Deafening sound of milky water gushing down with mighty force, drenching us in the mist as the boat moves closer. A glittery rainbow appears against the sun, birds flocking in the backdrop, dipping themselves into the water to catch fishes. Still remember the jaw-dropping sight. Vivid memories from our trip to Niagara Falls are still fresh in my mind!
If you are planning a trip to the East Coast, USA, there are few locations that you can’t afford to miss. Niagara Falls is one of them. Spanning between the border of USA (New York) & Canada (Ontario), Niagara Falls is a group of 3 falls which collectively creates breathtaking visuals.
This blog will help you plan a perfect one-day family trip to Niagara Falls, USA. The question is How many days you need to explore Niagara Falls?
In my experience, it’s better to have 2-3 days in hand, not only to enjoy the best attractions but also other interesting places like hikes, trails, museums, etc. As much as we want, it’s not always possible to lavishly spend time at every place. Here, I have included the best attractions of Niagara Falls that can be covered in a day.
Did you know there is a time zone difference between the East Coast & West Coast?
During our trip to the USA, San Francisco was our base. Journey to the East coast was long, including flight change at Chicago, even difference in time zone. Eastern Time Zone (East coast) is 3 hours ahead of Pacific Time Zone (West Coast). Along with this one day trip Niagara Falls, we spent 5 days in New York City.
1-day itinerary to Niagara Falls, USA
We landed at Buffalo, USA (the nearest airport to Niagara Falls) early in the morning and headed straight to our Hotel. It was an overnight journey, but the excitement kept us going. After a bit of refreshing nap & breakfast, we headed straight to Niagara Falls. Niagara Falls is 27 km away from Buffalo and it took us 30 mins to reach the Niagara falls. Once we reached the Niagara Falls state park USA, we headed straight for the Maid of the mist boat ride, the signature boat tour.
Maid of the Mist, Niagara Falls
Timings: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (weekends till 6.00p.m)
Entrance Fee: Adult: $22.25
Child (6–12 years): $13.00
Children under 5: free
Required time: around 1 hour (including the wait time)
Tickets available: Visitor Center
Maid of the Mist boat tour is the most popular attraction at Niagara Falls. An elevator takes you down to the boarding point, where raincoats are given. Wait time was not much and our turn came quickly. After boarding the boat, we climbed up to get the best view. During15-20-minute ride, the boat crossed past the gigantic American falls, moving closer to the Horseshoe Falls. The mist from the fall drenched our faces. During the boat ride, we could spot a rainbow over the American falls, which was a unique experience.
Observation Tower
Entry fee: you don’t need to pay an additional fee if you buy Maid of the mist tickets.
Timings: 10 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. (might vary as per days and seasons)
Next stop was the observation tower, you can find it right at the top floor where the elevator stops. The 230-feet lookout point seems hanging in the air, provides a magnificent view of the American & Horseshoe falls (From the USA side). Spend some time here and click perfect misty pictures of the falls.
Prospect point
Another spot to enjoy a closer look at the falls. From the prospect point, we could see the top view of the falls and stand right near the point from where water cascades down. Surrounded by the lush green trees and grass, the prospect point also provides a mesmerizing view of Ontario Skyline.
Lunch at Top of the fall restaurant (and explore the Goat Island along)
Enjoy your lunch along with the magnificent view of the falls at “the top of the fall restaurant”, at the Goats island, Niagara Falls state park. The restaurant offers modern American cuisine and classic dishes. Goat Island is located on Niagara Falls between the Bridal Veil Falls and the Horseshoe Falls, offers scenic vistas .take the opportunity to look around and enjoy the panoramic view. However, if you don’t want to take the trouble, There are many other eating joints in the state park as well as very close by. We enjoyed our lunch at an Indian restaurant, located right on the main road outside the park.
The Niagara Gorge Discovery Center
Entry fee: Adult: $3
Child: $2
Timings: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Time required: 1 hour (approx.)
If you are traveling with young explorers, it’s a good idea to visit the Niagara Gorge Discovery Center, to make their curious minds learn about the history of Niagara Falls. At the center, one can learn about the ancient rock layers, local minerals, fossils and much more. Interactive displays along with180-degree multi-screen theatre depicts the story of gorge formation over a course of 12,000 years.
Aquarium of Niagara
Entry Fee: Adults (Ages 13+): $14.95
Senior (60+): $12.95
Child. (Age 3-12): $10.95
Timings: 9.00 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Time required: 30 mins – 45 mins
Situated near Discovery Center, Aquarium of Niagara is home to 1500 species including sharks, piranha, California sea lions, and the endangered Peruvian penguin. It’s a small aquarium, but well maintained and good enough to keep the kids engaged. You can also enjoy the shows depending on the time available.
Niagara Falls state park
Return to Niagara Falls state park, enjoy your coffee and snacks under the lush green trees and green stretches of grass. Spending some peaceful time here is a relaxing experience. If you have energy and are up for some more activities, visit Niagara Falls gift shop at the state park and pick up souvenirs for friends and family. We picked up some pretty fridge magnets and mugs from the shop.
You can also hop into Niagara scenic trolley to enjoy 3 miles,30-minute guided overview of the park. Explore many attractions at the park.
Witness the lights at the Niagara Falls
As the sun sets, the fall turns into something magical and mystic with colorful lights. What could be a better way of wrapping up the day, then experiencing this magical transformation of milky waterfall into an illuminated colorful masterpiece?
There are many other interesting places to visit in and around Niagara Falls. Check out my next blog for a complete guide to Niagara Falls. Have you been to Niagara Falls? Which was your favorite activity? Do share in the comment section
Like it! Pin it!
Looks mesmerizing..must be a great treat to eyes
Great post! I have seen the falls from both the Canadian and US sides but have not done acidified in the US side! The aquarium sounds fun!
If you ever get a chance too should check out the Canadian side; there is soooo many attractions and the view is amazing!!
Thanks so much ,yes I so want to explore the Canadian side of it now 😊😊
Love this post! We love Niagara falls – my hubby and I visited the falls on our first ever trip together then returned 8 years later too! We have a nice meal in the Skylon tower in the evening but I think going during the day is a better choice – better views!
Wow that’s must be a memorable trip , yes day time is always so much fun
I went to Niagara Falls once as a kid and loved it but I’d love to go back and see this beauty again! Grest article!
Thanks dear.hope you get to visit soon 😊
I have been to the Canadian side twice but still haven’t made it to the US side of the falls – it looks great!
Thanks..I would love to visit Canadian side sometime
I’ve always wanted to see the Niagra falls from both sides. Thanks for this wonderful guide!
We saw the falls from the Canadian side. They are incredible! Really enjoyed the walk behind the water – so powerful! The boat trip to the base of the falls is an absolute hoot. Thanks for sharing. Would be interesting to see the US perspective one day.
Niagara Falls would be such a cool place to visit!
Great post with such helpful information thank you!
Would absolutely love to visit the Niagara Falls! Such a bucket list experience.
It seems you had a lot of fun. Thanks for sharing.
I am from the NYC area and still haven’t been to Niagara Falls yet. This is a great guide and definitely inspired me to go there sooner. 🙂
I’ve been to the Canadian side of Niagara Falls many times but I’ve never been to the US side. I’ll have to check it out!
Niagara Falls always seems so majestic!! I really want to visit. Absolutely beautiful!
I haven’t been to the American side so this was really good to know. Odd like to cross the border at some point and see a different irrespective of the falls
Niagara Falls is such a spectacular place! I would love to go there once. I think it’s one of those place you have to see to truly appreciate.
What epic views- this is on my bucket list too! You got to see the perfect rainbow as well- what a dream!
I haven’t been out there since I was a kid. There seems to be so much I missed! Can’t wait to get back out there!
I visited Niagara Falls from the Canadian side and I loved it! It was such an extraordinary experience that I would recommend like you did!
This is such helpful post. Its forever my dream to visit Niagara falls; I have had be in USA now but COVID failed it. I am saving this post for future reference.
Great, informative post. Niagara Falls has been on my list for ages – can’t wait to visit in the future.
So cool seeing Niagara Falls from the other side! I’m from Ontario, so I’ve only ever seen it from the Canadian side.
I can’t wait to go there. Waterfalls are my favorite thing.
I have wanted to visit Niagara Falls for such a long time. When I was kids, the falls where feature in an article at one of my mom’s magazine. I remember reading the article over and over again. My sister does not live that far.
I visited Niagara Falls in winter and had a great time, it was not busy and the snow and ice made it beautiful. But after reading this and seeing your pictures, I think i need to visit in the summer as well.
I live in Boston area and still haven’t made it to Niagara Falls! I think once we can safely travel again, I need to plan the road trip there.
Hope you get to visit soon 😊
This is a great post. I love how you have included the prices for the items that you explored! Thanks for a great post
Thanks so much.happy that you found it useful
I’ve never been here – I spent some time in Rochester but didn’t make it up to Niagra Falls. Next time!
Thanks ..yes do visit next time
I lived in the US for 2.5 years and I can’t believe I never got to Niagara!!
It’s amazing.do take time out n visit ,😊
This is on my bucket list – what an amazing adventure! Looks like you had a great time.
Thanks.yes we really had fun
Wow looks gorgeous – I love Niagara Falls!
Thanks😊
Niagara Falls is on my bucket-list for such a long time! I will visit it next year! Thanks for all your tips!
Stunning waterfall. So close and yet so far, I really wish I had made the effort of seeing this beautiful place when I was last in the USA.
When I drive back to my childhood home in Michigan I always stop at Niagara Falls. My favorites are Maid of the Mist and the lights at night. Really an incredible place.
Great post 🙂 I love Niagara Falls and I’d love to visit it again. I went many years ago and it was an incredible experience.