Top Rated Attractions in Rochester

Mount Hope Cemetery has a vast, tranquil expanse of burial ground near Mount Hope Avenue. While winters cover the grounds in ice, the gravestones and monuments are shrouded with the calming shadows of lush green trees during summers. Built in 1938, the architectural style of the mausoleums and sepulchres is largely Victorian with Gothic elements. It is the last resting place for some of the eminent personalities like Frederick Douglass, John Jacob Bausch and Blanche Stuart Scott.

Highland Park, one of the most popular parks of Rochester, is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Home to a diverse collection of flowers and plants, it includes 1200 lilac shrubs and a variety of more than 700 varieties of ododendron, azaleas, mountain laurel and Andromeda and is an absolutely wonderful sight to the sore eyes. Sprawled across 20 acres, it features picnic areas, benches, hiking trails and is an idyllic place for the perfect day out. It also houses the Lamberton Conservatory, Warner Castle, an outdoor amphitheater and a memorial for the Vietnam martyrs.

One may call it a place for children to be, but Strong National Museum of Play is much more than that. A very unique museum, the whole idea surrounding it is to understand 'play' as a science which aids in the total mental development of children. It hosts various guest lectures and features many interactive exhibits and a library. A great experience for a learner, the Strong National Museum of Play has something for every age group.

For all those who like photography, George Eastman House is the place to be. It is named after George Eastman, the founder of the renowned Eastman Kodak company. This photography museum is the oldest one around and is a treasure trove of rare photographs, film archives and prints. Formerly occupied by George Eastman, his house has been converted into a museum and visitors can check out the estate, the museum and the house garden. It also hosts events, exhibitions and programs on a regular basis.

Memorial Art Gallery situated in the heart of Rochester is a museum exhibiting everything from age-old relics to contemporary art created by popular artists from across the globe. With over 12,000 works of art and other exhibits, this unique museum is home to one of the most diverse collections in the country. The two floors of this museum feature various fascinating galleries like Arts of Africa, Oceania & America, Helen H. Berkeley Gallery of Ancient Arts and many others that are full of interesting exhibits from the medieval, as well as, modern era. Do not forget to visit the sculpture park featuring an excellent collection of sculptures from different eras, made by different sculptors from across the globe. Apart from the permanent collection, Memorial Art Gallery plays host to a wide range of temporary exhibitions, lectures, talks and other events throughout the year.

Scream your heart out on their thrilling rides like Screamin' Eagle and Log Flume, or ride on the famous roller coaster Jack Rabbit. Seabreeze Amusement Park is among the top 12 amusement parks in the world and was established in 1879, also making it one of the oldest. Ever since, it has been offering memorable times to not only Rochester citizens but also those in up-state and central New York. For water enthusiasts, try their water park features like Hydro Racer or Soak Zone. Catch the Cirque En Vol show and become enthralled by the stunning athletic feats. Get a glimpse of the park's history at the Carousel Museum or shop for unique souvenirs at their gift shop. Offering more than 65 attractions, it is indeed a great family entertainment spot.