Often when you are considering a trip to New York you think of New York City, a hub for all things fashion, finance, and culture, the city that never sleeps. However, New York City is not all that New York has to offer! Just five hours away is a grouping of charming little towns filled with history, culture, and natural beauty called Finger Lakes!
Finger Lakes is made up of eleven long and narrow lakes, all roughly running parallel to one another, hence the label of fingers! This area is a step away from the consistent hustle and bustle of New York City, into a more relaxing environment filled with scenic views and historical significance. With deep ties to America’s roots, Finger Lakes serves as an important landmark, specifically for abolitionist and women’s rights movements. Located on Seneca Lake, one of the Finger Lakes' largest, is Seneca Falls, home to the very first Women’s Rights Convention in 1848.
Although there is plenty of history and cultural significance to be found in the Finger Lakes, that is not all they have to offer! The excitement and adventure available to explore is endless. Here are some of the best things to do in Finger Lakes, NY for your next long weekend vacation.
Finger Lakes is known for their natural beauty and scenic views, with no shortage of enchanting locations to choose from, you will want to spend some time reconnecting with nature. To do so you can visit any number of state parks and waterfalls in Finger Lakes. With four state parks to choose from (Watkins Glen State Park, Taughannock Falls State Park, Buttermilk Falls State Park, and Letchworth State Park) and an endless number of waterfalls, hiking trails, and gorges to visit, there is more than enough natural beauty to go around!
Location: In the village of Watkins Glen | Park Entry: $10 per vehicle
This is the park everyone talks about, and for good reason. Located right in the village of Watkins Glen, you'll find 19 waterfalls cutting through a 400-foot-deep gorge. The main trail runs 1.5 miles one-way, climbing 500 feet over stone paths and 800 steps. The entire trail takes 2-3 hours for the round-trip. If you want to explore the entire park, try to visit before 10 AM on summer weekends, or prepare to circle the parking lot. Start at the Main Entrance on Route 14 for the uphill climb, or grab the $6 shuttle to the Upper Entrance and hike down. The North Rim Trail (1.5 mi, 410 ft elevation) and the South Rim Trail (1.25 mi, 430 ft elevation) connect via a suspension bridge for the loop. Dogs aren't allowed on the Gorge Trail, but can join you on the rim trails.
Location: 8 miles north of Ithaca | Park Entry: $9-10 per vehicle
Taughannock Falls drops 215 feet and is 33 feet taller than Niagara. It's the highest single-drop waterfall east of the Rockies, sitting in an amphitheater carved into 400-foot shale cliffs. The main trail is the easiest way to reach the waterfall in the region: 0.75 miles one-way, nearly flat, and wheelchair accessible. It takes 45 minutes to an hour at a casual pace, ending at the base where you can look up at the bowl-shaped rock walls. If you want more challenge, the North and South Rim Trails combine for a 3-mile loop with 495 feet of elevation gain. You'll get top-down views of the gorge and falls. The North Rim has more overlooks, plus an old railroad bridge.
Location: 2 miles south of Ithaca | Park Entry: $10 per vehicle
The 165-foot main falls greets you right at the lower parking area, where there's a swimming hole perfect for post-hike cooling off. The trail i : 0.65 miles with 600 feet of elevation gain from the swimming area up through a narrow gorge past 10+ waterfalls. Stone steps wind through The Narrows, where the gorge gets tight.
The Rim Trail is easier at 0.82 miles with moderate elevation, connecting with the Gorge Trail for a loop. Most people miss the upper park, where the Lake Treman Loop offers 1.3 miles with just 160 feet of elevation gain. If you want to get on the water, you can rent boats or kayaks at Seneca Lake, Cayuga Lake, or Keuka Lake. Several marinas also offer paddleboard rentals, fishing gear, sailboats, and powerboats. You've also got options for horseback riding, mountain biking, and boat cruises.
Near Castile | 71 miles from Watkins Glen | $10 per vehicle
Known for the "Grand Canyon of the East," Letchworth stretches 17 miles along the Genesee River with cliffs rising up to 600 feet. The park is known for three main waterfalls: Upper Falls (71 feet), Middle Falls (107 feet), and Lower Falls (70 feet) 66 miles of hiking trails across 14,350 acres. It's about a 1.5-hour drive from Watkins Glen, making it a bit of a trek, but it's been named the #1 State Park in the USA.
The 7-mile Gorge Trail is the most popular route, passing all three waterfalls along the west rim of the gorge. For serious hikers, the Finger Lakes Trail runs 24 miles through the entire park along the eastern side. You can also visit Inspiration Point for views of Middle Falls and the historic Portage Railroad Viaduct. The park has camping, swimming, horseback riding, and even hot air balloon rides. Entry fee runs $10 per vehicle during peak season (9 AM-6 PM, May-October).
The Finger Lakes are renowned for their incredible wineries and vineyards, specifically the Riesling! With three different wine trails to choose from (Seneca Lake Wine Trail, Cayuga Lake Wine Trail, or Keuka Lake Wine Trail) there is enough tastings and vineyard tours to fill an entire weekend! Some of the more popular wineries in the area include Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery, Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard, and Ravines Wine Cellars, among many others. This is the perfect place to visit for enthusiasts or those who just enjoy a glass or two!
There are also a number of extraordinary breweries in the area to choose from. If you are looking for a stronger taste of locally made spirits, such as gin and whiskey offers amazing tours and tastings. Regardless of your specific interests, Finger Lakes has a little something to cater to everyone!
9749 Middle Road, Hammondsport
The winery sits on a hillside on Keuka Lake's southwestern shore with vineyard rows cascading toward the water. The original tasting room is in Dr. Frank's former home, with large windows framing views of the historic vineyard and the lake. Try their Dry Riesling (honeyed apple, citrus blossom, peach), Semi-Dry Riesling (apricot, pineapple, honeydew melon, which are perfect for spicy dishes), or Riesling Nature sparkling (bone dry, toasty, crisp apple). They also make excellent Gewürztraminer, Grüner Veltliner, and Old Vine Pinot Noir.
3962 Route 14, Dundee | 12 miles from Watkins Glen
Founded in 1979, the vineyard pioneered minimal intervention winemaking with a 90-acre estate including 33 acres certified biodynamic located Seneca Lake's western slopes. The tasting room is located in a renovated barn with high wooden beams, a slate roof, and lake views. Known for elegant, terroir-driven wines with intense minerality try their Dry Riesling Reserve (lemon oil, ginger, earthy spice with crisp acidity), Magdalena Vineyard Riesling (yellow apple, white peach, honeycomb), or HJW Vineyard Riesling. They also produce exceptional sparkling wines aged 30+ months and Grüner Veltliner.
400 Barracks Rd, Geneva | 14630 Route 54, Hammondsport
Ravines runs two locations, both of which are worth visiting. The Geneva winery sits next to Seneca Lake in a historic barn overlooking White Springs Vineyard. The Keuka tasting room has a large patio with views of the lake. Both spots welcome dogs at outdoor seating. Try their Dry Riesling (star fruit, white peach, acacia) or Cabernet Franc (red berries, black cherry, cloves, dried flowers). On weekends, they offer a "Tasting Table" experience with five food and wine pairings.
122 Ithaca Beer Dr, Ithaca, NY 14850
This modern brewery features a spacious indoor taproom with family-style tables plus a huge outdoor patio and lawn. Known for their flagship Flower Power IPA, Lakeside Pilsner, and CascaZilla Red Ale (caramel malt with Cascade hops). Also try their house-made root beer. Wood-fired pizzas, burgers, and cheddar ale soup complement the beers.
4520 State Route 14, Rock Stream, NY 14878
New York State's only dedicated cask ale brewery, housed in a traditional British-style pub in Rock Stream. They specialize in cask-conditioned real ales served the traditional way.
5027 State Route 414, Burdett, NY 14818
A solar-powered brewpub in a renovated 19th-century barn with sweeping Seneca Lake views from the deck. Known for their Goatmaster Ultra Pale Ale, Dirty Shepard Brown, and mixed beers like Goatgasm. They serve one signature dish roast beef on weck and host live music Thursday through Sunday. Indoor barn seating plus outdoor deck overlooking the lake.
4676 State Route 414, Burdett, NY 14818.
The region's first stand-alone craft distillery, famous for its award-winning McKenzie Whiskey line (rye, bourbon, and single malt), plus gin, vodka, brandy, and liqueurs made from local grains and fruits. The tasting room overlooks the production floor with Seneca Lake views. Try a spirits flight or craft cocktails at their cocktail lounge. Tours available on weekends, plus a "make your own gin" experience where you select from 20+ botanicals to create custom blends.
Although New York City is a center of fashion and art, the Finger Lakes bring their own significance to culture and history. There are plenty of historic and cultural experiences to take part in the Finger Lakes to make your visit unforgettable!
• Women's Rights National Historical Park - 136 Fall Street, Seneca Falls | 45 miles from Watkins Glen | FREE
This park is in the middle of downtown Seneca Falls, making it easy to turn into a half-day town visit instead of just a quick stop. After exploring the park, walk a few blocks to find cafés, ice cream shops, and canal-side paths for a relaxed break. The nearby National Women's Hall of Fame and small local bookstores add to the experience if you want to extend your visit. Parking is available on nearby streets and public lots. Plan 1.5–2.5 hours if you include lunch or shopping.
• Harriet Tubman National Historical Park - 180 South Street, Auburn | 50 miles from Watkins Glen | FREE
This open park, with short walking paths and wide green spaces, makes it ideal for a slow, reflective walk. Many visitors combine this stop with a visit to Fort Hill Cemetery, just a few minutes away, which offers elevated views over Auburn. Downtown Auburn is close by, with casual restaurants, bakeries, and lakeside parks that make this a nice midday road trip stop. Plan 1–2 hours, more if you explore the town.
• Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion - 151 Charlotte Street, Canandaigua | 38 miles from Watkins Glen | $16 adults, $14 seniors, $9 youth, $4 kids 4-12, free under 3
This 50-acre Victorian estate features nine formal gardens. The Japanese Garden was the first privately-owned one in the U.S., and you can tour the mansion's Great Hall, billiard room, library, and upstairs bedrooms before walking the gardens featuring 2,500 rose bushes. The Finger Lakes Wine Center offers on-site tastings, open May through October; plan 2-3 hours if you wanna see all areas of the mansions.
• Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art
14 Central Avenue, Ithaca | 34 miles from Watkins Glen
This historical building houses 40,000 works spanning from ancient to contemporary art from six continents. The fifth floor features Asian art with panoramic views of Cayuga Lake and Ithaca. Don't miss this vista, along with collections of European art, African sculptures, contemporary American works, and the "Cosmos" light installation. Open Tuesday-Sunday, plan 1-2 hours.
• Naples Grape Festival - Main Street & Memorial Town Hall, Naples
This two-day September festival celebrates the grape harvest, with visitors descending on the "Grape Pie Capital of the World" to browse 100+ juried artisan booths and sample every grape treat imaginable (pies, fudge, cotton candy, sauces). Watch the World's Greatest Grape Pie Contest and enjoy live regional music all weekend while exploring the grounds at Naples High School and Memorial Town Hall. The Brahm Moore Beverage Garden features tastings from 17+ local wineries, breweries, cideries, and distilleries (21+ only, $20 includes souvenir glass)—arrive before 11am to avoid traffic.
• F.L.X. Summer Fest at The Glen (formerly Finger Lakes Wine Festival) - 2790 County Route 16, Watkins Glen | 0 miles from Watkins Glen |
This three-day festival, which is normally held mid-July at Watkins Glen International, showcases 85+ New York State wineries with unlimited tastings, artisan food vendors, live music, and pace car rides around the historic 3.45-mile race course. Voted "Best Wine Festival" by USA Today readers, the event kicks off Friday evening with a party, features family-friendly craft workshops and local artisan markets on Saturday, and concludes Sunday with a 5K Fun Run on the track. On-site camping available; 21+ only in the festival area. You can purchase tickets online or at the gate.
• Cornell Botanic Gardens - Cornell University campus, Ithaca | 34 miles from Watkins Glen
This botanical garden includes formal gardens, natural areas, and walking trails overlooking Cayuga Lake with highlights like the Nevin Welcome Center, themed plant collections, and gorge trails through natural areas with waterfalls. Open daily dawn to dusk, plan 1-2 hours. Free admission makes this a budget-friendly way to experience Finger Lakes natural beauty.
• Ithaca Commons - Between Cayuga Street and Aurora Street, Ithaca | 34 miles from Watkins Glen
This four-block outdoor pedestrian mall in downtown Ithaca features local boutiques, bookstores, restaurants, and cafes with street performers and seasonal events. Shop at independent stores like Buffalo Street Books, Autumn Leaves Used Books, and Sunny Days of Ithaca, then grab lunch at Moosewood Restaurant (vegetarian, cookbook famous), Mamma's New York Pizza, or Viva Taqueria. The Commons hosts farmers' markets (Saturdays, May-December), outdoor concerts, and the Apple Harvest Festival each fall with free parking garages nearby.
• Hammondsport Village - Lake Street, Hammondsport | 22 miles from Watkins Glen
This charming village at the southern tip of Keuka Lake is home to boutique shops, antique stores, and the Glenn H. Curtiss Museum showcasing aviation and motorcycle history ($10 adults). Stroll historic downtown, with locally owned shops, cafes, and the Village Tavern, to pick up wine country souvenirs, local art, and handmade goods. Summer brings concerts in the park and festivals with free parking on village streets. You can stroll the marina, visit small galleries, or stop at local cafes between winery visits. It’s slower-paced than Ithaca and ideal if you want an evening that feels calm and local rather than busy.
Finger Lakes is the perfect destination for your long weekend vacation, with an endless amount of exciting things to get into, there is truly something for everyone! However, as we know, the perfect destination is nothing without the perfect place to stay. Luckily, we at the 100 Collection™ specialize in finding the best places to stay wherever you go! For Finger Lakes, Linger Hospitality offers comfort, quality, and convenience exactly how you need it. Whether you are looking for a charming farmhouse, a sweet hillside cabin or a luxurious lake home, Linger Hospitality has you covered. With luxury amenities such as private beaches, saunas, game rooms, and sunrooms, you will have a stay you will never forget when renting with Linger Hospitality.
Located near Keuka Lake with sweeping sunset views, The Villa on Esperanza delivers a fully stocked gourmet kitchen with custom cabinetry, farmhouse sink, and top-of-the-line appliances. Large windows and patio doors frame lake views while you prep meals, and the open layout keeps you connected to family gathered in the spacious living area or movie theater room. This kitchen seamlessly flows to the outdoor spaces where you'll find an outdoor kitchen, multiple dining areas, and a hot tub overlooking the water.
The Villa sleeps up to 10 guests across 5 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms. Beyond the chef-worthy kitchen, you'll discover a sauna, pool table, shuffleboard, game room, waterfall, fire pit, and beautifully landscaped gardens. Located just minutes from Hunt Country Vineyards and hiking trails at Saunders Finger Lakes Museum, this property offers your own private sanctuary right in wine country.
Wide Open Views lives up to its name, with panoramic Seneca Lake vistas and not one but two full kitchens to handle your large-group gatherings. The open layout connects multiple living and lounge areas, making it perfect for bringing together several families or a big group of friends. Imagine cooking breakfast in the main kitchen while others prep lunch in the lower-level kitchen.
This beautifully remodeled lakefront home sits on almost an acre with a private dock, kayaks, a fire pit, a basketball hoop, a shuffleboard, a private playground with aslilde, and a saltwater hot tub on the upper deck. The 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home features 3,000 square feet of space with direct lake access. You'll be minutes from Zugibe Vineyards and Three Brothers Wineries, with Geneva's dining scene just a short drive away.
This newly renovated 5-bedroom, 3-bathroom lakefront gem showcases a stunning open-concept kitchen flooded with natural light from expansive lake-view windows. The contemporary design blends modern style with comfortable convenience, featuring custom cabinetry, a farmhouse sink, and high-end appliances perfect for cooking up dinners after a day of wine tasting. The layout effortlessly connects to the living spaces, making it ideal for gatherings where conversation flows as freely as the wine.
On Cloud Wine sleeps 10 and delivers direct access to Keuka Lake with a private dock for boating, kayaking, and fishing. Just minutes from Penn Yan and situated along the renowned Keuka Lake Wine Trail, you're perfectly positioned to explore wineries like Dr. Konstantin Frank and Hermann J. Wiemer. After exploring the Keuka Outlet Trail or attending town festivities, return to your sun deck for sunset views over the shale lakefront.
Now with the perfect place to stay and a complete lineup of all the best things to do in the Finger Lakes, you are ready for your next long weekend vacation! If you have a few long-weekend trips you’d like to plan, or are just looking ahead, then go over and check out Quick Getaways from New York City: Long Weekend Road Trips! A complete list of all the best cities to visit near New York City for a long-weekend getaway.
