20 Unique Things To Do In Watkins Glen

Watkins Glen is a small village packing a big punch in New York’s awesome Finger Lakes region. It’s home to striking waterfalls, unique museums, water sports, a raceway, farmers markets and great restaurants. Oh, and let’s not forget about its famous wineries and craft breweries!

Kristen grew up in the Finger Lakes and we temporarily lived in the area when Mark immigrated to the US in 2019. We spent the majority of the pandemic hiking and photographing state parks in the region, and the stunning Watkins Glen gorge trail was a place we couldn’t stop walking through.

We took most of the photos you’ll find in this guide during a trip we took in October 2022. We hiked the gorge trail at Stony Brook before spending a few relaxing days soaking up the autumnal sun in Watkins Glen. Read more about us.

In this guide we walk you through the unmissable things to do in the village of Watkins Glen, including our insider local tips. Let’s begin!

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1. Watkins Glen State Park

• Address: 1009 N Franklin St
• Location: Google Maps

Watkins Glen State Park sits on a very long but narrow section of land surrounding Glen Creek and it empties into the southernmost tip of Seneca Lake. The park features 19 plunging waterfalls flowing through the natural gorge, which is surrounded by beautiful stone staircases and bridges.

We love walking the Watkins Glen Gorge Trail to the stunning Rainbow Falls (see our photo above). If this is your first time in Watkins Glen, the gorge trail is our top recommendation.

The parking lot for the state park is right off Franklin Street and there’s an overflow parking lot across the street. In addition to the gorge trail, you can hike one of the two rim trails, swim in the Olympic sized swimming pool, enjoy a picnic or go camping.

2. Watkins Glen International

• Address: 2790 County Route 16
• Location: Google Maps

The streets of Watkins Glen have played a very important role in the history of American road racing. Since 1948, Watkins Glen has continually hosted International automobile races with a 6.6 mile circuit that originally ran through the center of town.

The modern day raceway at Watkins Glen International is referred to as the Glen and it’s about four miles from downtown. At this track, fans can watch NASCAR, IMSA, Ferrari and US Vintage Grand Prix racing. We like this racetrack because you can drive the Glen in an international pace car. It costs $30 and you can visit the official website for more information.

If you like racing, another popular activity is the International Motor Racing Research Center. It’s a free museum dedicated to preserving history of motorsports and it’s about 5.0 miles from Watkins Glen International Raceway.

3. Historic Grand Prix Course

On October 2nd in 1948, the village hosted the first road race run since before World War II right in the middle of town. This is what made Watkins Glen become well known for racing and you can drive the original 6.6 mile circuit through the village streets which starts and ends in front of the Schuyler County Courthouse.

Here is the official map for the original Grand Prix Course. This historic route is celebrated at the annual Grand Prix Festival in September where classic race cars take to the village streets and an estimated 25,000 spectators come to watch.

4. Seneca Lake Wine Trail

As you drive into the village of Watkins Glen, you’ll notice gorgeous rolling hills and lush vineyards overflowing with grapes. Upstate NY is an ideal landscape for the cool climate grapes which inhabit the area. The geology along Seneca Lake allows growers in the region to produce popular vinifera grape varieties such as Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir and Riesling.

There are also two native grapes including Concord, a red grape and Niagara, a white grape. These local varieties are often used to make juice or sweet wine. Almost 30 wineries are included on the Seneca Lake Wine Trail which have been federally recognized by the Seneca Lake AVA covering 320 square miles. You can find all the wineries on our interactive map at the end of this guide.

We love the wine trail because you can attend various food and wine pairings throughout the entire year. These weekend long events include everything from holidays, ballroom dancing and live music.

But although it’s called a trail, the Seneca Lake Wine Trail is not walkable and you’ll need some sort of transportation. Some wineries are located close together, while others will require a short drive. Uber and Lyft are not reliable forms of transportation in this remote region of NY, but you could consider a wine tasting tour.

>> Book a Seneca Lake Wine Tasting Tour: Start In Watkins Glen | From Geneva

5. Seneca Lake Cruises

• Address: 1 N Franklin St
• Location: Google Maps

A visit to Watkins Glen isn’t complete without a cruise on the largest Finger Lake! These cruises are great because you could spend an hour or a whole afternoon depending on your itinerary. Captain Bill’s is the best place to go if you want a fine dining and elegant experience on Seneca Lake. Step aboard the 270 passenger dining vessel or enjoy a delicious meal on the waterfront.

If a cruise isn’t your thing, there are many other things you can do:

• Seneca Sailing Adventures – A trip with Schooner True Love can sail up to 22 people as you view the historic sites along the southern tip of Seneca Lake.
• Summit to Stream Adventures – Rent a canoe or a kayak and enjoy the beauty of Seneca Lake yourself.
• Seneca Lake Kayak – Another great place to rent a kayak or paddle board.

Travel Tip: Because Seneca Lake is so deep, it’s pretty cold for swimming until about late June or early July. The lake is also full of zebra muscles so make sure you have water shoes if you want to swim.

6. Explore Franklin Street

Franklin Street dissects the village of Watkins Glen and this is where you’ll find many of the restaurants, shops and hotels for the area. As you walk down this main street, you’ll pass everything from the Glen Theater to the Seneca Cheese Company. A casual stroll down Franklin Street is one of the best things you can do in Watkins Glen.

Here are a few of the best stops:

• Glen Theater
• Famous Brands Outlet
• Franklin Street Gallery
• Seneca Cheese Company
• Specc’s Chocolates and Gifts
• Watkins Glen Wine & Spirits

If you’re new to the area, stop into the Watkins Glen Chamber of Commerce because this visitor center is staffed with knowledgeable guides who can help you with any questions about the region.

Travel Tip: As you walk through town, look for checkerboard crosswalks which are meant to resemble the start and finish lines of a racetrack.

7. Pick Your Own Fruit

Watkins Glen has many local farmers who open their doors to welcome visitors in order for people to experience the beauty of Finger Lakes farming. You can pluck your own apple from a tree at a u-pick orchard or find that perfect pumpkin from one of the local patches when fruit is in season.

If you’re interested in picking your own fruit or visiting the local farms, we recommend:

• Apples and Moore – With over 20 varieties of apples and wagons for pulling, kids will love it here
• Hawk Meadow Farm – A unique opportunity to tour a woodland mushroom farm
• Mangus Farm – Offering fresh picked seasonal fruit as well as homemade goods and jams

We like visiting these farms because it’s a great way to support to the local community and the farms typically include a beautiful drive through the countryside.

8. Craft Breweries

While the Finger Lakes region is well known for grape-growing, the craft breweries are becoming just as popular because many of the wineries in the region have decided to craft their own brews. We love sipping on a delicious IPA as we enjoy the stunning valley of Seneca Lake and it’s one of our favorite ways to spend a day.

Here are the best breweries near Watkins Glen:

• Grist Iron Brewing Company – A microbrewery in Hector with events and live music
• Lucky Hare Brewing Company – High quality farm brewed craft beer
• Hop Notch Brewing Co – New York State liquors, wines and other craft beers
• Scale House Brewery – Craft brewery with gourmet pizzas and beautiful views
• Seneca Lake Brewing Company – A very traditional UK pub serving craft brews
• Tin Barn Brewing – Farm brewery with juicy IPA’s and beer from New England
• Two Goats Brewing – A renovated 19th century barn with views of Seneca Lake
• Wagner Valley Brewing Co – Tastings, self-guided tours and lunch

Travel Tip: If you’re planning to spend the day sipping on beer, make sure you have a designated driver.

9. Eat Local

After a long day of exploring, you’ll have worked up an appetite and the restaurants of Watkins Glen have a lot to offer. From quick bites in small cafes to lakefront views in fine dining establishments, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the food options. We love that most of these restaurants are run by families serving local produce.

Here are the best restaurants in and near the village:

• 3812 Bistro at Lakeside Resort – Local farm to table fare with craft beer and wine
• Babcha’s Pierogies – Homemade pierogies, cabbage rolls and kielbasa
• Blue Pointe Grille – Lakefront dining located in the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel
• Curly’s Family Restaurant – Long standing country style American eatery
• Glen Mountain Market Bakery and Deli – Breakfast pastries, coffee and hearty sandwiches
• Jerlando’s Ristorante – Family-run ristorante and pizzeria styled to look like an Italian piazza
• Nickel’s Pit BBQ – Delicious BBQ meals, craft beer, live music and patio in a historic building
• Seneca Sunrise Coffee – Small batch roaster of organic beans and women owned

Keep in mind most wineries and craft breweries also serve small bites. We like to nibble all day if we’re making a day of it.

Hiking Tip: If you’re starving after walking the Watkins Glen Gorge Trail, stop by Glen Mountain Market Bakery for a delicious sandwich afterwards.

10. Sample Cheese And Ice Cream

Local farms and creameries in Watkins Glen offer unique artisan cheeses such as aged cheddars, mozzarella, gouda and even homemade ice cream. If you haven’t noticed, there is a common theme throughout this guide because the local farmers are extremely important to the community and surrounding areas.

We love the farms in Watkins Glen because they are multi-generational businesses working to produce top quality milk and cheese. Plus you can enjoy the beautiful views of Seneca Lake when you visit.

Here are the best creameries and ice cream parlors in town:

• Glen Dairy Bar – The premier ice cream shop serving anything you could want
• Seneca Cheese Company – Artisanal cheese tavern specializing in cheese boards
• Shtayburne Farm – Ice cream or cheese flights you can mix and match (pictured above)
• Sunset View Creamery – The Hoffman’s have been running this 348 acre farm since 1905
• The Great Escape – A family owned ice cream parlor since 1982

Who doesn’t love a delicious scoop or two of homemade ice cream after a long day of sightseeing or hiking. A visit to one of these creameries is the perfect way to end your day.

11. Hunt For Nearby Waterfalls

Hunting waterfalls is one of the best things you can do in Watkins Glen because this area is blessed with stunning topography. In addition to the 19 beautiful waterfalls in Watkins Glen State Park, there are several more waterfalls worth visiting if you have time in your itinerary.

April is the best month to visit the waterfalls because they are strongest when the snowpack is melting in upstate New York. However, these waterfalls are still worth visiting anytime of year because they are located very close to town. Below we’ve included distances to other waterfalls from the main entrance of Watkins Glen State Park including a link with the exact location.

Here are the best waterfalls near the village:

• Aunt Sarah’s Falls – Popular roadside attraction, 2.0 miles
• Deckertown Falls – Outskirts of Montour Falls, 3.5 miles
• Hector Falls – East side of Seneca Lake, 3.5 miles
• Shequaga Falls – Located in nearby Montour Falls, 3.0 miles
• Eagles Cliff Falls – Found in Havana Glen Park near Montour Falls, 3.5 miles

READ: Best waterfalls in upstate New York

12. Finger Lakes National Forest

The Finger Lakes National Forest is New York State’s only national forest. There are over 30 miles of interconnecting trails that pass through woodlands, gorges, pastures and ravines. The area is managed to provide a diversity of forestland as well as grasslands for numerous wildlife habitats and food for livestock.

Positioned between Cayuga Lake and Seneca Lake, the national forest showcases numerous recreational opportunities including hiking, fishing, snowmobiling, horseback riding and wildlife watching. One of the most popular times to visit is the fall when the trees and pastures are vibrant with colors. Use the links below to see the recent comments on AllTrails.

Here are the best hiking trails in Finger Lakes National Forest:

• Backbone Trail – 4.2 mile loop that begins at Backbone Horse Campground
• Burnt Hill Trail – 3.8 mile loop on the southern end of the forest
• Caywood Point – A 0.5 mile easy trail on Seneca Lake
• Finger Lakes Trail – 4.8 mile section of a 560 mile trail connecting the Catskills with the Allegheny Mountains
• Ravine Trail – 1.5 mile loop near Hector, NY
• South Slope Trail – 2.0 mile out and back trail near Hector, NY
• Interloken Trail – 11.3 mile point to point trail traverses the Forest from north to south. This is a branch of the Finger Lakes Trail system.

Hiking Tip: The entire Finger Lakes Trail stretches 560 miles from the NY/PA border in Allegany State Park all the way to the summit of Slide Mountain in the Catskill Forest Preserve. You can hike a small section of this trail in Finger Lakes National Forest and about 48 miles winds through Schuyler Country.

13. Visit An Animal Sanctuary

Animals lovers this is a Watkins Glen activity for you. There are two major farms that are extremely popular with both visitors and locals.

• Farm Sanctuary – A stable home to rescued farm animals
• Painted Bar Stables – Trail rides through beautiful upstate NY

The Farm Sanctuary sits on 275 acres of green rolling hills. It’s home to more than 600 rescued cows, pigs, turkeys and other farm animals. This is an interesting spot because you’ll learn about the realities farm animals face in the modern food system and it’s incredibly eye opening. You can book a 60 minute tour with a guide to hear more about the animals and the vegan lifestyle. If you’re looking for a unique experience, you can also book a luxurious cottage at the Farm Sanctuary.

Just a short drive from the village of Watkins Glen, Painted Bar Stables is a community orientated riding facility offering year round trail rides to the general public. With a mission to foster lifelong relationships between people and horses, you can take lessons, lease, board and experience various educational opportunities. All horse riding lessons are guaranteed to be a safe experience for visitors of any age.

14. Watkins Glen Farmers Market

• Address: Lafayette Park, 4th and Decatur
• Location: Google Maps

The popular Watkins Glen Farmers Market takes places in Lafayette Park on Fridays from 3:00-7:00pm Memorial Day weekend through October. This is a great place to shop for bountiful fruits, veggies, farm fresh meats, cheeses, wines and so much more. All items for sale are locally grown and produced. Here is the official Facebook Page so you can check information before visiting.

You can also visit the Clute Park Market which is held in Clute Park on Wednesdays in July and August. This is another evening market, but you can find many food trucks as well as artisanal goods and crafts. Another market to consider is the Montour Falls Farmers’ Market which is held Thursday evenings from May to October. You can find everything from honey, cheese, bread and more.

15. Southern Tier Balloon Tours

There is no better way to see the beauty of New York state than from a hot air balloon. This is a unique way to capture the spectacular views of Watkins Glen and the surrounding area. Southern Tier Balloon Tours has two daily flights with one in the morning and one in the evening. Each balloon departs at sunrise or a few hours before sunset. Flights originate in Ithaca NY about 30 minutes away from town.

Here are the current prices for a balloon flight:

• Balloon flight adult – $340/person
• Balloon flight child – $280/person
• Private balloon flight – $1,000/person

Travel Tip: If you don’t want to go up in a hot air balloon thats okay. It’s very common to see hot air balloons in the valley during the evening so grab a spot outside a winery and keep an eye on the horizon.

16. Montour Falls

Montour Falls is a small village located about 3.0 miles or a 5 minute drive from Watkins Glen. As you drive into town, you’ll immediately see the stunning Shequaga Falls at the end of West Main Street. We like this waterfall because it’s easily seen from town and does not require a hike.

If you decide to make the short drive to Montour Falls, here are a other few things you can do:

• Stop by the Brick Tavern Museum
• See Eagle Cliff Falls in Havana Glen Park
• Shop at the Montour Falls Farmers Market
• Montour Falls Memorial Library

READ: Best waterfalls in the New York Finger Lakes

17. Windmill Farm and Craft Market

• Address: 3900 NY-14A, Penn Yan, NY 14527
• Location: Google Maps

The Windmill Farm and Craft Market is a very popular spot that’s been in business for over 35 years. It’s home to over 175 indoor and outdoor shops on 44 beautiful acres in upstate NY. Here you can find food, fresh produce, custom cabinetry, furniture, flowers, local wines, artistry, gifts, micro brews and entertainment. It’s located in nearby Penn Yan about 18.0 miles from Watkins Glen on the west side of Seneca lake.

This market also offers many dining options right on site ranging from full restaurants to simple snack options with six wineries, a brewery and a distillery. It’s open seasonally from 8:00am to 4:30pm and admission is free. Here is the official website for more information.

18. Corning Museum Of Class

• Address: 1 Museum Way, Corning, NY 14830
• Location: Google Maps

The Corning Museum of Glass is a unique museum in Corning, New York about 21 miles southwest from Watkins Glen. Established in 1951, the museum was created by Corning Glass Works featuring over 50,000 objects from over 3,500 years of history including everything from ancient Egyptian pharaoh to contemporary sculpture.

We love the Corning Museum of Glass and Kristen has many fond memories of visiting here as a child. This museum is great for all age groups and we highly recommend you check out the live glass blowing demonstrations. Read our guide below to see the highlights of the museum.

19. Letchworth State Park

• Address: 1 Letchworth State Park, Castile, NY 14427
• Location: Google Maps

Kristen spent her childhood hiking in Letchworth State Park and it became one of our favorite photography spots during covid lockdowns. We’ve spent many hours watching beautiful sunrises and sunsets from its various scenic viewpoints. It’s been called the Grand Canyon of the East, and in 2015 it was voted the most stunning US State Park.

Having visited in every season, we highly recommend you see the 3 waterfalls known as Lower, Middle and Upper Falls. You can also see the Mount Morris Dam, swim in the Harvey Swimming Pool, walk the Autism Nature Trail or enjoy a nice meal at the Glen Iris Inn.

20. Visit Nearby Ithaca

The nearby city of Ithaca is similar to the village of Watkins Glen because it sits at the southern end of Cayuga Lake, the second largest Finger Lake. However, Ithaca is a much bigger college town known for both Ithaca College and Cornell University. In Ithaca, you can also find stunning lakes, waterfalls, gorges, and endless hiking trails.

If you haven’t gotten your fill of beautiful NY state parks, we have good news because there are a few more state parks near Ithaca you should visit.

• Buttermilk Falls State Park – Scenic park with hiking trails and natural pools
• Robert H. Treman State Park – Cliffside hikes with a large natural swimming hole
• Taughannock Falls State Park – Highest single-drop waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains

Or if you want to explore the town, here are things you can’t miss in Ithaca, NY:

• Visit the Ithaca Farmers Market
• Hike the beautiful Cascadilla Gorge
• Enjoy the Cornell Botanic Gardens
• Learn at the Sciencenter
• Photograph famous Ithaca Falls
• Shop at Ithaca Commons
• Hunt Ithaca’s numerous waterfalls

Watkins Glen Attractions Map

Click or touch the map below to activate, zoom in and out, and scroll around. If you’d like to see a bigger version, click the “view larger map” icon in the top right, and if you’d like to see any specific attraction, click the arrow and square icon in the top left.

You’ll find icons for all the things to do in and nearby Watkins Glen we’ve covered in this guide, including our food and hotel recommendations. You can also access our map via this link.

Where To Stay

Accommodation in Watkins Glen can be expensive, but there are also a few great budget lodging options. You can read our guide to the 8 best hotels in Watkins Glen NY on our sister site or select one of our top picks from below.

Here are the best Watkins Glen Hotels:

• Budget Inn Watkins Glen – budget
• Lakeside Resort – private cabins
• Longhouse Manor B&B – luxury
• Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel – luxury

We’ve stayed at both the Budget Inn and the Harbor Hotel. The Budget Inn was very basic but it was only 0.5 miles from the main entrance to Watkins Glen State Park. Whereas the luxurious Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel had a beautiful lakeside room and it’s really the quintessential lodging option in the village.

Best Time To Visit

There is no wrong time to visit Watkins Glen because each season is beautifully unique. Having visited in all four seasons, here is what you can expect:

• Spring – March to May is filled with chirping birds and beautiful flowers blooming. Many of the tasting rooms begin to open for the year and you can find fun events.
• Summer – June to August is Watkins Glen busiest season. The village is filled with people and the lake is enjoyed by many wanting to cool down.
• Fall – September to October is also popular because the beautiful rolling hills become vibrant shades of red, orange and yellow. You can pick apples, blueberries, pumpkins and raspberries this time of year. But in November, many of the wineries close down for winter.
• Winter – December to February will bring cold temperatures. Watkins Glen State Park Gorge Trail is closed, but you can ice skate in Clute Memorial Park or cross country ski through numerous trails.

Our favorite season is fall because there is nothing like see the beautiful autumn leaves in upstate NY. We also love the numerous events held in Watkins Glen throughout the year. Here are some of the popular popular ones:

• Seneca Lake Wine & Experience Auction – February
• The Gala, an elegant affair – March
• Spring Brake at the Glen – April
• Finger Lakes Wine Festival – July
• Vintage Grand Prix Festival – September

The Finger Lakes Wine Festival is one of our favorite events and we’ve been several times. You can sample 90+ New York State wineries, indulge on delicious food and listen to live music around the 3.45-mile race course at Watkins Glen International. We even got to sit in a race car as it drove around the track!

The Morgan Conclusion

There is no shortage of activities when it comes to Watkins Glen tourism. If you’re looking for outdoor adventure, wineries, lakefront dining and water sports, Watkins Glen has you covered. The village seems small, but looks can be deceiving because there is so much more than meets the eye.

But is Watkins Glen worth visiting?

Yes, we think the village of Watkins Glen is worth visiting because it’s a beautiful town on the southern end of the biggest Finger Lake in New York. We think it’s a hidden gem that most people over look when planning a trip to upstate New York. If you like hiking through beautiful gorges, watching NASCAR, visiting wineries, enjoying water-sports and supporting local farmers then you should visit Watkins Glen.

If this is your first time in town, here is our summarized list of the top 10 things to do in Watkins Glen NY:

1. Hike the Watkins Glen Gorge Trail
2. Catch a race at Watkins Glen International Raceway
3. Drink your way through the Seneca Lake Wine Trail
4. Enjoy a meal at Nickel’s Pit BBQ
5. Pick your own fruit at Apples and Moore
6. Take a trail ride at Painted Bar Stables
7. Have an ice cream cone at the Great Escape
8. Try some of the delicious craft breweries
9. Sample different kinds of local cheeses
10. Shop at the Windmill Farm and Craft Market

Last but not least, if you’re planning a road trip and want to see more from this region of New York, check out the best places to visit in the NY Finger Lakes next.

Our Watkins Glen Photos

Want more New York content? Head over to our New York Travel Guides to explore the Finger Lakes, Adirondacks and the best of NYC.

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We hope our guide featuring the best things to do in Watkins Glen helps with planning your visit to Upstate New York!

Please let us know if you have any questions in the comments below.

Happy Travels,

Mark and Kristen

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