Finger Lakes Region Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Geneva featuring tranquil scenes and a lake or waterhole
Eleven sparkling lakes, miles of hiking trails and striking gorges make this area of New York state a true natural paradise.

Visit the Finger Lakes Region in central New York state for unspoiled natural beauty. Taste local wines on the winery trails, splash under cascading waterfalls and head to museums for a cultural education in everything from art to airplanes to women’s rights.

Experience scenic beauty in state parks and along the waterways leading to Lake Ontario. Hike through Watkins Glen State Park to see its stunning waterfalls, go boating in Erie Canal and watch birds from the Main Pool Observation Tower in Montezuma Wildlife Refuge. Other natural highlights include Taughannock Falls State Park in Ulysses, home to a 215-foot (20-meter) waterfall, one of the highest waterfalls east of the Rocky Mountains.

Foodies will enjoy browsing the Ithaca Farmers’ Market, while children will go wild for the Rosamond Gifford Zoo in Syracuse. Try your hand at glassmaking at the Corning Museum of Glass and admire photography exhibits at the George Eastman Museum in Rochester.

Taste the quality red and white wines produced in the region on the Canandaigua Wine Trail, the Seneca Lake Wine Trail and the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail. Stop at wineries along the way to learn about the winemaking process.

Seneca Falls was one of the hubs of the women’s suffrage movement in the U.S. Visit the National Women's Hall of Fame to find out more about this historic campaign. In Auburn, see Harriet Tubman’s home and learn how she helped hundreds of slaves to freedom.

Finger Lakes is easily accessible with two regional airports, two international airports and train stations in both Rochester and Syracuse. Most visitors arrive some time between June and August when the weather is the warmest, but don’t rule out the winter months for beautiful snowy landscapes and accommodations deals.

Arrive in Finger Lakes in any season and it will soon be obvious just why this region is such a popular escape for East Coast city dwellers. Choose to relax and unplug, or strap on your gear for an outdoor adventure.

Where to stay in Finger Lakes Region

Genesee River\'s High Falls showing a city and street scenes as well as a couple

Downtown Rochester

4/5(1 area review)

Live music, theatres and museums highlight some of the noteworthy features of Downtown Rochester. Make a stop by Blue Cross Arena or Genesee River while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Downtown Rochester
Clinton Square featuring a city, a garden and heritage architecture

Downtown Syracuse

3/5(1 area review)

Downtown Syracuse is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Landmark Theatre and Clinton Square while you're in town.

Downtown Syracuse
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Lakefront

If you're spending some time in Lakefront, Destiny USA and NBT Bank Stadium are top sights worth seeing.

Lakefront
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Irondequoit

While visiting Irondequoit, you might make a stop by sights like Seabreeze Amusement Park and Lake Ontario.

Irondequoit
Carrier Dome showing modern architecture

Eastside

While visiting Eastside, you might make a stop by sights like Carrier Dome and Syracuse Stage.

Eastside
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Brighton

Brighton is well liked for its museums and art galleries. If you're hoping to see more of the larger area, Highland Park and Park Avenue are some interesting sights nearby to check out.

Brighton
Comfort Inn & Suites Syracuse-Carrier Circle
Comfort Inn & Suites Syracuse-Carrier Circle
2.5 out of 5
6491 Thompson Rd, Syracuse, NY
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$161 per night from 22 May to 23 May
NZ$161
per night
22 May - 23 May
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Syracuse. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
7.8/10 Good! (256 reviews)
"Comfortable bed, decent breakfast. Perfect for a quick overnight"

Reviewed on 12 May 2024

Comfort Inn & Suites Syracuse-Carrier Circle
Marriott Syracuse Downtown
Marriott Syracuse Downtown
4 out of 5
100 East Onondaga Street, Syracuse, NY
The price is NZ$254 per night from 16 Jun to 17 Jun
NZ$254
per night
16 Jun - 17 Jun
Book a stay at this historic hotel in Syracuse. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a 24-hour fitness center, and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
"Customer service was great!"

Reviewed on 24 Apr. 2024

Marriott Syracuse Downtown
The Statler Hotel at Cornell University
The Statler Hotel at Cornell University
4 out of 5
130 Statler Dr, Ithaca, NY
The price is NZ$409 per night from 27 May to 28 May
NZ$409
per night
27 May - 28 May
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Ithaca. Enjoy free WiFi, 4 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,002 reviews)
"Excellent service and amazing staff"

Reviewed on 11 May 2024

The Statler Hotel at Cornell University
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Flatts at North Shore
The Flatts at North Shore
3.5 out of 5
414 Exchange St, Geneva, NY
Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa.
9.8/10 Exceptional! (68 reviews)
"What a wonderful stay as far as the condo comfort in every level, cleanliness, locations close by to dine and go to the theater. Couple blocks from Seneca Lake with a nice walkable park. Would definitely stay again."

Reviewed on 21 Apr. 2024

The Flatts at North Shore
Romantic Nautical Hideaway!
Romantic Nautical Hideaway!
Irondequoit
Stay at this vacation home in Rochester. Enjoy a garden, balconies, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Seabreeze Amusement Park and Strong are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (6 reviews)
Great stay
"If you are traveling with pets this is the place to stay! Nice, fully fenced, small yard. The place was casual and comfortable for the two of us. Check in and out was a breeze. Had all the comforts of home. Would def stay again."

Reviewed on 18 Apr. 2024

Romantic Nautical Hideaway!
3 bedroom house with fenced in yard and pool close to Syracuse
3 bedroom house with fenced in yard and pool close to Syracuse
Cicero
Book a stay at this golf vacation home in Cicero. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a garden. Our guests praise the pool and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (51 reviews)
Loved this house!
"My family and I were in for an event at Syracuse University in early April. The house was great and we loved the space and location. We will definitely stay here again! Thank you Bill."

Reviewed on 22 Apr. 2024

3 bedroom house with fenced in yard and pool close to Syracuse
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Finger Lakes Region