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
Countries
Things to do in Finger Lakes, Finger Lakes: The Best State Parks
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. Harriet Hollister Spencer State Recreation Area
3. Allan H. Treman State Marine Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By Andy05255 - Manchester, United States
As we were headed north to the Thirsty owl winery, I suddenly realized my brakes were not working! So I slowed down and pulled into the Allan H Treman State Marine Park! There were clean bathrooms and wonderful amount of picnic tables overlooking the Cayuga Lake! The tow truck driver arrived and we were able to get our car fixed and back on the road!
4. Stony Brook State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 217 reviews
There is a wide variety of recreation available at this scenic park including hiking, camping, tennis, swimming and hunting.
Reviewed By pegw332 - Indianapolis, United States
We visited after Labor Day and mid-week so no admission charge. Unfortunately that also meant their “natural” swimming area situated right in the gorge was also closed. However, you can see it in one of the photos. Very interesting. We hiked on a very hot day (90 degrees) so opted for the pathway at the base of the gorge, which allows us to be near and a little bit in the water. Although it is clearly posted “no swimming” some were on this very hot day.
5. 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.
6. Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 749 reviews
Sonnenberg Gardens is a historic estate showcasing nine formal gardens, an antique greenhouse complex, and a Victorian mansion. Sonnenberg also features a gift shop, the Finger Lakes Wine Center, and wedding/reception rental facilities.
Reviewed By Debie3682 - Baldwinsville, United States
My self and my 17 year old daughter visited on a Friday morning in August. Simply beautiful!! We both enjoyed walking around the different landscaped areas. The grounds are huge!! Lots of walking, enjoying the hardscape, plants, flowers, even suprise wild life throughout! The buildings are also beautiful, showing there aged character. The mansion is breathtaking. Everything is so well kept, with very little signs of insect's in the gardens. We were on a time restraint, I still feel we were able to see, and walk through completely in 2 1/2 hours. However I wish we had more time.
7. Robert Treman State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,301 reviews
Reviewed By Passenger527561
This park was convenient to town and had great walking trails to the magnificent water falls.We spent a good part of our hiking to Lucifer Falls and encountered many families both coming and going along the trail.The Park is a true treasure for the area.
8. Buttermilk Falls State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 953 reviews
Reviewed By cshav10
Incredible natural beauty - breathtaking. If climbing stairs or a steep climb are an issue there is you can start up at the top and walk down. Not sure of the name of the road. We took the rim walk which was a stiff climb and came down that way.
9. Chimney Bluffs State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 197 reviews
Reviewed By gfm1118 - Willow Street, United States
This is a great state park right on Lake Ontario with several miles of well marked trails thru beautiful forests with a reward of terrific views from the bluffs. You can also follow the trail down the side of the bluff and walk along Lake Ontario and view the bluffs from below. This is a must do for hikers visiting this area.
