural forest offering hiking trails, camping sites, and wildlife viewing.

Hiking Trails: Provides a network of trails for exploring the forest.
Camping Sites: Offers designated campgrounds for overnight stays.
Wildlife Viewing: Home to numerous bird species, deer, bears, and other wildlife.

A scenic park featuring a 215-foot waterfall and hiking trails.

Waterfall Viewing: Offers a breathtaking view of Taughannock Falls.
Hiking Trails: Provides trails for exploring the park and surrounding areas.
Camping Sites: Offers designated campgrounds for overnight stays.

A waterfront park with picnic areas, fishing spots, and a pier.

A historic park featuring waterfalls, ruins, and hiking trails.

Waterfalls: Offers a scenic view of multiple waterfalls.
Historic Ruins: Features the remains of an old iron furnace and mill.
Hiking Trails: Provides trails for exploring the park and surrounding areas.

A natural area offering bird watching, hiking, and boat launch facilities.

Bird Watching: Home to numerous bird species, including shorebirds and waterfowl.
Hiking Trails: Provides trails for exploring the area.
Boat Launch Facilities: Offers access to Irondequoit Bay for boaters and kayakers.

A riverside park with a splash pad, playground, and picnic areas.