Buffalo/Niagara Region
Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls
A Daycation in Niagara Falls isn’t just seeing one of the most famous waterfalls in the world! There is a lot more to see and do here to keep you busy. From the oldest Fort in the Northeast to learning how the 3rd biggest hydroelectric plant in the United States works - there are a lot of unique sightseeing options. There are also some great restaurants, historic hotels, and challenging hikes that are part of the reason that Niagara Falls is the most visited tourist destination in New York State outside of New York City!
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Lodging
Breakfast - The Red Coach Inn isn’t just a quaint historic hotel that we recommend you to stay in, their breakfast is fantastic as well. Creme Brulee French Toast, Pancake Napolean, and a Crab Omelete are unique and are a very tasty way to start your Niagara Falls Daycation. Another option is the Marketside Restaurant. They have traditional breakfast options that always hit the mark and the prices are very reasonable.
Morning Itinerary
Niagara Power Vista - Lewiston
Besides being a very impressive thing to see up close and personal, Niagara Falls also provides hydroelectric power for almost 4 million homes in the U.S. and Canada. The Power Vista Museum has exhibits that teach you how electricity is made, how the power plant was built, and numerous other things relating to the dam. The view of the Niagara gorge is pretty cool as well.
Old Fort Niagara - Youngstown
They don’t make ‘em like they used to! Fort Niagara was built in 1726 and it is still in excellent working condition nearly 300 years later. It is a great place to check out on your Niagara Daycation because it gives you a picture of what life was like 300 years ago before the United States was even a country. The view from the top of the Fort that is pictured here is pretty impressive since the fort sits across the river from Canada and Lake Ontario is to your right.
Niagara Gorge Trail - Niagara Falls
You won’t have time to do all three things in the morning and make it back to Niagara Falls for your afternoon itinerary, but if hiking is more your thing than the Fort and/or Power Vista, it is 6.5 miles from the gorge trail in Lewiston to Niagara Falls, and you can turn around at any time and take the other trail (upper or lower) back. We do suggest that you stop at the park and get a picture of the gorge from the upper rim trail. Even if you don’t have time/energy to hike the Upper Rim Trail or be more adventurous and take the 200+ steps down to the lower trail that you will have to climb back up at the end of your hike, it is still worth the photo opp!
Lunch - After your morning activities in the Lewiston area, head back to Niagara Falls for lunch. We always like a restaurant that has a lighthearted atmosphere and the Griffon Gastropub fits that bill perfectly. From the “No Moo for You” Veggie Burger to the Kangaroo Burger that is always listed as “Out of Stock”, there is plenty of fun on the menu. But there is also plenty of tastiness with the food to accompany said comedy. From the Bahn Mi Nachos with Vietnamese flavors - pulled pork with toasted sesame-sriracha aioli to Pan Seared Salmon with Mango Salsa, there are plenty of great options. With over 50 beers on tap (and plenty of wines) there are many great ways to wash down the food as well. Another option if you want to marvel at the view of the powerful falls while you are eating is the Top of the Falls Restaurant on Goat Island. They feature western New York favorites with locally sourced food and beverages. It is only open from May to October, but if you want a relaxing meal with the best view in town, it is the place to go.
Afternoon Itinerary
Goat Island/Cave of the Winds - Niagara Falls
You can just almost reach out and touch the Falls when you are on Goat Island. On one side of the island is the Canadian Falls and the other is the American. The Cave of the Winds tour is located here as well. We recommend that you get your tickets early. The tour is open year round, but you can only get your tickets on Goat Island and in the busier times, the wait can be 3 or 4 hours. Walking around the island and seeing both sets of falls takes about 30 minutes to an hour.
Maid of the Mist - Niagara Falls
If there is one touristy thing that you absolutely have to do on your Niagara Falls Daycation, it is getting the up close and personal with the falls on the Maid of the Mist tour. Looking up at the 167 foot high and 800 yard wide falls is one of the most awe inspiring experiences that you will ever have. You can bring your own rain poncho or use one that they provide, but you will definitely get wet. The mist from the powerful falls floats through the air 24x7, but on a hot summer day, it is a welcome refreshing cool down that is free of charge. While you are waiting for your Maid of the Mist tour, you can check out the Niagara Adventure Theatre. It is a 30 minute film that takes you on a virtual thrill ride up the Niagara River and teaches you about the history, myths, and adventures of the Falls.
Aquarium of Niagara - Niagara Falls
With over 1500 different aquatic animals to see, the Aquarium is a good stop for families, rainy days, or some down time from the crowds that flock to the Falls. There are interesting exhibits for people of all ages here and it is a cool learning experience about aquatic creatures from around the world and next door in Lake Ontario.
Jet Boat Tours - Lewiston
No trip to Niagara Falls for the adventurer type is complete without a ride up the Niagara River on the Jet Boat! Don’t worry, you don’t have to be a crazy 20 something with a death wish to enjoy this ride. A semi-faint-hearted 50 something will be able to handle the trip just fine. It is a really fun way to experience the speed and power of the Niagara River and they have an enclosed boat for those who don’t want to get wet.
Schulze Winery - Burt
Schulze is one of the best wineries in the Buffalo/Niagara region. They have numerous great wines including sparkling wines, Ice Wine, and great traditional dry and semi-dry wines. It is about 30 minutes from Lewiston, but it is the perfect way to end the afternoon on your Niagara Falls Daycation!
Dinner
If you are wondering why a coffee house is rated as the best restaurant in the Niagara Falls area, there are a few reasons. 1) on Wednesday to Friday nights it isn’t just a coffee house. 2) if you have a meal there you will realize why we rate it as the best restaurant, and 3) their food and wines are phenomenal! From the outside it is nothing special, but by the end of the three course meal, our entire group was saying the exact same thing - “that was one of the best meals that I have ever had!” You also can’t go wrong with Savor. It is one of the best fine dining restaurants in the Buffalo/Niagara region. It is part of the Niagara Culinary school and they create unique and tasty dishes that are fantastic. The Western Door at the Seneca Niagara Casino has great steaks and seafood typical of an upscale Steakhouse.
Evening Itinerary
Artpark Concert - Lewiston
Artpark is a concert venue and cultural center 6 miles from Niagara Falls. In the summer they have concerts that can hold 10,000 people in the outdoor amphitheater. There are also numerous indoor and outdoor art exhibits that you can peruse at any time. It is a great venue for concerts with a beautiful view of the Niagara Gorge.
Seneca Niagara Casino - Niagara Falls
Another concert venue right in Niagara Falls is part of the Seneca Niagara Casino and Resort. The Events Center holds 440 people but they draw big name singers, comedians, and occasional boxing matches. Of course, the resort has many other attractions like the casino, spa, restaurants, bars, and typical Vegas style offerings. It is a great place to unwind after your numerous Niagara daytime activities.
Niagara Falls at Night - Niagara Falls
The falls are lit up beautifully at night and the Observation Tower is the best place to see them. For most major holidays like New Year’s Eve, July 1st (Canada Day) and July 4th, there are great fireworks displays as well.