From stunning scenery to exciting wine tastings, Niagara Falls, New York offers the perfect East Coast weekend getaway for anyone. Known for its sprawling Niagara Falls State Park, this NY town offers stunning waterfall views, peaceful, nature-focused vibes, and a laid-back atmosphere that makes for a memorable escape. Beyond the falls, Niagara Falls, New York also offers great resort-style stays, unique dining experiences, and more, enough to fill a 2-3 day weekend. If you’re thinking about escaping to see this beautiful trio of waterfalls along the Niagara River — here’s what to know first.
Where to stay
Once you’ve set your sights on a trip to Niagara Falls, New York, it’s time to choose where to stay. One of the best places to stay is Seneca Resort & Casino, an AAA Four Diamond property that offers a true resort experience for a trip to the falls. You’ll find everything you need in one place, including comfortable accommodations, top dining options, a year-round indoor pool, and easy access to Niagara Falls State Park.
If you’re feeling lucky, you can also hit the casino after a day exploring the falls. If you visit during the warm weather, this resort also offers Western New York’s Premium Golf destination: the Seneca Hickory Stick Golf Course. One of my favorite parts about staying at Seneca Resort & Casino was the relaxing indoor pool & spa. I love unwinding in the jacuzzi, even when it’s chilly outside. While other accommodations in the area offer a more intimate hotel experience, such as The Giacomo Hotel, Seneca packs the most amenities into one place.
Where to dine
As beautiful as the falls are, no trip is truly complete without good food. Knowing where to eat can help make your Niagara Falls trip even more memorable. While dining options are limited compared to larger towns, you can still find plenty of excellent spots for mouthwatering bites. For an upscale, romantic dinner, check out Western Door Steakhouse inside Seneca Resort & Spa for premium steaks and seafood. Locals also praise the Red Coach Inn Restaurant, a staple known for its historic, English-style dining room. Webster’s Bistro & Bar in nearby North Tonawanda is another great option for upscale French cuisine.
During my visit, I had the pleasure of dining at Savor Restaurant, a unique open-kitchen restaurant inside the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute. This restaurant offers a fun, unique experience because culinary students run it entirely, providing real-world, hands-on experience for students studying Culinary Arts, Pastry Arts, and Hospitality. Enjoy an exceptional three-course, prix fixe menu while supporting student chefs as they showcase their talents. If you’ve never had anything like this, I highly recommend making a reservation during your visit to Niagara Falls. If you don’t have time for dinner, this restaurant also offers a prix fixe lunch menu.
What to discover
Sure, where to stay and where to dine are important parts of planning any trip. But if you’ve decided to visit Niagara Falls, you’re probably here for the main event. Two of the three massive waterfalls that make up Niagara Falls are located on the New York side: Bridal Veil Falls and American Falls. What makes the New York side so special compared to the Canadian side is the stunning Niagara Falls State Park, the oldest state park in the United States. With free access, you can enjoy amazing views of the falls, scenic walking trails, and a serene, commercial-free escape spanning over 400 acres.
This park is easy to navigate, with plenty to explore during the day. Of course, you can’t miss the iconic, historic Maid of the Mist boat ride that takes you up close to the falls. For an even more drenching experience, try the Cave of the Winds, where you can stand just 20 feet from the base of Bridal Veil Falls. I also recommend coming back at night to see the falls lit up for a different view. While admission to certain attractions like Maid of the Mist costs money, it’s pretty cool that the state park is always there to enjoy 365 days a year, free of charge.
Where to sip
Western New York is known for exceptional wine, so if you love a good tasting, be sure to check out some of the region’s standout wineries. Arrowhead Spring Vineyards is in Lockport, New York (about 30 minutes from Niagara Falls). This beautiful winery has a great tasting room open daily from 12 to 6 p.m. and serves a rotating, seasonally-inspired lunch menu.
The wine tastings here are delicious (and well worth the drive), and the winery is also committed to sustainable farming. They produce only wines that respect the local surroundings and soils. On-site, you can see how they use clean energy, including a 10-kilowatt wind turbine and roof-mounted solar panels. Bella Rose Vineyard & Winery is also another great option nearby, located in Lewiston.
