Rochester's signature draws are the George Eastman Museum and the Kodak legacy, showcasing photography and world-class photographic art, and the Strong National Museum of Play, a world-class children's museum and play-history institution. High Falls and the Genesee River gorge in the city offer beautiful waterfall views and scenic river trails, while the University of Rochester and the Eastman School of Music bring cultural events and concerts. The Memorial Art Gallery and the cultural districts feature American and contemporary art collections, and Lake Ontario, the beaches, and the Charlotte pier invite waterfront walks and beach days. The Erie Canal and the towpath trails provide scenic, flat cycling and walking paths, while Canandaigua and the Finger Lakes wine country nearby extend day-trip options. Spring brings the Lilac Festival and the city in bloom; summer offers peak museum season, lake beaches, and the jazz festival; fall presents foliage along the Genesee and wine-country harvest; winter brings lake-effect snow and indoor cultural retreats. Rochester rewards visits in every season, from spring lilac-festival strolls and museum days to brilliant autumn foliage and cultural-venue visits.
There is more within easy reach: Lake Ontario, the beaches, and the Charlotte pier; The Erie Canal and the towpath trails. Seasonal highlights include the Rochester Lilac Festival (May), the CGI Rochester International Jazz Festival (summer), University of Rochester events and Eastman concerts (year-round), Lake Ontario beach season and the Charlotte pier (summer), and the Finger Lakes wine-country harvest nearby (fall). Rochester rewards visits in every season, from spring lilac festivals and museum days to brilliant autumn foliage and winter cultural retreats.