Craving a fun-filled weekend? We have just the ticket. Niagara Falls USA is a great destination for all the family – there’s so much to see and do, and it’s an easy journey from New York. Here’s your guide to the perfect weekend in Niagara Falls USA:

Niagara Falls USA: How to Get There

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You can fly into Buffalo Airport (about 30 minutes away from the Falls) or Niagara Falls International Airport (just 15 minutes from downtown). By car, Niagara Falls is a short road trip from major cities like Toronto (2 hours), Cleveland (3.5 hours), and NYC (6–7 hours).

Niagara Falls USA: Where to Stay

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We stayed at DoubleTree by Hilton Niagara Falls – it’s the perfect hotel for experiencing the falls with comfortable family rooms and river views that lend a sense of serenity between adventures. The hotel is set along the Niagara River, blocks from Niagara Falls State Park. Parkway Prime Steakhouse, the hotel’s in-house restaurant, serves decent breakfast so you’re well positioned to fuel up before exploring.

Things to Do in Niagara Falls USA

There’s so much to do in Niagara Falls USA – we were genuinely wowed by the abundance of activities and attractions on offer, from fun boat trips to stunning balloon rides. Every activity on our weekend trip was toddler-approved, but equally memorable for grown-up travellers craving a little wonder. Here’s an ideal schedule for your trip:

Things to Do in Niagara Falls USA: Friday

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After a morning flight, get situated and tick off some bucket-list Niagara experiences:

Afternoon: Start with some classic experiences – don the signature blue poncho and hop aboard the legendary Maid of the Mist. The now electric boat ride brings you thrillingly close to the roaring falls: expect mist against your skin, windswept hair and the wild whoosh of falling water. With tickets easy to book online and frequent tours, it’s a good anchor for any flexible itinerary.

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To keep the adventure going, stroll over to Cave of the Winds and step out onto Hurricane Deck. It’s the only place you can nearly touch Bridal Veil Falls – prepare to get wet!

Dinner: Settle in at Parkway Prime Steakhouse or if you’re craving comfort food, nearby La Cucina di Mamma offers elegant Italian cuisine with superb service.

What to Do in Niagara Falls USA: Saturday

For Coffee: Begin your morning at SPoT Coffee, just outside Niagara Falls State Park, for great coffee and light food. If you’re up for more local flavour, Misty Guild Café is a hidden gem near Niagara Street, serving delicious pastries and coffees.

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Morning: The Niagara Falls State Park is an epic playground – free to enter and filled with miles of scenic trails through greenery, rapids, and sparkling vistas. Goat Island is a tranquil escape with panoramic viewpoints and inviting picnic spots to celebrate the falls from above and below, perfect for stretching little legs.

Afternoon: Step out of the mist and into Old Fort Niagara, one of North America’s oldest forts. Wander ancient ramparts with breathtaking river views, and catch seasonal demonstrations with costumed interpreters. For families, we loved the Aquarium of Niagara.  It’s a small but mighty aquarium with a focus on Great Lakes species, marine conservation and sensory fun for visitors of all ages.

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Evening: If you’re up for a wow moment, book a Live on Air Fallsview Balloon Ride – you’ll hover above the falls by night with panoramic views and catch some fireworks.

Sunday

Morning: Spend a lazy morning exploring Lewiston’s charming village streets, browsing boutiques for indie homeware and gifts at Research and Design, then stop by Village Bake Shoppe for local cakes.

Lunch: For lunch, head to Brickyard Pub & BBQ in Lewiston, a locals’ favourite offering slow-smoked barbecue, baby back ribs and a laidback vibe. The ribs are so good!

Afternoon: Double up the nostalgia at Olcott Beach Carousel Park, where rides for children cost only a quarter and there’s daily magic shows. The splash pad and county park next door offer even more options to stretch out and relax. Stop for an ice cream at the nearby Wilson Boat House.

Evening: Make your way to Sunset Grill in Wilson, a hidden gem nestled near the harbour. Enjoy cocktails on the patio with live music on Sundays, as you watch the sun slip below Lake Ontario’s horizon – the perfect finale to your weekend.

Niagara Falls USA: A Little Extra

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If you’re craving an extra dash of Niagara magic, plan your visit around one of the region’s vibrant festivals. We visited during August’s Northwest Jazz Festival in Lewiston, where the village turns into a celebration of sound spanning multiple stages and genres. Bring a blanket, join the cheerful buzz, and let the music soundtrack your getaway. You can discover all of Niagara Falls USA’s upcoming festivals and special events here. 

We loved our weekend in Niagara Falls – from classic boat rides and balloon rides to jazz festivals – the Falls has something for everyone. It’s an easy weekend break from the bustle of the city, with some outdoors experiences worth travelling for.

Plan your trip to Niagara Falls today and find out more here.