Accessible Guide to Rochester, NY

Rochester sits on the Genesee River, a short hop from Lake Ontario, with neighborhoods that feel local and welcoming. It’s known for photography and film (hello, George Eastman), a serious arts scene, and a calendar that stays busy from spring through fall. Families come for hands-on museums. Music lovers plan trips around festivals. Food people chase markets and breweries. And when you need a dose of nature, a 96-foot waterfall sits right in the middle of downtown.

For travelers with disabilities, Rochester is a great option for a getaway. Many hotels and attractions already have mapped accessibility details, so you can check entrances, bathrooms, parking, and layouts before you go.

This guide walks you through getting around, where to stay, what to do, and a few events worth timing your visit around.

Getting Around Rochester

Getting around Rochester is pretty simple. Having a car helps, especially if you want to visit spots outside the city, but it’s not essential. Downtown is walkable and easy to navigate, with riverfront paths that connect landmarks like High Falls, Geva Theatre, and the Rochester Public Market. You can roll or stroll between a lot of places without much effort.

If you want the flexibility to explore farther, renting a car is a good move. Parking’s straightforward, and most attractions have accessible spaces close to the entrances. The Greater Rochester International Airport is only about 10 to 15 minutes from downtown. You’ll find the major rental companies there, and the process is quick. For a wheelchair-accessible van, United Access rents WAVs in the area — just make sure to book ahead, especially if you’re traveling in the busy summer months.

Public transportation also works well for getting around the city. The RTS bus system covers Rochester and the nearby suburbs. All buses are wheelchair accessible with ramps and securement areas, and the RTS Access program offers door-to-door service for those who qualify. If you’re staying downtown, the bus system is reliable for short rides to restaurants, shops, or the market.

If you’re flying into Greater Rochester International Airport, accessible taxis and rideshares are available right outside baggage claim (though WAV is not available), or you can pre-arrange an accessible van through United Access and they can potentially meet you there.

Overall, Rochester is easy to move around once you’re here. A car gives you freedom to visit places like the Genesee Country Village & Museum or even the Finger Lakes, but if you’re staying close to the city center, you can easily get by without one.

Where to Stay in Rochester

Where you stay in Rochester depends on what kind of trip you want. Downtown puts you closest to the main attractions — the Strong National Museum of Play, High Falls, the Rochester Museum and Science Center, and the East End dining district. It’s a good choice if you prefer to be able to walk or roll to restaurants and entertainment.

Right in the middle of it all, the Hyatt Regency Rochester offers modern rooms and river views. It’s connected by skywalks to the convention center, so you can get around comfortably even in bad weather. A few blocks away, the Hilton Garden Inn Rochester Downtown is a dependable mid-range option with a casual restaurant on-site — great if you want something walkable and convenient without a big price tag.

If you’d rather stay somewhere quieter (and save a little), look toward Greece or Henrietta, both short drives from downtown. The Home2 Suites by Hilton Greece Rochester and Home2 Suites by Hilton Rochester Henrietta both include kitchenettes and breakfast, making them good for longer stays or family trips.

For short stays or for those flying out early might prefer the Fairfield Inn Marriott Rochester Airport, located right next to the terminal. It’s practical, affordable, and keeps transit simple.

Finally, the DoubleTree by Hilton Rochester is a solid all-around pick — an indoor pool, restaurant, and easy access to the expressways make it a good middle ground between city and suburbs.

Wherever you stay, you’ll find verified accessibility information for entrances, parking, and bathrooms, so you can plan with confidence.

Accessible Things to Do in Rochester

Rochester has a great mix of history, culture, and fun. From world-class museums to outdoor spaces and local favorites, there’s something for everyone — and much of it is already mapped for accessibility.

High Falls & Genesee Brew House

A 96-foot waterfall right in the middle of the city? Only in Rochester. High Falls drops into the Genesee River gorge, and you can catch the best view from the Pont de Rennes pedestrian bridge. Just across it is the Genesee Brew House, where you can grab lunch or a beer on the rooftop patio overlooking the water — a perfect mix of city and nature.

Genesee Country Village & Museum

Step back in time at the Genesee Country Village & Museum. About 25 minutes from downtown, this living history museum recreates what life looked like in 19th-century Western New York. You can walk through historic homes, watch blacksmiths and bakers at work, and learn how everyday tools were made before industrialization. It’s one of those places that feels both educational and relaxing — a nice break from the city pace.

Rochester Public Market

Locals have been coming here for more than a century, and it’s easy to see why. The Rochester Public Market is always buzzing — vendors selling produce, flowers, baked goods, and street food that smells amazing. It’s one of those places where you get a real sense of the city just by walking around and talking to people.

The Strong National Museum of Play

If you’re visiting Rochester, this is the one you can’t skip. The Strong celebrates play — from vintage pinball and arcade games to giant board games and toy exhibits that span generations. Kids love it, but adults do too (it’s hard not to when you find the toys you grew up with). Plan a few hours — there’s a lot to see.

George Eastman Museum

The former home of Kodak’s founder, George Eastman Museum tells the story of how photography shaped the modern world. You’ll see historic cameras, film reels, and galleries filled with iconic images — all inside a preserved mansion that’s just as impressive as the exhibits themselves. The gardens outside are especially nice when the weather’s warm.

Memorial Art Gallery

Part of the University of Rochester, the Memorial Art Gallery blends classic and modern art in a way that feels approachable. You’ll find everything from ancient sculptures to contemporary installations, plus rotating exhibits that keep things fresh. The museum has a calm atmosphere — perfect for a slower afternoon — and the outdoor sculpture garden is a hidden gem worth a walk-through.

Seneca Park Zoo

Rochester’s zoo has been around for more than 100 years and continues to grow. You’ll find elephants, lions, and polar bears, plus smaller exhibits that focus on conservation and sustainability. It’s an easy place to spend a few hours, especially on a sunny day.

Events in Rochester

Rochester has a full calendar of festivals and events, especially from spring through fall. The city’s mix of art, food, and live music makes it easy to plan your visit around something fun.

Rochester International Jazz Festival

Each June, downtown turns into one big concert venue during the Rochester International Jazz Festival. Hundreds of artists — from global names to local performers — play across clubs, theaters, and outdoor stages. Most venues are accessible, and many shows take place within walking distance of each other, which makes it easy to catch more than one in a night.

Rochester Lilac Festival

Held every May in Highland Park, the Rochester Lilac Festival celebrates spring in full color. The park’s gardens bloom with more than 500 varieties of lilacs, and the festival adds food trucks, live music, and craft vendors. The main pathways through the park are paved, and accessible parking is available nearby.

Erie Canal Bicentennial Celebrations

The Erie Canal helped shape Rochester’s history, and the bicentennial celebrations bring that story to life with parades, boat tours, and family activities along the water. Events pop up throughout the year in nearby canal towns like Fairport and Pittsford, and they’re easy to visit as a short drive from downtown.

Plan Your Accessible Rochester Visit

Rochester combines small-city convenience with big cultural energy. You can spend a morning at a museum, grab lunch by the river, and still fit in a show or game that night — all without rushing. The mix of historic landmarks, local flavor, and easy navigation makes it a strong choice for an accessible getaway.

With hotels, attractions, and transportation options already mapped for accessibility, you can plan your trip knowing what to expect before you arrive. Whether you’re coming for a festival, a family visit, or just to see what Upstate New York has to offer, Rochester makes it simple to enjoy.

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Accessible Rochester