Highland Park Tours

Highland Park showing a sunset
Highland Park showing a garden
Highland Park featuring a park
Highland Park featuring a garden
Highland Park showing a garden


Full of interesting plants as well as numerous memorials and architectural features, this Olmsted-designed arboretum is one of Rochester’s most-photographed areas.

Best known for its annual Lilac Festival, Highland Park is an essential part of Rochester’s reputation as the “Flower City.” Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, who created New York’s Central Park, to take advantage of the varied glacial terrain, it functions both as a public park and an arboretum, home to countless species of plants. Take time to smell the roses, as well as the lilacs and magnolias, as you while away the hours in this urban oasis that feels a million miles away from the hubbub of downtown Rochester.

Spend a whole day wandering past the well-labeled trees and shrubs of the park. Find the hidden lanes of rhododendrons and azaleas that explode with color in the spring and summer or relax in the shade of the park’s Japanese maple collection.

Admire the ever-changing design of the pansy bed, featuring more than 10,000 plants. Sit on a stone bench adorned with the words of William Shakespeare in the Poet’s Garden as you write your latest opus or simply watch the world go by.

Explore the faux Scottish Warner Castle, once part of a lavish estate given to the city in lieu of back taxes. Traipse through the serene stone vaults of the Sunken Garden, one of Rochester’s favorite wedding photography settings.

Wander through the rest of the park in search of the many visually arresting monuments, from the bronze tribute to Frederick Douglass to moving memorials for the Vietnam War and victims of HIV/AIDS. In summer, see a show at the Highland Bowl. In winter, sled down the hills or skate on Lily Pond as your breath frosts in front of you.

Highland Park sprawls south of downtown Rochester, next to the University of Rochester’s main campus. Take public transportation to the park from Rochester’s main train station in 20 minutes or drive in 10 minutes. Limited parking is available on the street and in metered parking structures nearby. Highland Park is open to visitors without restrictions, though it is best visited during daylight hours. The conservatory is open daily from mid-morning to early afternoon for a small fee.

Plan a trip to see Highland Park

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Hyatt Regency Rochester
RIT Inn & Conference Center
The Strathallan Rochester Hotel & Spa - DoubleTree by Hilton

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Highland Park

Hilton Garden Inn Rochester/University & Medical Center

Hilton Garden Inn Rochester/University & Medical Center

3 out of 5
30 Celebration Drive, Rochester, NY
Hilton Garden Inn Rochester/University & Medical Center
Hyatt Regency Rochester

Hyatt Regency Rochester

3.5 out of 5
125 East Main Street, Rochester, NY
Hyatt Regency Rochester
Hampton Inn & Suites Rochester Downtown

Hampton Inn & Suites Rochester Downtown

2.5 out of 5
101 South Union Street, Rochester, NY
Hampton Inn & Suites Rochester Downtown
The Strathallan Rochester Hotel & Spa - DoubleTree by Hilton

The Strathallan Rochester Hotel & Spa - DoubleTree by Hilton

4 out of 5
550 East Ave, Rochester, NY
The Strathallan Rochester Hotel & Spa - DoubleTree by Hilton
Lovely old family home

Lovely old family home

Rochester
Lovely old family home
Beautiful Highland Park home; fast internet-close to Brighton,

Beautiful Highland Park home; fast internet-close to Brighton,

Rochester
Beautiful Highland Park home; fast internet-close to Brighton,
Fresh Modern Apartment - Walking Distance to U of R/Strong Hospital

Fresh Modern Apartment - Walking Distance to U of R/Strong Hospital

Rochester
Fresh Modern Apartment - Walking Distance to U of R/Strong Hospital
Modern 4 BR/2 Bath House near University of Rochester

Modern 4 BR/2 Bath House near University of Rochester

Rochester
Modern 4 BR/2 Bath House near University of Rochester
Entire house in a vibrant neighborhood - 3 Beds

Entire house in a vibrant neighborhood - 3 Beds

Rochester
Entire house in a vibrant neighborhood - 3 Beds
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Highland Park

Highland Park offers a variety of enjoyable activities for visitors, including lively festivals, live music events, and local sports. For a fun-filled day, check out the water slides nearby and explore the vibrant city of Rochester, which is just a short distance away. Whether you're looking for outdoor adventures or cultural experiences, Highland Park has something for everyone to enjoy.

Food and drinks

For a delightful experience near Highland Park, visit Casa Larga Vineyards, known for its romantic ambiance and entertainment, located 10 miles away. Lake Ontario Winery offers a similar vibe 16 miles away, while JD Wine Cellars, 15 miles distant, is perfect for wine lovers seeking a cozy atmosphere.

Shopping

In Highland Park, check out Park Avenue, a vibrant shopping area just 2 miles away, perfect for unique gifts. The Marketplace Mall, located 4 miles away, offers family-friendly entertainment and shopping options. If you're up for a drive, consider exploring other nearby shopping destinations for more variety.

Recreation

Explore the Blue Cross Arena for an energetic sports experience, just two miles from Highland Park. For a fun outing, check out Tim Hortons Iceplex, also two miles away, offering ice skating and entertainment. For a peaceful retreat, Ellison Park, five miles away, provides serene walking paths and relaxation spots.

Adventure

Explore the Heritage Trail, a scenic hiking experience located 2 miles from Highland Park, where adventure awaits among nature's beauty. For a thrilling challenge, visit the Red Barn Climbing Gym, situated 5 miles away, offering exciting climbing opportunities in an outdoor sports environment.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife in Highland Park with a visit to the Rochester Auditorium Theater for culture and romance. Just a short distance away, the Strasenburgh Planetarium offers family-friendly entertainment, while Horizon Fun FX provides adventure for all ages in an arcade setting.

Find the best attractions near Highland Park

Highland Park in Rochester, Monroe County, offers a delightful blend of cultural and outdoor experiences. Visitors can explore the beautiful urban park, enjoy the scenic views of nearby lakes, and immerse themselves in local culture at nearby colleges and universities. Don't miss a trip to Central Park or the stunning Niagara Falls, and consider exploring the Finger Lakes for a family-friendly adventure that showcases the region's natural beauty.

  • University of Rochester: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of this modern university, located just a mile from Highland Park. Explore its beautiful campus and engage with diverse academic offerings, making it an inspiring stop for visitors interested in education and innovation.
  • Strong National Museum of Play: A delightful children’s museum only a mile away, Strong offers interactive exhibits that celebrate play and childhood. With a focus on family and culture, it's a perfect destination for those traveling with kids, featuring engaging activities that foster creativity.
  • Rochester Riverside Convention Center: Situated two miles from Highland Park, this arts center is a hub for cultural events and exhibitions. Enjoy various performances and art showcases, making it an exciting stop for those interested in the local arts scene.

Best time to go to Highland Park

The best time to visit Highland Park can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Highland Park falls in July, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Highland Park falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January25.5°F (-3.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February26.4°F (-3.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
March34.3°F (1.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April45.0°F (7.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyLowSlightly High
May57.0°F (13.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyLowSlightly High
June65.1°F (18.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July71.2°F (21.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
August70.0°F (21.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighSlightly High
September63.9°F (17.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighAverage
October52.7°F (11.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighAverage
November40.8°F (4.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
December32.7°F (0.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyLowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Highland Park

When visiting Highland Park, Rochester, consider traveling between November and January for lower accommodation rates. Take advantage of free activities at nearby attractions like Marketplace Mall and the Genesee River. Use Expedia to customize your hotel search, filtering for the best prices and eco-friendly options. Combine hotel, flight, and activities into a package deal for additional savings. Don't forget to join Expedia's One Key membership for exclusive discounts and the chance to earn OneKeyCash for future stays. Public transport is also a budget-friendly way to explore the area.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Highland Park are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April to May and August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to customize your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and the type of hotel you’re looking for. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" option will show you a selection of sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay in Highland Park with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.