Hoyt Lake

This is my favorite spot in Buffalo! I use to live a couple blocks away on Amherst Street so I have tons of pictures of this entire park on my Instagram. The Japanese Garden is just lovely, you can walk the pedestrian bridge and check out Shakespeare in the Park on summer nights, or go sledding in the winter. Kids can play in the playground (I’ve seen a guy on a bike with an ice box of ice cream that he sells for $ 1 or $ 2), there are boat rentals, tennis courts, a soccer field and some nice walking paths in addition to the Art and History Museums in this part of Delaware Park.
Buffalo Food Trucks (serving BBQ, tacos from the popular Lloyd’s, mac-​n-​cheese, ice cream etc.) gather behind History Museum (you can access from Elmwood Ave.) on Thursday evenings and it’s a nice spot to grab something to eat and then walk it off.
The hustle and bustle of Elmwood Avenue starts at Forest Avenue which is walking distance from the park. You can spend the day at the park and then head to Elmwood for beers and eats, or just extend your walk and enjoy people watching. Or you can walk from Hoyt Lake into the extended area of Delaware Park by crossing a bridge over Delaware Avenue. The extended park has golfing, softball and baseball diamonds, a small area for kids to play soccer, restrooms, basketball courts, the Buffalo Zoo and you’ll see everyone walking, skating and cycling around the park.
This park is gorgeous, a great escape from the city when you need it! I pack my car with frisbees, my softball bag, lawn chairs, blankets, water and snacks to enjoy the day here. I have noticed vending machines by the Buffalo Zoo but none around Hoyt Lake so come prepared with H2O on a hot day!