Timeline
17:42
Walk north from the Monroe County Office Building toward the river. The 13-minute stroll brings you to the High Falls viewpoint, where the Genesee River drops 96 feet. Arrive early to claim a spot on the bank as the afternoon light begins to soften.
18:27
Watch the sunset. The sun sets toward the WSW, casting a warm glow over the waterfall and the historic downtown skyline. The golden light starts at 17:48, so you will have about 12 minutes of perfect lighting before the sun dips below the horizon.
18:57
Head to Squatcho's for dinner. Located just a short walk from High Falls, this pizza spot is open for late afternoon and early evening slices. Order a slice or a pie while the city lights begin to flicker on around you.
19:57
End the night at Vertex. This goth and alternative dance club is a unique fixture near the falls. Open until 2 AM, it offers a safe, no-judgment atmosphere to dance off the pizza and enjoy the late-night energy of downtown Rochester.
Local tip
Squatcho's hours can vary slightly by day, so check if they are open for your specific evening slot. Vertex is a niche venue, so go in with an open mind and comfortable shoes.
Check before you go
- Squatcho's is open Tu-Fr 11:00-14:00, 16:00-19:00 and Sa 12:00-19:00. If you are visiting on a Sunday or Monday, choose a different dinner spot.
- Vertex is open Thu-Sat 10PM-2PM. Plan your evening to arrive after 10 PM for the full experience.
Worth knowing
- Squatcho's is open at 18:57 only on Tu, We, Th, Fr, Sa
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Rochester (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).