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
What to do and see in Finger Lakes, Finger Lakes: The Best Budget-friendly Things to do
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. Glenn H. Curtiss Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 601 reviews
The Glenn H. Curtiss Museum, bearing the name of Hammondsport's favorite son, is located on Route 54, one half mile south of the village of Hammondsport, New York. Dedicated to the memory of pioneer aviator, Glenn Curtiss, the museum contains a priceless collection relating to early aviation and local history. The museum also features a 75-seat theater, large open area for special events and a gift shop. In addition to motorcycles and aircraft, visitors will also see antique tools, toys, boats, home-furnishings, fire equipment and much more. Visitors are also welcome to visit the Museum Restoration Shop, talk with volunteer craftsman and watch them work on historic aircraft.
Reviewed By KMJackson60
We popped over to this museum on a rainy day. I knew very little about Glenn Curtiss and early airplane history. We loved it! Glenn Curtiss was a very creative, very interesting person who did a lot of inventing. It was fun watching his life and inventions play out, and the early air pioneers start the industry.
2. 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.
3. The Strong National Museum of Play
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,156 reviews
The Strong is a highly interactive, collections-based museum devoted to the history and exploration of play. It is one of the largest history museums in the United States and one of the leading museums serving families. The Strong houses the world's largest and most comprehensive collection of historical materials related to play and is home to the International Center for the History of Electronic Games, the National Toy Hall of Fame, the World Video Game Hall of Fame, the Brian Sutton-Smith Library and Archives of Play, the Woodbury School, and the American Journal of Play. Together, these enable a multifaceted array of research, exhibition, and other interpretive and educational activities that serve a diverse audience of adults, families, children, students, teachers, scholars, collectors, and others around the globe.
Reviewed By V7823XUmichaelb
This museum is fun for all ages and for hours! They have a mini Wegmans, toys HOF, a butterfly exhibit and so much more! Fabulous.
4. Corning Museum of Glass
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3,696 reviews
From children looking for an adventure to artists looking for inspiration, there is something for everyone at The Corning Museum of Glass. The world's largest glass museum offers the opportunity to browse 3500 years of glassmaking history in the collection galleries. See works ranging from a small Egyptian pharaoh head to enormous works by Tiffany and discover the wonder and artistry behind glassmaking. Explore the day-lit Contemporary Art + Design Galleries which house the best of the last 30 years in glass, and a 500-seat Amphitheater Hot Shop, a space dedicated to live glass demos and design sessions. See glass created before your eyes during a live, narrated Hot Glass Demo, and be inspired to experience glassmaking for yourself during a Make Your Own Glass experience, with projects for all ages for an additional fee (reservations available online). Best of all, kids and teens 17 and under are free! Advance tickets required. Tickets are valid for two consecutive days.
Reviewed By DEP3 - Binghamton, United States
If you love glass, this is the place for you.Beautifully laid out, with exquisite temporary and permanent exhibits. Lots of demonstrations of glassblowing, ability to make your own objet d’art, as well as a huge gift shop with Pyrex, Corelle, Steuben Glass, jewelry, trinkets,glass gift items, games, and more and more. A definite highlight of Corning, not to be missed.
5. Seward House Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 384 reviews
We invite you to visit the Seward House Museum, the historic home of William Henry Seward; New York State Senator, two time New York State Governor, US Senator, and Secretary of State during the Lincoln and Johnson administrations. Our knowledgeable staff is on-hand to provide guided tours, helping you navigate the many fascinating aspects of this beautifully preserved home. Enjoy masterpieces of American art and special exhibitions in both the historic house and the museum’s gardens.
Reviewed By Huckle54 - Chapel Hill, United States
The Seward House will satisfy both the history and non history fan in your group. The tour guides are extremely well versed and take you through the Seward family history in this 1 hour plus tour. The home is intact exactly as it was in when the Sewards lived there. I agree with other reviewers that multiple visits to this museum-home will always provide new and interesting insights into Seward and his relationship with Lincoln as well as other politicians of the time, his wife's efforts in the underground railroad and the family's relationship to Harriet Tubman. Highly recommend.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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
10. Seneca Lake Wine Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 637 reviews
Seneca Lake is known for its diverse offering of world-class wines. Our wineries are dedicated to increasing quality and serving as exceptional stewards of the land and lake. Seneca Lake Wine Trail members pledge to exceed your expectations when you visit to taste wine and experience the Finger Lakes. You don’t have to travel to far-away places to experience fantastic wines. They are right here on Seneca Lake!
Reviewed By 491cindyr - Harrisburg, United States
You have two options for this excursion. Wing it and stop at wineries at random or look up what they have to offer and plan your trip. We stopped at 6 wineries and bought at all but one so random worked for us. There are so many choices it’s mind boggling! We started at the wine center in Watkins Glen and got a handy map which was definitely worth it. Many of the locations now offer predetermined flights rather than tastings. If you are trying to get in several wineries this can be a lot of wine to drink. At some locations they allowed us to split a flight which we appreciated since we drove ourselves. The drive has great views of the lake. Very pleasant and we will go again.
