The settlement of Rochester, New York was founded shortly after the American Revolutionary War, and by 1830, it had a population of 9,200. In 1834, it was re-chartered as a city, and by 1838, it was the largest flour-producing city in the United States. In 1847, Frederick Douglass founded the abolitionist newspaper the North Star in Rochester, which gained a circulation of over 4,000 readers around the world. Susan B. Anthony was also born in Rochester. Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, Rochester experienced booms in a variety of industries and was the birthplace of many major companies.
Currently, Rochester has a population of around 212,000, and its economy is held up primarily by education and technology. The city is revered for its lively atmosphere, expansive parklands, beautiful bodies of water, and family-friendly attractions. If the weather is nice during your visit, you could walk through the picturesque arboretum of Highland Park, go for a swim at Ontario Beach Park, or enjoy a pleasant bike ride on the Genesee Riverway Trail.
If you're in Rochester with the family, there are numerous attractions worth visiting. The kids will certainly love spending the day at Seabreeze Amusement Park. Alternatively, you could hang out at the Strong - National Museum of Play or check out the various species at Seneca Park Zoo. There are quite a few other unique museums and learning centers to visit as well, such as the RMSC Strasenburgh Planetarium, the Rochester Museum & Science Center, and the George Eastman Museum.
Annual Corn Hill Arts Festival - This annual Rochester event showcases over 325 artists, live music on four stages, and a variety of family-friendly events. The festival takes place in early July at the Corn Hill Neighbors Association.
Finger Lakes Celtic Festival - Come celebrate Celtic culture in late May at the Finger Lakes Celtic Society. The event features all sorts of games, competitions, and live entertainment!
Rochester International Jazz Festival - The annual Rochester International Jazz Festival takes place over nine days in mid-June at the Eastman School of Music. Attendees will get to enjoy over 1,500 artists and 320 concerts.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park, which lies along the majestic Cuyahoga River, is the lone national park in Ohio. The park is home to the mighty Brandywine Falls, which towers 65 feet above the river and is one of 100 waterfalls in the park. Visitors can go paddling, fishing, floating on the river, or hiking along the 125 miles of scenic trails. There are also great opportunities for bird watching, biking, picnicking, stargazing, and horseback riding.
Acadia National Park is located in Maine and is home to the breathtaking Cadillac Mountain, which is the tallest mountain on the Atlantic Coast. The majestic mountain is one of seven peaks in the park that stand above 1,000 feet. The picturesque park also features ocean shores, lakes, and lush forests. During your visit, you can explore the 158 miles of lovely hiking trails, go horseback riding on the 16 miles of carriage roads, or go swimming, fishing, or boating in one of the many nearby lakes.
One of the most gorgeous national parks in the country is Virginia's Shenandoah National Park. The stunning outdoor haven lies among the Blue Ridge Mountains and contains mighty peaks, dense forests, powerful waterfalls, and a huge variety of plants and animals. The park is a fantastic hiking destination, and it even includes a stretch of the famous Appalachian Trail. Other popular activities around the park include rock climbing, mountain biking, horseback riding, and fishing.
Hamlin Beach State Park is situated on the shores of Lake Ontario, only a short drive northwest of Rochester. While you're at the park, you can go fishing, swimming, boating on the lake, or hike the six miles of beautiful trails. During winter, the trails are also excellent for snowmobiling.
Another lovely park on the shores of Lake Ontario is Lakeside State Park, which features opportunities for a variety of recreational activities. There are four miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, an 18-hole disc golf course, and a serene picnic area. Visitors can also do some angling or boating in the lake, and during winter, activities like cross-country skiing, snow trekking, and snowmobiling are great options.
Letchworth State Park comprises 14,000 acres of land in Central New York. The scenic park is a quality destination for practically every outdoor activity you can imagine. During your visit, you'll have opportunities for hiking, biking, watersports, fishing, and paddling. If you visit during winter, you'll be able to partake in snow tubing, cross-country skiing, or snowmobiling.
New York is home to a variety of awesome monuments and landmarks that you should consider visiting. One great example is the famous Erie Canal, which stretches across the northern part of the state. The canal was first proposed in the 1780s and completed in 1825, and you can explore it via paddling or cycling tours.
Right within Rochester, you can visit the Susan B. Anthony House, which is where the famous revolutionary lived, worked, and passed away. Today, visitors can walk through the house and grounds or participate in the social and educational events that are regularly held there.
Another amazing landmark found near Rochester is the canyon at Letchworth State Park, known as the Grand Canyon of the East. The breathtaking canyon is not only an impressive sight, but it also offers wonderful opportunities for hiking, river rafting, and much more.
When you need overnight accommodations, you can choose from the variety of peaceful campgrounds and RV parks around Rochester. One quality option is Red Rock Ponds, which boasts 242 RV sites available for $45 to $60 per night. The sites have full hookups, and there's a pond beside the campground that's perfect for fishing, boating, and swimming.
You could also camp at the Hughes Marina & Campgrounds, where there are 33 RV sites with full hookups available. Nearby fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing opportunities are also abundant around the campground.
If you go with the Cherry Grove Campground, you can rent a full-hookup RV site and use the park's swimming pool, basketball and volleyball courts, and playground.
In most areas, the price to rent a motorhome is around $200 a night and the price to rent a towable trailer is around $120 a night.
What does RVshare Protection cover with my Rochester, NY RV rental?RVshare's protection plan standard package covers up to $300,000 in comprehensive and collision coverage based on the value of the RV. It also includes free 24/7 roadside assistance and free towing and tire service. For more information on RVshare insurance, click here.
What do I need to know before renting an RV in Rochester, NY?Rochester has plenty of freeway access to make RV driving a breeze. The city is also home to plenty of parks, green spaces, and lakes and rivers to explore. Be sure to include time in your plans to visit the George Eastman Museum, the Seneca Park Zoo, and the National Susan B. Anthony Museum.
What are the RV rental requirements in Rochester, NY?There is no special license needed to rent an RV, but it never hurts to check state websites. if you are unsure about traveling there and any regulations they may have, double-checking with the state will provide some peace of mind!
What are some tips for first-time RV renters in Rochester, NY?Renting an RV in Rochester, NY means beautiful blue skies, lots of trees, and delicious (despite the name) garbage plates for lunch. Make sure you have a full tank of gas and plenty of food before you hit the road. You'll find plenty of RV campgrounds with pools and other fun amenities. Busy season is in the summer so book early to get your spot, or visit during the off-season to avoid crowds.
What are the minimum age requirements for renting an RV in Rochester, NY?The minimum age requirement for renting an RV is 25.
What is included in my Rochester, NY RV rental?You should find any amenities that are included with your rental in the listing details. But it never hurts to check in with the owner before you arrive at the RV or have it delivered to ensure you have everything that is needed to have a fun and enjoyable trip!
Are there pet friendly RVs for rent in Rochester, NY?Looking for a pet friendly RV rental? Use the pet-friendly filter when searching on RVshare.com to find the perfect one for you!
Can I have my Rochester, NY RV rental delivered to a specified location?Many owners on RVshare.com offer delivery, and will even set it up for you at the campsite. Choose the 'Delivery' filter to narrow down your search results to RVs that can be brought to your home or destination. Check the listing details for any information regarding extra fees for delivery, or ask the owner if you are unsure.
Are there one way rental options from Rochester, NY?One way rentals can add flexibility to your trip, but there are typically costs associated with returning the RV back to the owner. Learn more about one way rental options at rvshare.com/one-way-rv-rentals.