Top 13 Things To Do In Finger Lakes, New York

Wine in Finger Lakes NY makes it one of the most popular regions in the United States. This region is home to over 100 wineries.

The unique climate and geography of the area make it an ideal location for growing grapes, particularly Riesling, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir.

Seneca Lake is known for offering an excellent selection of world-class wines, and the wineries are committed to maintaining high standards of quality while being responsible stewards of the land and lake.

Seneca Lake Wine Trail members are dedicated to providing exceptional wine-tasting experiences that exceed your expectations, making it unnecessary to travel far to enjoy fantastic wines.

Location: 2 N Franklin St Suite 320, Watkins Glen

Finger Lakes breweries

• Lakewood Vineyards
• Two Goats Brewing
• Climbing Bines Hop Farm
• Twisted Rail Brewing Co

Things to do in Corning NY is to travel through 3,500 years of glassmaking history at The Corning Museum of Glass. It is the world’s largest glass museum.

You can witness a glass-blowing demonstration, make your own glass ornament, watch a flameworking showcase, explore the tower of casserole dishes, and admire countless glass sculptures.

For added excitement, the Innovation Center allows you to whisper to a friend from opposite ends of a giant glass egg. And before you leave, take some time to browse the shops and grab a bite to eat at the cafe.

Admission tickets: from $20

Corning Glass Museum hours: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Location: 1 Museum Way, Corning

Things to do in Watkins Glen include visiting the breathtaking Watkins Glen State Park. It boasts 19 waterfalls cascading down the stream and rock formations.

This natural wonder is in Upstate New York, approximately 250 miles from New York City. You'll want to explore them along the hiking trails available. The Gorge Trail along Glen Creek is stunning, but be cautious of the slippery steps.

For those who enjoy camping, Watkins Glen State Park camping offers 305 campsites that can accommodate tents and RVs. Don't miss out on the Watkins Glen State Park Gorge trail that is 1.5 miles following Glen Creek past water-sculpted rocks, through tunnels, and next to and under two waterfalls.

Watkins Glen State Park pool hours: 8:30 AM - 7:00 PM

Location: 1009 N Franklin St, Watkins Glen

Things to do in Finger Lakes New York include a trip to the largest Central New York ski resort. It was founded in 1958.

Not only does the resort offer skiing, but it also has other activities such as snowshoeing, tubing, and ice skating. During the summer, Greek Peak Mountain Resort has many options: hiking, biking, disc golf, swimming, and a water park, golf course, and campground.

It's a perfect destination for families, couples, and groups of friends, as there's something for everyone to enjoy, no matter the season.

Location: 2000 State Route 392, Virgil

Most popular activities:

• Skiing and snowboarding
• Snowshoeing
• Tubing
• Ice skating
• Hiking
• Disc golf

Things to do in Rochester NY is to explore the Strong National Museum of Play. It focuses on collections and is dedicated to exploring the history of play.

The Strong is a prominent United States museum celebrated for its rich history and family-friendly atmosphere. It boasts an extensive collection of historical play materials, making it the largest in the world.

Additionally, The Strong is home to several notable institutions, including the International Center for the History of Electronic Games, the World Video Game Hall of Fame, the American Journal of Play, the Woodbury School, and the Brian Sutton-Smith Library and Archives of Play.

Location: 1 Manhattan Square Dr, Rochester

Admission tickets: $20

Things to do in Ithaca NY is go camping at Buttermilk Falls State Park. It is a stunning 811-acre park located in the southwest of Ithaca, New York. 

With ten majestic waterfalls, tranquil shaded woods, and scenic wetland meadows, the park offers visitors a picturesque experience.

The lower park comprises a peaceful campground with 25 sites, showers, a playground, and a comfort station nearby, providing a quiet retreat for campers just ten minutes away from downtown Ithaca.

Visitors can also explore nature trails, picnic tables and pavilions, playing fields, and cabins. The falls are a popular attraction, and the nearby Robert H. Treman State Park, connected to Buttermilk Falls State Park by a hiking trail, is another must-see destination.

Location: 112 Buttermilk Falls Rd E, Ithaca

Things to do in Finger Lakes NY this weekend is to go fishing at Skaneateles Lake. It is one of the eleven Finger Lakes in central New York.

It's renowned for being one of the cleanest lakes globally and a crucial source of unfiltered drinking water for Syracuse City.

Skaneateles Lake attracts numerous tourists and is well-known for its luxurious lakeside cottages owned by wealthy individuals, celebrities, and politicians.

The Village of Skaneateles offers breathtaking lake views, and visitors can take advantage of the various services available. Fishing, boating, and swimming are among the many activities visitors can enjoy in this popular destination.

Location: 1285 Fisher Ave. Cortland

Finger Lakes waterfalls at Taughannock Falls State Park are taller than Niagara Falls. It is 33 feet taller than Niagara Falls.

The park's main attraction is Taughannock Falls, a stunning 215-foot (66 m) waterfall that boasts the title of the highest single-drop waterfall located east of the Rocky Mountains.

Visitors can enjoy hiking, nature trails, camping, and picnicking with this breathtaking view. The gorge and rim trails also provide fantastic views from above the falls. Additionally, the park features a stretch of Cayuga Lake's shoreline where visitors can swim, boat, and fish.

There are plenty of amenities, including a marina, boat launch, and a nearby beach. For those who enjoy hiking or cross-country skiing, a multi-use trail winds through the woods and past the falls.

Location: 2221 Taughannock Park R, Trumansburg

Unique things to do in the Finger Lakes is to visit Farm Sanctuary. It is a 275-acre New York shelter in the stunning Finger Lakes Region.

Over 600 farm animals, such as cows, pigs, and turkeys, have found a haven in these rolling green pastures. You'll hear the incredible stories of these animals and learn about the challenges they face in the modern food system.

Join a one-hour tour of the shelter guided by a sanctuary representative, and meet the animals that have been rescued. Don't forget to stop by the Sanctuary Shop for souvenirs, cookbooks, literature, and apparel.

Location: 3150 Aikens Rd, Watkins Glen

What to do in Finger Lakes NY? Why not explore the historic sites located in the region?

This region boasts numerous historical sites and landmarks that provide insight into the region's rich history. One such site is the Women's Rights National Historical Park in Seneca Falls, New York.

This park is dedicated to the women's suffrage movement and features several historic sites, including the Wesleyan Chapel, where the first Women's Rights Convention was held in 1848.

Cornell University, an Ivy League institution founded in 1865, is also situated in this region. Visitors can explore the campus, check out the Cornell Plantations, and discover the university's fascinating history via its many well-preserved historic buildings.

Finger Lakes in New York is known for its four-season beauty. The scenic view of the region can be explored through the hot air ballon ride.

Exploring the natural beauty of Finger Lakes region in New York through hot air balloon rides has become popular. These rides usually last 45 minutes to an hour, providing awe-inspiring views of the Finger Lakes, forests, and other scenic areas.

It's a unique and unforgettable way to experience the area's natural beauty from a different perspective.

Couples, families, and groups of friends seeking a distinctive and memorable experience in the Finger Lakes region often choose hot air balloon rides as their go-to activity.

Places to visit in Finger Lakes NY is the Rosamond Gifford Zoo. It was established in 1914.

The zoo at Burnet Park is the habitat of over 700 animals that belong to 275 different species, some of which are endangered or in danger of becoming so in the wild.

The zoo's objective is to help people connect with nature by offering enriching experiences, ensuring excellent animal welfare, and providing an unmatched education on conservation.

It is an ideal destination for families, animal enthusiasts, and all those who desire to expand their knowledge of the natural world.

Area: 1 Conservation Pl, Syracuse

Syracuse Zoo tickets: $5 (adults)

Nearby attractions: 

• Erie Canal Museum
• Museum of Science & Technology
• Destiny USA

What to do near Ithaca NY? You might want to check out Cornell Botanic Gardens. It is a peaceful haven spanning 150 acres of specialty gardens and 3400 acres of natural areas.

The main mission of its garden is to promote an understanding and appreciation of plants and their cultural significance among lifelong learners.

The gardens are open year-round, free of charge, and allow visitors to explore many different gardens, including the Mundy Wildflower Garden, the Herb Garden, and the Robison York State Herb Garden.

Nestled in the Finger Lakes region, the gardens are a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. Whether you're driving or walking from the Cornell University campus or the Statler Hotel, you'll find the gardens easily accessible. 

Area: 124 Comstock Knoll Dr, Ithaca