Lake Onondaga Tours and Activities

Lake Onondaga which includes hiking or walking, cuddly or friendly animals and a park
Lake Onondaga
Lake Onondaga showing a garden as well as a family
Lake Onondaga featuring fishing and a garden as well as a family
Lake Onondaga showing a garden as well as an individual male


Outdoor fun and one of the country’s largest shopping centers combine to make Onondaga Lake a popular family vacation destination.

Onondaga Lake is one of Central New York’s beloved natural features, once the site of the great peace that founded the Iroquois Confederacy. Formerly surrounded by brine springs, it was the center of the salt production industry that sustained the surrounding towns. Years of local activism have led to its restoration as a site for catch-and-release fishing, boating and shoreline relaxation. Visit today’s lovely parks and shoreline activities.

Explore Onondaga Lake Park along the eastern shore. Let your four-legged friend run wild and free at the dog park at the northern end of the park. Visit the Salt Museum and the Skä•noñh - Great Law of Peace Center to learn about the history of the lake and surrounding area. Rent a quadricycle and pedal up and down the 2.6-mile (4.2-kilometer) bike path.

Walk over the bridge to nearby Long Branch Park. Once the site of an amusement park, it now hosts numerous festivals, from the Great American Antiquefest to the Scottish Games. Don’t forget your sled, saucer or toboggan in winter because Long Branch Park has a great sledding hill.

Shop, eat and have fun at Destiny USA, a mega-mall located at the southern end of the park. Pick up things from your favorite stores, enjoy a delicious lunch and take a ride on the center’s antique carousel. Have a race with friends at the indoor go-kart track or slow things down with a leisurely walk along the waterfront at sunset.

Late summer brings the Great New York State Fair to the western shore of the lake, where the whole state comes for rides, entertainment and farm animal showings.

Fly to Syracuse Hancock International Airport and drive 20 minutes to Onondaga Lake. Rent a car at the airport for the best access to the lake and the surrounding area.

Onondaga Lake and the Finger Lakes region are the perfect introduction to the charm of Central New York, so idyllic that you may never want to leave.

Plan a trip to see Lake Onondaga

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Outsite Chelsea
The Inn At Fox Hollow Hotel
Hotel Riu Plaza Manhattan Times Square

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Best Lodging Options Near Lake Onondaga

Randolph House Hotel, Trademark Collection by Wyndham

Randolph House Hotel, Trademark Collection by Wyndham

3 out of 5
441 Electronics Pkwy, Liverpool, NY
Randolph House Hotel, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
Super 8 by Wyndham Liverpool/Syracuse North Airport

Super 8 by Wyndham Liverpool/Syracuse North Airport

2 out of 5
421 7th North Street, NYS Thruway(I-90) Ex 36 & 37, Liverpool, NY
Super 8 by Wyndham Liverpool/Syracuse North Airport
Days Inn by Wyndham Liverpool/Syracuse

Days Inn by Wyndham Liverpool/Syracuse

2 out of 5
430 Electronics Pkwy, Liverpool, NY
Days Inn by Wyndham Liverpool/Syracuse
Best Western The Inn At The Fairgrounds

Best Western The Inn At The Fairgrounds

2.5 out of 5
670 State Fair Blvd, Syracuse, NY
Best Western The Inn At The Fairgrounds
Best Western Liverpool-Syracuse Inn & Suites

Best Western Liverpool-Syracuse Inn & Suites

2.5 out of 5
136 Transistor Pkwy, Liverpool, NY
Best Western Liverpool-Syracuse Inn & Suites
Comfort Inn & Suites Liverpool - Syracuse North

Comfort Inn & Suites Liverpool - Syracuse North

2.5 out of 5
401 7th North St, Liverpool, NY
Comfort Inn & Suites Liverpool - Syracuse North
Hampton Inn & Suites Syracuse North Airport Area

Hampton Inn & Suites Syracuse North Airport Area

2.5 out of 5
1305 Buckley Rd, North Syracuse, NY
Hampton Inn & Suites Syracuse North Airport Area
Holiday Inn & Suites Syracuse Airport - Liverpool by IHG

Holiday Inn & Suites Syracuse Airport - Liverpool by IHG

3.5 out of 5
400 7th North St., Liverpool, NY
Holiday Inn & Suites Syracuse Airport - Liverpool by IHG
Staybridge Suites Liverpool Syra by IHG

Staybridge Suites Liverpool Syra by IHG

3 out of 5
439 Electronics Pkwy, Liverpool, NY
Staybridge Suites Liverpool Syra by IHG
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.

Things to do near Lake Onondaga

At Lake Onondaga in Syracuse, New York, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including local festivals, live music, and hockey games. Families will appreciate the safe swimming areas, waterfront playgrounds, and play areas for children. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the long trails around the lake and take advantage of the Onondaga Lake Park launch for boating and other water activities, making it a perfect spot for both relaxation and adventure.

Shopping

At Lake Onondaga, you can visit Destiny USA, a vibrant shopping mall just 3.2km away, offering family-friendly entertainment and a wide range of shops. The Central New York Regional Market, also 3.2km away, presents a dynamic atmosphere for local goods. If you're up for a drive, Towne Center Mall is 16.1km away, featuring a mix of family and city vibes.

Recreation

Experience the dynamic atmosphere at Carrier Dome, where you can enjoy exciting sporting events. For musical entertainment, head to St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater at Lakeview, just 1.6km away. If you seek relaxation, Hopkins Road County Park offers a serene environment for outdoor activities and rejuvenation.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of motor racing at Brewerton Speedway, located 13.2km from Lake Onondaga, where the excitement and adrenaline of the track await. For a nature escape, hike the scenic Guppy Falls SCA Trailhead, also 13.2km away, offering breathtaking outdoor views and adventure.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Lake Onondaga with a show at the Landmark Theatre, just 4.8km away, offering culture and romance. For family fun, visit 5 Wits Adventure, 3.2km away, or try your luck at YBR Casino & Sports Book, 24.1km away, blending casino excitement with city vibes.

Find the best attractions near Lake Onondaga

When visiting Lake Onondaga in Syracuse, New York, don't miss exploring the vibrant Onondaga Lake Park and the scenic shores of Onondaga Lake. The Onondaga Creekwalk offers a lovely outdoor experience, perfect for families and culture enthusiasts alike. Whether you're interested in modern universities or enjoying local fairs, this area is rich with attractions that cater to a variety of interests, ensuring a memorable trip.

  • New York State Fairgrounds: Located 1.6km from Lake Onondaga, this vibrant fairground offers a family-friendly atmosphere, hosting events throughout the year, including the famous New York State Fair. Enjoy outdoor activities, delicious food vendors, and local crafts that celebrate the region's culture.
  • Syracuse University: Situated 9.7km from Lake Onondaga, this modern university boasts a lively city vibe. Explore its stunning campus, art galleries, and sports events, immersing yourself in the academic energy and diverse community.
  • Armory Square: Just 4.8km from Lake Onondaga, this trendy urban square features an array of shops, restaurants, and nightlife. Stroll through its charming streets and soak in the lively atmosphere, perfect for dining and entertainment.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Lake Onondaga

When visiting Lake Onondaga, take advantage of free entry to the lake and nearby attractions like Destiny USA and Onondaga Lake Park. To save on accommodation, consider visiting from December to February, when prices are lower, and aim to book your stay on a Monday for the best rates. Utilize Expedia's search tool to find budget-friendly hotels, and explore package deals that combine flights, hotels, and activities. Don't forget to filter for eco-certified hotels for sustainable options. Enjoy your trip while keeping costs down!

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Lake Onondaga are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May and August to September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Lake Onondaga is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Lake Onondaga is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool is designed to help you find the perfect accommodation within your budget and preferred location. You can easily sort the results from lowest to highest price, ensuring you see the most affordable hotels right at the top. Additionally, you have the option to filter your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-conscious hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some money by combining your hotel stay at Lake Onondaga with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.