Location: Niagara Falls
Top Things to do in Niagara Falls
Top 10 Things to do in Niagara Falls, New York (NY)
A popular spot for getting wowed or soaked amid natural splendor, Niagara Falls attracts curious spectators and adventurous honeymooners from around the world. The splendid main attraction - more than six million feet of water cascading over a rocky crest - sits partially in the United States and partially in Canada. The U.S. side has recently been busy promoting other activities to lure visitors. Venues like the Aquarium of Niagara offer parents fun and engaging alternatives for kids, after or in between visits to the Falls. Outdoor recreation such as hiking, biking, fishing and camping can be found at the Niagara Falls State Park. The storied history of attempts to conquer the majestic Falls is captured at the Daredevil Museum; the Schoellkopf Museum concentrates on the history and geology. There's more to the Falls than, well, the Falls, including a wide array of dining and lodging options, from budget to upscale. This awe-inspiring region makes for an exhilarating and multi-faceted getaway
Restaurants in Niagara Falls
1. Cave of the Winds
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6,081 reviews
This exciting tour outfits you in a hooded raincoat and takes you into a cave and then along a catwalk near the foot of the falls for an up-close, wet and very rewarding view of the thunderous, cascading waters.
Reviewed By Kierab2013
This was such a cool experience! My family and I walked to this attraction from the Rainbow Bridge. This tour had been much lower on our To-Do list, when it should have been at the top! We went on a Monday in late August and did NOT purchase our tickets ahead of time. We purchased our tickets when we got to the stand for the next available tour that day, which ended up being in 10 minutes. We didn't have to wait long at all! You get a quick history review about the area via a room like a museum, then watch a short video about the area. Finally, you get a poncho and velcro sandals (you can keep them or recycle afterwards) and then you're set to start your self-paced tour! Keep in mind there is no where to keep your belongings except with/on you (I wore a giant backpack under my poncho and most everything stayed dry inside it - they don't allow food or drinks, except water but they said if they don't see the food then it's fine). If you don't want to get drenched, avoid the Hurricane Deck. You will get great views of the American and Bridal Veil Falls and a slight view of the Horseshoe Falls (but for that I recommend walking a bit further from where you bought the tickets to view the top of the horseshoe falls).
2. Niagara Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7,961 reviews
Three magnificent falls, two American and one Canadian, mark the point at which the Niagara River rumbles over the Niagara Escarpment.
Reviewed By Alpana-traveltern - Lucknow, India
An awe inspiring natural wonder, made all the more inviting due to the ease of access and the all round service and facilities. The beauty and grandeur of the falls is in no way diminished by the presence of thousands of daily tourists, perhaps they only add to the overall feeling of excitement.
3. Whirlpool State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 551 reviews
Reviewed By 406jenniferp - Youngstown, United States
This was my first visit to the park. There are quite a few stairs to get down to the gorge. The views are picturesque and you can really appreciate the beautiful scenery. I would plan for at least a 1 1/2-2 hr. visit and hike on a cooler day. I highly recommend Whirlpool State Park and plan on visiting again.
4. Niagara Falls State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,392 reviews
A huge expanse of natural beauty, this oldest state park in the U.S. offers biking, fishing and cross-country skiing, and contains plenty of hiking and walking trails, including the Niagara Gorge Trail System, which affords great views of both the falls and the gorge.
Reviewed By mlevison1 - Teaneck, United States
We spent two days in Niagara Falls; One day on the American side and one day on the Canadian side. Both have a lot to offer and both are beautiful. While you can see the three falls by walking the trails within a state park on the New York side, you can also see these same three falls from the Canadian side by walking the pathway. From the New York side, the view is on top of the falls while the view from Canada is across the falls; each has its rewards and the same is true of both trips to the Falls in a boat (Maid of the Mist or Hornblower)
5. Bridal Veil Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 901 reviews
One of the American falls.
Reviewed By deebug2470 - Pittsburgh, United States
We enjoyed seeing these falls during our trip. It’s gorgeous the way the falls crash onto the rocks below. We got an up close view when we did the Cave of winds tour as well as the maid of mist boat tour. They can be seen from the viewing areas in the park as well.
6. Niagara Gorge Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 264 reviews
Reviewed By roberttZ1409KK
I grew up here as pre-teen in the early 1950s before the Robert Moses projects, exploring the gorge.
7. Three Sisters Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 524 reviews
Reviewed By N4156PHbillb - Pueblo, United States
We have visited Niagara Falls several times over the years and it seems to change slightly by season but this is the first time we visited Three Sisters Island. The amount of water flowing down the river made this trip different from the others. Access the island through Niagara State Park was easy...bypass the paid parking area and go straight to the island where parking is free. The paths on the island are wide and not crowded. The view from the island to the top of the Horseshoe Falls is truly incredible. Great place to spend an hour.
8. Niagara Falls Observation Tower
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,039 reviews
Reviewed By avenuegirl - Youngstown, United States
A must see!! The views of both Falls was fantastic and breathtaking as well as the Niagara River and the Canadian side.
9. Goat Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 282 reviews
Reviewed By Rptipple - Ostrander, United States
Beautiful!! Most lovely part of Niagara State Park, I visited the falls on the Canadian side as a child, and I’m glad that we were able to see the falls from this vantage point! Three sisters island was especially pretty with the fall colors.
10. Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls, USA
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 565 reviews
Newly remodeled and expanded, Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls, USA is conveniently located just ten minutes from the Niagara Falls State Park. It is a single level indoor outlet shopping experience featuring over 200 designer outlets offering great savings up to 75% off every day. The Center is anchored by Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5th and Forever 21 and is home to world-class brands like Coach, Disney, Guess, Kate Spade NY, Michael Kors, Burberry, Tommy Hilfiger plus national brands like Banana Republic, J.Crew, Nike, Perry Ellis, Reebok, Under Armour, Cole Haan and more. In addition to an outstanding selection of outlet retailers, Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls USA features a variety of quick-service food options available to shoppers at the food court. Additional amenities and shopping incentives are available such as the Green Savings Card offering exclusive discounts and incentives at your favorite participating stores and restaurants for only $5!
Reviewed By 622JimT - Hamburg, United States
Great place to shop....mall has everything you could want! Food court is good and area has more than enough parking!
