Niagara Falls is an iconic attraction many people want to visit or have already visited.
Niagara Falls has two sides – it sits on the Canadian border, with things to do in Canada and New York state in the United States.
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In this guide, you’ll find the perfect two-day Niagara Falls itinerary, USA.
Niagara Falls has numerous attractions and activities, and your trip will be filled with scenic views, vibrant history, and entertainment.
Before we start, let’s see when is the best time to visit Niagara Falls and how many days you’ll need.
📅 Best Time To Visit Niagara Falls
Wondering when it’s the best time to visit Niagara Falls?
Summer is the most popular time to visit, but if you want to avoid the crowds, you might want to visit during spring or autumn. Let’s dive deeper so you can figure out the best time to visit Niagara.
Niagara Falls, NY, celebrates all four seasons, so the weather can change quickly. From icy winters to sizzling summers, you can enjoy Niagara Falls all year round.
Just make sure you’re prepared for the season!
If you visit Niagara Falls in winter, prepare to bundle up for the cold! Niagara Falls turns into a winter wonderland. This is a great time to visit if you find beauty in the cold.
While you will find the area quieter and avoid the large crowds during the winter months, many attractions will be closed due to the weather conditions.
Summer is the most popular time to visit Niagara Falls as the weather outside is hot. You will find larger crowds during the summer, but all the attractions will be open and ready for you to enjoy.
The waterfalls’ mist will help keep you cool during this hot time.
Spring and fall are also great times to visit Niagara!
The temperatures slowly start to rise with the start of spring, but be aware there could be some leftover chill from the winter. Spring also brings beautiful green plants and colorful flowers.
Fall is gorgeous as the leaves change colors and add to the beautiful scenery of the falls. The summer heat fades away, creating a pleasant temperature, but you will get rainy days during fall.
The beauty of the falls and surrounding areas are a magnificent and fun experience.
Whether you’re traveling solo, with a friend, or with family, there is a perfect hotel for your stay.
🔎 How Many Days In Niagara Falls
Wondering how many days in Niagara Falls is enough? We recommend a stay between 2 and 3 days.
Although, if you’re considering staying longer, you’ll find plenty of things to do near Niagara Falls.
We recommend you list the things you want to see and do in Niagara Falls.
Once the list is completed, consider the arrival and departure time to ensure your itinerary in Niagara is realistic.
Then, it should give you a good idea if you have enough days to visit Niagara Falls.
Although, if you’d like to visit Niagara Falls on the Canadian side and visit Toronto while in the area, you may want to add 1-2 more days to your Niagara itinerary.
To help you come up with your itinerary, we made a fun Niagara Falls itinerary for 2 days.
Keep reading to learn about the best things to do in Niagara Falls.
📋 Niagara Falls Itinerary
We recommend you spend at least an entire weekend in Niagara Falls because we think you’ll have enough things to do for two busy days.
If you prefer to take it slow and have a more relaxing time, consider adding 1-2 days more to your Niagara Falls itinerary.
Need a car to explore the area? Compare car rentals on DiscoverCars.com.
Let’s discuss the best things to do in Niagara Falls without further ado.
Niagara Falls Day 1
Start your day with a visit to Goat Island, which has some of the falls’ best views and is part of the Niagara Falls State Park.
Goat Island is a small island located in the middle of the Niagara River. Goat Island sits between Bridal Veil Falls and Horseshoe Falls.
Horseshoe Falls are part of the Canadian side, an iconic site, and the largest of the falls (on both sides).
Visit the Terrapin Point for a great viewpoint of American and Canadian Niagara Falls!
Cave of the Winds is a natural cave found on Goat Island. In the past, people could stand in the cave directly underneath the falls!
Today, there are observation decks for you to enjoy the falls, and it is one of the most popular attractions.
From the cave, you get up-close views of the American Falls. Through this, you experience the fall’s power and beauty. Be careful, though – you will most likely get wet here!
To experience the falls from the water, the Maid of the Mist boat tour is a perfect way. A tour guide will give you history and information about the falls during your tour.
The boat will even take you close enough to the falls to feel the mist from the water! It’s a magical experience and loved amongst visitors.
If you have time at night, visiting the falls is a memorable experience in the dark!
You will get the chance to see fireworks lighting up the sky. Plus, the falls are lit up at night!
Different colors illuminating the falls make for a pretty and unique site.
Join the night illumination walking tour to enjoy the views.
Niagara Falls Day 2
A 10-minute drive from Niagara Falls is the town of Lewiston. Lewiston is a quaint town with lots of shops and restaurants.
Water Street Landing restaurant offers fantastic views of the river accompanied by live music and a fun outdoor bar.
You’ll find The Whirlpool Jet Boat at the restaurant’s base. This tour offers a tour of the river, along with an adventurous boat ride.
It is a fun activity and a different way to experience your surroundings.
If you enjoy history, you can visit Old Fort Niagara. Old Fort Niagara is located near Youngstown, New York, which is about a 20-minute drive from Niagara Falls.
It served as a station for American soldiers during both world wars and has a rich 300-year history.
You will get a chance to see original 18th-century buildings and enjoy the incredible surrounding views of the Niagara River and Lake Ontario.
Back in Niagara Falls, walk across The Rainbow Bridge. The Rainbow Bridge is an arch bridge across the Niagara River, connecting Niagara Falls, NY, and Ontario, Canada.
You can walk across the bridge and enter Canada! (Note – You will need your passport and to go through border control). You can have a foot in Canada and the United States in one spot!
The bridge offers a fantastic way to cross the border into another country. Even if you don’t enter Canada, the views are worth visiting.
Staying In Niagara Falls?
Make sure to book a stay in one of the best hotels in Fussen.
Best hostel: Wanderfalls Guesthouse and Hostel
Best mid-range hotel: Seneca Niagara Resort
Best luxury hotel: Red Coach Inn
☑️ Niagara Falls Travel Tips
If you’re planning a trip to Niagara Falls, you should know a few things before you go.
Here are some tips to help you make the most of your visit:
- Timing is everything. The best time to see Niagara Falls is during the day when the sun is shining and the water is sparkling. However, if you want to avoid the crowds, plan your visit for early morning or late evening.
- Dress for the weather. Niagara Falls is located in a very rainy area, so be sure to pack your raincoat and umbrella. The temperature can also vary greatly depending on the time of year, so be sure to check the forecast before you go.
- Don’t forget your camera. Niagara Falls is one of the most photogenic places in the world, so be sure to bring your camera along to capture some memories.
- Plan your itinerary in advance. There are many things to see and do in Niagara Falls, so it’s a good idea to plan your visit in advance. That way, you can make sure you don’t miss anything important. For example, you can book your tours and activities in advance.
💡 Final Thoughts On Niagara Falls, NY
Many people may not know you can visit Niagara Falls from the United States, but now that you know – are you ready to visit?
Visiting Niagara Falls is a lovely experience; this could be the biggest waterfall you’ve seen.
We wish you a pleasant Niagara falls vacation!
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