Why Go to The Finger Lakes
YOUR DESTINATION AT A GLANCE
The Finger Lakes are one of America's most beautiful and underrated getaways. A Native American legend says these 11 long, narrow lakes in central New York were left by the Great Spirit as a handprint of blessing on the land, and their names, like Seneca, Cayuga, Keuka and Skaneateles, honor that heritage.
Today the region is a year-round playground and one of the country's top wine regions, especially known for Riesling, with more than 100 wineries along scenic wine trails. Spend your days boating, fishing and paddling on the lakes, and hike through the dramatic gorges and waterfalls of Watkins Glen State Park, Letchworth State Park, known as the Grand Canyon of the East, and the parks around Ithaca. Take scenic drives through vineyards and farm country, stopping at farm stands, cideries and breweries. Culture lovers can visit the Corning Museum of Glass, The Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester and the George Eastman Museum.
The Finger Lakes are an easy drive from much of the Northeast, and fall foliage and harvest season are especially beautiful. I'll plan a wine country getaway with a charming inn and a driver for tastings.
BEST FOR
Wine lovers, couples, road-trippers and nature enthusiasts
BEST MONTHS
May–October
EXPLORE
Geneva sits at the north end of Seneca Lake; Watkins Glen anchors its southern end; Ithaca is near Cayuga Lake, while Canandaigua offers a lively lakeside town.
SIX18 SIGNATURE DESTINATION GUIDE
The Finger Lakes
North America › Northeast › USA › New York
Glacial lakes, vineyards and inviting small towns
Rural & Wine Country
Vineyards
Boating
Scenic
SIX18 INSIDER TIP
Check gorge-trail openings before driving, and arrange a designated driver for tasting visits.
Experiences Worth Exploring
THINGS TO DO
Gorge trails close seasonally or during hazardous conditions.
Watkins Glen State Park
Walk through a dramatic gorge with stone bridges and cascading waterfalls.
Check overlook and trail access before arrival.
Taughannock Falls State Park
View a tall waterfall and gorge near Cayuga Lake.
Remain behind barriers and avoid slippery stream rocks.
Ithaca Falls
See a striking waterfall close to downtown Ithaca.
Allow extra time for demonstrations and galleries.
Corning Museum of Glass
Discover glass art and demonstrations in Corning.
Make reservations and use a sober driver.
Seneca Lake Wine Trail
Visit wineries and vineyards around the region’s largest lake by area.
A collection of upscale lakeside inns in a historic village on Cayuga Lake.
Inns of Aurora Resort & Spa
Aurora / Cayuga Lake
Hotel Tags
A luxury lakefront resort near downtown Canandaigua with views across the water.
The Lake House on Canandaigua
Canandaigua Lake
Hotel Tags
A villa-inspired lakefront property offering a tranquil base for wine-country visits.
Geneva On The Lake
Geneva / Seneca Lake
Hotel Tags
An upscale campus hotel convenient for Ithaca dining and nearby waterfalls.
The Statler Hotel at Cornell University
Ithaca / Cornell campus
Hotel Tags
A waterfront hotel near Seneca Lake, Watkins Glen State Park and local wineries.
Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel
Watkins Glen / Seneca Lake
Hotel Tags
Curated Accommodations
WHERE TO STAY
November in The Finger Lakes
High 47°F · Low 33°F · Rain 3.1 in
Quiet fall days, cozy tasting rooms and holiday wine trail events.
Late spring through fall is popular for trails, boating and wine country; winter weather can limit some gorges.
Best Times to Visit The Finger Lakes
WHEN TO GO
06
Winter Roads
Snow and freezing conditions can affect lake-region drives; check routes and seasonal closures.
05
Intercity Connections
Bus and rail links serve some gateway towns, not most trailheads or estates.
04
Town Walking
Ithaca, Geneva and Canandaigua have walkable centers, but lakeside sites are farther away.
03
Wine Trail Drivers
Book responsible transport for tasting routes and confirm individual winery appointments.
02
Rental Cars
A vehicle is usually essential to explore dispersed lakes, state parks and wineries.
01
Regional Airports
Rochester, Syracuse and Ithaca-area air links serve different sections of the Finger Lakes.
A car is the most flexible way to explore lakes and rural attractions. Town centers are walkable but distances between lakes can be significant.
Getting Around The Finger Lakes
GETTING AROUND
KEEP EXPLORING
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