When most people hear Rochester, Minnesota, they probably think of Mayo Clinic. And for many years, that was our connection to Rochester, too. We’ve been coming here for more than a decade. At first, our trips were because we needed to be here—for Ann’s appointments, surgeries, and medical care. Over the last four years, we found ourselves making the drive to spend time with our daughter who moved here for her nursing career.

But somewhere along the way, Rochester became much more than a place we needed to go; we started noticing the things that make this city special.

This post was sponsored by Experience Rochester. As always the opinions expressed are our own. (And of course we love it–we MOVED here!)

The peaceful trails that wind throughout the city. The locally owned restaurants where you can linger over a great meal. The welcoming downtown events. The places where you can slow down and enjoy a quiet moment.

Then last fall, we decided to move here.

What We Found In Rochester, Minn.

After years of traveling together (more than 50 countries and 46 cruises), we’ve learned that some of the best destinations aren’t always the ones that require a passport or a trip across the ocean. Sometimes they’re the places within a few hours of home that help you reconnect, recharge, and enjoy the simple moments.

That’s what we’ve found in Rochester. And we think you will, too.

Now that we call this city home, we’ve discovered even more to love about our new hometown. We have places we simply must take friends and family when they visit us. There are walks we recommend, restaurants we return to, and experiences that show why Rochester is such a wonderful weekend getaway.

If you’re coming from the Twin Cities, La Crosse, Eau Claire, Des Moines, or anywhere within a few of hours’ drive, Rochester makes an easy escape that feels much farther away than it really is.

Here’s how we’d spend a relaxing long weekend in Rochester, Minnesota.

Things to Do in Rochester, Minn., in a Weekend

One of our favorite things about Rochester is that it doesn’t require a packed itinerary. In fact, we think Rochester is best enjoyed when you don’t try to do everything. This isn’t a city where you need to race from one attraction to the next, checking boxes and watching the clock. Rochester naturally invites you to slow down, breathe, and enjoy.

Sleep in a little. Savor a good cup of coffee. Take a walk. Sit outside for lunch. Browse a local shop. Listen to live music. Have a conversation over dinner that lasts a little longer than planned.

That’s our kind of weekend.

Whenever friends ask what they should do when they visit Rochester, we don’t start with a list of attractions. We start by asking what kind of weekend they want. If they want to relax and recharge, we know exactly where to send them.

Start Your Weekend Downtown

If you can arrive on Thursday afternoon in the summer, we highly recommend it.

During the summer months from mid-June to mid-August, Thursdays Downtown is one of our favorite Rochester traditions. The heart of downtown comes alive with local artisans, food vendors, live music (on two stages!), and neighbors gathering together to enjoy the evening. Find the event at 1st Avenue SW (from W Center St to Historic 3rd St SW) & Peace Plaza.

It’s one of those events that immediately gives you a feel for our community.

There is no pressure to rush through it. Wander. Listen to the music. Grab something to eat from one of the local food booths. Browse the craft vendors. Watch families, friends, and visitors enjoying the evening.

When friends visit us during the summer, this is the kind of experience we want them to see because it captures what we love about Rochester: it’s welcoming, creative, and vibrant. You can feel it’s a community that enjoys being together.

Wellness Stops: Assisi Heights + Quiet Spaces

One of the things we’ve come to appreciate most about Rochester is how easy it is to find places that encourage you to slow down.

Wellness isn’t always about adding more activities to your schedule. Sometimes it’s about creating space to breathe.

That’s why Assisi Heights is one of the places we like to recommend.

Perched on a hill overlooking Rochester, Assisi Heights offers beautiful grounds, walking paths, quiet gardens, and views of the city below. It is peaceful, regardless of the season.

For us, it is simply one of those places that reminds you to slow your pace. Walk without rushing. Notice the flowers. Listen to the birds. Spend a few minutes without checking your phone.

After years of traveling, we’ve realized that some of our favorite memories come from moments like these—not necessarily the biggest attractions, but the quiet places where we felt present and could take it in.

If your idea of a great weekend getaway includes restoring your energy instead of exhausting it, make time for Assisi Heights, Quarry Hill Park, or the garden and grounds at the Plummer House or Mayowood.

These are exactly the kind of places that fit Rochester’s personality.

Outdoor Trails, Parks and Nature Walks

Whenever someone asks us where to begin exploring Rochester, our answer is almost always the same:

Quarry Hill Park & Nature Center

It is one of the places that surprised us most when we first started spending time here. You can be in the hustle and bustle of downtown one minute and then be surrounded by nature just a few minutes later.

Quarry Hill feels like an escape from the city without actually leaving the city. The trails wind through wooded areas, restored prairie, and natural landscapes that change beautifully with the seasons. Depending on when you visit, you might see wildflowers, fall colors, birds, deer, and other wildlife.

What we love most is that it works for almost everyone. Want a quick morning walk before breakfast? Perfect.

Want to spend some time exploring trails? You can do that too.

Want to simply sit and enjoy nature? There are plenty of opportunities for that.

More Ways to Enjoy the Outdoors in Rochester

One of the reasons Rochester works so well for a weekend getaway is that you don’t have to travel far to enjoy nature. It’s right here!

Our Favorite Places to Slow Down in Rochester

• 🌿 Quarry Hill Nature Center — for wooded trails and wildlife
• 🌊 Cascade Lake Park — for an easy walk around the lake on a paved path
• 🚶 Douglas State Trail — for a longer walk or bike ride
• 🦆 Silver Lake Park — for a flat walk with water views and lots of birds

We love that Rochester makes it easy to balance a great meal or downtown experience with time outside. That balance is a big part of what makes this city feel refreshing.

Restaurants in Rochester with Outdoor Patios

One of the things that has surprised us since moving to Rochester is how much we enjoy the restaurant scene. Indeed, one of the things we look forward to most is deciding where we’re going to eat–there are so many great choices!

And whenever Minnesota weather allows, we almost always choose a patio.

There is something about sitting outside with a great meal, watching people walk by, and lingering a little longer than you normally would that makes a weekend getaway feel like a vacation. These are some of the Rochester restaurants we recommend to friends.

Tap House West

Tap House West is definitely on our list for places to take friends visiting on a sunny afternoon.

The beautiful flower-filled patio is exactly the kind of place that encourages you to slow down. Grab a table outside, order something delicious, and enjoy the fact that you aren’t rushing anywhere.

It’s a great lunch stop after spending the morning at Quarry Hill or exploring Rochester’s outdoor spaces.

For us, a perfect travel day doesn’t always involve a big adventure. Sometimes it looks like a walk, a good meal, and a couple of hours of conversation.

Tap House West fits that perfectly. They have a huge menu, including more than 20 salad entrees, as well as fantastic tacos. Oh, and 100 beers on tap.

Our Paladar

We love restaurants that tell a story, and Our Paladar does exactly that.

Inspired by global flavors and family traditions, Our Paladar offers creative dishes in a welcoming atmosphere. It’s a great reminder that you don’t always have to travel far to experience something new.

They have a covered patio and a variety of small plates, so you can try lots of new dishes.

This is the restaurant we’d suggest when friends say, “Where should we go if we want something a little different?”

Five West

Another Rochester favorite for patio dining is Five West.

Located on West Circle Drive, Five West has become a popular gathering place for locals and visitors alike. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, making it a great option whether you’re starting your weekend or wrapping up a day of exploring.

The food is always good and service is exceptional and quick. We highly recommend the hot honey chicken flatbread (with extra pickles). (Trust us.) We recommend this restaurant to anyone who wants a place where everyone can find something they enjoy.

Victoria’s Ristorante & Wine Bar

We love restaurants that make you want to linger, and Victoria’s is one of those places.

Located in the heart of downtown, it has an elegant but comfortable atmosphere, gorgeous outdoor seating shaded by lush trees, great Italian-inspired food, and a wine list that makes it easy to settle in for a long dinner and conversation. When planning a special evening with visitors, this is definitely one of the places we consider.

A few more of our favorite restaurants with outdoor seating:

• Twigs (gluten-free options, allergy-conscious kitchen, beautiful garden with a water feature)
• Sorellina’s Italian By Victoria’s (enclosed patio with Italian food and good cocktails)
• Mango Thai (get the spring rolls)
• Purple Goat (large outdoor patio and great burgers)
• The Tap House (downtown, rooftop patio, and craft beer)
• Thai Pop (enjoy its lively patio on Historic Third)
• Crave (the retractable roof means the weather inside is always perfect)
• Chesters (in the heart of downtown, it offers outdoor seating in the Peace Plaza)

Breweries, Wineries and Live Music

A great weekend getaway needs a little evening energy, and Rochester delivers that in a relaxed way. Our new hometown offers plenty to do without leaving you feeling overwhelmed. You can enjoy a fun night out without fighting crowds or feeling like you need a complicated plan.

Rochester, Minn., Breweries You Should Visit

We’re not the type of travelers who try to visit every brewery in a city just to say we did. We’d rather find one or two places where we can settle in, enjoy the atmosphere, and have a good conversation. Our favorite recently has been Forager Brewery. It has a laid back atmosphere, live music, and great food and service. But Forager isn’t the only good option in town.

A few Rochester breweries we recommend include:

Forager Brewery
Best for: Dinner + brewery experience
(Full restaurant, wood-fired pizza, beer, lively atmosphere)

LTS Brewing Company
Best for: Relaxing patio afternoon
(Big outdoor space, games, casual atmosphere, LTS stands for “life’s too short”)

Little Thistle Brewing
Best for: Craft beer enthusiasts
(Neighborhood feel, beer-focused, community atmosphere)

Thesis Brewing
Best for: Live music lovers
(live music, lively events)

Wineries Near Rochester

If a visit to a winery fits your idea of a relaxing weekend, there are several options within an easy drive.

Nearby Salem Glen Winery makes for a peaceful afternoon outing. Enjoy the beautiful scenery, sip a glass of wine, and appreciate the slower pace.

For those who don’t mind a little more driving, Four Daughters Vineyard & Winery is another popular destination near Rochester. We loved their tasting tray and the variety of wines (and bourbon!) offered.

One of our favorite things about these kinds of stops is that they don’t require you to rush. Indeed, to appreciate them, you need to sit back and savor.

And that really is the theme of a Rochester weekend.

Slow down.

Enjoy the moment.

Make time for conversation.

Planning Your Rochester MN Weekend Getaway

When friends or family come to visit us for a long weekend, this is how we plan it.

Thursday

Arrive in Rochester Thursday afternoon, check into your hotel and settle in.

If it’s summer, head to the Peace Place for Thursdays Downtown. Walk around, listen to live music, browse local vendors, and enjoy your first taste of Rochester. If it’s winter, no worries. Choose one of the many fantastic restaurants we’ve mentioned for a relaxing dinner.

Friday

Start the day with a light breakfast at a coffee shop. Steam and Caribou are local favorites. For more unique venues, try St. James Coffee or Café Aquí (inside Sargent’s Gardens on 2nd). In winter, Café Aquí offers a break from the season as you savor your coffee among hundreds of vibrant, green plants in the greenhouse. In the summer, swing by one of the Moka locations and try a Moka Mist.

Next, put on your sneakers and head out to Quarry Hill Park for a leisurely walk. Spend the morning walking the trails, exploring nature, and enjoying the peaceful side of Rochester.

Lunch: Patio dining

Head to Tap House West for one of their more than 20 salad entrees or Five West for a relaxing lunch outdoors. Some of our other outdoor lunch favorites include:

• Whistle Binkies on the Lake (love the egg roll salad)
• Purple Goat (they have fantastic, hand-pattied burgers)
• Victoria’s downtown (the mango chicken salad is our go-to there).

Afternoon: Shop, Explore Local Art or History

This is where we’d encourage you not to over-plan.

Browse downtown shops. Visit the Rochester Art Center or Gallery 24. Take a Rochester Trolley Tour around town.

Enjoy the fact that you don’t have anywhere you have to be.

Evening: Casual Dinner Outdoors

Have you figured out that Rochester has a plethora of beautiful outdoor spaces? Take advantage with a casual dinner on a patio.

Our favorite food and patios for dinner include:

• Twigs
• Sorelina’s by Victoria’s
• Mango Thai
• Thai Garden
• Chester’s
• OLLIN
• Red Cow
• Canadian Honker

Finish your evening with a stroll at Cascade Lake as you watch a pink and orange Minnesota sunset.

Saturday

Saturdays are meant to be relaxing and rejuvenating, don’t you think? Start your day at the Rochester Farmers Market at Graham Park. The Farmers Market runs May to October from 7:30 a.m. until noon. You’ll find freshly brewed coffee, live plants, baked goods, and so much more.

Lunch: Pick a Rochester, Minn., Brewery

Enjoy lunch and a craft beer at a local brewery or try a winery. As we mentioned, Forager Brewing is our favorite, but there are so many other great breweries here like LTS Brewing Company, Little Thistle Brewing, Thesis Brewing. Tap House West also has 100 beers on tap!

If beer isn’t your thing, but wine is, check out Salem Glen Winery or Four Sisters just south of Rochester.

Afternoon: Treat Yourself

After lunch, treat yourself to a mani/pedi or massage at the Rejuvenate Spa at the Dan Abraham Healthy Living Center or visit Assisi Heights Spirituality Center. Did you know they even have a labyrinth there? Walk around the grounds and gardens or take a guided tour of the Assisi Heights led by one of the Sisters of St. Francis.

Evening: Fine Dining and Drinks

Rochester has a wide variety of fine dining restaurants to satisfy everyone’s taste. We shared about our favorites – Bleu Duck Kitchen and Our Paladar. But there are others we enjoy, as well, like Terza, Victoria’s, Ruths Chris, and Pittsburgh Blue (save room for the chocolate brownie dessert–it might change your life). After dinner, have a night cap at Bitter & Pour downtown.

Sunday

Take your time before heading home. Sleep in, take a few moments to reflect, and don’t be in a rush. Enjoy a delicious brunch at Five West, Hollandberry Pannekoeken, or the new Berries and Bubbles (pictured below).

Take one final walk on one of Rochester’s trails. You know, we have 85 miles of trails here!

Before you go, grab a coffee or cold drink at MOKA or an Acai bowl next door at bloom Acai Cafe.

Great Harvest (they are all in the same building) has fantastic bread and it’s well worth taking a few loaves home with you. We highly recommend the white chocolate cinnamon, flax oat bran, and the pepperoni bread.

Remember, the goal isn’t to leave Rochester exhausted from everything you accomplished. The goal is to leave feeling better than when you arrived.

Frequently Asked Questions About a Rochester, Minn., Weekend Getaway

Is Rochester, Minnesota worth visiting for a weekend?

Absolutely. Rochester is an easy Midwest weekend getaway with a great combination of outdoor activities, locally owned restaurants, breweries, live music, and peaceful spaces to relax.

After moving here, we’ve discovered that Rochester offers something many larger destinations don’t: the ability to enjoy a full weekend without feeling rushed or getting held up in traffic.

What are the best things to do in Rochester MN?

Some of our favorite things to do in Rochester include:

• Walking the trails at Quarry Hill Park
• Visiting the peaceful grounds of Assisi Heights
• Exploring Thursdays Downtown
• Enjoying local restaurants and patios
• Visiting Rochester breweries and wineries
• Listening to live music

How far is Rochester from Minneapolis?

Rochester is just a 1.5-hour drive from Minneapolis and St. Paul, making it an easy weekend trip from the Twin Cities.  It is also a convenient getaway from:

• La Crosse (75-minute drive)
• Eau Claire (2.5-hour drive)
• Des Moines (a little more than a 3-hour drive).

What restaurants in Rochester have outdoor patios?

Some of our favorite Rochester restaurants with outdoor patios include:

• Terza (Italian, downtown)
• Tap House West (great summer salads)
• Five West (the hot honey chicken flat bread is our favorite)
• Our Paladar (Cuban influence, small plates)
• Purple Goat (large outdoor seating area and great burgers)
• Victoria’s (Italian)
• Sorellina’s (wood-fired pizzas, covered patio)
• Whistle Binkies (on the lake and a north location)

What are the best breweries and wineries in Rochester, Minn.?

Some Rochester breweries we recommend include:

• Forager Brewery
• Little Thistle Brewing
• LTS Brewing Company
• Thesis Beer
• And Tap House West has 100 beers on tap!

What is the most relaxing place to visit in Rochester?

For us, it’s Quarry Hill Park. We love the paved trails, large trees, and beautiful views. The peaceful atmosphere makes it one of our favorite places to slow down and enjoy a quiet moment. We also can’t get enough of the walks around Cascade Lake, especially at sunset.

Why We Love Calling Rochester Home

We’ve always believed that travel isn’t just about how far you go. Sometimes the best getaways are the ones that don’t require a plane ticket or a passport. Sometimes they’re the places that are close enough for a weekend but special enough to make you feel like you’ve truly gotten away. That’s what Rochester has become for us.

After more than a decade of visiting this city—and now calling it home—we’ve discovered the places that make us slow down, reconnect, and enjoy the moment. These are the places we take friends. The restaurants we return to. They are the trails we walk and the experiences we recommend.

If you’re looking for a relaxing Rochester, Minn., weekend getaway, we hope you’ll come experience the city we’ve grown to love. We think you’ll quickly understand why we decided to stay.

Have questions? Ask away in the comments below. We’d love to help.