The 10 Best Things to Do in Niagara Falls, United States

December 27, 2017 Flossie Demartino

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

Goat Island, Niagara Falls, NY 14303 +1 716-278-1730
Excellent
86%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 4 reviews

Cave of the Winds

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 Clearwell - Cheshire

This was unbelievable! The Canadian version is quite sedate and respectful. The American version is up close and personal, and actually in the Falls!! So much so that it hurts!!

A bit of a queue, maybe two hours (late morning), but so worth it.

You get absolutely soaked, like you've had a shower. Watch your footing.

It is unreal. Best thing we did at Niagara, on both sides. Do it

2. Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls, NY 14301
Excellent
80%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 6 reviews

Niagara Falls

Three magnificent falls, two American and one Canadian, mark the point at which the Niagara River rumbles over the Niagara Escarpment.

Reviewed By GreeneLantern - Brunswick, Ohio

If you haven't been here you're missing out. A couple of hints though. Its 3.75 to cross into Canada and $20 to park near the falls. We stayed at comfort in which was a really close walk to the American side. Canada prices were way high so try to patronize the good old USA instead. It was really cold as the end is constant, so try to go when its above 45 degrees. Spectacular anytime though. The small museum on the American side is free and you can learn a lot. Traffic can get really backed up so keep watch and m as ke a break when the lines are short. It was 30 seconds coming back across, but they really grill you going into Canada.

3. Bridal Veil Falls

Niagara Falls, NY
Excellent
76%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 685 reviews

Bridal Veil Falls

One of the American falls.

Reviewed By TheJawsman - New York

Bridal Veil Falls is like the little sister of the American Falls next to it, with its older cousin, Horseshoe Falls, straddling the American and Canadian borders, and forming probably one of the most beautiful natural borders in the world.

Still majestic, despite the commercialization that has cropped up around it.

4. Niagara Falls State Park

332 Prospect St, Niagara Falls, NY 14303-1106 +1 716-278-1796
Excellent
71%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3 reviews

Niagara Falls State Park

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 Ken Q - Denver, United States

I visited the Falls in March so it was a little wintry but it was still a great place to visit. Very scenic and nice areas to walk.

5. Niagara Falls Observation Tower

333 Prospect St, Niagara Falls State Park, Niagara Falls, NY 14303 +1 716-278-1796
Excellent
67%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 687 reviews

Niagara Falls Observation Tower

Reviewed By Grapevine2015 - Sandown, New Hampshire

The tower was really high up , and you have a great view of the falls. The only issue is the cracked cement under your feet YIKES! But over all it’s nice

6. Niagara Gorge Trail

Whirlpool Street, Niagara Gorge Discovery Center, Niagara Falls, NY +1 716-278-1070
Excellent
71%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 223 reviews

Niagara Gorge Trail

Reviewed By Free S - Edmonton, Canada

This was an excellent hike. I did both #2 and #5 hikes. #5 which is the whirlpool trail is the most challenging and of course the most rewarding. The stairs by devils hole was closed off for construction so couldn't do that bit. You will definitely need proper hiking shoes and water. Sunscreen is not a bad idea either. I went late July and didn't take bug spray and I was just fine without it. I would also say don't be put off by those who mentioned doing the hike alone is dangerous. I am a female who is very directionally challenged and did the hike alone. As long as you have and are able to exercise basic common sense you will be fine. There are also orange markings on the rocks along the trail to point you in the right direction. I went on a Sunday about 1pm and it wasn't too busy but it did help to have other hikers around. The #5 hike and maid of the mist were my highlights of the trip. Don't miss this one.

7. Devil's Hole State Park

Robert Moses Parkway, Niagara Falls, NY 14305 +1 716-284-4691
Excellent
58%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 196 reviews

Devil's Hole State Park

Reviewed By geminigirlNewYork - new york

another option to view the niagra river....worth going to if you like to hike...the stairs were closed so we could not go down to the river...flat walking and free parking

8. Three Sisters Island

Niagara Falls, NY +1 716-278-1796
Excellent
57%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 401 reviews

Three Sisters Island

Reviewed By Brian R - Northridge, CA

We walked out here while we were at Niagara Falls State Park. Take your time and enjoy the walk and the views from the islands.

9. Whirlpool State Park

Off Robert Moses State Parkway, Niagara Falls, NY 14303 +1 716-284-4691
Excellent
53%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 452 reviews

Whirlpool State Park

Reviewed By raybyerley - Mandeville, Louisiana

We had already trekked around the Falls and goat island, but our kids wanted to hike down to the whirlpool area of the Niagara river downstream of the Falls. The first 1/3 is more or less straight down stone steps (~200’ down), the rest of the way to the whirlpool is fairly flat along and ~20’ above the river ( except for a few rocky areas to get across), hiking boots, with ankle support, would have been better than my running shoes. On top of the cliff overlooking the river is a good size parking lot and a building with restrooms ( however being winter season the restrooms were closed, so keep that in mind before you head out there in winter or scout out a dry tree on the trail).

10. Niagara Falls USA Official Visitor Center

10 Rainbow Blvd, Niagara Falls, NY 14303-1132 +1 877-325-5787
Excellent
60%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
4%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 216 reviews

Niagara Falls USA Official Visitor Center

The Niagara Falls USA Official Visitor Center is operated by Destination Niagara USA and conveniently located in the heart of the downtown Niagara Falls tourist district, just steps from Niagara Falls State Park. We offer an array of services to enhance your visit to Niagara Falls USA including areas maps and brochures, itinerary planning assistance, tour referrals and attraction tickets, public restrooms, free WiFi and luggage storage (nominal fee). Free 30 minute parking is available in the parking lot adjacent to the Visitor Center at the corner of First Street and Rainbow.

Reviewed By fisherman65 - Pennsylvania

We stopped in for specific info and left with so much info and lots of great suggestions from the staff.The people were loaded with ambition and knew every tourist attraction in the area.Hello, fisherman65! Thank you so much for taking the time to submit a review! We truly appreciate your feedback and hope to see you again soon in Niagara Falls USA!

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