Top Things to do in Finger Lakes
Top Hotels in Finger Lakes
- 1. Holiday Inn & Suites Syracuse Airport - Liverpool, an IHG Hotel
- 2. Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel
- 3. Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Rochester-Pittsford/Brighton, NY
- 4. Hampton Inn & Suites Syracuse North Airport Area
- 5. The Statler Hotel at Cornell University
- 6. La Tourelle Hotel, Bistro, Spa
- 7. Best Western Brockport Inn & Suites
- 8. Hampton Inn & Suites Syracuse Dewitt
- 9. The Craftsman Inn & Suites
- 10. Comfort Inn & Suites
Top 10 Nature & Parks in Finger Lakes, Finger Lakes
New York’s Finger Lakes region takes its name from 11 freshwater lakes placed like a handprint between Lake Ontario and the Pennsylvania border. Skiing, hiking and biking trails traverse the landscape; visitors can also indulge in various wine, cheese and beer trails. The area offers a culinary bounty, with an emphasis on farm-to-table cuisine. Rich history and culture are found throughout the region, with one attraction more inviting than the next.
Restaurants in Finger Lakes
1. Watkins Glen State Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4,539 reviews
The cascades of 18 waterfalls are the calling card of this state park.
Reviewed By marvi62 - Lafayette Hill, United States
We went to Watkins Glen (4th visit) on Tuesday, arriving around 11 am. The NY state Covid regulations in effect right now clearly state that masks are required, even outdoors, when passing within 6' of another person. These rules are posted at the entrance of the park, as is the one way direction for walking the Gorge trail right now. However, I would estimate 60% or more of park attendees did not put on masks when passing- and the Gorge trail is 2' - 3' wide in many locations. A number of hikers also ignored the one-way rule, coming back on the narrow Gorge trail instead of taking the designated trail back. It took us about 2-1/2 hours to hike the mile up the Glen, since my husband took a lot of photographs. The hike back down only took about 20 minutes. Bring water and wear sturdy shoes or good sneakers (the soles of your shoes will get muddy, even on a sunny day). There are bathrooms by the entrance, but none on the trail. Admission to the park is $8, payable by cash or credit card in a self-ticketing machine in the two parking lots (main lot plus 2nd lot across the street). Watkins Glen is an absolutely stunning gorge. I just recommend going really early to minimize close encounters with other hikers. The only park ranger I saw in our entire visit was the man in the Information Center near the park entrance.
2. E.M. Mills Rose Garden
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 32 reviews
Reviewed By foodierichj - Syracuse, United States
This place is beautiful, especially in early summer when all the flowers are in bloom! People often take wedding photos here :)
3. Skaneateles Lake
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 554 reviews
This clean, serene lake is the easternmost of New York's Finger Lakes.
Reviewed By Besos43
We rented a house from Vrbo and were very happy with our experience. They had a dock and deck area for sitting and enjoying the beautiful lake. The water was very clear and clean. I was surprised that the temperature of water seemed warm for early July. We swam every day. Since travels were during Covid we did curbside takeout and were happy with food and service from Gilda's, Doug's Fish Fry, and The elephant and Dove.
4. Women's Rights National Historical Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 425 reviews
Women's Rights National Historical Park tells the story of the first Women's Rights Convention held in Seneca Falls, NY on July 19-20,1848.
Reviewed By chasinUpstateNewYork - Romulus, United States
Everyone of us has a Mother. And many of us have sisters or wives. And 51% of the population is female. This museum is a MUST SEE! The Birthplace of Woman's Rights in the United States; come see where the battle was formalized. Read the declaration of sentiments. Understand why Woman's Rights are EVERYONE'S Rights.
5. Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 232 reviews
Established in 1938 in the scenic Finger Lakes region of New York, the refuge contains 7,068 acres for the resting, feeding and nesting habitat of waterfowl and other migratory birds.
Reviewed By traveltheworld012 - Rochester, United States
I was very happy to see this large expanse preserved for wildlife. The day we visited it was very hot, in the mid-90s. No one else around when we arrived, but a couple cars drove in while we were there. We walked a trail to the lookout tower and the viewing platform. Not a lot of wildlife to see from there on this day. however, we then drove the gravel road loop and saw an eagle, ducks and geese. The loop is a very quiet drive until you reach the north end which is abuts the busy freeway. Well worth a visit. The visitor center was closed due to the pandemic so we did not get to see what may have been offered there.
6. Cayuga Lake
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 384 reviews
One of the largest of New York's Finger Lakes, this area is used for swimming, boating, fishing and other outdoor recreational activities.
Reviewed By L8945JQdavidd - Philadelphia, United States
Spend an afternoon at Sheldrake and Luca Vineyards on lake Cayuga. Beautiful drive and beautiful scenery
7. Finger Lakes National Forest
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8 reviews
Located in the Finger Lakes region of northwestern New York, these 15,374 acres of forest are located between Seneca and Cayuga Lakes.
Reviewed By ipbchlvr - Whitehall, United States
we hiked the backbone trail on a cold day that was spitting snow. it was really lovely and we were treated to a deer just leaving the creek after getting a drink. we were the only ones on the entire trail. it would be nice to go back and explore some of the other trails
8. Erie Canal
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 221 reviews
The superhighway of pre-Civil War America, this marvel of human engineering and labor, built from Albany to Buffalo, opened up America's frontier to the west.
Reviewed By Hairguy52 - Fairport, United States
I’ve been living Fairport for 30+ years Love the canal We can walk for hours very relaxing and beautiful.
9. Rosamond Gifford Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 880 reviews
Founded in 1914, the Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park is home to more than 700 animals representing 275 species, many of them endangered or threatened in the wild. As an accredited member of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA), we are among only 236 zoos and aquariums in the nation proven to meet the highest standards of animal care, conservation and guest experience. We are dedicated to connecting people to the natural world by providing engaging experiences, exceptional animal welfare, and unparalleled conservation education. The zoo is co-operated by Onondaga County Parks and the Friends of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo with the mission to provide guests “the best day ever,” ensuring experiences that excite, memories that endure, and knowledge that inspires world wildlife conservation.
Reviewed By dianewA8715AR - Liverpool, United States
We visited the zoo yesterday and were very fortunate to see animals playing, eating and enjoying their environment. The elephants, bears, tiger with her 3 month old cubs, birds, panda, flamingos, and all the animals made the afternoon observing and reading the posted information about them, definitely a wonderful and educational experience. If you live in the area, visiting or just passing through, stop and visit the Zoo!
10. Taughannock Falls State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,174 reviews
Reviewed By ElGreco75 - Little Neck, United States
Ithaca has a number of well-regarded NY state Parks in the area, I was a little conflicted which one to see. We ended up visiting Taughannock Falls State Park on the advice we received from the owners of the B&B we were staying at. This is an amazing park with falls that give it its name. There are two ways to see the falls. The first one we stopped at is an overlook area which gives a great vista of the falls and gorge (Parking here is free), from this you can also hike the rim trail (we did not), there is also a gift shop, park info and restrooms. The second one is located near the lower falls, with a paid parking lot, the fee is $8, no charge if you have the empire pass like we do. From this lot you can take a very easy hike along a well-traveled gravel trail to get a great view of the falls. This trail is a very easy hike/walk being mainly flat with only a short incline here and there. One can also leave the trail a bit and walk on the limestone bed closer to the river if the water isn't too high. After 3/4 of a mile you arrive at the falls, being the tallest single drop waterfall east of the Rockies they are magnificent, The gorge is also beautiful with its steep cliffs and rock formations. It seems this trail can get crowded at times, it wasn’t overly so when we visited so it didn’t bother us. Also nearby is the shore of Cayuga Lake, just walk over and you get some great lakeside views, there is also a small concession stand along with some picnic tables. This park is a must visit if you are in the area.
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