Visiting upstate New York this summer? Looking for the MOST epic waterfalls in the country? Then a trip to Niagara Falls has to be at the TOP of your list!

*American Falls | View from the Maid of the Mist boat*

What to Do

When visiting Niagara Falls, you have two options 1) stay on the US side and enjoy the view of all three falls from the observation decks or 2) venture across the border into Canada for a more direct sight of the American Falls. Both sides have their own benefits and activities but for this trip we were only there for 1 day and stayed in America (pro: no passport required). Take in the 3 falls of Niagara, the American Falls, Bridal Veils and Horseshoe Falls, with 3,160 gallons of water pouring over the sides every second!

When we first arrived at Niagara Falls Airport, we checked into our hotel and headed straight to Niagara Falls State Park. Here you will find the visitor center, observation deck & tower, and trails all around the park with various outlooks. The first thing you will notice is the roar of the Falls! The park is huge, 435 acres, but luckily has the cutest trolleys to each of the lookouts! Definitely head over to Terrapin Point for the best view of Horseshoe Falls and a lovely little gift shop!

*Welcome to the Niagara Falls State Park! The oldest state park in America!*

Love fireworks? You’ll want to join the crowds at Prospect Park for fireworks throughout the summer and fall daily at 10pm. From here you can see the American Falls and the Ontario skyline. The illumination and fireworks against the rushing waters is stunning!

The next day we explored the park a bit more and took the famous Maid of the Mist Boat Ride! This was an absolute thrill to be on the water below the rushing waters! You are closer than you could have ever imagined to the powerful falls, just be careful to not get swept off your feet! You will 100% need your poncho, don’t think you can take the ride without getting at least a little wet.

If the Maid of the Mist is still a bit far from the falls for you, then you must visit the Cave of the Winds! Trade your blue poncho for the lovely yellow ones and expect to be fully soaked by the time you trek down the 175 wooden steps. You will literally walk beneath the Bridal Veils and get close enough to dance under the waters. This was my favorite activity that we did in the park!

Where to Eat

Visit the Red Coach Inn restaurant for a delicious & award-winning meal. Dinner in their cozy dining room was an excellent way to end our day at Niagara! Highly recommend visiting the restaurant whether or not you stay at the Inn!

Where to Stay

On the New York side, we stayed at the DoubleTree Niagara Falls. With a view of Niagara River flowing past the window of our room, the hotel was just down the road from the glorious falls! If you want to be even closer to the Falls, the Red Coach Inn is just steps away from the Niagara Falls State Park.

36 Hours in Niagara Falls | USA Edition

48 Hours in the City of Chicago