If you’re looking for things to do in Watkins Glen, you’ll likely see two attractions that are recommended again and again: hiking the spellbinding trails at Watkins Glen State Park and attending a thrilling car race at Watkins Glen International.
And while both attractions should be at the top of your list, be sure not to miss out on other activities like kayaking, sampling locally produced beer and wine, cruising around Seneca Lake, and much more.
Located on the southern shore of Seneca Lake in the Finger Lakes region of New York, Watkins Glen appeals to a variety of tourists. There’s always an adventure to be had and to sweeten the deal, there are tons of restaurants offering an assortment of cuisines. There are also accommodations that range from budget to luxury to camping.
Read on for ideas on things to do in Watkins Glen, NY, including recommendations for where to eat and where to stay when you’re in town.
19 Best Things to do in Watkins Glen, NY
1. Hike the Gorge Trail at Watkins Glen State Park
If you’re in Watkins Glen and you love hiking, photography, or the great outdoors, you must hike the gorge trail at Watkins Glen State Park.
The 1.4-mile hike is rated as moderate in difficulty. The trail is mostly flat, although there are several steep stone staircases along the way. Hikers will be truly mesmerized by the gorge trail landscape, which consists of towering cliff walls, curving rock formations, scenic stone bridges, and a total of 19 waterfalls.
This is an extremely popular Watkins Glen attraction, so do expect crowds, but whatever you do, don’t miss out on this hike. It’s worth the effort!
Watkins Glen State Park has an upper and lower entrance, both with parking lots. A shuttle bus runs seasonally between the entrances ($6 per ride). The park is open year-round but the gorge trail is only open from mid-May to early November. Other trails within the park remain open all year.
- Address: 1009 N. Franklin St., Watkins Glen, NY
- Check hours of operation
2. Spot Wildlife on a Scenic Kayaking Tour
Matt and I took one of our favorite kayaking trips of all time in Watkins Glen. We booked a tour with Seneca Lake Kayak and paddled, with our guide and a small group, around the scenic marsh at Catherine Creek, marveling at wildlife like bald eagles and Great Blue Herons along the way.
The 1000-acre marsh is located at the southern end of Seneca Lake. It’s part of Catherine Creek Wildlife Management Area and serves the very important purpose of providing a safe habitat for local wildlife. Dozens of bird and fish species live here, many of which you’ll likely spot while paddling a kayak.
Seneca Lake Kayak offers several seasonal tour options, including a sunset paddle, a tiki bar lunch tour, and a Hector Falls tour. Availability of tours may depend on weather conditions and water temperature. They also rent kayaks and paddleboards.
- Kayaking tours with Seneca Lake Kayak run from May-October.
3. Watch a Thrilling Car Race at Watkins Glen International
Interested in heart-pumping world-class car racing? Watkins Glen has that!
One of the most popular attractions in Watkins Glen is their renowned automobile racetrack, which has a history that dates back to the 1940s. The racing season kicks off with Opening Weekend in April and continues with annual events that include popular races like The NASCAR Cup Series, the NASCAR Xfinity Series and the Ferrari Challenge.
A variety of Fan Experiences allow visitors to select the ticket packages that suit them best. Watkins Glen International also offers extensive top-notch campgrounds.
Be sure to keep an eye on the events schedule so you don’t miss the exciting events that take place during the race season.
- Address: 2790 County Route 16, Watkins Glen, NY
- Racing season: April-September
4. Drive the Glen and Put Yourself in the Driver’s Seat
Spike your adrenaline as you do laps around the Grand Prix Circuit at Watkins Glen International. Every year, a series of dates are offered for the event known as Drive the Glen. On these dates, racing fans can drive their own cars around the 3.45-mile racetrack, guided by an official Watkins Glen International pace car.
Drive the Glen is open to the public and takes place on select dates during the racing season (April-October). The cost is $30 per vehicle. Participants must agree to follow a set of safety rules, including maintaining a driving speed set by a pace car. Put yourself in the driver’s seat and experience one of the most exciting things to do in Watkins Glen!
- Address: 2790 County Route 16, Watkins Glen, NY
- Check Drive the Glen available dates.
5. Climb Aboard a Seneca Lake Sightseeing Cruise
A one-hour Seneca Lake boat tour with Captain Bill’s Seneca Lake Cruises is the perfect introduction to lower Seneca Lake and Watkins Glen. On the (seasonal) narrated tour, passengers learn that the lake, which reaches depths of more than 600 feet, is the largest of the Finger Lakes by volume and the second largest by length.
Passengers will also learn about the salt refineries that line the lakeshore and pass by local scenic attractions such as Hector Falls and Painted Rock.
In addition to hour-long sightseeing cruises, Captain Bill’s Seneca Lake Cruises also has lunch and dinner cruises, and special events like a Blues Music Cruise, a Country Music Cruise, and more!
- Address: 1 N. Franklin St., Watkins Glen, NY
- Tours typically run from May to October.
6. Take a Summertime Swim in Seneca Lake
When summer heats up in Watkins Glen, you’ll be thankful there are places to cool off! Enjoy Seneca Lake swimming by taking a dip at Clute Memorial Park. The swimming area is relatively small, as is the surrounding beach and park, but it’s not a bad way at all to spend a hot summer afternoon. Camping is also available. 155 S. Clute Park Drive, Watkins Glen, NY
Or lounge the day away at Smith Memorial Park, a pleasant waterfront park where you can picnic, camp, and go swimming in Seneca Lake. Located nine miles north of Watkins Glen. 5303 Park Avenue, Hector, NY
Dogs are permitted in both parks as long they’re kept on leashes.
7. Go Swimming at Watkins Glen State Park
An Olympic-size swimming pool at Watkins Glen State Park is open during the summer for day-use and campers. There’s also a small wading pool for kids. The pool is located at the park’s upper entrance.
- Admission: The $10 parking fee for Watkins Glen State Park includes pool entrance.
- Check hours of operation
8. Drink Locally Made Beer at the Breweries Near Watkins Glen
The Finger Lakes region is well known for its small-batch beer making, and finding excellent breweries near Watkins Glen is easy. The following are a short drive from the village. If you’re looking to visit more, you can head even further north toward Geneva.
Seneca Lake Brewing Company
Drive up the west side of Seneca Lake to reach this brewery that brews only cask ales, or ales that are unfiltered, naturally carbonated, and served directly from the tapped cask. Seneca Lake Brewing Company is the only dedicated cask ale brewery in the state and only one of six in the country. The vibe inside is of an English pub and very friendly. A menu of homemade meals is available on select days.
Interested in staying overnight on the grounds of a brewery? Seneca Lake Brewing offers three glamping sites on the premises. Each canvas tent includes a queen-size bed, a campfire grill, and several additional amenities. Sites are available to rent from May 1 – October 31.
- Address: 4520 State Route 14, Rock Stream, NY
Two Goats Brewing
Located on the east shore of Seneca Lake, Two Goats sits on a hill high above the lake. Their outdoor deck is huge and offers tons of picturesque seating. If you can, grab a seat with a view of the lake at sunset–it’s one of the best I’ve every seen.
The taproom inside is cozy, too. A great selection of draft beers include porters, ales, stouts, and IPAs.
- Address: 5027 State Route 414, Burdett, NY
Lucky Hare Brewing Company
If you’re up for driving a little further north from Two Goats, this is a another awesome brewery near Watkins Glen. Lucky Hare specializes in ales and lagers, serving them up in their newly remodeled tap room. If you’d like some food to accompany your flight, a menu serving a selection of burgers and fries is available. Lucky Hare also has a second location in Ithaca.
- Address: 6085 Beckhorn Rd., Hector, NY
9. Follow the Seneca Lake Wine Trail
Running very close behind the top things to do in Watkins Glen (after hiking and seeing a car race) is touring the wineries. You are, after all, in wine country!
There’s no lack of wineries near Watkins Glen and they typically offer sweeping views across Seneca Lake. Along the eastern shore, some recommended wineries include Catherine Valley Winery, Damiani Wine Cellars, JR Dill Winery, and Atwater Vineyards.
Driving up the western shore, try Castel Grisch Winery, Lakewood Vineyards, Toast Winery, and Magnus Ridge Winery.
The wineries above are those that are closest to Watkins Glen but there are plenty more wineries on Seneca and Cayuga lakes. And if you want to travel just a bit further west, check out the breathtaking scenery and wineries on Keuka Lake!
10. Support Local Artists at an Art Collective
At Hector Handmade, customers can support a local business that contributes to their immediate community. All of the jewelry, T-shirts, artwork, and other unique items for sale were made by artists who live within a 30-mile radius of the shop.
If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind local gift or souvenir, this is where you’ll find it. Co-owners and best friends Jesse Beardslee and Jennie Scarbrough founded their business in June 2017. Hector Handmade is closed during the winter.
- Address: 5344 State Route 414, Hector, NY
11. Visit a Waterfall in the Center of a Small Village
If you’ve hiked at the local state park then you know that Watkins Glen is a land of waterfalls, and there are more to discover!
In the nearby town of Montour Falls, there’s also a big old waterfall that sits right in the middle of town. She-Qua-Ga Falls plunges down from a height of 165 feet while life as usual goes on around it in this charming small town.
I love She-Qua-Ga Falls because of its location but there are more waterfalls nearby as well. They are Havana Glen Falls, Eagle’s Cliff Falls, Aunt Sarah’s Falls, and Deckerton Falls. The cascading waters and the hills surrounding Montour Falls have given it the nickname, Valley of Tumbling Waters.
Montour Falls is located three miles south of Watkins Glen.
12. Dine at Popular Watkins Glen Restaurants
One of the absolute best things about eating here is that the restaurants in Watkins Glen are committed to preparing dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. This means that you the customer are sure to be served the freshest food and craft beverages, often relying on what’s in season.
Here are some Watkins Glen restaurants and cafes that locals and tourists rave about.
- Seneca Sunrise Coffee-Start off your day here with a freshly brewed cup of organic coffee. 806 N. Decatur Street, Suite 2, Watkins Glen
- Curley’s Family Restaurant-A longstanding local favorite that serves diner staples such as pancakes, corned beef and hash, tuna melts, and hot roast beef sandwiches. 2780 State Route 14
- Thai Elephants-Authentic Thai dishes like Panang curry and Drunken Noodles; or try the lobster Pad Thai for traditional with a twist. 133 E. 4th Street, Watkins Glen
- Jerlando’s Ristorante & Pizzeria-Serving all of your Italian-American favorites for more than 25 years. Open for lunch and dinner. Second location in nearby Montour Falls. 400 N. Franklin Street, Watkins Glen
- Babcha’s Pierogis-Small Ukranian restaurant serving homemade favorites like pierogies, latkes, and kielbasa. 309 N. Franklin Street, Watkins Glen
- Rooster Fish Brewing Pub-Unique comfort food prepared with fresh homemade ingredients. They also serve a selection of their own small batch brews. Open for lunch and dinner. 223 N. Franklin Street, Watkins Glen
- Graft Wine + Cider Bar-Small plates meant for sharing served in an intimate space that also displays art by local artists. Wine, beer, and cider are exclusively from the Finger Lakes region. 204 N. Franklin Street, Watkins Glen
- Nickel’s Pit BBQ-Upstate barbecue at its finest. Located inside a former fire department. Seasonal live music. 207 N. Franklin Street, Watkins Glen
- Blue Pointe Grille-Located inside the posh Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel. Classic American menu includes steak, prime rib, and seafood, as well as a seasonal Friday Fish Fry. Coldwater Bar is perfect for cocktails, whether at the bar, on the patio, or around the firepit. 16 N. Franklin Street, Watkins Glen
13. Tour an Animal Refuge at Farm Sanctuary
Meet the adorable resident creatures of Farm Sanctuary, a 275-acre refuge for farm animals rescued from the abuse of factory farming. Since 1986, Farm Sanctuary has provided a safe haven for cows, pigs, turkeys, and more. Among their many goals, they aim to educate the public about the inhumane treatment of animals on factory farms, while highlighting the benefits of plant-based living.
Farm Sanctuary visitors take one-hour guided tours (offered seasonally), during which they’ll learn about and interact with some of the 600 hundred farm animals that call the sanctuary home. There’s also a Sanctuary Shop, with literature and souvenirs for sale.
Want to wake up with the chickens? Reserve a Farm Sanctuary Tiny House. The accommodations are located on the farm and includes a queen-size bed, futon, kitchenette, and more. Only Farm Sanctuary members may book a Tiny House ($25 for a full year’s membership).
- Address: 3150 Aikens Rd., Watkins Glen, NY
- Guided tours available May-October. Advanced registration required.
14. Stay at Watkins Glen Bed-and-Breakfasts and Hotels
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There is no lack of places to stay in this popular town, from budget-friendly to bed-and-breakfast to upscale waterfront accommodations. During the busy tourist seasons of summer and fall, book ahead whenever possible. Other than the coldest winter months, accommodations tend to fill up quickly.
Here are the top places to stay in Watkins Glen.
- Hudson Manor Bed and Breakfast-Lounge on the wraparound porch and enjoy stunning views of Seneca Lake. Grounds include an herb garden, gazebo, and stream. Walking distance to downtown Watkins Glen. 104 Seneca Street, Watkins Glen, NY
- Idlewild Inn-Housed in a Victorian mansion built in 1892, this Watkins Glen bed-and-breakfast makes a perfect romantic getaway. Pleasant sitting areas include a wraparound porch, sunrooms, and a turret room. Convenient to downtown and hiking. 1 Lakeview Avenue, Watkins Glen, NY
- Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel-Luxury hotel located on Seneca Lake. Amenities include an indoor swimming pool and hot tub, an outdoor fire pit, and complimentary coffee and tea. 16 North Franklin Street, Watkins Glen, NY
- Villager Motel & Glen Manor Estate-Basic and clean with a convenient downtown location. Amenities include a heated indoor pool, sundeck, and picnic area. Prices start around $150 per night. 106 E. 4th Street, Watkins Glen, NY
- Watkins Motel-3-minute walk to Watkins Glen State Park. Newly remodeled rooms. Prices start around $95 per night. 212 S. Franklin Street, Watkins Glen, NY
- Plum Point Lodge-If you want quiet lakefront accommodations near Watkins Glen, check out Plum Point Lodge, located about 20 minutes north of the village. There’s a lovely waterfront dock, a fire pit, swimming pool, and on-site restaurant. Book a room or a yurt.
Attend the Festive Annual Events in Watkins Glen
There’s a packed schedule of annual festivals and events in all of the Finger Lakes. Here are some popular Watkins Glen events.
15. American Lantern Festival
The whole family will be delighted at this much-loved Watkins Glen event. Visitors stay in their car and follow the paths at Castel Grisch Winery, where lanterns in the shapes of wild animals, colorful insects, and giant flowers light up the vineyards and grounds. The American Lantern Festival is a wintertime event and typically takes place in January-February.
- Castel Grisch Winery: 3380 County Road 28, Watkins Glen, NY
16. Finger Lakes Wine Festival
Every summer, dozens of area wineries, food vendors, musicians, and artists come together to celebrate everything that makes the Finger Lakes special. Don’t miss the kick-off event where Bacchus, the god of wine, blesses the event and everyone is encouraged to dress in togas.
The popular festival, which celebrated its 25th year in 2022, takes place on the grounds of Watkins Glen International. A Formula 1 Racing Series is also part of the festivities.
Onsite camping and glamping sites are available. Attendees must be 21 and over. A variety of different ticket packages are available. The event usually takes place in July.
- Watkins Glen International: 2790 County Route 16, Watkins Glen, NY
17. Fire & Ice Weekend
Chili winter temperatures in upstate New York create the perfect conditions for outdoor ice bars, which is what you’ll find on a winter weekend at Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel. Attendees can check out the elaborately carved ice sculptures, drink specialty cocktails at the ice bar, zip down a luge, and of course, warm up in front of a warming fire pit.
The revelry takes place during a January weekend at the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel. Attendees must be 21 and over. The hotel also offers Fire and Ice room packages.
- Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel: 16 N. Franklin St., Watkins Glen, NY
Things to do Near Watkins Glen
18. Hike the Gorges of Ithaca
Ithaca is a lovely college town located 25 miles east of Watkins Glen. Situated on the southern tip of Cayuga Lake, Ithaca offers lots of scenic hiking spots including the gorge trails at Buttermilk Falls State Park and Robert E. Treman State Park. After getting your fill of gorges, hang out at Ithaca’s pubs, restaurants, and pedestrian plaza.
19. Take a Day Trip to Hammondsport
Head 20 miles west of Watkins Glen to Hammondsport, the village on the southern tip of Keuka Lake. Here, you can explore historic Village Square, catch live music at the bandstand, and jump in the lake at Depot Park. History buffs and airplane fans should be sure to visit the Glenn H. Curtiss Aviation Museum.
Best Time to Visit Watkins Glen
The activities in this article are mostly available from late spring through mid-autumn. Many attractions, such as kayaking and swimming, depend on warmer weather and are therefore unavailable during the winter. Fall in Watkins Glen is beautiful, but the state park will be very crowded, especially on weekends.
Most of the breweries, restaurants, and hotels listed here remain open all year. Some may operate with reduced hours.
How to Get to Watkins Glen
The most convenient way to get to Watkins Glen is by car. Driving distance and time from major cities:
- Ithaca: 25 miles (40 kilometers); 40 minutes
- Rochester: 80 miles (130 kilometers); 90 minutes
- Syracuse: 90 miles (145 kilometers); 1 hr 45 min
- Buffalo: 145 miles (235 kilometers); 2.5 hours
- Toronto: 240 miles (385 kilometers); 4.5 hours
- New York City: 260 miles (420 kilometers); 5 hours
Additional options:
- By train: The nearest Amtrak stations are in Syracuse and Rochester.
- By bus: The nearest bus stations are in Ithaca, Syracuse, and Rochester.
- By plane: The closest major airports are in Syracuse and Rochester.
Getting Around Watkins Glen
Watkins Glen is a small village so it’s easy to walk to several destinations, such as the state park and the restaurants. During the summer, a shuttle runs at Watkins Glen State Park, taking passengers to and from the park’s three entrances.
The race track, wineries, and breweries are further away and require a car.
Final Thoughts on Things to do in Watkins Glen
As a final note, in Watkins Glen, things to do vary for every type of visitor. But whether you’re looking for an awesome hiking or kayaking experience, an exciting car race, or some leisurely wine tasting, you’ll find it in Watkins Glen! It’s a quintessential small American town, and its location in the Finger Lakes wine country only adds to an already wonderful experience.
