There are so many amazing things to do in the Finger Lakes region of NY State. This one week itinerary covers some of the best places to visit on a Finger Lakes road trip.
Think wineries, waterfalls, unique museums, adorable small towns, and truly significant historic sites. Everyone can find something worth doing on a Finger Lakes road trip!
Year visited: Many times, most recently 2024
Time of year: All seasons
What’s in this Article:
- About the Finger Lakes Region
- Best Time of Year for a Road Trip
- Day 1-Syracuse
- Day 2-Cortland
- Day 3-Ithaca
- Day 4-Watkins Glen
- Day 5-Geneva
- Day 6-Auburn & Skaneateles
- Day 7-Return Home
About the Finger Lakes Region
The Finger Lakes are a region in the middle of New York State, centered around 11 long skinny lakes (that sort of look like fingers).
The area is well known for its lakes (obvi), wineries, hiking and waterfalls. The cities of Syracuse and Rochester are both within the “Finger Lakes” region, as well as many adorable small towns.
Best Time of Year for a Finger Lakes Road Trip
Summer (June-September) is the absolute best time to go on a Finger Lakes road trip! Everything will be open, it will be perfect weather for getting out on the lakes (the main attraction!) or splashed by magical waterfall mist, there are tons of events, and let’s not forget about the wine-infused ice cream.
Of course, summer is peak tourism season here, but I think it’s definitely worth it.
However, early fall (the end of September through the beginning of November) is also a magical time to visit. But I would avoid the end of November through April (unless you’re coming for Hallmark Christmas vibes).
Finger Lakes Road Trip Day 1: Arrive in Syracuse
If you live close enough to drive, feel free to start this road trip itinerary from whichever location is closest to you. But if you’re flying in, Syracuse, NY is the place to start.
There is not too much planned for day 1, as it is mostly a travel day. You will fly into Syracuse and pick up a rental car. Spend the rest of the day exploring the Syracuse area.
Things to Do in Syracuse:
- Erie Canal Museum
- Erie Canal Bike Trail
- Everson Museum of Art
- Syracuse Orange game
- Green Lakes State Park
- NY State Fair (Aug. 20-Sep. 1, 2025)
Where to Stay in Syracuse:
- Marriott Syracuse Downtown
- Aloft Syracuse Inner Harbor
- Hotel Skyler Syracuse
- The Parkview Hotel
- Clarion Pointe Downtown
Finger Lakes Road Trip Day 2: Cortland to Ithaca
It’s now time to start exploring the Finger Lakes proper. Tonight we will head to Ithaca for a 2 night stay, but first, a stop in Cortland, NY for a mountain coaster and the world’s longest mini golf hole.
Greek Peak Mountain Resort
There are so many great things to do at Greek Peak Mountain Resort in Cortland, NY! You could easily fill up the whole day here. You could even spend the night if you choose (though I prefer to stay in Ithaca, to get to Taughannock Falls early).
Things to Do at Greek Peak:
- Mountain Coaster
- Chairlift
- Spa
- Indoor Water Park
- Ziplines
- & so much more!
Plus, don’t forget to add a stop at Shipwreck Amusements, featuring one of the world’s longest mini golf holes!
Where to Stay
Like I said, you could spend the night at Greek Peak Mountain Resort if you choose. But I prefer to go on to Ithaca for 2 nights.
Here are a few recommendations:
Finger Lakes Road Trip Day 3: Taughannock Falls & Ithaca
Ithaca is a college town in the heart of the Finger Lakes. It is home to Cornell University, and numerous waterfalls and state parks.
Taughannock Falls State Park
The most popular place to visit is Taughannock Falls State Park. I would plan to head here first thing in the morning to avoid the crowds and really enjoy the falls. The hike to the base of the falls is flat, and less than a mile, so it is easy for everybody.
There are also other trails, a beach, and plenty of picnic tables on the lake in the state park.
There are plenty of other things to do with the rest of your time in Ithaca.
Here are a few ideas of things to do:
- Buttermilk Falls State Park
- Museum of the Earth
- Ithaca Commons
- Cornell University
- Cornell Botanic Gardens
Finger Lakes Road Trip Day 4: Watkins Glen
In my opinion, Watkins Glen is the absolute star of the Finger Lakes. It is a cute small town with way more restaurants than it should have, right on the edge of the prettiest lake, with the mind-blowing Watkins Glen State Park just steps away. Oh, and a famous race track.
Watkins Glen State Park
The absolute best thing to do in Watkins Glen is to hike the Gorge Trail to Rainbow Falls at Watkins Glen State Park. The entrance to the park is right in downtown Watkins Glen. You can hike up and back down the gorge, or, in the summer you can hike one way, and take the shuttle back to the parking lot.
It costs $10 to park at Watkins Glen (which is 100% reasonable), but if you stay right in downtown, it is easy to walk over from your hotel, and save on parking.
Other Things to Do in Watkins Glen
There are plenty of other things to do besides visiting the state park. Here are some ideas:
- International Motor Racing Research Center
- Drive the race track
- Enjoy Seneca Lake
- Wander through downtown
Bonus: Corning Museum of Glass
Corning Museum of Glass is another 1/2 hour drive from Watkins Glen, and it is definitely worth visiting! Aside from an award winning cute downtown, the museum is so unique and extensive. You can also make your own glass and buy (too many…) glass pumpkins in the huge gift shop.
If you have time, you can spend part of your day today exploring Corning Museum of Glass, or even add on another day to your trip. It takes about 2-3 hours to explore the museum, so you could easily do both Corning and Watkins Glen in a day.
Where to Stay in Watkins Glen:
Finger Lakes Road Trip Day 5: Geneva
Geneva, NY is one of my favorite places in the world. We always stop here for a picnic lunch on the way to our church camp in Rome, NY, and for ice cream on the way home. It’s obligatory.
I love sitting in the park overlooking the gorgeous Seneca Lake. There is just something so calming about it (the wine infused ice cream helps…).
This is a place I’ve only ever driven through, but I always wanted to book a rental overlooking the lake and just stay for a while.
Things to Do in Geneva:
- Tour a winery (or 2)
- Enjoy Seneca Lake
- Explore the FLX Welcome Center
- Get ice cream by the lake
- Belhurst Castle
- Rose Hill Mansion
- Smith Opera House
Where to Stay in Geneva:
Finger Lakes Road Trip Day 5: Seneca Falls, Auburn & Skaneateles
The first stop today is the Hallmark Christmas town of Seneca Falls, NY. It is supposedly the inspiration for Bedford Falls in the classic movie It’s a Wonderful Life.
Things to Do in Seneca Falls:
- Visit the It’s a Wonderful Life Museum
- Walk along the canal and across the It’s a Wonderful Life bridge
- Women’s Rights National Historic Park
Auburn, NY
After exploring Seneca Falls, head to Skaneateles, NY, a super adorable tourist town on Skaneateles Lake. But if you want more history, be sure to stop at the Harriet Tubman National Historic Site in Auburn. It’s right on the way between Seneca Falls and Skaneateles, and is an easy stop to add.
Skaneateles, NY
The final stop on our Finger Lakes road trip is an adorable lake town full of boutique shops and local restaurants. It is only 30 min. from Syracuse, and is one of the cutest Finger Lakes towns.
Here are some things to do in Skaneateles:
- Shop (& eat) downtown
- Boat ride on Skaneateles Lake
- Anyela’s Vineyards
- Hinchcliff Family Preserve
- Carpenter Falls
- Mirbeau Spa
Where to Stay in Skaneateles:
- Skaneateles Boutique Hotel
- Hannum House
- Packwood House
- The Inn at the Gate
- Finger Lakes Lodging
- Mirbeau Inn & Spa
Finger Lakes Road Trip Day 7: Return Home
If you have more time, there are plenty of other places you can add to your trip, like a day in Rochester, or even Niagara Falls.
Otherwise, drive back to Syracuse to return your rental car and fly home. Or drive home from Skaneateles.
I hope you enjoyed your Finger Lakes road trip. It is an absolutely beautiful and special area of NY.
Any more questions?
If you have any more questions, or suggestions of things to do in the Finger Lakes, please feel free to email me or comment below!
Planning a trip?
If you’re planning to visit the Finger Lakes region of NY, save one of the pins below for future trip a planning:
You might also like:
- The Best Things to Do in NY State
- The Best 1-Week Western NY Road Trip
- Corning Museum of Glass Travel Guide
- How to Hike the Gorge Trail at Watkins Glen
- The Complete Guide to Taughannock Falls State Park
- Hallmark Christmas Towns to Visit
Julia is a travel blogger with a Bachelor’s Degree in photography from Indiana Wesleyan University. She worked as a professional photo-retoucher for seven and a half years, before leaving the company to work in the travel industry. She now works at a historic 1800’s hotel. When she’s not working, she’s reading fantasy novels or classic literature, and planning trips to magical destinations.
Leave a Reply