Things to Do in Niagara Falls, NY

1. Maid of the Mist

The classic US Niagara Falls boat ride.

It departs from Niagara Falls State Park, sails past the American and Bridal Veil Falls and into the basin below Horseshoe Falls. The boats are electric, and ponchos are handed out before you board.

For a first visit to the American side, this should be near the top of the list.

Our picks. On GetYourGuide the Maid of the Mist is sold inside guided walks through the state park, most of which add the Cave of the Winds. The small-group Maid of the Mist and Cave of the Winds tour is from $115 (4.9★ from 658 reviews) and includes the Observation Deck. The US Maid of the Mist and Cave of the Winds tour is the cheaper option, from $99 (4.6★ from 706 reviews). The Bliss Tour, from $110 (5.0★ from 230 reviews), adds Luna Island and the Nikola Tesla monument on Goat Island. Our comparison of the best Niagara Falls boat tours sets the Maid of the Mist against the Canadian boat and the jet boat.

2. Cave of the Winds

The Cave of the Winds takes you down into the gorge beside Bridal Veil Falls. Despite the name, it is not a cave: it is a set of wooden walkways that descends about 200 feet to the bottom of the falls.

The walkways and the Hurricane Deck, where the water crashes down just in front of you, give one of the most intense close-up waterfall experiences in Niagara. Expect to get soaked.

It is included in the small-group Maid of the Mist and Cave of the Winds tour and the US Maid of the Mist and Cave of the Winds tour above.

3. Goat Island

Goat Island sits between Horseshoe Falls and the American and Bridal Veil Falls.

Walking across it gives you a much better understanding of Niagara’s geography: you can stand beside one waterfall and look across at the other two, and see how the island splits the river.

4. Terrapin Point

One of the strongest US-side viewpoints for Horseshoe Falls.

Canada has the better full panorama, but Terrapin Point, at the western tip of Goat Island, gives you a close view right beside the brink.

5. Luna Island

Luna Island sits between the American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls.

Standing between two waterfalls is something the Canadian side cannot offer.

6. Prospect Point

Prospect Point has excellent American Falls views and convenient access to the Maid of the Mist.

The Observation Tower here is the only place on the American side where you can see all three waterfalls at once.

7. Niagara Falls State Park

Much of the best sightseeing on the US side is done on foot.

Explore:

• Prospect Point
• Goat Island
• Luna Island
• Terrapin Point
• Upper Niagara River

There is no general admission fee to see the Falls; you pay only for the attractions inside the park, such as the Maid of the Mist and the Cave of the Winds.

8. Whirlpool State Park

Travel downstream to see the Niagara Whirlpool and the gorge.

The upper viewpoints are easy to reach; the trails down into the gorge take considerably more effort. Our guide to the Niagara Whirlpool and Whirlpool Rapids explains what you are looking at and how it formed.

9. Devil’s Hole State Park

A stronger choice for active visitors.

Trails descend towards the Niagara River and the Devil’s Hole Rapids, where Niagara Parks measures the water at about 36 km/h.

Wear proper footwear.

10. Whirlpool Jet Boat from Lewiston

For adventure, continue north to Lewiston.

The Whirlpool Jet Boat takes passengers into the Niagara Gorge and through the Class 5 Devil’s Hole Rapids on a 45-minute ride.

Choose between:

• Wet Jet, the open boat that soaks everyone aboard
• Dry Freedom Jet, the domed boat that runs the same rapids with the windows shut

It does not go underneath Niagara Falls. The jet boats work the lower river, well downstream of the waterfalls.

Our pick. The Lewiston 45-minute jet boat tour is from $73 (4.8★ from 335 reviews). Our breakdown of the Lewiston tour has the check-in and height rules, and wet jet vs dry Freedom Jet helps you pick the boat.

Maid of the Mist vs Whirlpool Jet Boat

Maid of the Mist:

• Niagara Falls
• Horseshoe Falls
• Classic sightseeing

Whirlpool Jet Boat:

• Gorge
• Rapids
• High speed
• Adventure

For the best full day, do both. They are different stretches of the same river, and the Maid of the Mist dock and the Lewiston jet boat dock are about 15 minutes apart by car.

Visit Lewiston

If you are travelling to Lewiston for the jet boat, allow time for the historic village and the riverfront.

It is a calmer contrast to central Niagara Falls, and the jet boat office is on the Lewiston waterfront itself, with free parking on site.

Cross Rainbow Bridge to Canada

If you have the right documents, the Canadian panorama is well worth seeing.

Rainbow Bridge connects Niagara Falls, New York with Niagara Falls, Ontario, and it has a pedestrian walkway as well as the road.

Border entry requirements apply, so check them with the official Canadian and US border agencies before you set out, and carry your passport.

If you would rather someone else handled the crossing, the Canadian Side Day Trip with Maid of the Mist, from $160 (4.6★ from 445 reviews), picks up from hotels on either side of the river. Our comparison of Niagara Falls: Canada vs USA side sets the two sides against each other, and things to do in Niagara Falls, Canada covers the other bank.

See Niagara Falls at Night

Niagara Falls is illuminated after dark.

Good US viewpoints include:

• Prospect Point
• Goat Island
• Terrapin Point

The Nightlight Experience with Fireworks, from $40 (4.9★ from 266 reviews), is a guided evening walk through Goat Island, Luna Island and Terrapin Point. Its listing includes fireworks viewing at 10pm from 15 May to 14 October.

Best Things for First-Time Visitors

Prioritise:

1. Maid of the Mist
2. Cave of the Winds
3. Goat Island
4. Terrapin Point
5. Luna Island
6. Prospect Point

Then add the gorge and the jet boat if you have time.

Best Adventure Activities

1. Whirlpool Jet Boat
2. Cave of the Winds
3. Devil’s Hole hiking
4. Niagara Gorge trails
5. Maid of the Mist

One-Day Niagara Falls NY Itinerary

Morning

Prospect Point → Maid of the Mist → Goat Island → Terrapin Point → Luna Island

Afternoon

Cave of the Winds → Whirlpool State Park → Lewiston

Late afternoon

Whirlpool Jet Boat. Check-in closes 45 minutes before departure, so arrive in Lewiston with time in hand.

Evening

Return for the illuminated Falls

Two-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Niagara Falls State Park, Maid of the Mist, Cave of the Winds, Goat Island.

Day 2

Whirlpool State Park, Devil’s Hole, Lewiston and the jet boat.

USA vs Canada

Canada is stronger for panoramic views and commercial attractions.

The USA is stronger for close-up park access and walking beside the waterfalls.

For the best trip, visit both if practical.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best things to do in Niagara Falls, NY?

Maid of the Mist, Cave of the Winds, Goat Island, Terrapin Point and Luna Island, all inside Niagara Falls State Park.

Is Maid of the Mist on the US side?

Yes. It departs from Niagara Falls State Park in New York.

Does the Lewiston jet boat go under Niagara Falls?

No. It runs the Class 5 Devil’s Hole Rapids on the lower Niagara River, well downstream of the Falls.

Where does the Niagara jet boat leave from on the US side?

Lewiston, New York, from the Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours office on the waterfront, about 15 minutes’ drive from Niagara Falls, NY.

How long do you need in Niagara Falls, NY?

One full day for the main Falls attractions; two days to include the gorge without rushing.

Final Verdict

Start with the Maid of the Mist and the close-up Falls attractions.

Then follow the Niagara River north.

The Maid of the Mist shows you where the water falls.

The Whirlpool Jet Boat shows you what happens to the river afterwards.

Compare Niagara Falls NY jet boat tours →