Sunday drives aren’t just for Sundays anymore, and sometimes you may simply feel like taking one of the many scenic drives in New York without a purpose other than driving. Make your best playlist, grab a friend, and fill up your tank, then hit one of these seven best backroads that make for perfect scenic drives near Buffalo – any day of the week!

1. Route 219
U.S. 219, US-219, Ellicottville, NY, USA
Johnny McGahee/Google
Route 219 stretches from just south of Buffalo in West Seneca all the way to Virginia, spanning 533 miles - most of which is surrounded by stunning natural scenery! The 219 is especially glorious in the fall, as the area between Orchard Park and Ellicottville is flanked by miles of lush foliage.

Check out the lovely fall foliage on this route:

2. Route 20A
U.S. 20A, US-20A, East Aurora, NY, USA
Daniel Case - Wikipedia.org
Route 20A is an East-West road that weaves from Hamburg to Geneseo. Depending on which section of the road you're traveling, you'll find everything from farm fields and subtle hills to windmills and quaint towns to explore!
3. Route 39
New York 39, NY-39, Springville, NY, USA
Doug Kerr - Wikipedia.org
Route 39 is nearly 100 miles long, starting in the west in Sheridan and stretching to the east in Sardinia. Along the way, you'll pass through towns such as Springville and Gowanda to grab a bite to eat or fill up your tank, so you can continue along your merry way!

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4. Route 62
Route 62 Motel, 1900 Niagara Falls Blvd, Tonawanda, NY 14150, USA
Mitchazenia - Wikipedia.org
Believe it or not, Route 62 is a part of the highway system that stretches from Texas all the way to Niagara Falls, but for the purposes of this list, we'll focus on the 102 miles of the route in our area. Travel north to Niagara Falls or South all the way past Jamestown to the PA line for the ultimate Sunday drive!
5. Route 5
State 5, NY-5, Buffalo, NY, USA
Adam Moss - Flickr
Route 5 is one of our personal favorites, and while most might associate it with the Skyway, this route offers so much more! Travel south along the shores of Lake Erie to Lakeview and beyond to get stunning views of the lake. Pro tip: Head out just before sunset, pull over at Hamburg Beach, and bring your camera for stunning photos with city views in the background!

Take a look at some of the gorgeous scenery along this route:

6. Route 18
New York 18, NY-18, Rochester, NY, USA
Google Maps
Route 18 stretches from Lewiston to Rochester, with much of the drive running parallel to the shores of Lake Ontario.
7. Route 391 (Boston State Road)
New York 391, NY-391, Hamburg, NY 14075, USA
Mitchazenia - Wikipedia.org
Boston State Road (AKA Route 391) is a small country road that goes from Hamburg to Boston. Although it's a short stretch, the surrounding areas are perfect for a relaxing, scenic drive!

Have you been on any of these scenic drives near Buffalo? Which route do you turn to when you want to take a back road? Let us know in the comments! If you’re looking for more on-the-road adventures, check out these lovely scenic byways in New York.

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More to Explore

Road Trip Attractions in New York

William Suphan | August 18, 2023

What are the most incredible natural attractions in New York?

The most incredible natural attractions in New York include:

  • Panama Rocks Scenic Park. This area looks like something from a fantasy novel with its mossy, wavy rock formations.
  • Kaaterskill Falls. This is one of the tallest waterfalls in the state and a picturesque stone staircase will take you to the upper tier.
  • Watkins Glen State Park. This popular natural attraction has breathtaking gorges with waterfalls cascading down the sides.
  • Devil’s Hole State Park. The trails here have some of the most stunning views in the state, especially with the churning Niagara River.

Learn more about the most incredible natural attractions in New York. 

What are the most charming small towns in New York?

The most charming small towns in New York include:

  • Newfield. This lovely town is surrounded by verdant forests and has covered bridges and tons of peace and quiet.
  • Aurora. Nestled on the shores of Cayuga Lake, this tiny town has gorgeous old houses and draws tons of visitors every year.
  • Phoenicia. Secreted away in the Catskills, this little town is known for the Empire State Railway Museum and the Phoenicia Diner.
  • Hammondsport. This town is utterly beautiful and locals come here for wineries and waterfront restaurants.

Discover more about the most charming small towns in New York. 

What are some bucket list natural wonders in New York?

Bucket list natural wonders in New York include:

  • Thousand Islands Region. There are actually 1,864 islands here and they are each a lovely sight to behold.
  • Niagara Falls. This is the most famous natural wonder in the state and one of the most famous around the world.
  • Letchworth Stae Park. The gorgeous falls in this park with take your breath away and camping here is quite an experience.
  • The Adirondacks. This mountain range spans 5,000 square miles and has over 200 lakes. Everywhere you look there’s a magnificent view.

Find out more about bucket list natural wonders in New York. 

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