Rochester, located on the shores of Lake Ontario, has a long history as an industrial center. It’s grown into a modern, vibrant community filled with cultural attractions. In addition to offering nice views of Lake Ontario, it’s close to many hiking trails and other bodies of water in the Finger Lakes region.
Renting an RV for a trip to Rochester can make your journey more memorable. You’ll be able to travel freely, at your own pace. At the end of a busy day, sit back and relax at your campground. RVs are perfect for vacations because they offer comfortable accommodations and let you spend quality time with your group.
Search RV rentals in the Rochester area.
Preparing for Your Rochester RV Trip
You’ll find a wide range of RVs available for rent in Rochester, including those that are ideal for a couple of people and those with room for up to eight or 10. Think about how much space you’ll need for your crew as well as whether you’d prefer to rent an RV that you can drive or a travel trailer.
RVshare features helpful guidance for planning your RV rental:
• The Basics of Renting an RV
• What to Do After Booking an RV
• What Size RV to Choose
• Parking Tips for Your RV
To find a perfect campground, start by thinking about what kind of amenities you’d like to have. You might want to look for places, like the Letchworth Valley Campground & Resort, with swimming pools and playgrounds, for example. The Tamarack Campground might also be intriguing since it’s close to hiking and biking trails.
Find other campground options in our comprehensive list of top-rated campgrounds in Rochester.
Day 1: Looking Back in Time
Morning: George Eastman Museum
George Eastman, founder of the Eastman Kodak Company, played a huge role in advancing the photography and motion picture industries. At the George Eastman Museum, learn about early photography and cinema, tour the well-manicured gardens, and take a look at his mansion. You might get a chance to listen to a music recital or see a film at the Dryden Theatre.
Lunch: Jines
Jines has been part of the Park Avenue neighborhood since 1971. This family-owned business serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner at any time. The comfort food available at this cozy spot can fuel you for the rest of the day.
Afternoon: Susan B. Anthony Museum & House
The National Susan B. Anthony Museum & House is a National Historic Landmark, and it was once the home of the famous civil rights leader. It also served as the headquarters of the National American Woman Suffrage Association. At this museum, learn about important causes, including abolition, suffrage, education reform, and labor reform.
Setting Up Camp
Check in at your campground and figure out where to park your RV. If necessary, level things out, chock your wheels, and connect to hookups. You may feel more settled when you take out your outdoor furniture and set up a place to hang out. Would you prefer to leave these tasks to someone else? Many RV owners offer delivery, in which they drive their RVs to campgrounds and set everything up for those renting their vehicles. If this interests you, filter for delivery options when looking for a rental RV.
Dinner: Cook at the Campground
Having a cookout at your campground can be a nice way to draw the day to a close. Pick up some ingredients at one of the many supermarkets in the area, or visit Swan Market for drinks, sausages, and other German deli items. If you plan on going to Swan Market, stop by earlier in the day, since they close at 2 p.m. on the weekends and 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.
Day 2: Head Outdoors
Morning: Highland Park
Highland Park has many attractions, including the Lamberton Conservatory, where you’ll see plants from all around the world. The Warner Castle looks quite stately with its Gothic style, and it stands out amidst a green background. Behind the castle, there’s a sunken garden that’s a popular place to take pictures.
Lunch: As Evi Turkish Cuisine
Whether you’ve never had Turkish food or have enjoyed it before, a stop at the As Evi Turkish Cuisine restaurant could be a real treat. Consider trying the kebabs, entrees, or pide, which is similar to flatbread. The restaurant serves cold dishes, salads, and sandwiches as well. To finish off the meal, order a baklava, kataifi, or knafeh dessert.
Afternoon: Seneca Park Zoo
Visit the Seneca Park Zoo to get up close to exotic creatures. It’ll almost feel like you’re traveling the world as you view penguins from Africa, polar bears from the Arctic Circle, tigers from Asia, and many others.
Evening: University of Rochester
Walk around the University of Rochester, which sits alongside the Genesee River. Wilson Quad, Eastman Quad, and Rush Rhees Library are some of the main attractions on campus.
Day 3 and Beyond in Rochester
Perhaps you have a few more days to spend in Rochester. Rochester is close to many areas where you can take a lovely walk, and it also has many interesting museums.
• Discover and explore new ideas at the Rochester Museum & Science Center. Interact with the exhibits, watch some of the live science demonstrations, and watch a show at the planetarium.
• Check out the Mount Hope Cemetery. It might not have crossed your mind to visit a cemetery during your trip, but this cemetery has attracted many guests. It was founded in 1838 as America’s first municipal Victorian cemetery, and it’s home to many ornate monuments and memorials. Tours are offered if you’re interested in an organized event.
Winter Activities
Winter temperatures can get pretty low, but don’t let that stop you from visiting Rochester. During the winter, the city offers an outdoor skating rink at Martin Luther King, Jr. Park. You could try your hand at skiing, too. Book a lift ticket along with rental equipment or a lesson if you need it, and have fun on the slopes at Bristol Mountain.
Indoor Activities
Indoor activities in Rochester can be enjoyable during any season. View the extensive collection at the Memorial Art Gallery at the University of Rochester, or if you have children in your group, take part in the activities at The Strong National Museum of Play. It’s aptly named and has two floors of interesting displays.
Rent an RV so that you can easily fill your two days in Rochester with excursions to museums and beautiful outdoor areas. You’ll have many options to consider in regards to what type of RV to rent, and any RV available in Rochester will be convenient to have when touring the region.
