Finger Lakes Region

Travel Guide

Geneva showing a house and heritage elements
Geneva which includes tranquil scenes and a lake or waterhole
Highland Park featuring a garden
Robert H. Treman State Park showing a cascade
Rosamond Gifford Zoo showing bird life and zoo animals

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

Clinton Square which includes heritage architecture, a park and a city

Downtown Syracuse

4/5(89 area reviews)

Economic center with a bustling nightlife, Downtown Syracuse features the lively Armory Square, luxury condos, and high-end office spaces. Explore historic Clinton Square and relax in Forman Park.

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

Downtown Rochester

4/5(63 area reviews)

Economic center with an urban setting, Downtown Rochester offers a variety of shops, bars, and restaurants. Enjoy the Mary Jemison Boat Tour on Genesee River or explore attractions like Strong National Museum of Play and High Falls.

Downtown Rochester
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Irondequoit

Nestled between the Genesee River and Irondequoit Bay, this picturesque suburb boasts a colonial-style Town Hall and stunning waterfront views. Explore the scenic shoreline of Lake Ontario or delve into Rochester's nearby attractions.

Irondequoit
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Rochester Central Business District

If you're spending some time in Rochester Central Business District, Genesee River and Blue Cross Arena are top sights worth seeing.

Rochester Central Business District
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Lakefront

4.5/5(58 area reviews)

Bordering Downtown Syracuse, Lakefront features the charming areas of Franklin Square and Inner Harbor. Explore the historic O.M. Edwards Building, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Lakefront
Carrier Dome which includes modern architecture

Eastside

4/5(6 area reviews)

Bordering Downtown Syracuse and University Hill, Near Eastside boasts historic gems like the Gustav Stickley House and Collins House. Explore the rich history while staying close to downtown attractions.

Eastside
Baymont by Wyndham Henrietta/Rochester

Baymont by Wyndham Henrietta/Rochester

2 out of 5
905 Lehigh Station Road, Henrietta, NY
The price is CA $105 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
CA $105
CA $120 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Henrietta. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
6.4/10 (388 reviews)
"Good for the price, staff was nice and not a trashy place. Solid hotel."

Reviewed on Aug. 18, 2025

Baymont by Wyndham Henrietta/Rochester
LivAway Suites- Syracuse

LivAway Suites- Syracuse

2 out of 5
6595 Thompson Rd, Syracuse, NY
The price is CA $120 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
CA $120
CA $141 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Syracuse. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Destiny USA and JMA Wireless Dome are located ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (468 reviews)
"New property, excellent accommodation for Syracuse. Definately would have extended longer if rooms were available."

Reviewed on Aug. 19, 2025

LivAway Suites- Syracuse
The Statler Hotel at Cornell University

The Statler Hotel at Cornell University

4 out of 5
130 Statler Dr, Ithaca, NY
The price is CA $282 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
CA $282
CA $333 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star 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! (1,000 reviews)
"Being on campus was very convenient. The rooms were spacious and comfortable. The gift shop was pleasant and had a varied stock--very nice salesperson. The restaurant was good, but not excellent. Too bad the bar opens so late in the day."

Reviewed on Aug. 18, 2025

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.
Charming 3-bedroom house in Rochester/UofR & RIT

Charming 3-bedroom house in Rochester/UofR & RIT

2 out of 5
Rochester
Stay at this vacation home in Rochester. Enjoy laundry facilities and air conditioning. Popular attractions Strong and Genesee Valley Park are located ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (25 reviews)
"House is needing some TLC and wasn’t quite stocked the way we anticipated. Electricity needs updating/rewiring. All appliances worked except washer & dryer. TV & WiFi were good. Backyard needed trash pickup. Beds were comfortable(firm mattresses) bathroom was clean with good shower. Window AC in ..."

Reviewed on Aug. 1, 2025

Charming 3-bedroom house in Rochester/UofR & RIT
Pine Grove Cabin

Pine Grove Cabin

Penn Yan
Stay at this cabin in Penn Yan. Enjoy patios. Popular attractions Fox Run Vineyards and Sampson State Park are located nearby.
9/10 Wonderful! (4 reviews)
"No electric no bathroom just outhouse"

Reviewed on Aug. 11, 2025

Pine Grove Cabin
Roe Summer Cottage, Suite B

Roe Summer Cottage, Suite B

Watkins Glen
Stay at this vacation home in Watkins Glen. Enjoy cable/satellite TV service, an in-room coffeemaker, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Watkins Glen ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (55 reviews)
Great Location
"We had a nice 2 night mid-week stay. The location was perfect - right outside Watkins Glen State Park and still an easy walk to the restaurants and shops on the way to the lake. No complaints about the place, it was nice to have 2 full bathrooms."

Reviewed on Aug. 12, 2025

Roe Summer Cottage, Suite B
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