Fall fanatics, take note: One of America’s top-rated spots for an autumn adventure is in stunning Upstate New York.

Rochester , a waterside gem of Western New York , has been voted the No. 2 place to visit for fall during 2025 by USA Today’s 10Best . The Flower City was only bested in the annual contest by one community: Mackinac Island in Michigan, voted this year’s No. 1 fall destination.

Autumn looks particularly good on Rochester .

The city’s abundance of waterways — from the mighty High Falls on the winding Genesee River to the southern shore of the great Lake Ontario — make for postcard-perfect scenes when paired with colorful, peak fall foliage. That seasonal beauty is a large part of what landed Rochester a spot on 10Best’s list.

“Rochester and its gorgeous Upstate N

See Full Page