The American side to the Falls is a little run down but Goat Island is nice. You can drive and park there and see the brinks of the Horseshoe and American Falls up close. You can also book a ride on The Maid of the Mist--it'll take you almost to the base of the Falls(you will need a raincoat!). There's also the Cave of the Winds tour. The surrounding Park is nice and there are a couple restaurants in the area(the haunted Red Coach Inn. Hard Rock, etc.). You can also either walk or drive over the Rainbow Bridge into Canada for the Clifton Hill tourist area. There are more shops and restaurants there as well as a great view of both Falls. There is also the Skylon restaurant. It's a rotating 775ft. tower that gives you a great view of the Falls while you eat. Parking on either side shouldn't be too much of a bother.
If you're a history buff, check out Old Fort Niagara in Youngstown NY--about 15 minutes from the Falls.
Letchworth State Park is about an hour and a half from the Falls.
Always interesting to see people's reactions to the Falls or Letchworth. Having grown up here, it's always been in my backyard. We're looking to come your way this summer to see Dripping Springs and visit Luckenbach and Galveston Pier.
