WANT TO KNOW HOW TO PLAN ONE DAY IN NIAGARA FALLS, NY?
Niagara Falls is a breathtakingly beautiful natural wonder located along the border between the United States and Canada. This stunning set of three cascading waterfalls is one of the most popular tourist destinations in North America and a day trip to Niagara Falls, NY is the perfect way to explore this iconic destination.
Although you can experience the falls from both the United States and Canada, this post is going to focus only on the US side. If you want to read more about the Canadian side, click here to read that post!
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Where (and what) is Niagara Falls, NY
Located in western upstate New York, Niagara Falls is just a short 25 minute drive from Buffalo – so it’s perfect to do on a day trip! The falls offer visitors an experience that is both thrilling and unique.
When you think of Niagara Falls, you’re most likely thinking about the “U” shaped falls known as Horseshoe Falls on the Canadian side but there are actually two other waterfalls!
Many people think that the American side has just one waterfall but that is incorrect. There are actually two waterfalls on the American side. There is the self-titled ‘American Falls’ which is the bigger of the two, and the smaller one to the left is named ‘Bridal Veil Falls’.
How Much Time to Spend in Niagara Falls
So full disclosure, you won’t be able to see and do every single thing listed in this blog post in one day, unless you want a completely jam-packed day! But I wanted to make sure you had options, friend! This way you can pick and choose which activities suit you and your family best.
I do, however, think it is easier to do more things in one day on the US side vs. the Canadian side.
Ideally, you will spend one day in Niagara Falls, NY, stay the night, and then finish up the rest of the activities the next day before heading home. That is plenty of time!
Best Time to Visit Niagara Falls
The best time to visit Niagara Falls is going to be in the warmer months but it isn’t the only time you have to visit!
The falls are open all year round and so are most tours (with the exceptions of the boat tours). The winter months offer a beautifully different perspective when the ice from the Niagara River comes crashing over the falls. The falls never completely freeze, but it does give that illusion.
The summer months and warmer weather also means peak season and higher crowds. So keep this in mind when planning your visit. Lines will be longer, traffic will be heavier and it may limit your ability to pack more things into a one day itinerary.
But don’t let any of that deter you from visiting when the weather is warm. Summer is my favorite time to visit. The cool mist from the falls is a welcome feeling during those hot summer days.
One Day in Niagara Falls, NY – Things to do
It’s one thing to admire the beauty of Niagara Falls from afar, but what if I told you that you could actually experience their power up close!
The first two tours I’m going to tell you about are going to put you right in the heart of the Niagara Gorge and face to face with the falls themselves.
Maid of the Mist
Tour Length: 20 minutes
Cost: $28.25 ages 13+, $16.50 ages 6-12 and under age 5 is free
Address: Tour departs from Niagara Falls State Park at Prospect Point
Hours of Operation: Open early May-end of October. The Maid of the Mist does close down for the winter. Tours begin at 9am and run every 15 minutes.
Other Tour Info: You will get wet on this tour. Dress accordingly with proper shoes.
BUY YOUR TICKETS HERE
If you only do one tour in Niagara Falls it has to be the Maid of the Mist. This is the best tour on the American side.
To start it off, you will walk across the Observation Tower deck and take the elevator down into the Niagara Gorge and board the Maid of the Mist with the well-known blue poncho.
Note: The Observation Tower offers one of the best, unobstructed views of the falls from the USA.
On this famous boat ride, you will start at the base of the American Falls and travel towards the basin of Horseshoe Falls on the Canadian side. This thrilling experience provides a unique perspective of all 3 waterfalls where you will be surrounded by the thundering roar of the water and misty sprays.
If you stand on the top deck of the boat, prepare to get completely soaked. The bottom deck does provide more shelter from the misty spray, but you won’t be able to stay completely dry down here either. The boat gets so close to the falls that you will actually be able to feel their power. It’s incredible.
Cave of the Winds
Tour Length: 45-60 minutes
Cost: $12 for adults and $9 for children. Tickets must be purchased in person on location
Address: Tour departs from Goat Island in Niagara Falls State Park. Visitors can drive onto Goat Island and there is ample parking
Hours of Operation: Open year round from 9am-4pm.
Other Tour Info: You will get wet on this tour. Dress accordingly with proper footwear. This tour does require you to climb stairs.
The Cave of the Winds tour is one of the most exhilarating experiences that you will have on the American side of Niagara Falls and should be added to everyone’s one day itinerary.
The tour begins with a short elevator ride down 175 feet to the base of the Niagara Gorge. Here you will suit up in your yellow poncho and then follow the wooden stairway that leads you through caverns and tunnels until you reach an observation deck just feet from Bridal Veil Falls.
Be sure to wear good shoes that you don’t mind getting wet. You will get wet and there are lots of stairs that could potentially be slippery if you are not careful.
Niagara Falls State Park
In addition to the up close and personal view that you would get if you take the Maid of the Mist or Cave of the Winds tour, the best way to see Niagara Falls is from Niagara Falls State Park.
The main difference between the US side and the Canadian side of the falls is that the US side is a state park offering several incredible scenic viewing areas.
Visiting the park is totally free to do, you just need to pay a $10 parking fee. There are three main parking lots connected to the viewing areas, so you should have no trouble finding a place to park.
The park is open 24/7 all year. This will allow you to fill in any gaps you have in your one day itinerary. You don’t have to schedule anything and you can enjoy the many views of the falls at your leisure.
Here are the best viewpoints in Niagara Falls State Park:
Prospect Point
Prospect Point is THE prime viewing area to see the American Falls and rapids. As you walk through the park to Prospect Point, you will be able to get an awesome up close view of the Niagara River before it plunges over the falls. It is also the best area on the American side to see the fireworks display over Niagara Falls.
The fireworks display is every night from May-October at 10pm. The winter schedule occurs less often and dates vary, but they will occur around 8pm.
Insider Tip: if you are unable to see the fireworks, the falls are still illuminated with LED lights every night. So you will still get to view this colorful experience no matter the time of year. Plus, they look really cool all lit up under the ice!
Observation Tower
This is the only place in Niagara Falls where you will have a completely panoramic, unobstructed view of all 3 falls and the raging white water beneath. The Observation Tower has an elevator that will take you to the base of the gorge (where you will board the Maid of the Mist tour) but also extends out completely over the Niagara gorge below.
Crow’s Nest
While taking in the views at the Observation Tower, take the elevators down into the gorge and walk up the series of stairs to the Crow’s Nest viewing platform. You’ll be able to feel the cool, misty air and have some cool photo opportunities before you turn around and head back.
Goat Island
This part of Niagara Falls State Park is what separates the two American Falls from Horseshoe Falls. If you take the Cave of the Winds tour, you will enter here. There is ample parking and you can drive your car onto Goat Island.
Terrapin Point
Another one of the incredible viewpoints of the falls in Niagara Falls State Park, Terrapin point is the only place on the American side where you can see Horseshoe Falls up close.
Three Sisters Island
Three Sisters Island is comprised of three walking bridges that connect to Goat Island. You will get a unique view of the upper part of the Niagara River rapids as it heads for the falls.
Luna Island
Luna Island offers a unique viewpoint of the American and Bridal Veil Falls. The Niagara River flows around the island with the American Falls on your right and Bridal Veil falls to your left. The closest parking lots to get here is Goat Island Parking Lot #2.
Schoellkopf Power Plant Ruins
In the Niagara gorge you are able to get to the remains of the Schoellkopf Power Plant that collapsed in 1956. This area is connected to a hiking trail as part of the Niagara Gorge Hiking Trail System. There is no cost to ride the elevator down to the ruins.
Other Fun Things to do in Niagara Falls, NY in One Day
Of course, when you come to Niagara Falls you will be spending the majority of your time admiring the beauty of the falls and participating in excursions that involve them.
However, there is more to Niagara Falls than just the falls themselves!!! So if it happens to be raining or if you are looking for other fun things to do during your trip this list will help fill in those gaps!
Whirlpool Jet Tours
Tour Length: 60 minutes
Address: 115 W Water St, Lewiston, NY
Take a thrilling one-hour, high-speed, white-water ride down the Niagara River through the Devil’s Hole rapids. You can choose your experience where you get completely soaked or stay completely dry.
They have locations on each side of the border. Reservations are recommended but they do allow walk-ins based on availability.
You will not see the falls on this excursion, but it is just as exciting and unique.
CHECK AVAILABILITY HERE! — DOMED JET TOUR — OPEN TOP TOUR
Niagara Adventure Theatre
Tour Length: 30 minutes
Cost: $12.00 ($10 online) ages 13+, $9.00 ($7 online) ages 5-12
Address: 21 Mayor Michael O’Laughlin Drive, Niagara Falls NY
Hours of Operation: Open 7 days a week.
Other Tour Information: Tickets bought online (direct) are discounted
Sit back and relax while you watch an educational and entertaining film full of stories of Niagara Falls over the years. You can see all the up-to-date showtimes HERE.
This is a great, educational activity in Niagara Falls for the whole family – especially if you are trying to escape the summer heat or it happens to be raining.
Aquarium of Niagara
Cost: $19.95 ages 13+, $14.95 ages 3-12, free for children under 2
Address: 701 Whirlpool St, Niagara Falls, NY Hours of Operation – Open daily from 9am-5pm
Another great idea for families visiting Niagara Falls!!
The Aquarium of Niagara is dedicated to rescue and rehabilitation, and I love that. Here you and the family can see sea lions, seals, penguins, stingrays and much more. They also have several animal encounter programs that are worth looking into as well.
Niagara Falls Wine Trail
A great thing to do in Niagara Falls for couples, besides seeing the falls of course, is wine tasting on the Niagara Falls Wine Trail. There are 12 wineries on the trail starting just minutes from Niagara Falls.
Click here to download a map from the official trail website for wineries in the Niagara region.
If you’d rather just kick back and relax, you can opt for a tour where you will be picked up at your hotel, taken to 4 different wineries in the Niagara region and sample as much wine as you want!
CHECK OUT THIS AWESOME, ALL-INCLUSIVE WINE TOUR HERE
Niagara Amusement Park & Splash World
A great way to spend the day in Niagara Falls is to take the family to Niagara Amusement Park. They have over 40 attractions from water rides, rollercoasters, and a kiddieland. They’re located just a short 10 minute drive from Niagara Falls.
Niagara Gorge Discovery Center
If you want to learn about how the mighty Niagara River carved the Niagara gorge you will get all this information, and then some, here. They have geological exhibits, a cool rock climbing wall and a lot of history.
The Niagara Gorge Discovery Center is also the trailhead for hiking in this area.
Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center
Cost: $10.00 age 13+, $6.00 ages 6-12, free under age 5
Address: 825 Depot Avenue West, Niagara Falls, NY
Hours of Operation: Wednesday-Sunday from 10am-5pm
A very moving, educational experience that everyone should take the time to learn about. The tours are very informative and interactive and highlight the importance of this area to the Underground Railroad and crossing the border.
Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls
Don’t sleep on the shopping here in Niagara Falls!! Shop til you drop at any of the 120+ stores at the Niagara Falls Fashion Outlets.
Lockport Cave & Underground Boat Ride
Tour Length: 75 minutes
Cost: $27.55 ages 15+, $18.42 ages 6-14, $7.35 ages 5 and under
Address: 5 Gooding St, Lockport, NY
A must-see hidden gem in Niagara Falls!!
Actually, it’s technically located in Lockport, NY which is a short 30 minute drive away but this experience is not to be missed!
This tour offers a 75 minute guided walking tour through a tunnel along the Erie Canal and ends with an underground boat ride. It’s a special and unique experience for all ages.
They recommend that you make reservations online in advance. You may be able to buy tickets there, but that is subject to availability only.
New York State Power Vista
Tour Length: self-paced
Cost: FREE
Address: 5777 Lewiston Rd, Lewiston, NY
Hours of Operation: Open 7 days a week from 9am-5pm
Located just 15 minutes outside of Niagara Falls, the New York State Power Vista is an interactive hidden gem that is so much fun for kids!
The hands on exhibits are also educational where kids will learn about electricity while operating a power plant during a storm. The best part is the virtual reality theater. It’s so thrilling you’ll be gripping your seats!
Places to Eat in Niagara Falls US Side
Top of the Falls Restaurant
There is only one option on the US side if you want dinner and a view: and that is at Top of the Falls Restaurant in Niagara Falls State Park. They have an open deck for when the weather is nice and a panoramic view of Horseshoe Falls.
Hard Rock Cafe
This iconic chain restaurant is located on Prospect St downtown Niagara Falls, NY.
The Rainforest Cafe
If you have never heard of the Rainforest Cafe, you’re in for a real treat! It is a very interactive restaurant with a huge WOW factor, especially for kids.
It’s intricately designed with animals all over the place and every so often they have a thunderstorm where the animals come alive. It’s awesome.
While you are waiting for your table, and the wait times can be long, grab some tokens and play some games in the arcade.
The Silo Restaurant
An old coal silo turned restaurant offers a really neat spot for casual dining in Niagara Falls. They were even featured on Man vs. Food. You will get a really great view of the Niagara River from their deck seating.
Bella Vista Ristorante
Another great spot for dinner and a view of the Niagara River is on their riverside deck. Bella Vista Ristorante is located inside the Niagara Riverside Resort and they specialize in Italian dishes. If you are traveling by boat, they have places where you can dock.
Red Coach Restaurant
You will get a great view of the Niagara rapids at this romantic inn.
Places to Stay on the US Side of Niagara Falls
Are you looking to extend your one day trip to Niagara Falls? If so, here are some great hotel options for you!
Unfortunately, the best views of Niagara Falls from a hotel room are going to all be on the Canadian side. There are no hotels on the US Side with a direct view of the falls themselves. The best you will get is a view of the Niagara River.
My top picks for hotels on the American side are:
Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino
A luxurious and exciting casino with great restaurant options. You will be able to see the mist from Bridal Veil Falls from here and you can easily walk to the falls and any of the major attractions.
CLICK HERE TO CHECK AVAILABILITY
Giacomo Hotel
Definitely one of the most luxurious hotels on the US side of Niagara Falls. The Giacomo Hotel is a luxury boutique hotel within walking distance of all major attractions. The best part is the penthouse lobby to view the fireworks every night!
CLICK HERE TO CHECK AVAILABILITY
Sheraton Niagara Falls
Another great location within walking distance. This is a great pick for families traveling with kids.
CLICK HERE TO CHECK AVAILABILITY
Hyatt Place Niagara Falls
The rooms here are clean and modern and great for families.
CLICK HERE TO CHECK AVAILABILITY
Doubletree by Hilton
What’s great about this hotel is the view overlooking the Niagara River. The location is downtown and conveniently puts you within walking distance of anything you want to do.
CLICK HERE TO CHECK AVAILABILITY
Tips for Getting Around Niagara Falls
If you want to experience Niagara Falls but don’t want to drive around, hop on the FREE Discover Niagara shuttle. They stop at 21 destinations on 14 mile loop. You are able to hop on and off the shuttle whenever you want.
The drivers are knowledgeable and you will learn a lot about the rich history of the area. You can see a list of their stops here. They open for the 2023 season at the end of May.
What to Pack on a One Day Trip to Niagara Falls
The biggest thing that I suggest you pack is a good pair of walking shoes that you don’t mind getting wet. As I mentioned, the major attractions having to do with the falls themselves you are going to get soaked.
That being said, bringing an extra change of clothes isn’t a bad idea.
Do I Need a Passport to Visit?
If you are visiting Niagara Falls, NY from any other country then yes you will need a passport when entering the United States.
Also, if you want to cross the Rainbow Bridge into Canada (either by car or on foot) you will need to pass through customs and border patrol and present a valid passport as well.
There is a toll when you cross the bridge into Canada and back into the US. Pedestrians cost $1.00 per person and cars are $5.00 USD/$6.50 CAD.
Wrap Up: One Day in Niagara Falls, NY
The biggest question I see is people asking if you can visit both the US and Canadian sides of Niagara Falls in one day because it’s a tough decision choosing which side of Niagara Falls to visit. I get it!! Although it is possible, I don’t recommend it. I think you will end up wasting a lot of your time waiting in line at the border.
With that being said, Niagara Falls offers so many unique experiences on both the Canadian sides and the American sides. With so much to see and do, one day in Niagara Falls, NY promises to be an unforgettable adventure.
