There’s no place like home, but sometimes you just have to get away. And while summer plans are filling up fast, there’s always room to squeeze in a good stay-cation. If you’re looking for a good place to vacay on the cheap, here are nine amazing places you can visit on one tank of gas from Buffalo!

  1. Finger Lakes

Finger Lakes - Facebook The Finger Lakes region can be summed up in one word: WINE. But even if you’re not a wine drinker, there’s a whole lot to do in this neck of the woods! Spend time on the water, stroll through the towns and villages, and rest your head at a local B&B. The opportunities to enjoy yourself are endless!

  1. Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls State Park, USA - Facebook Niagara Falls is the most beautiful neighbor, and it would be a shame not to mention them on this list of one-tank trips from Buffalo! Get up close and personal with the power of the falls, try your luck at the casino, play tourist for a day on the Maid of the Mist, and so much more!

  1. Niagara On The Lake

Niagara on the Lake - Facebook Utilize your passport and head across the border to Niagara on the Lake in Southern Ontario. This quiet town features tree-lined streets, quaint 19th-century buildings, and plenty of wineries and shops to explore. While you’re there, get your history on at Fort George!

  1. Sunset Bay

Sunset Bay, USA - Facebook South of the city on the shores of Lake Erie lies Sunset Bay, a popular party spot for locals. Spend the weekend by renting a beach house or enjoy the nightlife for one night at one of the beach bars. Whatever you choose, be sure to pack your sunscreen!

  1. Ellicottville

Ellicottville, New York - Facebook Ellicottville is a great time during any season, and while it gets its claim to fame during the winter, it’s especially lovely during the summer. Stroll the streets, enjoy the shops, and stop into EBC while you’re in town! For a relaxing experience, head to the Salt Cave.

  1. Chautauqua Lake

Chautauqua Belle - Facebook Chautauqua Lake is located about an hour away from the city of Buffalo, but the lake and town are well worth the trip. Enjoy several waterfront restaurants, ice cream shops, apple orchards, and wineries during your stay!

  1. Darien Lake

Darien Lake Theme Park - Facebook For the adventure seekers, Darien Lake is a quick drive away from downtown Buffalo and offers both thrilling rides and a relaxing campground with cabins (for “glamping”), perfect for a weekend stay!

  1. East Aurora

East Aurora, New York - Facebook East Aurora is a charming town and village located about 30 minutes south of the city. Walk along Main Street and you’ll see why we added it to our list: several shops, restaurants, cafes, and historical buildings line the streets, making this a must-visit destination!

  1. Letchworth State Park

Letchworth State Park - Facebook Did you know you can get to the Grand Canyon from Buffalo on only one tank of gas? Okay, so maybe not the Grand Canyon, but the Grand Canyon of the East is only about an hour from the Queen City in Castile, NY. Bring your hiking shoes and explore miles of trails, several waterfalls, and stunning views at this gorgeous state park!

What are you waiting for? Head to the closest gas station and fill up your tank to start experiencing all that these locations have to offer! Which place is your favorite to get away on the cheap? Let us in on your top picks in the comments!

Finger Lakes - Facebook

The Finger Lakes region can be summed up in one word: WINE. But even if you’re not a wine drinker, there’s a whole lot to do in this neck of the woods! Spend time on the water, stroll through the towns and villages, and rest your head at a local B&B. The opportunities to enjoy yourself are endless!

Niagara Falls State Park, USA - Facebook

Niagara Falls is the most beautiful neighbor, and it would be a shame not to mention them on this list of one-tank trips from Buffalo! Get up close and personal with the power of the falls, try your luck at the casino, play tourist for a day on the Maid of the Mist, and so much more!

Niagara on the Lake - Facebook

Utilize your passport and head across the border to Niagara on the Lake in Southern Ontario. This quiet town features tree-lined streets, quaint 19th-century buildings, and plenty of wineries and shops to explore. While you’re there, get your history on at Fort George!

Sunset Bay, USA - Facebook

South of the city on the shores of Lake Erie lies Sunset Bay, a popular party spot for locals. Spend the weekend by renting a beach house or enjoy the nightlife for one night at one of the beach bars. Whatever you choose, be sure to pack your sunscreen!

Ellicottville, New York - Facebook

Ellicottville is a great time during any season, and while it gets its claim to fame during the winter, it’s especially lovely during the summer. Stroll the streets, enjoy the shops, and stop into EBC while you’re in town! For a relaxing experience, head to the Salt Cave.

Chautauqua Belle - Facebook

Chautauqua Lake is located about an hour away from the city of Buffalo, but the lake and town are well worth the trip. Enjoy several waterfront restaurants, ice cream shops, apple orchards, and wineries during your stay!

Darien Lake Theme Park - Facebook

For the adventure seekers, Darien Lake is a quick drive away from downtown Buffalo and offers both thrilling rides and a relaxing campground with cabins (for “glamping”), perfect for a weekend stay!

East Aurora, New York - Facebook

East Aurora is a charming town and village located about 30 minutes south of the city. Walk along Main Street and you’ll see why we added it to our list: several shops, restaurants, cafes, and historical buildings line the streets, making this a must-visit destination!

Letchworth State Park - Facebook

Did you know you can get to the Grand Canyon from Buffalo on only one tank of gas? Okay, so maybe not the Grand Canyon, but the Grand Canyon of the East is only about an hour from the Queen City in Castile, NY. Bring your hiking shoes and explore miles of trails, several waterfalls, and stunning views at this gorgeous state park!

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