Pittsford New YorkATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Pittsford, New York.
1. Mendon Ponds Park
NATURAL WONDER PARADISE
Mendon Ponds Park stands as the largest park in Monroe County, offering visitors an expansive natural retreat. Visitors can explore diverse ecosystems including wetlands, forests, and glacial formations while enjoying activities like hiking, bird watching, and picnicking. During winter months, the park transforms into a wonderland for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing enthusiasts.
2. Powder Mills Park
NATURE'S PEACEFUL RETREAT
Powder Mills Park provides a serene escape with its lush woodlands and meandering trails. The park features historic powder mills from the 19th century, offering a glimpse into the area's industrial past while providing modern recreational amenities. Visitors can enjoy seasonal activities ranging from sledding in winter to fishing in the park's well-stocked streams during warmer months.
3. Fish Hatchery at Powder Mills
TROUT BREEDING WONDERLAND
The Fish Hatchery at Powder Mills offers visitors a fascinating look into trout breeding and conservation efforts. Guests can observe the life cycle of various trout species through viewing ponds and educational displays that highlight the importance of aquatic habitat preservation. The hatchery releases thousands of rainbow, brown, and brook trout into local streams annually, supporting both conservation efforts and recreational fishing.
4. Erie Canal
HISTORIC WATERWAY JOURNEY
The Erie Canal in Pittsford offers a picturesque section of this historic 19th-century engineering marvel. Visitors can stroll or cycle along the canal path while admiring charming bridges, wildlife, and passing boats that create a postcard-perfect scene. The waterway comes alive during summer months with kayakers, canal boat tours, and waterfront dining options that showcase the best of Pittsford's scenic beauty.
5. Pittsford Farms Dairy
ARTISANAL DAIRY DELIGHT
Pittsford Farms Dairy entices visitors with its farm-fresh dairy products and homemade treats in a charming historic setting. The family-owned establishment processes milk in small batches using a low-temperature pasteurization method that preserves natural flavors and nutrients. Guests can indulge in premium ice cream, chocolate milk, and seasonal specialties while browsing a selection of local goods in the quaint farm store.
6. Auburn Trail
SCENIC RAILROAD PATH
The Auburn Trail invites outdoor enthusiasts to explore its scenic route built on a former railroad bed. This multi-use path stretches for miles through woodlands, meadows, and residential areas, providing a safe corridor for walking, jogging, and cycling. Nature lovers can spot local wildlife and seasonal flora while enjoying the trail's gentle grades and well-maintained surfaces throughout the year.
7. Bristol Mountain Aerial Adventures
TREETOP THRILL SEEKERS
Bristol Mountain Aerial Adventures offers heart-pumping zipline experiences through the lush canopy near Pittsford. Adventurers can navigate through challenging aerial courses featuring suspended bridges, rope swings, and ziplines at various heights and difficulty levels. The attraction combines natural beauty with exhilarating challenges, providing unforgettable memories for thrill-seekers of different ages and abilities.
8. Hot Air Balloon Rides
SKYWARD SCENIC JOURNEY
Hot Air Balloon Rides present a magical way to experience Pittsford's picturesque landscapes from a bird's-eye perspective. Passengers float peacefully above rolling hills, farmland, and the historic Erie Canal while expert pilots share insights about the region. The adventure typically concludes with a traditional champagne toast, celebrating an unforgettable journey through the skies of western New York.
9. Schoen Place
CANALSIDE CHARM DISTRICT
Schoen Place captivates visitors with its collection of restored historic buildings along the Erie Canal waterfront. The charming district houses boutiques, eateries, and galleries within converted grain silos and warehouses that reflect the area's industrial heritage. Visitors can enjoy waterside dining, boat watching, and seasonal events in this picturesque gathering spot that embodies Pittsford's blend of history and modern amenities.
10. Sam Patch Erie Canal Tours
HISTORIC BOAT EXCURSION
Sam Patch Erie Canal Tours offers authentic canal experiences aboard a replica packet boat named after a famous 19th-century daredevil. Passengers enjoy narrated cruises highlighting the engineering marvels, cultural significance, and natural beauty of this historic waterway. The leisurely journey through locks and under historic bridges provides a unique perspective on Pittsford's relationship with the canal that transformed American commerce and transportation.
11. Shopping
RETAIL THERAPY HAVEN
Shopping in Pittsford offers diverse retail experiences from the upscale Pittsford Plaza to charming boutiques in the historic village center. Visitors can browse specialty shops like Mostly Clay for artisan pottery, Embrasse-Moi for designer fashions, and Pittsford Lumber for unique home goods. The shopping district combines small-town charm with sophisticated offerings, making it a delightful destination for finding distinctive treasures and everyday essentials.
12. Dining
CULINARY DELIGHT DESTINATION
Dining in Pittsford presents a rich tapestry of culinary experiences ranging from casual eateries to fine dining establishments. Food enthusiasts can savor farm-to-table cuisine at Label 7, enjoy authentic Italian dishes at Amore, or indulge in creative pub fare at The Coal Tower Restaurant. The village's diverse restaurant scene showcases local ingredients, international flavors, and waterfront dining options that cater to every palate and occasion.
13. Hiking
NATURAL TRAIL ADVENTURES
Hiking in Pittsford offers outdoor enthusiasts access to miles of scenic trails through diverse landscapes and ecosystems. Nature lovers can explore the extensive trail network at Mendon Ponds Park, wander through the woodland paths of Powder Mills Park, or enjoy the level terrain along the historic Erie Canal Heritage Trail. Each hiking destination showcases the region's natural beauty through different seasons, from spring wildflowers to spectacular autumn foliage displays.
14. Fishing
ANGLER'S PARADISE WATERS
Fishing in Pittsford provides rewarding experiences for anglers of all skill levels at several prime locations. Enthusiasts can cast their lines at Powder Mills Park, where the on-site fish hatchery ensures well-stocked streams with rainbow, brown, and brook trout throughout fishing season. The peaceful waters of Mendon Ponds and the Erie Canal also offer opportunities to catch various species while enjoying the serene natural surroundings that make Pittsford a fisherman's retreat.
15. Camping
WILDERNESS OVERNIGHT ESCAPE
Camping near Pittsford offers outdoor enthusiasts a chance to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Finger Lakes region. While Pittsford itself has limited camping facilities, nearby options include Hamlin Beach State Park with its Lake Ontario shoreline campsites and Letchworth State Park, known as the "Grand Canyon of the East," with its dramatic gorge views. Campers can enjoy starry nights, morning birdsong, and easy access to Pittsford's attractions for daytime exploration.