Things To Do
in Perinton

Perinton is a picturesque town in Monroe County, just outside Rochester, New York. It combines small-town charm with easy access to urban amenities along the Erie Canal and nearby parks. The community is family-friendly, with excellent schools, historic villages, and plenty of outdoor spaces.

In every season, Perinton serves up a mix of nature, culture, and welcoming neighborhoods.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to the Perinton Historical Society, where you can learn about the rich history of the area. Enjoy a leisurely stroll around the historic buildings, taking in the charming architecture that dates back to the early 19th century. Grab a coffee at a local café to fuel your exploration of the town.

afternoon
:

Head over to the nearby Fairport Village, where you can browse the eclectic shops and boutiques that line the streets. Enjoy lunch at a riverside restaurant, sampling local dishes while watching boats drift by on the Erie Canal. After lunch, take a scenic walk along the canal to appreciate the beautiful surroundings and vibrant local wildlife.

evening
:

As the sun sets, find a cozy spot at a local brewery to sample some craft beers made on-site. Engage with friendly locals and learn about the town's vibrant community spirit. End your day with a delicious dinner at a farm-to-table restaurant, savoring seasonal ingredients sourced from local farms.

day 2
Nature Walks at the Perinton Park
morning
:

Begin your day with a refreshing walk at Perinton Park, where the trails meander through lush greenery and scenic landscapes. Take in the sights and sounds of nature as you search for local flora and fauna along the way. The peaceful atmosphere is perfect for a morning of reflection or light exercise.

afternoon
:

After your walk, settle down for a picnic lunch in one of the park's designated areas, surrounded by nature's beauty. Spend the afternoon enjoying activities like frisbee, playing on the playground, or simply soaking up the sun on the open lawns. If you're feeling adventurous, consider renting a paddleboat to explore the nearby pond.

evening
:

As evening approaches, gather with friends or family for a barbecue at one of the park's grilling stations. Share stories and laughter while grilling your favorite foods and enjoying the warm evening air. As the sky darkens, consider gathering around a fire pit to enjoy s'mores and stargazing.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-18
🏨Hotel nightly rate (mid-range)$120-180
Coffee or latte$3-5
🍽️Dinner for two at mid-range restaurant$30-65
Gasoline per gallon$3-4

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Quiet, family-friendly neighborhoods with easy access to Rochester
  • Strong local parks and outdoor spaces
  • Limited nightlife within Perinton itself
  • Can require a short drive to Rochester for dining variety

Places to Visit in Perinton

Visit one of these nice places.

Erie Canal at Fairport Village

Historic canal locks and brick waterfront offer classic canal photography with boats and sunset hues.

Powder Mills Park Falls

Wooded trails and a gentle waterfall provide lush forest photography and misty water shots.

Rochester skyline from Genesee River corridor

Views of downtown Rochester’s skyline along river paths and bridges for urban contrast.

Ontario Beach Park at sunset

Open lakefront with piers and golden-hour light perfect for wide landscape shots.

Culinary Guide

Food in Perinton

Perinton and the greater Rochester area showcase a mix of classic upstate New York comfort foods, fresh produce, and diverse international flavors. Expect hearty deli sandwiches, locally sourced produce, and regional specialties that reflect the area’s agricultural heritage.

Perinton Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Beef on Weck

A Rochester-area staple: thin-sliced roast beef on a kummelweck roll with horseradish, often served with au jus.

Must-Try!

Garbage Plate (Rochester-style)

Hearty combination plate featuring pasta, home fries, meat (or veggie options), and sauce; widely available at Rochester-area diners and eateries.

Salt Potatoes

Small, salted potatoes often served as a side in summer Greek or local diners; simple, classic pairing with grilled fare.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Rochester Public Market

Historic market in Rochester offering fresh produce, prepared foods, international fare, and local goods on weekends; great for sampling regional specialties.

Street Food and Food Trucks around Fairport and Perinton

Seasonal food trucks and pop-up vendors along village streets and parks—perfect for trying diverse cuisines.

Climate Guide

Weather

Perinton experiences a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons: warm summers, cold winters, and mild springs and autumns. Summer highs typically reach the 70s to low 80s°F, winters often dip below freezing with regular snowfall, and spring and autumn bring pleasant, mild days with colorful foliage in fall.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Punctuality

Being on time for reservations and appointments is appreciated.

Polite conversation

Greet with a courteous hello and engage in friendly, respectful conversations; avoid loud or intrusive behavior in public spaces.

Safety Guide

Safety

Perinton is a safe suburban community. Basic safety tips include staying aware of surroundings, locking vehicles, and using well-lit streets at night. In emergencies, dial 911; for non-emergency healthcare, nearby UR Medicine facilities in Rochester are readily accessible.

Tipping in Perinton

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

In restaurants, tip 15-20% of pre-tax total if service is satisfactory; some establishments may add a service charge for larger groups.

Payment Methods

Most places accept credit/debit cards; cash is widely accepted; mobile payments and contactless options are common in many venues.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Long days with abundant outdoor events; occasional heat and humidity; brief afternoon thunderstorms are possible.

Spring

Mild days with blooming flora; frequent showers; great for canal walks and garden visits.

Autumn

Cool air and vibrant fall foliage along trails and village centers; ideal for photography and hiking.

Winter

Cold with potential snow; cozy indoor attractions and nearby ski areas offer seasonal activities.

Nightlife Guide

Perinton at Night

The nightlife in Perinton is modest, with Rochester’s bars, breweries, and venues offering live music, casual pubs, and wine bars within a short drive. Downtown Rochester, Fairport, and Pittsford host seasonal events, art shows, and music nights, especially on weekends.

Hiking in Perinton

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Powder Mills Park Trails

Gentle to moderate trails with streams and falls in Perinton.

Genesee Riverway Trail (Rochester area)

Scenic riverside trail suitable for day trips.

Letchworth State Park (a bit farther)

Known as the Grand Canyon of the East with dramatic gorge views.

Airports

How to reach Perinton by plane.

Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC)

Major airport serving Rochester area, about 20-25 miles west of Perinton; connects to major hubs.

Getting Around

Walkability

Perinton is primarily suburban with walkable village centers in Fairport and Pittsford, but overall many destinations require driving. The canal paths and village cores offer pleasant walking routes, especially in good weather.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Families

Many families settle in Perinton with good schools and safe neighborhoods.

Seniors

Active senior communities with access to parks and community events.

Students and professionals

Residents commuting to Rochester or attending nearby colleges and workplaces.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Baseball

Community leagues and minor league presence with local parks.

Ice hockey

Popular in winter with local rinks and seasonal leagues.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is generally light to moderate in Perinton, with heavier congestion on I-490 and I-590 during weekday mornings and late afternoons. Rochester RTS provides bus service around the region; car travel is common for reaching downtown Rochester and surrounding towns.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Perinton.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are common in most eateries; look for veggie burgers, salads, seasonal vegetables, and dairy-free options.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare facilities are accessible in Rochester: UR Medicine and Strong Memorial Hospital provide major services; several clinics serve Perinton residents; routine care and emergencies are supported by nearby urgent care centers.

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