Niagara Falls is a must-visit place for all Americans. Here are some of the best things to do in Niagara Falls New York that you shouldn’t miss during your trip.
Niagara Falls Bike Tour
The Bike the Falls bike tour is the only bike tour in and around Niagara Falls State Park and Niagara Falls New York. With 3 tours daily this 2 to 3 hour there are plenty of opportunities each day to go on this tour.
The Bike the Falls tour was one of the highlights of my trip to Niagara Falls. The ride around the state park was beautiful and our guide gave so much historical information. It was such a stark contrast from the hustle and bustle from the Canadian side of the falls.
We got the see the following during out time on the tour:
- Three Sisters Islands
- Goat Island
- The Niagara Gorge
- Upper River Rapids
- Terrapin Point
- Horseshoe Falls
- And a few other stops
If you’re looking for an outdoor activity during your trip, I recommend this as one of my favorite things to do in Niagara Falls New York.
Read More: Explore Nearby Buffalo, New York
Explore Niagara Falls State Park
Even though we biked through Niagara Falls State Park during our tour, we went back to walk around afterward and explore the trails. I think that every visitor should enjoy the park at different times of day to see the changes from sun up to sun down.
Start at the Niagara Gorge Discovery Center to learn about the natural and local history of Niagara Falls. With plenty of hands-on exhibits, this is a great place for the whole family.
To help you get around use the Discover Niagara Shuttle to explore the lower gorge area and get some adventurous hiking trails. I’d recommend Devil’s Hole Rapid and Giant Rock and Whirlpool Rapids Adventure Park.
Devil’s Hole Rapids and Giant Rock
A moderately difficult trail, anyone hiking the Devil’s Hole Rapids and GIant ROck trail must be 8 years old or older. The trail takes about 2 1/2 hours to hike in total. This hike begins in Devil’s Hole State Park.
Whirlpool Rapids Adventure Hike
The most challenging hike in Niagara Falls State Park, Whirlpool Rapids Adventure Hike should only be explored by experienced hikers, who are at least 8 years of age. This epic hike includes boulder hopping and takes approximately 3 hours to complete. The trail begins at Whirlpool State Park.
Pin it for Later
Discover Street Art in Niagara Falls
In Downtown Niagara Falls and scattered throughout the city, there are plenty of amazing murals to discover.
My favorite spot to check out a bunch of street art is in the downtown area in a place called Art Alley. Including 19 murals this public art space will make ant fan of street art smile. It is located at 425 Third Street Niagara Falls, New York.
Read More: The Perfect Night out in Buffalo, New York
Walk the Rainbow Bridge to Canada
This is one of the only things I didn’t do that I wanted to while in Niagara Falls New York. I couldn’t do it because at the time I was renewing my passport. It showed up at my house the day after we left on our road trip of Upstate New York.
Rainbow Bridge spans Niagara Gorge from the US to Canada. The views from the bridge are supposed to be amazing and you can enjoy a little time over in Canada. However, if you don’t bring your US Passport getting back into the country is going to be difficult.
Get drenched at the Cave of the Winds
Will and I went to the Cave of the Winds and we didn’t know if we were going to like it or if it was going to be super touristy. And while it was pretty touristy, we LOVE IT!
It was a whole experience with interactive exhibits and a movie before heading to the elevator to get the falls. I was impressed with how much information we received out the history of the area, the falls, and the attraction.
Use caution walking around on the platforms as they’re slippery and take your time enjoying the area. Make sure you experience the Hurricane deck. You’ll get drenched, but you’ll feel the power of the falls, and get as close to the falls as you can! Cave of the winds is a must do for any Niagara Falls itinerary
See the Falls at Night
Evenings at Niagara Falls is magical! Depending on the time of year you visit there can be fireworks and the falls will be lit up, they call it Illuminations.
The best place on the US side to view Illuminations is from Bridal Veil Falls and from the Horseshoe Falls viewing area. Unfortunately, fireworks do not happen year-round. Check out the Fireworks and the Illuminations schedules.
Go for a Stroll in downtown Niagara
Don’t forget to explore the downtown area of Niagara Falls. There are lots of yummy restaurants and fun things to do in Niagara Fall New York that get overlooked because of the falls.
One morning while walking around Will and I discovered this awesome Lego wall. We made have played with it for a while. We’re pretty much giant children.
Ride the Maid of the Mist
What would a trip to Niagara Falls be without a ride on the Maid of the Mist?
This classic Niagara Falls attraction gets you closer to Horseshoe Falls than any other experience in the area, and is one of the most popular things to do in Niagara Falls New York.
For over 100 years the Maid of the Mist has been taking visitors to explore the falls. They give out ponchos so you don’t get wet when you’re in the mist, but bring your own rain gear and save some plastic.
