free to see syracuse

E.M. MILLS MEMORIAL ROSE GARDEN . Come June, this rose garden is in full bloom. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a cup of coffee, a surprise engagement session or just to soak up the sun. Located in Thornden Park near Syracuse University, this garden is run entirely by volunteers.

The Onondaga Historical Association . Formed in 1862, OHA’s main purpose as a museum is to preserve the historical, genealogical, scientific and literary material related to Onondaga County. While donations are welcome, these exhibits are free to see.

Onondaga LAKE PARK . With waterfront views, Onondaga Lake Park is free to park and enjoy all year long. With over 7 miles of trails, playgrounds, pavilions, skate and dog parks, you’re all set for a relaxing or active day — dealer’s choice!

Murals around the city. Walk, bike, scooter and spend your time discovering many magnificent murals around Onondaga County.

Armory Square is filled with beautiful interactive pieces that are fun for the whole family. Explore the culture of our city through painted scapes and portraits.

Winterfest Fireworks . Fireworks in the winter? Yes, believe it — every February Syracuse celebrates Winterfest with amazing drink contests, food crawls, ice sculptures, fun events and it’s kicked off by a gorgeous fireworks display over the Syracuse Inner Harbor. the erie canal museum . Immerse yourself in our area’s historic heritage through interactive displays, original artifacts and audio narratives that educate visitors about the canal that shaped Syracuse. The museum is housed in the historic Syracuse Weighlock Building dating all the way back to 1850! Admission is by donation only.

Dickens Christmas. Transport yourself back in time — to the 1800s to be exact — during the Holiday Season with Dickens Christmas in Skaneateles, NY. Beginning the day after Thanksgiving and every Saturday and Sunday through December 24th, you can interact with characters from the classic Christmas tale while you prance around stores, restaurants and the village of Skaneateles itself.

Visit Onondaga County on April 8, 2024 and you’ll experience a historical event first-hand — the 2024 total solar eclipse! Syracuse and Onondaga County are in the path of totality, meaning the moon will completely cover the sun, making the city go dark at 3:23 p.m. for about 1 minute and 24 seconds in downtown Syracuse.

With our impressive variety of venues, Syracuse is the ideal destination to make this celestial event your most memorable one yet. Get an extra dose of education and take the kids to the Museum of Science and Technology or hear the sounds of the wild at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo . Choose a historic spot to pair with this historic event. The Erie Canal Museum , Clinton Square and the Everson Museum of Art are some of the most iconic and historic spots in the city. Since the darkness only lasts a short time, pair it with some fun time at Destiny USA for shopping and entertainment or Upstate Medical University Arena at the War Memorial for big hockey action on the ice (Go Crunch!). Be one with nature and explore one of our many parks such as the Old Erie Canal State Historic Park , the Onondaga Creekwalk (a fantastic multi-use trail to take in the sights of downtown Syracuse) or Upper Onondaga Park to get the best city skyline view.

This event is happening just before dinner, so why not make some reservations or hit up a local restaurant you won’t find anywhere else? Sample out-of-this-world barbeque at Angry Smokehouse , go for the Harvest Moon salad at Bull & Bear Roadhouse , get a half moon cookie at Lyncourt Bakery , or a cosmic cocktail at Peacock Bar and Grill . Sample flavors from around the planet at Salt City Market on historic Salina Street. This new food hall and public market serves up everything from cakes to cocktails, with multi-ethnic menus featuring everything from Vietnamese to Ethiopian, Burmese, Middle Eastern and more. And with plenty of hotel accommodations for you to enjoy, you’re all set to make the most out of your 2024 solar eclipse experience too.

Totality in Syracuse will be totally worth it. You won’t have another chance for an event like this in the United States for at least another 20 years! Book your stay and get ready to play.