New York State pride certainly extends south of NYC to Syracuse. The geographic heart of New York State, this city is defined by three things: basketball, barbecue, and bodies of water. The nearby Erie Canal and the southern tip of the Onondaga Lake extend into Syracuse. This makes it a hotbed for boating, kayaking, swimming, and sightseeing. Travelers will enjoy the adventurous spirit of this northern city. Here are some of the best things to do in Syracuse.
Adventure is around every corner in Syracuse. Count down the 24-second shot clock at a basketball game. Bike the greenway at a local park. Tour a museum to better understand the unique culture of Syracuse.
Here are some of the best things to do in Syracuse:
Experience great American adventure at the Erie Canal Museum
Put on your thinking cap at Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science & Technology
Discover a masterpiece at the Everson Museum
See a film at Landmark Theatre, which was once one of the first silent movie theaters in the country
Watch as birds take flight at the aviary inside the Rosamond Gifford Zoo
Trips to Syracuse are only complete after attending a basketball game. Once done, devour steamy barbecue brisket at a local festival. Cheer on the home team from stadium seats.
Popular attractions near Syracuse include:
Cheering on the Syracuse Orange basketball team at the Carrier Dome
Partying on the block downtown at a local arts festival
Checking out the vast ceramics collection at the Everson Museum
Finding the only existing upside-down traffic light and learn its story in the Tipperary Hill neighborhood
Exploring more than 240 retail options at the Destiny USA shopping center
Whether you’re a night owl or just looking for a night on the town, Syracuse has a plenty of things to choose from. Spend the night dancing at a trendy lounge downtown. Test your wits at a local trivia event.
Nighttime activities near Syracuse include:
Dance from dusk till dawn at Orbis Lounge
Share fresh plates of meats and veggies at Laci’s Tapas Bar
Hang out at Empire Brewing Co. with a flavorful craft beer in hand
Travelling with kids is a special kind of adventure. Luckily, there are plenty of things to do with kids in Syracuse, such as museums, science exhibits, and zoos. The city offers many area attractions for families with varied interests.
Family-friendly things to do near Syracuse include:
See a live puppet show at the Open Hand Theater International Mask & Puppet Museum
Explore over 100 hands-on science exhibits together at Wonderworks Destiny
Become best friends with a lion at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo
Fish for rainbow trout at one of five privately owned ponds at Spring Ponds Fishery
Discover area arts and culture at the Community Folk Art Center at Syracuse University
There’s plenty of things to do in Syracuse, even when it rains. The city offers indoor golf, movie theaters, and plenty of delicious restaurants to explore on a day in.
Syracuse things to do indoors include:
Thrilling yourself with an IMAX showing at the Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science and Technology
Spending an afternoon rock climbing at the indoor Central Rock Gym
Playing a simulated game of golf at Par’s Indoor Golf
Sipping on a classic milkshake in retro digs at Modern Malt Syracuse
Relaxing your muscles with a swedish massage at Anthony’s Bodyworks Studio
Lace up those hiking books and hit the trails in Syracuse. There’s an outdoor activity for every season and plenty of places to enjoy it. Swim in the lake or snowshoe through the forest.
Here are some active things to do in Syracuse:
Tee off at Green Lakes State Park’s 18-hole golf course
Stop and smell the roses at Thornden Park
Walk the lush courtyard and admire the fountain at Columbus Circle
During winter, snowshoe through 660 acres of snowy wonderland at Beaver Lake Nature Center
Soak up the sun and swim in the Schiller Park community pool
