For outdoor things to do in Rochester NY, Highland Park is famous in the Rochester area for its arboretum. The 150 scenic acres include signature lilacs, Japanese Maples and other species indigenous to exotic locales. The park’s Lilac Festival, held in May, attracts visitors from all over world.

Located on South Avenue, Highland Park rests in a beautiful setting of hills and valleys created from glacial deposits. In addition to its arboretum, the park also features a Vietnam memorial, John Dunbar Memorial Pavilion (a.k.a. the Highland Bowl), which includes an outdoor amphitheater; Warner Castle on the grounds with its Sunken Gardens; and a host of other attractions.

The park’s arboretum features more than 1200 lilac shrubs, a Japanese Maple collection, 35 varieties of magnolias, 700 varieties of rhododendron, azaleas, mountain laurel andromeda, horse chestnuts, wildflowers and a large number of exotic trees. And don’t forget – check out all of the other things to do in Rochester NY!