The Finger Lakes region in New York is a highly sought-after vacation spot renowned for its pristine lakes, wineries, and stunning waterfalls. It's conveniently located just a short drive from major cities, making it an ideal destination for road-trippers.
There are plenty of exciting state parks, such as Watkins Glen, where visitors can enjoy wine and cheese festivals and classic car racing. The region also boasts unique museums celebrating women's rights, aviation, jazz, and the joy of play.
With so many wonderful things to see and do, visitors may find it challenging to decide where to start. To make things easy for you, we have listed a few of the top things to do in New York Finger Lakes:
1. Wine Tasting On The Seneca Lake Wine Trail
Wine in Finger Lakes NY makes it one of the most popular regions in the United States. This region is home to over 100 wineries due to the unique climate and geography of the Finger Lakes Area.
Seneca Lake is known for offering an excellent selection of world-class wines, and the wineries are committed to maintaining high standards of quality while being responsible stewards of the land and lake.
Seneca Lake Wine Trail members are dedicated to providing exceptional wine-tasting experiences that exceed your expectations. So, tasting Finger Lakes wine is a must while visiting here.
Location: 2 N Franklin St Suite 320, Watkins Glen
Finger Lakes breweries
- Lakewood Vineyards
- Two Goats Brewing
- Climbing Bines Hop Farm
- Twisted Rail Brewing Co
2. Visit The Corning Museum of Glass
When in Finger Lakes, you can travel through 3,500 years of glassmaking history at The Corning Museum of Glass. It is the world’s largest glass museum.
You can witness a glass-blowing demonstration, make your own glass ornament, watch a flameworking showcase, explore the tower of casserole dishes, and admire countless glass sculptures.
Admission tickets: from $20
Corning Glass Museum hours: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Location: 1 Museum Way, Corning
3. Explore Watkins Glen State Park
Watkins Glen State Park boasts 19 waterfalls cascading down the stream and rock formations. This natural wonder is in Upstate New York, approximately 250 miles from New York City.
You'll want to explore them along the hiking trails available. The Gorge Trail along Glen Creek is stunning, but be cautious of the slippery steps.
For those who enjoy camping, Watkins Glen State Park camping offers 305 campsites that can accommodate tents and RVs. Don't miss out on the Watkins Glen State Park Gorge trail that is 1.5 miles following Glen Creek past water-sculpted rocks, through tunnels, and next to and under two waterfalls.
Watkins Glen State Park pool hours: 8:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Location: 1009 N Franklin St, Watkins Glen
4. Ski At Great Peak Mountain Resorts
Things to do in Finger Lakes New York include a trip to the largest Central New York ski resort. It was founded in 1958.
Not only does the resort offer skiing, but it also has other activities such as snowshoeing, tubing, and ice skating. During the summer, Greek Peak Mountain Resort has many options: hiking, biking, disc golf, swimming, and a water park, golf course, and campground.
It's a perfect destination for families, couples, and groups of friends, as there's something for everyone to enjoy. But remember to check the Finger Lakes weather before going there.
Location: 2000 State Route 392, Virgil
Most popular activities:
- Skiing and snowboarding
- Snowshoeing
- Tubing
- Ice skating
- Hiking
- Disc golf
5. Visit The Strong National Museum Of Play
Explore the Strong National Museum of Play as it focuses on collections and is dedicated to exploring the history of play.
The Strong is a prominent United States museum celebrated for its rich history and family-friendly atmosphere. It boasts an extensive collection of historical play materials, making it the largest in the world.
Additionally, The Strong is home to several notable institutions, including the International Center for the History of Electronic Games, the World Video Game Hall of Fame, the American Journal of Play, the Woodbury School, and the Brian Sutton-Smith Library and Archives of Play.
Location: 1 Manhattan Square Dr, Rochester
Admission tickets: $20
6. Camp In Buttermilk Falls State Park
Going camping at Buttermilk Falls State Park is another exciting thing to do in Finger Lakes. It is a stunning 811-acre park located in the southwest of Ithaca, New York.
With ten majestic waterfalls, tranquil shaded woods, and scenic wetland meadows, the park offers visitors a picturesque experience.
The lower park comprises a peaceful campground with 25 sites, showers, a playground, and a comfort station nearby, providing a quiet retreat for campers just ten minutes away from downtown Ithaca.
Location: 112 Buttermilk Falls Rd E, Ithaca
7. Go Fishing At Skaneateles Lake
Things to do in Finger Lakes NY this weekend is to go fishing at Skaneateles Lake. It is one of the eleven Finger Lakes in central New York. It's renowned for being one of the cleanest lakes globally and a crucial source of unfiltered drinking water for Syracuse City.
Skaneateles Lake attracts numerous tourists and is well-known for its luxurious lakeside cottages owned by wealthy individuals, celebrities, and politicians.
The Village of Skaneateles offers breathtaking lake views, and visitors can take advantage of the various services available. Fishing, boating, and swimming are among the many activities visitors can enjoy in this popular destination.
Location: 1285 Fisher Ave. Cortland
8. Visit Taughannock Falls State Park
Finger Lakes waterfalls at Taughannock Falls State Park are taller than Niagara Falls. It is 33 feet taller than Niagara Falls.
The park's main attraction is Taughannock Falls, a stunning 215-foot (66 m) waterfall that boasts the title of the highest single-drop waterfall located east of the Rocky Mountains.
Visitors can enjoy hiking, nature trails, camping, and picnicking with this breathtaking view. The gorge and rim trails also provide fantastic views from above the falls. Additionally, the park features a stretch of Cayuga Lake's shoreline where visitors can swim, boat, and fish.
Location: 2221 Taughannock Park R, Trumansburg
9. Plan A Trip To Farm Sanctuary
One of the unique things to do in the Finger Lakes is to visit Farm Sanctuary. It is a 275-acre New York shelter in the stunning Finger Lakes Region.
Over 600 farm animals, such as cows, pigs, and turkeys, have found a haven in these rolling green pastures. You'll hear the incredible stories of these animals and learn about the challenges they face in the modern food system.
Join a one-hour tour of the shelter guided by a sanctuary representative, and meet the animals that have been rescued. Don't forget to stop by the Sanctuary Shop for souvenirs, cookbooks, literature, and apparel.
Location: 3150 Aikens Rd, Watkins Glen
10. Visit A Historic Site
Wondering about what to do in Finger Lakes NY? Why not explore the historic sites located in the region?
This region boasts numerous historical sites and landmarks that provide insight into the region's rich history.
This park is dedicated to the women's suffrage movement and features several historic sites, including the Wesleyan Chapel, where the first Women's Rights Convention was held in 1848.
Cornell University, an Ivy League institution founded in 1865, is also situated in this region. Visitors can explore the campus, check out the Cornell Plantations, and discover the university's fascinating history via its many well-preserved historic buildings.
11. Take A Hot Air Balloon Ride
Finger Lakes in New York is known for its four-season beauty. The scenic view of the region can be explored through the hot air balloon ride.
Exploring the natural beauty of the Finger Lakes region in New York through hot air balloon rides has become popular. These rides usually last 45 minutes to an hour, providing awe-inspiring views of the Finger Lakes, forests, and other scenic areas.
It's a unique and unforgettable way to experience the area's natural beauty from a different perspective. Couples, families, and groups of friends seeking a distinctive and memorable experience in the Finger Lakes region often choose hot air balloon rides as their go-to activity.
12. Explore Rosamond Gifford Zoo
Another beautiful Places to visit in Finger Lakes NY is the Rosamond Gifford Zoo. It was established in 1914.
The zoo at Burnet Park is the habitat of over 700 animals that belong to 275 different species, some of which are endangered or in danger of becoming so in the wild.
The zoo's objective is to help people connect with nature by offering enriching experiences, ensuring excellent animal welfare, and providing an unmatched education on conservation.
Area: 1 Conservation Pl, Syracuse
Syracuse Zoo tickets: $5 (adults)
Nearby attractions:
- Erie Canal Museum
- Museum of Science & Technology
- Destiny USA
13. Tour At Cornell Botanic Gardens
Cornell Botanic Gardens is a peaceful haven spanning 150 acres of specialty gardens and 3400 acres of natural areas. The main mission of its garden is to promote an understanding and appreciation of plants and their cultural significance among lifelong learners.
The gardens are open year-round, free of charge, and allow visitors to explore many different gardens, including the Mundy Wildflower Garden, the Herb Garden, and the Robison York State Herb Garden.
Nestled in the Finger Lakes region, the gardens are a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
Area: 124 Comstock Knoll Dr, Ithaca
