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Niagara Falls USA Tours
Itinerary
TOTAL DURATION4 hours
MODE OF TRANSFERWalk
Timeline
Map
1
Maid of the Mist
Tickets included
Kick off the adventure with the Maid of the Mist boat and experience the breathtaking falls up close.
2
Niagara Gorge
1 activities
Tickets included
Ride the elevator up the tower for stunning panoramic views of all three falls—Horseshoe, American, and Bridal Veil Falls.
Highlights
Scenic Walk
Included in price
Enjoy a guided walk along the Niagara Gorge, learning fascinating stories of Niagara's history, including the daredevils who have braved the falls.
3
Cave of the Winds
Tickets included
End your tour with an unforgettable visit to the Cave of the Winds, where you'll descend to the Hurricane Deck and feel the power of the falls just feet away.
- Experience the ultimate Niagara tour in one day, visiting iconic attractions like Maid of the Mist, Cave of the Winds, and America’s oldest state park.
- Feel the thrill on Maid of the Mist, where you’ll get drenched by the mist of Horseshoe Falls and see Bridal Veil Falls up close from the Hurricane Deck, 175 feet into the Niagara Gorge at Cave of the Winds.
- Capture breathtaking panoramic views from the Observation Tower, where you can see all three falls—Horseshoe, American, and Bridal Veil—in one sweeping vista.
- Wander through scenic spots like Prospect Point and Crow’s Nest Walkway, and enjoy a tranquil stroll along the roaring Niagara Rapids with stunning river views.
- Experience the ultimate Niagara tour in one day, visiting iconic attractions like Maid of the Mist, Cave of the Winds, and America’s oldest state park.
- Feel the thrill on Maid of the Mist, where you’ll get drenched by the mist of Horseshoe Falls and see Bridal Veil Falls up close from the Hurricane Deck, 175 feet into the Niagara Gorge at Cave of the Winds.
- Capture breathtaking panoramic views from the Observation Tower, where you can see all three falls—Horseshoe, American, and Bridal Veil—in one sweeping vista.
- Wander through scenic spots like Prospect Point and Crow’s Nest Walkway, and enjoy a tranquil stroll along the roaring Niagara Rapids with stunning river views.
Inclusions
- Maid of the Mist boat tour
- Timed entry to Cave of the Winds
- Entry to Observation Tower
- Expert English-speaking guide
- Poncho
Exclusions
- Round-trip transfers
- Food & drinks
- Tip: Protect your camera from the mist with a waterproof case or cover. This will help you capture those unforgettable moments without worries!
- Please note that guests can get very wet by the end of the Cave of the Winds experience, so be prepared to embrace the splash and wear suitable clothing!
- This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Itinerary
TOTAL DURATION4 hours
MODE OF TRANSFERWalk
Passes By
Luna Island
1
Cave of the Winds
Tickets included
Descend 175 ft into the Niagara Gorge and experience the Hurricane Deck near Bridal Veil Falls, where you’ll feel the rushing power of the water.
2
Terrapin Point Observation Deck
1 attractions
Tickets included
Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Three Sisters Islands and the Falls from this prime vantage point.
Nearby things to do
Three Sisters Islands
3 mins walk
3
Prospect Point Observation Tower
Tickets included
Take in stunning views of all three falls from the only place in Niagara Falls, NY where you can see them simultaneously.
4
Maid of the Mist
Tickets included
Board the iconic boat and get up close to the powerful base of the Falls for an unforgettable, misty experience.
- Explore Niagara Falls with a small group of just 16 people or less, ensuring a more personalized tour led by a knowledgeable local guide.
- At the Cave of the Winds descend 175 ft into the Niagara Gorge before you experience the raw power of the Bridal Veil Falls and enjoy thrilling close-up views of the Falls from the Maid of the Mist.
- Soak in stunning panoramic vistas of Niagara Falls and the serene Three Sisters Islands from Terrapin Point, with a unique view of the upper rapids.
- Snap photos from the Prospect Point Observation Tower, where you can catch glimpses of the Rainbow Bridge and the Canadian side of the Falls!
- Explore Niagara Falls with a small group of just 16 people or less, ensuring a more personalized tour led by a knowledgeable local guide.
- At the Cave of the Winds descend 175 ft into the Niagara Gorge before you experience the raw power of the Bridal Veil Falls and enjoy thrilling close-up views of the Falls from the Maid of the Mist.
- Soak in stunning panoramic vistas of Niagara Falls and the serene Three Sisters Islands from Terrapin Point, with a unique view of the upper rapids.
- Snap photos from the Prospect Point Observation Tower, where you can catch glimpses of the Rainbow Bridge and the Canadian side of the Falls!
Inclusions
- Small group tour with 10 people or less of Niagara Falls, NY
- Expert English-speaking guide
Attractions covered:
- Sitting Nikola Tesla Statue
- Maid of the Mist boat tour
- Niagara Gorge
- Cave of the Winds & Hurricane Deck
- Goat Island
- Luna Island
- Terrapin Point Observation Deck to see the Three Sisters Islands and Falls
- Tip: You'll be walking and standing for a good part of the tour, so comfortable, waterproof shoes are a must!
- The Maid of the Mist cruise is a seasonal attraction. When the boat cruise is not operating, it is replaced by a visit to the Aquarium of Niagara.
- Please note that guests can get very wet by the end of the Cave of the Winds experience, so be prepared to embrace the splash and wear suitable clothing!
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
- Get up close to Niagara Falls with the Maid of the Mist, feeling the power of the cascading water as you cruise right into the heart of the action.
- Hear thrilling tales of fearless individuals who braved the falls, from tightrope walkers to barrel riders, shared by an expert guide.
- From November 7th to May 1st, explore the Cave of the Winds and see stunning winter ice formations up close.
- The Maid of the Mist is one of North America's most iconic boat tours, with a storied history dating back to 1846, offering a time-tested way to experience Niagara Falls.
- Get up close to Niagara Falls with the Maid of the Mist, feeling the power of the cascading water as you cruise right into the heart of the action.
- Hear thrilling tales of fearless individuals who braved the falls, from tightrope walkers to barrel riders, shared by an expert guide.
- From November 7th to May 1st, explore the Cave of the Winds and see stunning winter ice formations up close.
- The Maid of the Mist is one of North America's most iconic boat tours, with a storied history dating back to 1846, offering a time-tested way to experience Niagara Falls.
Inclusions
- Admission to Maid of the Mist boat cruise
- English-speaking guide
- Access to the Cave of the Winds (seasonal, from Nov 7th to May 1st)
- Rain poncho
- Tip: Even with a rain poncho, the weather can be cool and breezy. Dress in layers to stay comfortable throughout your adventure.
- This experience is not accessible by wheelchair.
- This experience is pram/stroller accessible.
- Your guide dogs are welcome at the venue.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
- Make your way to Cave of the Winds and dive straight into an exciting guided tour filled with captivating stories about the falls.
- Feel the Roar of the Bridal Veil Falls from the Hurricane Deck, where you’ll experience the powerful mist and hear the dramatic rush of the water.
- Experience the film “The World Changed Here,” offering an immersive look into the historical and environmental significance of Niagara Falls.
- Explore interactive exhibits featuring hands-on displays about Niagara’s natural forces and Nikola Tesla’s pioneering hydroelectric innovations.
- Make your way to Cave of the Winds and dive straight into an exciting guided tour filled with captivating stories about the falls.
- Feel the Roar of the Bridal Veil Falls from the Hurricane Deck, where you’ll experience the powerful mist and hear the dramatic rush of the water.
- Experience the film “The World Changed Here,” offering an immersive look into the historical and environmental significance of Niagara Falls.
- Explore interactive exhibits featuring hands-on displays about Niagara’s natural forces and Nikola Tesla’s pioneering hydroelectric innovations.
Inclusions
- Entry to Cave of the Winds
- Hurricane Deck experience
- Guided historical tour
- Access to The World Changed Here film & interactive exhibits
- Poncho
- Tip: Even with a poncho, the mist can be intense. Wear waterproof shoes, and shorts, and bring an extra change of clothes to stay comfortable and dry.
- Please note that guests can get very wet by the end of the Cave of the Winds experience, so be prepared to embrace the splash and wear suitable clothing!
- This experience is not accessible by wheelchair.
- This experience is pram/stroller accessible.
- Your guide dogs are welcome at the venue.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Itinerary
TOTAL DURATION5 hours
Timeline
Map
1
Maid of the Mist
Tickets included
Board this iconic boat for a thrilling ride that takes you up close to the base of the powerful falls, where mist fills the air.
2
Prospect Point Observation Tower
Tickets included
Marvel at the view from the only place on the U.S. side where you can see all three falls—American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Horseshoe Falls.
Passes By
Goat Island
4
END POINT
Niagara Falls, USA
- Go on an adventure by land, water, and air on this 5-hour guided tour to the American side of Niagara Falls, perfect for thrill-seekers and families.
- Your guide will share the history behind the area, including Tesla's work on hydroelectric power, and the best spots to avoid the crowds.
- Hover over American Falls as it unfurls like lace onto a rock pile and get close-up views of Horseshoe Falls, the largest of the three waterfalls.
- Nestled between Goat Island and Niagara Falls State Park, Luna Island gives a close-up view of the smallest of the three waterfalls, Bridal Veil Falls.
- Feel the power of the falls on a boat ride or see the aquatic life living under the falls with a visit to the Aquarium of Niagara.
- Go on an adventure by land, water, and air on this 5-hour guided tour to the American side of Niagara Falls, perfect for thrill-seekers and families.
- Your guide will share the history behind the area, including Tesla's work on hydroelectric power, and the best spots to avoid the crowds.
- Hover over American Falls as it unfurls like lace onto a rock pile and get close-up views of Horseshoe Falls, the largest of the three waterfalls.
- Nestled between Goat Island and Niagara Falls State Park, Luna Island gives a close-up view of the smallest of the three waterfalls, Bridal Veil Falls.
- Feel the power of the falls on a boat ride or see the aquatic life living under the falls with a visit to the Aquarium of Niagara.
Inclusions
- 5-hour tour of Niagara Falls, New York
- English-speaking guide
- Small group of up to 6 people
- 8-minute helicopter ride
- Round-trip downtown Niagara Falls transfers
- Maid of the Mist boat cruise with poncho or visit to Aquarium of Niagara
- Entry to Goat Island, Terrapin Point, Luna Island, Whirlpool State Park, Cave of the Winds
- Meet your guide at Seneca Casinos.
- Address: 310 4th St, Niagara Falls, NY 14303, United States.
- Tip: If you pack a pair of binoculars, you might spot birds soaring over the falls or kayakers braving the rapids below.
- Safety is a priority so the helicopter ride is restricted for infants and guests under the height of 1.02m (3.3ft).
- Nobody likes a crowd. A single group has a maximum of 6 people.
- The boat cruise usually operates from May to October. When it is not operational, it will be replaced with a visit to the Aquarium of Niagara.
- Helicopter rides are weather permitting. If unavailable, you can reschedule or receive a partial refund.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Top attractions in Niagara Falls USA
Maid of the Mist
Take this historic boat tour across the Niagara River and get up close to the Niagara Falls,into the basin of Horseshoe Falls. The Maid of the Mist is one of the oldest attractions in Niagara Falls and has been operating since 1846.
Recommended tours:
Small Group Tour with Maid of the Mist & Cave of the Winds
Maid of the Mist Boat Ride, Cave of the Winds & Full-Day Trolley Pass
Sail away on the Maid of the Mist
Cave of the Winds
If thrill is what you’re after, the Cave of the Winds is an attraction you must not skip. Equipped with a poncho, you will descend 175 feet into the Niagara Gorge via elevator where your escapade will begin. You will walk a series of wooden walkways to the Hurricane Deck, just 20 feet away from the thundering Bridal Veil Falls. Here is where you’ll really feel the force of the water crashing down.
Recommended tours:
Cave of the Winds Skip-the-Line Guided Tour Small Group Tour with Maid of the Mist & Cave of the Winds
Maid of the Mist Boat Ride, Cave of the Winds & Full-Day Trolley Pass
Get your adventure on today
Niagara Falls State Park
Established in 1885, Niagara Falls State Park is the oldest state park in the United States of America, spanning 400 acres. Originallydesigned to protect the natural beauty of the falls and surrounding landscapes, you’ll probably go here to hop onto you boat for the e Cave of the Winds and the Maid of the Mist tour. There aer also hiking trails and various viewpoints.
Recommended tours:
Maid of the Mist Boat Ride, Cave of the Winds & Full-Day Trolley Pass
Explore the wonders of this state park
Fireworks and Illumination
Your nighttime experience at Niagara Falls will be incomplete without the fireworks and illumination that takes place after dark. You can view the illumination of the Falls every night after sunset, but the fireworks are seasonal and are usually scheduled between May and October. From Prospect Point Park, watch as the cascading waters are immersed in vibrant colors creating a dramatic backdrop for the fireworks show above.
Brighten your trip with the Niagara fireworks
Prospect Point Observation Tower
At 282 feet tall, the Prospect Point Observation Tower is a great place to get views of both the American and Canadian waterfalls. The tower extends over the Niagara Gorge and this is from where you will take the elevator to board the Maid of the Mist boat tour. Birdwatching and photography are popular activities at the observation deck.
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Niagara Gorge Hiking Trails
There is a trail for every skill level in the Niagara Gorge Take the Rim Trail for an easier route to spectacular views, or hike through rugged terrain alongside the powerful Niagara River on the Whirlpool Rapids Trail for a bit of a challenge.
Popular tours in Niagara Falls US
Helicopter tours
Niagara Falls and its surrounding landscape make for a picture perfect sight from the skies as you fly past the Falls on a state of the art helicopter. Your scenic flight will last for about 8 minutes but will fill you with memories for a lifetime!
Recommended tours:
Niagara Falls Small-Group Guided Tour with Helicopter Ride
Small group tours
Let your Niagara Falls experience be a little more intimate with a small group of up to 10 people ensuring a more personalized way of exploring the Falls. Your English-speaking local guide will be able to give you more attention on your tour of the US side of Niagara Falls where you will see Goat Island and Luna Island apart from the Cave of the Winds and Maid of the Mist experiences.
Recommended tours:
Small Group Tour with Maid of the Mist & Cave of the Winds
Niagara Falls US map
Have a look at the US side of Niagara Falls on this map where you can spot popular attractions like the Niagara Falls State Park, American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Goat Island.
Know before you go
Travel essentials
Best time to visit
Transportation
Dining
Stay
Travel hacks & tips
Time zone: The American side of Niagara Falls, located in the state of New York, runs on the Eastern Time Zone (ET), which is GMT/UTC -5 hours during standard time and GMT/UTC -4 hours during daylight saving time.
Niagara Falls, New York, observes daylight saving time, which began on March 10, 2024, and will end on November 3, 2024.
Take note of the time zone and daylight saving time changes to ensure you arrive at attractions and events at the correct time.
Currency: The currency used on the US side of Niagara Falls is the United States Dollar (USD), which is accepted at all local attractions, restaurants, and shops. If you plan on crossing over to Canada, carry some Canadian Dollars (CAD) with you.
Area code: 716
Emergency number: 911
Plan your visit to Niagara Falls
Visit Niagara Falls during the summer (June to August) to make sure you can experience all the seasonal attractions. But remember that this is peak tourist season so expect to be jostling for space alongside other holiday makers!
If you prefer fewer people around you, early June or late August are ideal times to visit, when the weather will still be pleasant while allowing you to avoid the busiest weeks of July. The low season (October to May) is a quieter time to see the Falls but the temperatures often dip below freezing and summer attractions will be closed. In October and November you can see the foliage transform into vibrant autumn colors of reds, yellows, and oranges. As December comes, so do the mesmerizing ice formations. March to May, on the other hand, will show you the breaking in of spring with budding flowers and greenery returning to the landscape.
Niagara Falls attractions timings
Getting to the city
Airports: Fly directly into Niagara Falls International Airport, which is the closest airport to the Falls (11 miles). You can also fly into Buffalo Niagara International Airport (33 miles) which offers more flight and airline options. From the airports, rent a car, take a taxi, or use public transport to reach Niagara Falls.
Driving: If you are coming from nearby cities, driving to Niagara Falls is quite convenient with plenty of parking garages spread across the city. The drive typically takes about 8 hours from major locations, such as New York City or Chicago.
Bus: Take the various intercity bus services including NFTA Metro Bus, Greyhound, FlixBus, and New York Trailways for a convenient commute. The buses connect major cities to Niagara Falls with daily departures from cities like Buffalo, Rochester, and even as far as Philadelphia.
Amtrak: The Amtrak offers various routes to the Niagara Falls Amtrak Station, the most used one being from New York City. The journey from NYC takes around 9 to 10 hours and includes scenic views along the way, especially as the train travels north along the Hudson River and through the Erie Canal region. The Niagara Falls Amtrak Station is less than a 10-minute drive from the Falls.
Getting to Niagara Falls
Within the city
Public transport: Within Niagara Falls, the Discover Niagara Shuttle offers a free hop-on, hop-off service between the Visitor Center and various attractions.
Car rentals: You can find several car rentals on the US side of the Falls including Rent-A-Car, Hertz and Alamo Rent A Car. There are car rentals at the Niagara Falls International Airport if you plan to go directly to the falls or want to explore the town immediately.
Niagara Scenic Trolley: Within the Niagara Falls State Park, take the trolley service between attractions. The route has multiple stops throughout the park, allowing you to explore at your own pace.
Others: The city has a compact layout that is easily walkable. Apart from this, you can make use of the bike rental services that are available for those who prefer to cycle around the attractions.
- Instead of buying tickets individually for every attraction, save time and money book pre-designed tours that will include multiple experiences like the Maid of the Mist boat tour and the Cave of the Winds. If you're staying in nearby cities like Buffalo, take advantage of the NFTA Metro Bus service, which runs regularly to the Niagara Falls Visitor Center.
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel or Cambria Hotel which are within walking distance of the Falls if you want extra convenience
- Take some cash along for smaller vendors or tips, even though most places accept credit cards.
- Walk across the Rainbow Bridge to get brilliant views and pictures of both the American and Canadian sides of the Falls.
The view from the US side
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See all photos
Frequently asked questions about Niagara Falls USA
What makes visiting the US side of Niagara Falls unique?
The US side of Niagara Falls offers a more nature-focused experience, with less commercial development than the Canadian side. At the Niagara Falls State Park, which is the oldest state park in the United States, most of the attractions including Goat Island and Cave of the Winds take you remarkably close to the Falls. While the Canadian side offers expansive views of all three waterfalls, the US side of Niagara Falls provides a more intimate, natural experience.
Can I see the Falls illuminated from the US side?
Yes, you can enjoy watching Niagara Falls being illuminated from various vantage points on the US side like the Prospect Point Observation Tower and other designated viewing areas.
How long should I plan to stay on the US side of Niagara Falls?
A full day is ideal to explore the main attractions, enjoy some hiking at the Niagara Falls State Park, and take in the views. If you plan to visit both the US and Canadian sides, consider staying for at least two days.
Is there an entrance fee to Niagara Falls State Park?
While entrance to the park is free, some attractions like the Cave of the Winds and the Maid of the Mist have separate fees.
Can I take a guided tour on the US side of Niagara Falls?
A guided tour is a great way to explore Niagara Falls with a well-thought-out itinerary curated and led by expert guides. Some tours even include skip-the-line access to popular attractions.
What wildlife can I see in Niagara Falls State Park?
Niagara Falls State Park is home to a diverse range of wildlife. At the park you can white-tailed deer, eastern gray squirrels, bald eagles and many more birds and animals in their natural habitat. If you find yourself in the park's wetland areas, look out for the snapping turtles! (Bonus fact: Don’t go too close, since these turtles have powerful jaws. There is even a local myth that says they will only let go after it thunders!)
Can I visit Niagara Falls USA in the winter?
Yes! Visiting Niagara Falls on the US side in winter offers a magical experience. From Prospect Point, you can see the icy landscape, massive icicles, and the roaring water Niagara Falls. There are also indoor activities you can take part in such as rock climbing and Aquarium of Niagara.
What are the parking options on the US side of Niagara Falls?
There are several parking lots within and around Niagara Falls State Park including at Prospect Point, Goat Island, and Niagara Gorge, with varying fees. Arrive earlier in the day to secure a spot since parking lots can fill up quickly during peak season.
Can I bring pets to Niagara Falls USA?
Of course! Get your pets along on your visit to Niagara Falls State Park so that they can enjoy some nature and fresh air along with you. But remember to keep them on a leash at all times. While pets are allowed in most outdoor areas within the park, they are not permitted into most buildings and certain attractions like the Maid of the Mist and Cave of the Winds.