Clinton Square Tours and Activities

Clinton Square which includes heritage architecture, a park and a city
Clinton Square featuring a city and heritage architecture
Clinton Square
Clinton Square featuring a fountain, heritage architecture and a city
Clinton Square featuring heritage architecture, a garden and a city


Nestled in the heart of Syracuse’s downtown, this historic plaza is known for its civic mindedness, hosting countless festivals and a community ice skating rink.

The Erie Canal once ran through small but charming Clinton Square, named for DeWitt Clinton, the New York governor instrumental in bringing the canal to Syracuse. In the 19th century, this was the busiest place in all of Syracuse, home to both the city’s main marketplace and a passenger port. Enjoy the park that was built as a space for civic entertainment after the closure of the canal.

Let your kids play in the fountain during summer or lace up your skates and take a spin on the ice in colder months. Stroll down the esplanade to the 1910 Soldiers and Sailors Monument, originally erected for Onondaga County’s Civil War veterans but now honoring all U.S. military personnel.

Learn about the Jerry Rescue at a monument on the western side, commemorating the 1851 event of Syracuse residents saving fugitive slaves from being returned to the South. Stroll around the edge and admire the architecture that gives the square its unique charm.

Clinton Square is Syracuse’s most popular spot for food festivals, concerts and gatherings. Fill your reusable bag with fresh New York produce on Tuesdays in the summer, when local farmers come in for the farmers market. Enjoy the quirky Bacon Festival. Clinton Square is also the perfect place to relax on your own or with friends bring a picnic to one of the tables and cast your mind back to the days of the Erie Canal, when this area was packed with boats and sailors.

Find Clinton Square in the historic center of downtown Syracuse, a few minutes’ walk from Armory Square and a 10-minute drive from Syracuse Airport. A bus service connects Clinton Square to Syracuse University. Free street parking and metered parking structures are available nearby. The ice rink is open daily from the end of November to March, with skate rentals and variable admission prices.

There’s always something going on in Clinton Square, especially in summer, so check out the local papers or stroll down to see what’s happening.

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Clinton Square

Randolph House Hotel, Trademark Collection by Wyndham

Randolph House Hotel, Trademark Collection by Wyndham

3 out of 5
441 Electronics Pkwy, Liverpool, NY
Randolph House Hotel, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
Marriott Syracuse Downtown

Marriott Syracuse Downtown

4 out of 5
100 East Onondaga Street, Syracuse, NY
Marriott Syracuse Downtown
Clarion Pointe Downtown

Clarion Pointe Downtown

2.5 out of 5
454 James Street, Syracuse, NY
Clarion Pointe Downtown
The Parkview Hotel

The Parkview Hotel

3.5 out of 5
713 E Genesee St, Syracuse, NY
The Parkview Hotel
LivAway Suites- Syracuse

LivAway Suites- Syracuse

2 out of 5
6595 Thompson Rd, Syracuse, NY
LivAway Suites- Syracuse
Best Western Syracuse Downtown Hotel and Suites

Best Western Syracuse Downtown Hotel and Suites

3 out of 5
416 S Clinton St, Syracuse, NY
Best Western Syracuse Downtown Hotel and Suites
Courtyard Syracuse Downtown At Armory Square

Courtyard Syracuse Downtown At Armory Square

3 out of 5
300 West Fayette Street, Syracuse, NY
Courtyard Syracuse Downtown At Armory Square
Super 8 by Wyndham Liverpool/Syracuse North Airport

Super 8 by Wyndham Liverpool/Syracuse North Airport

2 out of 5
421 7th North Street, NYS Thruway(I-90) Ex 36 & 37, Liverpool, NY
Super 8 by Wyndham Liverpool/Syracuse North Airport
Embassy Suites by Hilton Syracuse Destiny USA

Embassy Suites by Hilton Syracuse Destiny USA

3.5 out of 5
311-371 Hiawatha Blvd., Syracuse, NY
Embassy Suites by Hilton Syracuse Destiny USA
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Clinton Square

Clinton Square in Syracuse, New York, is a vibrant hub for tourists, offering a variety of activities such as exploring the square itself, enjoying live music, and attending local festivals. Visitors can also catch a hockey game, browse through touristy stores, and unwind at nearby movie theatres. This lively area provides a delightful mix of attractions and entertainment, making it a must-visit destination for anyone looking to soak up the local culture.

Shopping

In Clinton Square, enjoy shopping at Destiny USA, a vibrant shopping mall just 3.2km away, offering family-friendly entertainment. The Central New York Regional Market, also 3.2km away, features local goods. If you're up for a drive, visit Towne Center Mall, located 11.3km away, for more shopping experiences.

Recreation

At Carrier Dome, immerse yourself in the excitement of live sports, just 1.6km from Clinton Square. St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater offers vibrant concerts and entertainment vibes, located 6.4km away. For wellness and relaxation, visit Hopkins Road County Park, also 6.4km from Clinton Square, surrounded by nature.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of motor racing at Brewerton Speedway, located 20.9km from Clinton Square, where adrenaline meets excitement. Explore the SCA Bog Trailhead for a nature-filled hike, and enjoy the scenery at Guppy Falls SCA Trailhead, both offering remarkable outdoor adventures.

Nightlife

Clinton Square offers a vibrant nightlife with venues like the Landmark Theatre, only 0.3.2km away, and the intimate Jazz Central Theater, just 483m away, both showcasing captivating performances. For a more expansive experience, Syracuse Stage, located 1.3km away, adds to the cultural charm of the area.

Find the best attractions near Clinton Square

Clinton Square in Syracuse, New York, offers a delightful mix of attractions for tourists, including modern colleges, fairgrounds, and urban parks. Ideal for families and culture enthusiasts, visitors can enjoy outdoor activities and explore nearby points of interest. Whether you're strolling through the park or attending events at the fairgrounds, Clinton Square promises an enjoyable experience for everyone.

  • Syracuse University: Explore the vibrant campus of Syracuse University, a modern institution located 4.8km from Clinton Square. With its rich history and contemporary atmosphere, you can enjoy the beautiful architecture and bustling student life, making it a lively spot to visit.
  • New York State Fairgrounds: Located 6.4km away, the New York State Fairgrounds offers a family-friendly experience filled with outdoor activities. Enjoy various events and exhibitions throughout the year, making it a great spot for all ages.
  • Armory Square: Just 0.4.8km from Clinton Square, Armory Square is a trendy area filled with shops, restaurants, and nightlife. Experience the city vibes while enjoying the unique blend of historic and modern elements in this dynamic neighbourhood.

Best time to go to Clinton Square

Visitor numbers around Clinton Square is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Clinton Square can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Clinton Square falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Clinton Square falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January24.1°F (-4.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February25.3°F (-3.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March33.4°F (0.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April45.1°F (7.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May57.6°F (14.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June64.9°F (18.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July70.7°F (21.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August68.9°F (20.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September62.6°F (17.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
October51.8°F (11.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
November39.7°F (4.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
December31.5°F (-0.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Clinton Square

Clinton Square is a budget-friendly destination, offering free access and nearby attractions like Destiny USA and Armory Square. To save money, plan your visit between December and February for lower accommodation rates, avoiding pricier months like May and August. Book your stay on a Monday for the best deals, and use Expedia's search tool to find affordable hotels by sorting prices and filtering for eco-certified options. Consider package deals that combine flights, hotels, and activities for additional savings, and look for options with free cancellation for flexibility.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Clinton Square are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May and August to September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Clinton Square is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Clinton Square is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, making it easy to find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You might find that you can save some money by booking an Expedia package that combines your hotel stay in Clinton Square with your flights and activities.