Just about 20 miles north of Buffalo, Niagara Falls makes for a great day trip. One of the world's most awe-inspiring waterfalls, Niagara Falls straddles two countries and drops waters over the cliff-face at speeds of 20 to 68 mph. It's no wonder that visitors find the falls euphoric. To view them, you have many options, from a Maid of the Mist boat tour to a walk behind the falls. Keep in mind that many Niagara Falls attractions close in the winter months due to inclement weather.

One TripAdvisor user makes a good pitch for visiting Niagara Falls and staying in a hotel in Buffalo, saying the "Falls are unbelievable ... However, [the] town is [a] tourist trap."

For more information on things to see and do in Niagara Falls (as well as hotel information), visit our in-depth Niagara Falls travel guide.