Unleash the Fun in Syracuse: A Day Trip Adventure!
Discover endless family-fun in Syracuse, where memories are made and adventures unfold!
19 July 2023
Sophie Watts
US Travel Writer
Syracuse, located in upstate New York, offers a delightful family-friendly trip with an abundance of attractions. Visit the Rosamond Gifford Zoo, where kids can get up close and personal with a variety of animals, or explore the remarkable Museum of Science & Technology, featuring interactive exhibits for all ages. Additionally, take a serene stroll through the charming Onondaga Lake Park, complete with playgrounds, walking trails, and picturesque views of the lake.
Day trip plan
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- Kick-start your day with a hearty breakfast at Kitty Hoynes, a vibrant Irish pub where leprechauns might really steal your lucky charms!
- Explore the quirky museums, like the Museum of Intrigue, where you can put on your detective hat and solve mysteries in a real-life escape room.
- Immerse yourself in the magic of storytelling at the famous Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science and Technology, where science becomes an adventure.
- Stroll through the magnificent Everson Museum of Art and let your imagination run wild with the extraordinary collection of modern and contemporary art.
- Satisfy your lunch cravings at Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, an epic smoky joint that will transport your taste buds to a carnivorous paradise.
- Dive into the past and marvel at the beauty of Erie Canal Museum, where you might even spot a ghostly canal digger or a mischievous lockmaster's shadow.
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How to get there
Plane
The best way to get to Syracuse by plane is to fly into Syracuse Hancock International Airport, which is located about 10 minutes north of downtown Syracuse. Multiple airlines such as Delta, United, and American Airlines offer daily flights to and from major cities across the United States.
Car
Driving to Syracuse is possible from major cities such as New York City, Boston, or Philadelphia. If you are driving from New York City, the best route is to take I-81 North for about 4 hours. Alternatively, you can rent a car from Syracuse Hancock International Airport.
Train
While there is no direct train from NYC to Syracuse, the best option is to take Amtrak’s Empire Service from New York Penn Station to Syracuse Amtrak Station. The journey takes around 5 hours and offers scenic views of the Hudson River and the Mohawk Valley.
Boat
While there is no direct boat route to Syracuse, the Erie Canal offers a scenic route from New York City to Buffalo, which features stops in Syracuse and other cities along the canal. Visitors can embark on a canal cruise or rent a boat to traverse the canal on their own.
Bus
Greyhound offers daily bus services to Syracuse from major cities in the United States. Their bus terminal is located in downtown Syracuse and is easily accessible from the Syracuse University campus or downtown hotels.