The Finger Lakes region of upstate New York has many unique places to visit including museums, state parks, wineries, universities and historic sites. Surrounded by eleven stunning lakes, there is no shortage of things to do in this beautiful area. And having lived here ourselves, we know the best spots.
In this guide, we’re going to show you 10 fantastic places to visit in the NY Finger Lakes, including what you can do in each location.
Our Finger Lakes Experience
Kristen grew up in the NY Finger Lakes and we also lived in the region when Mark first immigrated to the US in 2019. While we no longer live here, we return to the area every year to visit family. We think the Finger Lakes are a hidden gem in western NY and we can’t wait to show you the highlights.
This is an extremely comprehensive guide written by a local using decades of experience and you won’t find this information anywhere else. Bookmark or save this guide so you can easily return to it in the future. We’ve included useful links as well as where to eat and stay on an interactive map you can use for your trip. Read more about us.
Where Are The Finger Lakes?
The Finger Lakes (FLX) region in upstate New York showcases eleven popular lakes forming a triangle between the cities of Rochester, Syracuse and the Ithaca, Corning, Elmira area.
Towards the end of the last ice age, large glaciers moved south from Canada carving deep trenches in western NY. Once the glaciers retreated when earth warmed, the lakes filled with water.
Each Finger Lake varies in length ranging from 3 to 40 miles. The topography in this region creates the perfect microclimate for grape growing with beautiful rolling hills along each lakeside. Here are the eleven Finger Lakes named in order from west to east:
- Conesus Lake
- Hemlock Lake
- Canadice Lake
- Honeoye Lake
- Canandaigua Lake
- Keuka Lake
- Seneca Lake
- Cayuga Lake
- Owasco Lake
- Skaneateles Lake
- Otisco Lake
The Finger Lakes are often confused with the Great Lakes which include Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie and Ontario spreading between several states as well as Canada. It’s important to note the Finger Lakes are much smaller and can only be found within New York state.
The nomenclature of the Finger Lakes stem from an Indigenous tale. This legend claims the lakes were filled by the Great Spirit when he blessed the land leaving an imprint of his hand. Arch Merrill wrote about this in his 1951 book called Slim Fingers Beckon.
The Iroquois were the last Indigenous culture to live in the area. Seneca and Cayuga, the two largest lakes, are named for their corresponding tribes.
How To Get To The Finger Lakes
The most popular way to get to the Finger Lakes is by plane or car. Depending on your itinerary, you can fly into one of the regional airports and then rent a car. If you’re driving, you’ll be all set for transportation.
Here are regional airports in the Finger Lakes area:
- Ithaca Tompkins International Airport (ITH)
- Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR)
- Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC)
If you‘re coming from further afield, you can fly into:
- Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF)
- John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
- Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
There are regional buses between each major city. Many of the towns or villages we list in this guide are also walkable, but we recommend you use a car to get around the Finger Lakes. Uber doesn’t really exist outside of the larger cities such as Rochester, Syracuse and Ithaca. So you’ll need a more dependable way to get around the region.
Travel Tip: The Finger Lakes cover a very large portion of western New York. It may be several hours of driving between stops depending on how many places you plan to visit so plan accordingly.
About This Guide
To make this guide easier to understand, we broke up the Finger Lakes region into 10 smaller areas. We then listed the best places to visit in the Finger Lakes followed by fun things to do in each one. By organizing the information this way, you can easily decide which regions you want to visit.
Each pocket of the Finger Lakes offers unique activities and one area may be better suited to your needs. The largest and most popular Finger Lakes are Seneca and Cayuga. These two lakes are often the stars of the show, but there are many hidden gems to uncover in this entire region.
We’ll start in the west of the New York Finger Lakes region and slowly make our way east including either cities, lakes or points of interest. Here are the 10 best places to visit in the Finger Lakes:
- Rochester
- Canandaigua
- Geneseo and Mount Morris
- Sodus Point
- Syracuse, Auburn and Skaneateles
- Seneca Lake
- Cayuga Lake
- Keuka Lake
- Corning and Elmira
- Ithaca
Travel Tip: Ithaca is found on the southern tip of Cayuga Lake. The city of Ithaca has a lot to offer visitors so this region will be discussed separately from the entirety of Cayuga Lake.
Without further ado, let’s explore the 10 best places to visit in the Finger Lakes region of upstate new York:
1. Rochester, New York
Rochester is a unique city in the Finger Lakes because there is something here for the entire family including art, culture, photography, outdoor adventure and history. In the 18th century, Rochester began to flourish due to the success the Erie Canal.
It also played a large role in the Underground Railroad as abolitionism was widely supported. The city of Rochester is often linked with Eastman Kodak, the popular photography company. By the 1970’s, Kodak employed more than 50,000 people and remained the top employer in the city for years.
Best Things To Do In Rochester, NY
Rochester is one of the best places to visit in the Finger Lakes because it makes up one of the three major cities in the entire region. With such an eclectic mix of activities, you’ll have a hard time figuring out how to spend your time. Here is a list of things we love to do in Rochester:
- Innovative Field – Home of the Red Wing’s baseball team
- High Falls – Popular waterfall along the Genesee River
- ROC/ FLX Craft Beverage Trail – Wineries, breweries, distilleries and cideries
- Rochester Public Market – Open since 1905 on Tues, Thurs + Sat year-round
If you’re looking to explore Rochester’s historic culture, you have several options ranging from hiking trails to museums. This is a great city to learn about history of the Finger Lakes.
- Erie Canalway Trail – 14 miles spanning Rochester to Fairport
- George Eastman Museum – Estate of George Eastman, founder of Kodak
- Susan B. Anthony Museum – Home of the legendary American civil rights leader
Fun Things To Do With Kids
Rochester offers many cool activities for kids. If this is your first time in Rochester, we recommend you take them to the Strong Museum.
- Highland Park – 150 acre park best known for the Lilac Festival in May
- Strong Museum of Play – Well known interactive children’s museum
- Seneca Park Zoo – 20 acre zoo located in Rochester city center
- RMSC Strasenburgh Planetarium – 65 ft domed Star theater showcasing stars and lasers
Travel Tip: The Seneca Park Zoo often holds Zoo Brew events for those who want to help with conservation efforts while enjoying a beer and live music. Check the official website above for info.
The next few options in our guide are not directly located within the Rochester limits, but they are only a short drive away from the city.
- Genesee Country Museum – Mumford (about 24mi away)
- Ganondagan State Historic Site – Victor (about 20mi away)
Where To Eat And Stay
You can’t mention food in Rochester, New York without mentioning the garbage plate. This is a large mash up of food including crispy potatoes, a cheeseburger or hamburger, white or red hotdogs, baked beans and macaroni salad all topped with mustard, ketchup, raw onions and hot sauce. We can tell you from experience, you won’t need to eat for the rest of the day.
Here are the best restaurants in Rochester, NY:
- Nick Tahou Hots – Home of the garbage plate
- Dinosaur Bar-B-Que – Barbecue chain serving Southern style meats
- Pane Vino On The River – Italian with weekly live music
- Nosh – American fare + craft cocktails in a restored factory
- The Owl House – Vegan friendly American plates
Travel Tip: If this is your first time in Rochester, we recommend Dinosaur BBQ. It’s one of Mark’s favorite restaurants since moving to the US and always our go to when we’re back home!
Rochester is proud of it’s craft brewery scene and there is no shortage of places to try when you’re in town.
Here are the best breweries in Rochester, NY:
- K2 Brothers Brewing – New beers and cornhole leagues
- Fifth Frame Brewing Co – Coffee, craft beers, burgers and biscuits
- Genesee Brew House – Brewpub with a view of the Genesee River
- Swiftwater Brewing – House brewed beers and unique bar bites
- Three Heads Brewing – Outdoor seating and great beer
Planning to stay a night? Here are the best hotels in Rochester:
- Courtyard Rochester Downtown – Close to Strong Museum
- Dartmouth House – Popular bed & breakfast
- Inn on Broadway – Luxury boutique hotel downtown
- School 31 Lofts – Close to George Eastman House
2. Canandaigua, New York
The town of Canandaigua is nestled on the gorgeous north end of Canandaigua Lake. It offers a thriving downtown business area in addition to residential neighborhoods and lakeside cottages. We like Canandaigua because the town features a bustling main street lined with impressive stately homes in the historic downtown district.
You should visit Canandaigua because its charming downtown is filled with local art galleries and boutique shops. For those who love the outdoors, you’re also close to the Bristol Mountain Ski Resort. Another highlight of Canandaigua is the culinary scene. There are many options for fine dining, restaurants serving locally sourced foods and cooking classes.
Best Things To Do In Canandaigua, NY
Between the lake, restaurants, historic sites and the ski resort, Canandaigua will certainly keep you busy during your visit. Here are a few of the best things to do in Canandaigua:
- Sonnenberg Gardens and Mansion – A 19th century Victorian style mansion with extensive gardens
- Canandaigua Wine Trail – A small but mighty wine trail along Canandaigua Lake
- CMAC – Constellation Brands Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center
- Bristol Mountain – Ski resort with a 1,200ft vertical rise
- Roseland Water Park – Largest waterpark in the Finger Lakes Region
- New York Kitchen – Cooking classes and events in town
Where To Eat And Stay
After sightseeing in Canandaigua, you’re going to need some food. Here are the best restaurants in Canandaigua:
- Cheshire Farms Creamery – Food, baked goods and ice cream
- Green Front – A cozy bar with 30+ tap beers and regional wines
- Nolan’s on Canandaigua Lake – Steak + seafood paired with local beers and wines
- Rheinblick German Restaurant – German fare from servers in old world garb
- Simply Crepes – Sweet and savory fillings from breakfast to dessert
If you’re looking to sample delicious Finger Lake wine or beer, here are the best wineries and breweries in and near Canandaigua:
- Arbor Hill Grapery & Winery – Award winning wine and products in Naples
- Finger Lakes Wine Center – Located in Sonnenberg Gardens
- Hazlitt Red Cat Cellars – Home of the famous Red Cat wine in Naples
- Young Lion Brewing – Women owned and one of the larger microbreweries in NY
- Naked Dove Brewing Company – Rural microbrewery with housemade draft beers
Looking to stay a night? These are the best hotels in Canandaigua:
- Sutherland House – Highly rated Victorian B&B
- The Bella Ella – Charming B&B 10 minutes from the lake
READ: How to visit Grimes Glen Park in Naples
3. Geneseo, Mount Morris And Dansville, NY
We combined Geneseo, Mount Morris and Dansville together in this guide. These 3 small towns are located very close together, but each one offers something unique. Geneseo is home to SUNY Geneseo. Its main street is filled with quaint local shops and restaurants.
Mount Morris and Dansville are great for outdoor enthusiasts or history buffs. These towns also showcase a few delicious restaurant options scattered throughout the area. This section of the Finger Lakes is lesser known, but offers one of the best kept secrets of the entire Finger Lakes region you don’t often see on roundup lists.
While this area is a little bit off the beaten path, it’s our favorite region in the Finger Lakes. However, many of the activities we’re going to share will require a bit of driving.
Best Things To Do In This Western Region
Using our interactive Finger Lakes map towards the end of this guide, we show you points of interest so you can visit any of the things to do we list below. Despite this section consisting of three towns, you can easily cover a lot of ground if you plan your days efficiently.
- Letchworth State Park – Voted best US state park in 2015
- Mount Morris Dam – Located inside Letchworth State Park
- Genesee Valley Greenway – 90 miles that follows the route of the Genesee Valley Canal
- National War Plane Museum – Vintage military aircrafts from WWII + Korean War
- Stony Brook State Park – A small yet might NY State Park we love to visit in fall
- Swain Resort – Oldest independently run ski resort in Western NY
READ: Complete guide to visiting Letchworth state park
Where To Eat And Stay
- Glen Iris Inn – Breakfast, lunch and dinner served in a historic inn
- Brian’s USA Diner – American fare with breakfast, burgers and classics
- Mamma Mia’s – New York style pies and Italian staple
- Questa Lasagna – Fresh authentic Italian cuisine
Depending on your Finger Lakes itinerary, you may want to consider staying close to one of these three towns. Here are the best Letchworth State Park hotels:
- Glen Iris Inn – Located inside Letchworth State Park
- Letchworth Farm – Charming farm in Nunda
- Country Inn & Suites – Great location in Mt. Morris
- Temple Hill – Charming B&B in Geneseo
4. Sodus Point, NY
Located along the shores of Lake Ontario, Sodus Point continues to inspire celebrities and boaters alike. You’ll see everything from craft yachts to sail boats and kayaks to canoes.
Sodus Point has been treasured for centuries and when you visit for the first time, it’s easy to see why. The waters of Sodus Bay were known as the Land of Silver Water by the Iroquois.
Tradition continues today as many artists and personalities flock to the area to feel the draw of Sodus Bay making it one of the best places to visit in the Finger Lakes region.
The village of Sodus Point peaks in the summer months when visitors swarm the quaint lakeside cottages to enjoy water sports and wineries. Sodus Point is a premier summer destination for those who live in the nearby cities of Rochester and Syracuse.
Best Things To Do In Sodus Point, NY
We like Sodus Point because of the calming waters. This village is located on a peninsula where Sodus Bay meets Lake Ontario. It offers something very different compared to the rest of the Finger Lakes region.
Here are the best things to do near Sodus Point:
- Chimney Bluffs State Park – Park featuring unique large clay formations
- Fair Haven Beach State Park – One of the finest public lakefronts in upstate New York
- Sodus Bay Lighthouse Museum – Dedicated to the lighthouse established in 1858
- Sodus Outer Lighthouse – Located at the west end of the Sodus Bay chanel
Where To Stay And Stay
If you’re looking for something to eat or hotel options in Sodus Point, we have you covered. Here are the best restaurants and hotels in Sodus Point:
- Captain Jack’s Goodtime Tavern – Airy waterfront eatery with a scenic deck
- Riley’s Bar & Grill – Lunch and dinner with food specials and live music
- The Heights Restaurant – Grill with lakefront dining and beautiful views
- The Saltbox Smokehouse – A rustic smokehouse & deli
Looking to stay the night? Here is a top rated hotel for your stay:
- The Inn at Burnap’s – Charming inn located near Beach Wood State Park
READ: How to hike in Chimney Bluffs state park
5. Syracuse, Auburn, Skaneateles, NY
This eastern region is home to Skaneateles, the cleanest Finger Lake in the region. But the lake isn’t the only highlight. Skaneateles visitors love the extremely picturesque New England like town with it’s quaint streets and pristine lake.
After a day at Skaneateles Lake, drive back to Syracuse to catch a game in the JMA Wireless Dome or head towards Auburn to visit the numerous historical sites.
Best Things To Do In Syracuse, NY
Similar to Rochester, Syracuse is a hub for entertainment, art galleries and performance spaces. Syracuse is also home to the the Great New York State Fair in the summer.
- Destiny USA – Six story, automobile oriented super regional shopping center
- Rosamond Gifford Zoo – 43 acre zoo with wildlife trail and aviary
- JMA Wireless Dome – Famous sports stadium in Syracuse
- Erie Canal Museum – Exhibits and tours located in an 1850 canal building
- Del Lago Casino – Located in Waterloo (about 45mi from Syracuse)
Travel Tip: Don’t miss the world’s only upside-down traffic signal located in the Tipperary Hill neighborhood (106-14 Burnet Park Dr, Syracuse, NY 13204).
Best Things To Do In Auburn, NY
Auburn is a city at the northern end of Owasco Lake filled with both tradition and history. Visitors will enjoy beautiful old homes and historical sites.
Here are the best things you can do in Auburn, NY:
- Harriet Tubman Home – Historical site where harriet Tubman lived
- CJS Vineyards & Aurelius Winery – Small producer who makes limited cases
- Emerson Park – A large park at the northern end of Owasco Lake
- Seward House Museum – Historic home of William Henry Seward and his family
Best Things To Do In Skaneateles, NY
As we mentioned earlier, the town of Skaneateles is home to the cleanest Finger Lake which has drawn visitors for decades. The waterfront showcases crystalline lake views and a designated swimming area.
In our opinion, Skaneateles is the nicest Finger Lake because the water is crystal clear. The homes along Skaneateles Lake even use unfiltered drinking water.
However, this town offers more than a beautiful lake featuring restaurants, shops, museums, art galleries as well as charming hotels and accommodation options.
If you’re looking for one of the best places to stay in the Finger Lakes, we recommend you find a quaint B&B in this area. Here you can search top rated accommodation in Skaneateles.
Here are the best things to do in Skaneateles, NY:
- Blue Water Grill – American grill with breakfast + sushi menus along a lakefront deck
- Doug’s Fish Fry – Generously sized fish platters by a colorful seascape mural
- Midlakes Navigation – Boat cruises and rentals along Skaneateles Lake
- Mirbeau Inn & Spa – Spa retreat in a French manor house
- Charlie Major Nature Trail – 1.5 mile hike connecting to Skaneateles Brewery
- Lockwood Lavender Farm – Local farm with lavender products + sunflower field
Where To Stay And Eat Near Syracuse
If you’re checking off any of these attractions in the eastern region of the Finger Lakes, here are some of the best restaurants and hotels in the Syracuse area.
Best Restaurants Near Syracuse:
- Delmonico’s Italian Steakhouse – Steak, classic entrees and cocktails
- Dinosaur Bar-B-Que – Same restaurant in Rochester, NY
- Francesca’s Cucina – Extensive Italian menu with garden patio
- Kitty Hoyne’s Irish Pub – Irish cuisine served in an old world pub
- Otro Cinco – Spanish and Mexican plates with craft beers + wine
- Pastabilities – Homemade pasta dishes and Italian-American fare
Best Hotels In Syracuse:
Need more time in this Finger Lakes region? Book a night in one of these top rated Syracuse hotels:
- Aloft Syracuse Inner Harbor – Great location for sightseeing
- Embassy Suites by Hilton – Indoor heated pool + near the zoo
- Marriott Syracuse Downtown – Downtown next to theater with parking
- The Parkview – Syracuse University 0.5 miles away + airport shuttle
READ: What to see at Green Lakes state park
6. Cayuga Lake
Cayuga Lake is the longest Finger Lake stretching almost 40 miles through 3 different counties from historic Seneca Falls to the college town of Ithaca. This lake is surrounded by vacation rentals, year round lake homes as well as numerous wineries and breweries.
Since there are numerous activities in this area of the Finger Lakes, we will discuss only Cayuga Lake in this section and then we will highlight Ithaca, NY later in our guide.
Cayuga Lake is unique because it’s a diverse fishery for both cold and warm water species. Fishing is extremely popular in this area, but you’ll need to obtain a NYS fishing license.
In addition to fishing, there are several swimming and picnic areas along the lake. You can also rent a canoe or join a Cayuga Lake cruise.
Best Things To Do At Cayuga Lake, NY
Depending on what you want to do in the Finger Lakes region, Cayuga Lake will have you covered for most popular activities. Here are the best things to do along Cayuga Lake:
- Cayuga Lake Wine Trail – America’s first wine trail featuring wineries around the lake
- The Spa at the Inns of Aurora – Spa promoting healing and harmony in body + mind
- Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge – 10,004 acre preserve for migratory birds
- Women’s Rights National Historical Park – The story of the first Women’s Rights Convention
- Taughannock Falls State Park – Popular park with 215ft waterfall and swimming access
READ: Taughannock Falls state park visitor guide
Wineries And Where To Eat Along Cayuga Lake
The Cayuga Lake Wine Trail is one of the most popular places to visit in the Finger Lakes. Here are top rated wineries along the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail:
- Buttonwood Grove Winery – Wine tasting, lodging and events all in one
- Hosmer Winery – Dog friendly tasting room offering premium wines
- Long Point Winery – Beautiful location offering vegan wines
- Montezuma Winery & Distillery – Unique place with wine and honey
- Sheldrake Point Winery – Estate grown bottled table and ice wines
- Thirsty Owl Wine Company – Pet friendly winery offering great food
While most wineries on our list will offer a small bites menu, you many want to go for a more substantial meal during your stay. Here are the best restaurants along Cayuga Lake:
- Fargo Bar & Grill – Classic tavern with American comfort food + darts
- Hazelnut Kitchen – Seasonal dishes + desserts crafted from local ingredients
- Little Venice Trumansburg – American and Italian menu with weekly specials
- Parker’s Grille & Tap House – Laid back watering hole with traditional pub eats
- Wolffy’s Grill and Marina – American grill fare with beer and cocktails
Best Cayuga Lake Hotels
If you’re planning to stay the night or enjoy a few days along Cayuga Lake, you won’t regret it because this area has many charming bed and breakfasts. Here are the top rated accommodations for Cayuga Lake:
- Barrister’s – Located in the historic village of Seneca Falls
- Black Walnut – Highly rated quaint B&B
- Glass Magnolia – B&B with garden and terrace + delicious food
- Inns of Aurora – Top rated Inn with spa, farm to table restaurant and fitness center
7. Seneca Lake
Seneca Lake is one of the best places to visit in the Finger Lakes region of New York state because it’s the biggest and deepest lake in the area. It’s no surprise this is one of the most popular spots.
This region of the Finger Lakes offers visitors picturesque rolling hills dotted with wineries, beautiful waters for sport enthusiasts and fun times at the Watkins Glen International.
Many people come to Seneca Lake to enjoy the extremely popular Watkins Glen State Park Gorge Trail or experience a race at Watkins Glen International Raceway.
You should visit Seneca Lake in Watkins Glen because this area offers something for everyone. From castles and local farms to stunning waterfalls and international raceways. Seneca Lake is like no other.
Best Things To Do At Seneca Lake
Charming towns and villages can be found along the entirety of Seneca Lake starting with Geneva at the northern tip and ending with the popular village of Watkins Glen at the southern tip.
Here are the best things to do on Seneca Lake:
- Belhurst Castle – Hotel, restaurant, winery and spa all in one
- Seneca Harbor Park – Scenic vista at the southern end of the lake
- Seneca Lake Wine Trail – One of the best wine trails in the Finger Lakes
- Watkins Glen International – Automobile race track nicknamed the Glen
- Watkins Glen State Park – A stunning Gorge Trail with 19 waterfalls
- Village of Watkins Glen – 20 best things to do in the Village of Watkins Glen
READ: Gorge trail to Rainbow Falls hike at Wakins Glen state park
Wineries And Where To Eat Along Seneca Lake
Similar to Cayuga Lake, the Seneca Lake Wine Trail is one of the most popular things to do in this Finger Lakes region. Here are top rated wineries along the Seneca Lake Wine Trail:
- Fox Run Vineyards – Wine tastings with a locally sourced cafe
- Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards – Wine and cider tastings at an 1800s vineyard
- Lakewood Vineyards – Family owned winery producing wine + mead
- Silver Springs Winery – Tasting room with classic reds + a variety of fruit wines
- Three Brothers Wineries – Offering strolls around the vineyards and tastings
After hiking the stunning Watkins Glen Gorge Trail or enjoying a day on the lake, you’re going to need a great place to eat. Here are the best restaurants along Seneca Lake:
- Beef & Brew – Hearty British and American eats
- Nickel’s Pit BBQ – Craft beer, live music and BBQ in a historic building
- Parker’s Grille & Tap House – Laid-back traditional pub eats
- Ports Cafe – Steaks, fish and local produce with wine + beer
- Stonecutter’s Tavern – American fare at Belhurst Castle
- Thai Elephants – Thai dishes in a family friendly setting
Seneca Lake Hotels
A night on Seneca Lake is the perfect way to end a day in the Finger Lakes and this area offers wonderful accommodation options. Here are the best hotels along Seneca Lake:
- Geneva On The Lake – Boutique hotel with gardens + swimming pool
- Inn at Taughannock Falls – Historic Victorian house built in 1873
- Single Island Shores – One to two bedroom cottages with lake views
- Vinifera Inn – Connected to the gorgeous Belhurst Castle
- Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel – Lake views with indoor swimming pool
READ: The 8 best hotels in Watkins Glen NY
8. Keuka Lake
Keuka Lake is the only Y shaped lake in the region. At about 100ft, this is a much more shallow lake compared to the others in the region so it’s very popular for swimming, but it can be extremely busy.
Many argue this is the most picturesque of all the Finger Lakes thanks to the panoramic views of the vineyards spread throughout the the entire region.
Keuka Lake is home to Penn Yan at the northern tip and Hammondsport at the southern tip. This is where wine making in the Finger Lakes region all began so this is not a lake you should miss.
We like Keuka lake because it’s a great place for swimming, picnics, hiking trails and fishing not to mention the incredible views.
Best Things To Do At Keuka Lake
Keuka Lake is brimming with activities for the entire family no matter your hobby. Here are some of the best things to do along Keuka Lake:
- Glenn H Curtiss Museum – Transportation museum in Hammondsport
- Keuka Lake Outlet Trail – Seven miles of wooded trail bordering the Keuka outlet
- Keuka Lake State Park – 621 acre park located at the north end
- Keuka Lake Wine Trail – Some of the oldest wineries in the Finger Lakes
- The Windmill Farm & Craft Market – 175 shops filled with handcrafted items
Wineries And Where To Eat Along Keuka Lake
While the Seneca and Cayuga Lakes often get all the glory when it comes to the wine trails, Keuka Lake has a wine trail we argue could certainly give these other two a run for their money.
The Keuka Lake Wine trail has some of the oldest and most well known wineries making this one of the best places to visit in the Finger Lakes. If you’re a lover a wine, we recommend you make a stop here.
- Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery – Wine tastings at Dr. Konstantin Frank’s former home
- Hunt Country Vineyards – Farming for seven generations + making wine since 1981
- McGregor Vineyard – Half-century old vineyards hidden on a hillside
- Keuka Spring Vineyards – Four decades of locally estate grown grapes
- Weis Vineyards – German heritage with a Finger Lakes tradition
And if you need a quick bite in the middle of wine tasting, here are the best restaurants along Keuka Lake:
- Crooked Lake Ice Cream Company – A cool ice cream shop in a small town
- Maloney’s Pub – Down to earth Irish bar featuring pub grub
- Mizumi – Asian street food with upscale eatery
- Park Inn – 19th-century building hotel with restaurant
- Penn Yan Diner – Daytime diner serving meals in an old-school setting since 1925
Keuka Lake Hotels
A night spent along Keuka lake will be extremely rewarding and one of the best ways to spend your time in the Finger Lakes. Keuka offers visitors both lovely B&B’s and popular hotel chains. Here are the best hotels along Keuka Lake:
- Best Western Plus Vineyard – Hotel with gym, pool and hot tub
- Hampton Inn – Everything you need located in Penn Yan
- Los Gatos B&B – Highly rated option located in Penn Yan
- Moonshadow B&B – Popular accommodation located in Hammondsport
- Vinehurst Inn & Suites – 1.5 mi from Glenn H Curtiss Museum
9. Corning, Elmira NY
Corning and Elmira are two small towns found along the southern edge of the Finger Lakes region. While they are only about 15 miles apart, both have a small town feel and offer a lot of bang for your buck.
This is one of the best places to visit in the Finger Lakes because there are numerous museums, farmers markets, downtown communities, outdoor activities and several popular wineries.
You should visit Corning for the extremely popular Corning Museum of Glass and Gaffer District. You should visit Elmira for its history and unique museums.
Best Things To Do In Corning, NY
If this is your first time in this Finger Lakes region, we recommend you start with the Corning Museum of Glass. Be sure to check out the live glass blowing demonstrations during your visit.
Here are the best things to do in Corning:
- Corning’s Gaffer District – Downtown area filled with shops and trails
- Corning Museum of Glass – Ancient glass art and make your own glass classes
- The Rockwell Museum – The only Smithsonian Affiliate in Upstate New York
Best Things To Do In Elmira, NY
Located south of Horseheads, Elmira is close to the Pennsylvania border. Elmira offers its visitors a chance to step back in time with various museums and popular casino for a modern day twist.
Here are the best things to do in Elmira:
- Chemung Valley History Museum – An 1800s bank with exhibits about local heritage
- Mark Twain Study – The octogonal study where Mark Twain wrote many of his novels
- National Soaring Museum – Aviation museum about the history of motorless flights
- Tanglewood Nature Center – Nature preserve featuring hiking trails
- Tioga Downs Casino – Game machines and harness racing track
Where To Eat And Stay
If you’re heading south after visiting the Finger Lakes or decide to add a night in the Corning/Elmira region into your itinerary, here are the best places to eat:
- Aniello’s Pizzeria – Thin crust slices, big subs + special chicken wing pies
- Hand + Foot – Convivial bistro pairing creative sandwiches with beer
- Little Boomers’ Burrito Bar – Hearty Mexican staples plus beer
- Mooney’s Sports Bar & Grill – Home of the mac and cheese
- Nine Elephants – Serving seafood and Thai
- Three Birds Restaurant – Upscale dining for inventive American eats
Hotels in Corning are often rated better than hotels in Elmira. You could also add a night at the Tioga Downs Casino. Here are the best hotels in Corning:
- Hilton Garden Inn – Popular option located in Corning’s downtown
- Lodging At The Gaffer Inn – Hotel with a funky vibe in downtown Corning
- Staybridge Suites – Walking distance to Corning Museum of Glass + Gaffer District
- Tioga Downs Casino and Resort – Live music on Fri and Sat night
10. Ithaca
Last but not least, Ithaca is easily one of the best places to visit in the Finger Lakes because it’s a lively college town filled with numerous things to do and outdoor adventure.
There are four state parks in Ithaca with three featuring gorges and one showcasing a marina right on the lake. After a day of hiking, you can reward yourself with a beer in one of the many craft breweries.
A common phrase for this area is Ithaca is gorges so if you can imagine a town scattered with several beautiful gorges, that’s pretty much what Ithaca looks like in upstate New York.
You should visit Ithaca if you enjoying hiking through beautiful gorges to stunning waterfalls. You should also visit if you’re a foodie because Ithaca has over 50 restaurants near the Commons alone.
Best Things To Do In Ithaca, NY
There are many fun activities and attractions so you’ll need more than one day in Ithaca. If you like hiking, you should plan to spend a few days exploring the trails. Here are the best things to do in Ithaca:
- Buttermilk Falls State Park – NY state park featuring a natural swimming hole
- Cascadilla Gorge Trail – Connects Cornell Botanic Gardens with downtown Ithaca
- Greek Peak Mountain Resort – Central New York’s largest ski resort
- Ithaca Commons – Two-block pedestrian mall filled with upscale restaurants + shops
- Robert H. Treman State Park – NY state park featuring Lucifer and Lower Falls
- Ithaca Falls – An very short hike to a stunning waterfalls in the middle of town
READ: Best places to visit in Ithaca
Where To Eat And Drink In Ithaca, NY
After a day of hiking and exploring, you’ll need a great meal to end the day. Ithaca has an abundance of delicious restaurants and you can’t go wrong with any of the options we list below.
Here are the best restaurants In Ithaca, NY:
- The Boatyard Grill – Diverse America fare with lake view
- The Heights – Contemporary eatery for pizza and seafood
- Maxie’s Supper Club & Oyster Bar – Southern dishes, shucked shellfish + live music
- MIX – Vibrant spot offering eclectic small plates and seasonal cocktails
- Saigon Kitchen – Pho, vermicelli + other Vietnamese favorites
Here are the best breweries in Ithaca, NY:
Much like all of the other places we have included on this Finger Lakes guide, you also can find a booming craft beer scene in Ithaca.
- Ithaca Ale House – Signature burgers + sandwiches with rotating craft beers
- Ithaca Beer Company – Craft brewery with industrial decor + tours on weekends
- Liquid State Brewing Company – Dog friendly mid-sized brewery offering great beer
Best Hotels In Ithaca
When we’re back in the Finger Lakes, we often spend a few days in Ithaca to enjoy the hiking trails. If you want to see the best of the region, you should plan to stay overnight.
Here are the best hotel options in downtown Ithaca:
- Hotel Ithaca – Located directly in the commons
- Hilton Garden Inn – Breakfast with gym, pool and hot tub
- Argos Inn Boutique – Beautiful historic building with everything you need
- William Henry Miller Inn – Beautiful B&B with garden and great food
Here are the best hotels in Southwest Ithaca for Buttermilk Falls and Robert H. Treman:
- Hampton Inn Ithaca – Indoor pool + gym close to parks
- Fairfield Inn Marriott – Simple room with good location
- Holiday Inn Ithaca – Basic hotel with a fitness center
- Rodeway Inn Ithaca – Great budget option close to the state parks
- La Tourelle Hotel & Spa – 0.8 miles from Buttermilk Falls State Park
NY Finger Lakes Interactive Map
Use our interactive map featuring the 10 best places to visit in the Finger Lakes to click around and discover where you want to go during your trip to upstate NY.
Each of the 10 places to visit in the Finger Lakes are highlighted in pink. We have then broken down the best things to do in each region by color:
- Light Red – Best things to do
- Maroon – Restaurant recommendations
- Blue – Accommodation recommendations
- Purple – Wineries
- Yellow – Breweries
You can also access our map of the Finger Lakes via this link here.
Finger Lakes Events
Many of the best places to visit in the Finger Lakes hold special events throughout the entire year. If you can time your Finger Lakes trip with any of these festivals, your trip will be worth it.
Consider this a short list featuring unique things to do in the Finger Lakes:
- Rochester Lilac Festival – Early May in Highland Park in Rochester, NY
- Naples Grape Festival – September in Naples, NY
- Finger Lakes Wine Festival – July at Watkins Glen International
- Great New York State Fair – Late Aug to Early Sept in Syracuse, NY
- Dickens Christmas Celebration – December in Skaneateles, NY
Many of the wineries along each lake also offer special events and tastings. Be sure to look at official winery websites to see what is scheduled when you visit.
Travel Tip: If you like haunted history, you should check out the Haunted History Trail in the Finger Lakes featuring inns, creepy locations, tours and ghost hunts.
Best Time To Visit
We love the Finger Lakes in upstate NY because this region experiences all four seasons. Each season is drastically unique and you’ll never have the same visit twice. Here are what the 4 seasons look like in the Finger Lakes region of NY:
- Spring – Heavily flowing waterfalls as the snowpack is melting and flowers bloom
- Summer – Very busy with visitors but prime time for water activities and wineries
- Autumn – Vibrant red, orange and yellow colors illuminate the the rolling hills
- Winter – Most gorge trails are closed but snowshoeing, cross country skiing and snowmobiling is popular
We encourage you to visit several places in the Finger Lakes during different seasons because this is truly a year round destination. Don’t miss the special events held throughout the year.
If this is your first time visiting the Finger Lakes, we recommend you visit in the summer or fall season. Summer is best for water sports and wineries while the fall showcases stunning foliage throughout the entire region.
The Morgan Conclusion
Having traveled the US extensively, we think the Finger Lakes region in upstate New York is one of the best places to visit in America due to it’s gorgeous topography, fabulous wine scene and stunning fall foliage.
But are the Finger Lakes Worth it?
Yes, the Finger Lakes in upstate New York are worth visiting because there is so much to do in this beautiful region for the entire family. If you only visited the 10 best places we discussed in this guide, you could have trips planned for weeks.
We recommend you spend about 2-3 days in each region. This isn’t enough time to see everything, but it will give you a good taste for the area to see if you want to return in the future. You could spend a few weeks traveling to each Finger Lake in upstate New York, but most people visit one or two regions at a time in a single trip.
If you’re overwhelmed with activities and don’t know where to start, here are some of our favorite places to visit:
- Sip wine along the Seneca and Cayuga Lake wine trails
- Take the kids to the Strong Museum of Play in Rochester
- Indulge with a delicious meal at Dinosaur BBQ
- Visit one of the many state parks in the region
- Shop at a farmers market to support a local farm
- Take a dip in any of the lakes during the summer
- Check out the craft brewery scene in Ithaca
- Experience the gorgeous fall foliage
- Go snowshoeing or cross country skiing in the winter
- Hike in the Finger Lakes National Forest
More From The Finger Lakes
- Guide to hiking the Watkins Glen Gorge Trail to Rainbow Falls
- Best things to do in the Village of Watkins Glen
- Fun things to do in the city of Ithaca, New York
- Guide to visiting the Corning Museum of Glass
- Amazing things to do at Letchworth State Park NY
- Guide to Stony Brook State Park in Dansville, NY
- Hiking the Bluff Trail at Chimney Bluffs State Park
- Two beautiful waterfalls near Naples New York
- How to hike Buttermilk Falls Gorge Loop Trail
- Guide to hiking the Robert H. Treman Gorge to Lucifer Falls
- How to visit the Taughannock Falls overlook
- A stunning walkthrough of Cascadilla Gorge
- Guide to visiting Green Lakes State Park near Syracuse
- Where to find the best Finger Lakes waterfalls
More From New York State
- How to hike High Falls Gorge near Lake Placid
- Fun things to do in Lake Placid, New York
- Guide to hiking the highest peak in NY, Mount Marcy
- Complete guide to visiting Eternal Flame Falls
- The 10 must-see waterfalls in New York State
Want more New York content? Head over to our New York Travel Guides to explore the Finger Lakes, Adirondacks and the best of NYC.
We hope this guide featuring the best places to visit in the Finger Lakes region helps with planning your visit to western upstate New York!
Please let us know if you have any questions about these Finger Lakes activities or planning a trip to upstate New York in the comments below.
Happy Travels,
Mark and Kristen
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Mark and Kristen Morgan are travel, hiking and photography experts. Over the last 6 years traveling full time, they have explored more than 40 countries and 30 US states.
Where Are Those Morgans has been featured in USA Today, Gestalten, Get Your Guide, CityPASS and Condé Nast Traveler along with various other publications. Read more about us.