Last Updated on July 30, 2024 by Kristin
Just a quick drive from the world-famous Niagara Falls, bustling Buffalo offers world-class institutions including the Albright-Knox Art Gallery and Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra amidst a sprawling waterfront district. Buffalo is also the perfect starting point for a variety of road trips, ranging from big-city breaks to places to relax in nature. Here are the best road trips from Buffalo.
Fabulous Road Trips from Buffalo
Ellicottville
51.5 miles / 55 mins.
Just under an hour’s drive from Buffalo lies the charming village of Ellicottville, a hub for outdoor sports, wine tastings, boutiques and cozy cafés. Known for its Holiday Valley ski resort during the winter months, Ellicottville is also a popular summer getaway thanks to its craft brewery scene, golf and mountain biking trails. It’s also a great starting point for a trip to the 65,000-acre Allegany State Park, a forested wonderland featuring lakes, hiking trails and cabins.
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Toronto, Canada
99 miles / 1 hr. 25 mins.
Got your passport with you? Consider a visit to the sprawling lakeside metropolis of Toronto. Canada’s biggest city has an unrivaled collection of museums, top-rated restaurants and nightlife to keep any traveler busy for days. Zoom to the top of the more than 1,800-foot CN Tower for a sky-high dining experience and panoramic views. Catch a ballgame at Rogers Centre. Or visit the Royal Ontario Museum to browse the country’s largest collection of art and historical artifacts from around the world. For a night on the town, Old Town is where to find charming restaurants. >> Recommended hotels in Toronto
Ithaca
155 miles / 2 hr. 40 mins.
Located in New York’s Finger Lakes region, Ithaca is home to Cornell University, Ithaca College, and a seemingly endless amount of options for scenic drives, hikes and breathtaking overlooks. Locals often joke about Ithaca’s “gorges” scenery, thanks to its nearby waterfalls and state parks. For an afternoon in the city, check out Cornell’s sprawling botanic gardens and the Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art. To explore nature, cruise down Route 89 around Cayuga Lake to sample local wine or take a hike in Taughannock Falls State Park.
Cleveland, Ohio
189 miles / 3 hr. 2 mins.
Just about three hours from Buffalo lies Cleveland, a lakeside city known for its sports teams, unique museums and food scene. Start downtown at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame to browse decades’ worth of artifacts about music legends, and work your way toward the West Side Market for lunch to savor homemade delights from more than 100 vendors. On the East Side, check out the world-famous Cleveland Museum of Art and stop in the historic Little Italy neighborhood for pizza and gelato. Relax by the lake on Edgewater Beach, or browse the funky galleries and small shops scattered across the Ohio City, Tremont and Detroit-Shoreway neighborhoods.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
219 miles / 3 hr. 20 mins.
With cultural attractions at every turn and a scenic layout, Pittsburgh makes for one of the best road trips from Buffalo. While the so-called “Steel City” may sound tough, a number of beautiful museums and parks lie within city limits. Pittsburgh is home to the Andy Warhol Museum, Carnegie Museum of Natural History and Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, just to name a few. The Duquesne Incline, a unique train originally opened in 1877, provides stunning views of the nearby landscape. Hungry? Head to the bustling Strip District to try Primanti Brothers’ famous stacked sandwiches, or go bar hopping in Lawrenceville. >> Recommended hotels in Pittsburgh
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The Poconos, Pennsylvania
296 miles / 4 hr. 49 mins.
Less than five hours from Buffalo, Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains offer an easy-access mountain getaway. Whether you are coming in the winter for snowy fun at the Big Boulder Ski Area or visiting in the summer for hiking, biking and water sports, you’ll find plenty of places to stay, from camp-style lodges to big resorts. >> Recommended hotels in the Poconos
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
324 miles / 5 hr. 40 mins.
Want to understand the scope and impact of the Civil War? Visiting Gettysburg—the site of the war’s turning point and the historic speech by President Lincoln—is a must. This National Military Park and National Cemetery in Pennsylvania can be explored by car, by foot, or even by Segway, while nearby downtown Gettysburg is rich with its own historic buildings and charming shops and restaurants. >> Recommended hotels in Gettysburg
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