The Finger Lakes region brings out the best that Upstate New York has to offer and features the Empire State at its most glorious.
In between the lakes that stretch across this region is pastoral scenery of rolling hills, farm animals, vineyards, and bright red barns dot the landscape.
Residents in Finger Lakes towns both large and small are committed to supporting small businesses, local artists, and their neighborhood farms. And finally, whether you love hiking, biking, fishing, sailing, or snowshoeing, outdoor recreation is at your fingertips.
Tourists visit in every season to sample local wine and beer and to take in the incomparable scenery of New York’s wine country. Deciding where to go and what to do on a trip to the Finger Lakes can be daunting, especially if you’re not familiar with the area.
My goal with this Finger Lakes travel guide is to help make your planning easier, first by describing the Finger Lakes region to help you become familiar with it, and second by linking to more specific destination guides to provide you with all the information you need to make your plans. As you scroll, you’ll find travel guides to various wine trails, cities and towns, and activities.
About the Finger Lakes Region
Eleven lakes make up the Finger Lakes region in New York State. The lakes vary in size but are similar in their long and narrow shapes. They run generally in a north-south direction.
Click for an interactive version of the above map.
The Finger Lakes region spans 9,000 square miles and has 14 counties. In addition to its bucolic rural landscape, the area is well known for wineries and breweries, as well as outstanding restaurants.
From east to west, the names of the Finger Lakes are Otisco, Skaneateles, Owasco, Cayuga, Seneca, Keuka, Canandaigua, Honeoye, Canadice, Hemlock, and Conesus. Seneca Lake is the deepest while Cayuga Lake is the longest.
Guide to the Finger Lakes Wine Trails
There are four established Finger Lakes wine trails. They are located on Cayuga Lake, Seneca Lake, Keuka Lake, and Canandaigua Lake. The oldest established wine trail is on Cayuga Lake while the largest wine trail is on Seneca Lake.
Cayuga Lake Wine Trail
The Cayuga Lake Wine Trail was the first wine trail in the Finger Lakes and in fact, the first established wine trail in the United States. The trail is made up of 16 Cayuga Lake wineries, most of which are concentrated on the western side of the lake. The hamlet of Seneca Falls is at the northern end of the lake while Ithaca is at the southern end. At 40 miles long, Cayuga Lake is the longest Finger Lake.
Seneca Lake Wine Trail
With 36 wineries, the Seneca Lake Wine Trail is the largest of the four Finger Lakes wine trails. Seneca Lake is the deepest Finger Lake and because of that, the grape growing conditions on its banks are optimal. Grapes that are grown in cool climates such as this, on the banks of deep lakes, produce the best wines. Seneca Lake is anchored by the city of Geneva to the north and Watkins Glen to the south.
Keuka Lake Wine Trail
Sometimes called “Crooked Lake” because of its Y shape, this is the most distinct Finger Lake in terms of appearances. Keuka Lake is relatively small and driving around it only takes about an hour, making for a much quicker experience than the wine trails on Cayuga or Seneca Lakes.
There are 20 wineries on Keuka Lake, though only five make up the official Keuka Lake Wine Trail. The village of Hammondsport is on Keuka Lake’s southern shore. Travel to the northern end of the lake to visit the historic village of Penn Yan.
Canandaigua Lake Wine Trail
This wine trail is small with only a handful of wineries but along the way, you’ll find top-notch wine and food experiences and plenty of charming inns and bed-and-breakfasts. The historic city of Canandaigua is at the north and Naples is to the south.
If you’re looking to splurge on accommodation, check out The Lake House on Canandaigua, offering luxury accommodations and an onsite destination spa.
Finger Lakes Towns You Should Visit
As you’ll see from the list below, the best Finger Lakes towns and cities to visit are typically those at the very northern and southern ends of the lakes, although there are exceptions to that rule. The best place for you to stay depends on why you’re visiting. I hope this helps you decide.
Watkins Glen
Watkins Glen State Park is one of the most visited attractions in the Finger Lakes. People come to hike, lured by the uniqueness of the layered rock formations that form the sides of a steep gorge cut into the earth. This is definitely one of the best hikes in the Finger Lakes. Also, if you’re goal is to see lots of waterfalls in the Finger Lakes, this is the place to see them.
The village of Watkins Glen, located on the southern shore of Seneca Lake, has a pedestrian-friendly main street with lots of good restaurants. This is also a good destination if you’re interested in some Finger Lakes kayaking.
Seneca Falls
Located at the northern end of Cayuga Lake, the the Cayuga-Seneca Canal runs through the village. Though a little less polished than the quaint village of Aurora to the south, Seneca Falls has a decidedly distinct, industrial vibe. Things to do include touring sites related to the first women’s convention in the United States, and birdwatching at a wildlife preserve.
Ithaca
Located at the southern end of Cayuga Lake, this hip college town is known for its great restaurants, bars, and breathtaking gorges. If you’re looking for some amazing hikes in the Finger Lakes, Ithaca is a good home base for your getaway. Several well-known Finger Lakes waterfalls can also be found within a short drive from downtown.
Trumansburg
I recommend staying in this adorable village if you’re main objective is to visit the Finger Lakes wine trails, particularly those on Cayuga and Seneca Lakes. History buffs will like it here too, since there are a lot of historical homes and buildings to inspect. Trumansburg is located on the west side of Cayuga Lake. The state park here is home to Taughannock Falls which, in my opinion, the most photogenic waterfall in the Finger Lakes.
Hammondsport
Situated on the southern shore of Keuka Lake, Hammondsport has been named America’s Coolest Small Town by Budget Travel magazine. One popular attraction here is the Black Sheep Inn & Spa, located inside an octagon-shaped house built in 1859. Another is Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery, perhaps the most well-known winery in the Finger Lakes.
Geneva
This village at the northern end of Seneca Lake is your perfect home base if you want to visit breweries in the Finger Lakes. While the Finger Lakes Beer Trail spans a huge region, if you focus on those located in and near Geneva, you’d be able to visit quite a lot of breweries. Downtown Geneva also has a lot of highly rated farm-to-table restaurants, making it a food-lover’s paradise.
Aurora
Located on Cayuga Lake’s eastern shore, Aurora is known for its collection of restored historical buildings, five of which make up the Inns of Aurora. These beautifully renovated inns give guests a choice of sophisticated and uniquely designed rooms in which to unwind. The newest addition to this collection of inns is the Spa at Inns of Aurora, a luxury spa on the banks of Cayuga Lake.
Skaneateles
A picturesque village on the northern shore of Skaneateles Lake and home to many beautiful bed-and-breakfasts and Inns, including a branch of the renowned Mirbeau Inn & Spa. Antique stores, good restaurants and breweries, and gift shops make up the main streets of Skaneateles.
Auburn
Harriet Tubman, the fearless conductor of the Underground Railroad who guided dozens of slaves to freedom, moved to Auburn in 1859. She lived here until her death in 1913 and she is buried at Fort Hill Cemetery, about a mile from her home. Tubman’s home is open (seasonally) to the public for tours. The Seward House Museum, home to 19th century politician William Henry Seward, is also located here. Auburn is at the northern end of Owasco Lake.
Waterloo
Four miles east of Geneva is the village of Waterloo, which is known as the Birthplace of Memorial Day. History-lovers can visit the National Memorial Day Museum to learn more. Waterloo also has a large outlet mall.
Penn Yan
At the northern end of Keuka Lake, visitors will find a historic downtown, Amish shops and cafes, popular restaurants, and plenty of accommodation options. There’s also access to the Keuka Outlet Trail in Penn Yan.
Canandaigua
With a population of more than 11,000 residents, Canandaigua is the largest city in the Finger Lakes and lies at the north end of Canandaigua Lake. There are lots of opportunities here for summer water sports like swimming, boating, kayaking, and fishing. Art galleries, boutiques, bed-and-breakfasts, and wineries are plentiful as well. Humphrey Bogart is said to have spent summers here as a child.
Naples
Lying to the southwest of Canandaigua Lake is the picturesque rural village of Naples, which draws tens of thousands of tourists every September for the Naples Grape Festival. People also travel from far and wide in search of the famous grape pies that the village is famous for. In fact, Naples has even been called the “Grape Pie Capital of the World.”
Corning
Nicknamed America’s Crystal City, this vibrant village is home to the Corning Museum of Glass. Downtown is known as the Gaffer District and is lined with restaurants, cafes, boutiques, and museums. Corning is part of the Southern Finger Lakes region and is located about 25 miles southwest of Watkins Glen.
Owego
Located in the southeast Finger Lakes tourism region, Owego offers a glimpse at a quintessential small town in New York. Downtown Owego is home to bookstores, cafes, restaurants, and breweries. Overnight guests can stay at nearby at a beautifully restored and haunted inn that counts adorable fainting goats among its residents.
In addition to visiting some of the places mentioned above, visitors can also follow the Finger Lakes Cheese Trail and the Finger Lakes Sweet Treat Trail.
When to Visit the Finger Lakes
The best time to visit the Finger Lakes depends on your desires and your itinerary. Things are happening in the Finger Lakes in every season; however, several businesses close for the winter or operate at reduced hours. Always check on opening and closing days and hours before you go. Every season in the Finger Lakes has its merits. Read on to decide which is the best for you.
Summer – In this region of lakes, summer is an awesome time to visit, especially for those who are into water sports or want to spend their vacation as beach bums. Summer is also the time of year when businesses are open and operating at their maximum capacity. Temperatures will likely be anywhere from warm and breezy to sweltering with humidity. It’s also when crowds are at their largest.
Fall – Fall is extraordinary and the best time to go hiking in the Finger Lakes. The weather cools off and summer lake activities quiet down. However, tourists fill the hiking trails as autumn colors make their way across the region. It’s also grape harvesting time for the vineyards and wine lovers flock here to witness the miracle of wine making. Many wineries hold autumn harvest festivals.
Winter – The rolling hills become covered in snow during the winter, transforming the Finger Lakes into a scenic winter wonderland. It’s the perfect time to try out snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, or to pamper yourself at a world class spa. If you’re looking to avoid crowds, winter is the time to visit the Finger Lakes, however, wineries, restaurants, and other businesses typically operate on reduced hours or are closed altogether for the season.
Spring – Remember, this is upstate New York, which means spring can bring an array of unpredictable weather, from late season snow, to driving rain, to muddy trails, to mild perfect temperatures that offer a hint of coming warmth. Businesses are often still closed for the season with many opening in late May or early June. Crowds will be fairly low and there are still deals to be had at hotels and bed-and-breakfasts. If visiting in the spring, try to shoot for around mid- to late May.
Types of Finger Lakes Accommodations
Where you rest your head in the Finger Lakes depends entirely upon your preferences, since every type of accommodation exists. You’ll find plenty of inns and bed-and-breakfasts, roadside motels and chain hotels, campsites, cabins, and much more. Individual Finger Lakes posts that I’ve linked to provide more information and recommendations on where to stay.
How to Get to the Finger Lakes
The region is huge so it depends on your point of origin and your Finger Lakes destination. The major airports in the region include Syracuse to the east and Rochester to the north. Buses and trains service some of the larger towns, depending on where you’re coming from.
Driving remains the most convenient option, as this is a rural area and there isn’t a lot of public transportation between attractions. Individual posts provide more information on how to travel to specific destinations.