Rochester, located on the southern shore of Lake Ontario, is the third largest city in the state of New York at a population of over 200,000. Despite its size, it has small-town charm as well as prominent maritime vibes, thanks to its location, and is also an amazing place to visit during the summer because of its vibrant, loaded beachfront. All of that adds a lot to Rochester’s character that many Great Lakes boaters find alluring. The beachfront area offers virtually all the amazing characteristics a boater should expect.
Marina
The Port of Rochester Marina is a new state-of-the-art marina that was opened a few years ago. As a staple to the waterfront, the marina helps give it some modern and fashionable looks, plus this marina is among the best in value and convenience on Lake Ontario. With 55 slips for rent and lots of transient slips, the marina is designed to contain boats of all shapes and sizes. The boater services facility include showers, restrooms, laundry facilities, and pump-out services and utilities including Wi-Fi, electricity, and water.
“The marina also has an on-site ship store which provides a selection of sundries, souvenirs, snacks, drinks and ice,” says Port of Rochester Marina General Manager Marianne Warfle. “We even have a lounge with a large screen TV, games and books to take, and also a kitchenette.”
Restaurants & Shopping
The Port of Rochester Marina has plenty of excellent restaurants and places to shop nearby. In terms of restaurants,
you have a little something for all food tastes. “All within walking distance, there are a number of restaurants offering everything from Italian, to sushi, to American, to Caribbean and everything in between,” says Marianne. “Mr. Dominic’s on the Lake is a top recommendation and offers fantastic Italian food, but Jetty at the Port has the best views of the River and Lake Ontario and offers casual dining and a full outdoor bar on the second floor of the Port Terminal Building as well.” For shopping, the marina’s on-site ship store also has a great selection of novelties, souvenirs and branded clothing. “We also have a small shopping center nearby for those who want more shopping options,” the marina manager adds.
Activities
Probably the biggest attraction boaters will get a kick out of around the Port of Rochester area is the Ontario Beach and the adjacent 39-acre Ontario Beach Park. It has a reputation of being one of the best natural sand beaches in the Great Lakes region. Whether you want to take a walk along the pier and enjoy some nice views, go fishing, ride the carousel, take your boat out, go picnicking, or simply relax on the beach and/or go swimming, this beach park will make you want to keep coming back for more.
“The park offers supervised swimming from 11am to 7 pm, there is a lengthy fishing pier, and it’s close to Turning Point Park and walking trails,” says Marianne.
Also near the beach are a couple of golf options, including the Shore Acres course and the Lake Shore Country Club. Perhaps you could golf during the morning and enjoy an afternoon at the beach. Two lighthouses, Charlotte Genesee and Braddock Point, are also big hits in the area. “America’s Oldest Surviving Lighthouse, the Charlotte Genesee Lighthouse, has a small museum attached to it and offers tours during the summer season as well and overlooks the Port of Rochester Marina,” adds the marina manager.
Upcoming Events
While there are no places to stay within walkable distance of the Port of Rochester Marina, plenty of hotels are a short bus ride away. Regardless, the Port of Rochester is an amazing part of the Rochester area that caters so well to boaters in offering them so much to do. The marina’s general manager really stresses that this part of town has some amazing natural beauty.
“The atmosphere around the marina features beautiful landscaping and offers a walking path that is perfect for bike riding, dog walking and jogging, etc., and ties in with the Genesee River Trail, pier, and Ontario Beach Park and is highly used all year round,” Marianne says. “With the restaurants, ice cream shops, parks and trails in such close proximity to the marina it’s a great place to visit and watch the boats go by, watch the sailing races out of the Rochester Yacht Club, and enjoy Rochester’s always improving waterfront area.”
For the upcoming season, the Port of Rochester is expanding its ship store, and they are hosting several fishing tournaments. They are also hosting a local boat parade in July.
For More Information
Port of Rochester Marina
www.portofrochestermarina.com
