United States
American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls seen from Niagara Falls State Park on the U.S. side

United States · City

2 days · U.S. side

Niagara Falls

Two days and one night on the U.S. side, driving from New Jersey with Karen and Rayla. Helicopter views, Niagara after dark, and Maid of the Mist — with a hotel close enough to walk to the falls.

Know before you go

Best time & quick facts

Best time
Jun–Aug for warm weather & full attractions
Time zones
EDT (UTC-4)
Budget
$115–$295 USD
Getting around
Walking, Discover Niagara Shuttle, NFTA-Metro buses, trolley, taxis & rideshare

Trip highlights

  • Rainbow Air helicopter flight over the falls
  • The illuminated falls after dark
  • A guided morning in Niagara Falls State Park with Greg
  • Maid of the Mist and lunch at The Red Coach Inn
  • One night at Quality Hotel & Suites At The Falls

From the trip

Our two-day Niagara Falls itinerary

  1. Day 1

    Road trip, helicopter views, and Niagara at night

    Drive from New Jersey, stop for lunch, and check into Quality Hotel & Suites At The Falls. Take the Rainbow Air helicopter flight, then return to see the falls illuminated. Finish with dinner and a casino visit.

  2. Day 2

    State park, Maid of the Mist, and the drive home

    Meet Greg for a guided morning in Niagara Falls State Park, then board Maid of the Mist. Have lunch at The Red Coach Inn, take a final break at the hotel, and drive home to New Jersey.

Read the full trip journal →

Weather in Niagara Falls

Typical monthly averages, not a live forecastLive weather

Niagara Falls, New York experiences a humid continental climate characterized by cold, snowy winters and warm, humid summers, moderating slightly near the Niagara River and Lake Ontario. Climatological data is based on NOAA 1991–2020 normals recorded at Niagara Falls International Airport.

Best time to visit: June to September for warm weather, mist tours like Maid of the Mist, and evening illumination events.

  1. Now

  • Best
  • Good
  • Mixed
  • Poor

Map of Niagara Falls

Places from this trip — tap a pin for details

From the trip

  • Rainbow Air helicopter on the helipad before our Niagara Falls flight
  • Niagara River gorge with a tour boat and Rainbow Bridge

From my store

Get my map of this place

My Niagara Falls places, pinned for Google Maps with my notes.

Other places in United States

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Other stops from the journal — swipe to browse.

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