9 Best Small Towns In The Finger Lakes For A Crowd-Free Summer
Trumansburg is a peaceful summer paradise that offers the chance to hike the Taughannock Falls Gorge Trail and see Taughannock Falls. Watkins Glen is a classic Finger Lakes destination where the Gorge Trail beckons and 19 waterfalls are waiting to be explored. Those choosing to travel to Hammondsport can go wine tasting at Point of the Bluff Vineyards while listening to live music. Summer has arrived in the Finger Lakes yet again. Travelers who time their visits well will find plenty to do and serene landscapes in the nine towns listed below.
Canandaigua
In Canandaigua, also known as The Chosen Spot, visitors can spend days on the waters of Canandaigua Lake, either swimming, fishing, or boating. The lake is the fourth largest of the Finger Lakes, and the City of Canandaigua sits at its northern end. Those who want a leisurely boating experience can board The Canandaigua Lady, an authentic 19th-century-style replica of a double-decker paddlewheel steamboat. Visitors who only want to swim can check out the lakeside pool at The Lake House, if they are guests or spa clients. In summer, there are also several concerts to attend at the CMAC amphitheater, less than three miles from The Lake House. Several big names have performed here over the years, including Keith Urban and Journey. The 2026 Canandaigua Art and Music Festival will take place along Main Street and the Central on Main area from July 17 to 19, with juried artists, live music, food vendors, and food trucks.
Naples
Naples sits on the southern end of Canandaigua Lake and is a peaceful escape for visitors who want to enjoy their summer away from the busiest Finger Lakes hubs. Visitors can head to the RMSC Cumming Nature Center, where they will find a Visitor Center and 15 miles of hiking and ski trails through a 900-acre preserve. These trails snake through wetlands and forests and double as ski trails in the winter. Another hiking area to explore is Grimes Glen Park, which features waterfalls, creekside scenery, and a route that is best enjoyed with sturdy water shoes and careful footing. There is also the opportunity to fish or bird watch at the roughly 6,800-acre High Tor Wildlife Management Area. The 2026 Naples Grape Festival will run September 26 and 27, celebrating grapes, local artists, food, music, and the town's grape-pie tradition.
Skaneateles
Summer in Skaneateles means cruising Skaneateles Lake. The Judge Ben Wiles features a lower and upper deck, making it an ideal vessel for sightseeing. Visitors can also bring their own boats or rent a kayak or canoe at the Skaneateles Marina. There is public access for swimming at Clift Park and plenty of fishing spots where anglers can cast their lines for walleye, panfish, and bass. Summer is also a wonderful time to walk the streets of Skaneateles and admire the historic buildings. These include the Thorne House, a Victorian property built during the late 19th century. Cobweb Cottage dates to the mid-1800s and features Gothic Revival architecture like pointed arches and gables. Those who want to stay for a couple of days can book accommodation in the Sherwood Inn, a historic property that dates back to 1807. Visitors who are in Skaneateles during July can catch the Antique and Classic Boat Show between the 24th and 26th. There will be around 80 displays on water and land, including classic and modern sailboats, race boats, and canoes.
Trumansburg
Trumansburg is a classic Finger Lakes town that is home to several incredible restaurants and eateries. Those who love a hearty breakfast will find fantastic menu options at Falls Restaurant, including Belgian waffles and homemade bread. Atlas Bowl is an exciting eatery that offers not only delicious sustenance but also fun in the form of an on-site bowling alley. There is also a cocktail bar with plenty of room for socializing with the locals. Visitors who want to explore the outdoors can head to Taughannock Falls State Park, just four miles from Trumansburg. Swimming and camping are available here during the summer months, and there are also cabins available. The park also offers a marina, boat launch, and seasonal canoe and kayak storage options, while access is made easy with the Empire Pass card. The main attraction in the park is Taughannock Falls, which plunges down 215 feet. Visitors can hike the gorge and rim trails to see the falls from below and from scenic overlooks. Some of the cabins and campsites also come with a water view, as they overlook Cayuga Lake.
Geneva
Geneva draws far fewer people than nearby Ithaca, but that just means they are missing out on excellent wine tastings and a visit to the Smith Opera House. Some of the best wine tasting options are offered by Ravines Wine Cellars, a family-owned winery that specializes in dry terroir wines. At Cane and Vine Wine Cellars, visitors can pick five wines to taste, and they offer a range of white, red, and rosé. The historic opera house is open throughout the year and puts on memorable stage productions against a Moorish backdrop and beneath a star-lit ceiling. Visitors who want to make the most of their summer visit will find 141 acres of potential at Seneca Lake State Park, located at the northern end of Seneca Lake. The park features the Sprayground, a water park with more than 100 water jets. There are also several picnic and BBQ spots around the park, perfect for a couple of hours of relaxation.
Hammondsport
Hammondsport is another quiet Finger Lakes town with fantastic wine tasting options. Point of the Bluff Vineyards offers some of the best wines in the region, paired with live music and great food. Wine tastings are offered inside an 1800s schoolhouse, creating an unforgettable historic atmosphere. At Bully Hill Vineyards, visitors can expect great wines and a casual dining experience. There is a lot to learn about Hammondsport's history at the Glenn H. Curtiss Museum and the Finger Lakes Boating Museum. The Glenn H. Curtiss Museum highlights Curtiss's aviation and transportation legacy, while the Finger Lakes Boating Museum in Hammondsport preserves the region's boating history with a large collection of regional boats. For outdoor fun, there is Keuka Lake, or Crooked Lake, where people can go swimming and paddleboarding. And, to cool off in the summer heat, there is the Crooked Lake Ice Cream Company, decorated like a 1950s diner and offering light meals and ice cream.
Aurora
Visitors heading to Aurora for the summer can book a room at the Aurora Inn, which dates back to 1833, before exploring this beautiful town on Cayuga Lake. Near the eastern shore lies Long Point Winery, where visitors can taste Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. A short drive north in Union Springs, Heart & Hands Wine Company offers Pinot Noir and Riesling tastings by appointment. Wells College closed in 2024, but the village still has a striking lakeside setting, historic architecture, and easy access to Cayuga Lake. Golfers can also look for seasonal tee times at the Wells College Golf Course. The lake itself offers several fishing spots and is well stocked with perch, bass, trout, and pickerel. Visitors can also go on sunset cruises or lunch cruises. There are more outdoor activities to enjoy in nearby Long Point State Park, including strolling on the beach, hiking the trails, and picnicking.
Watkins Glen
In Watkins Glen, visitors can sail Seneca Lake on board the historic schooner True Love. The vintage 1920s vessel made an appearance in the film High Society, starring Frank Sinatra and Grace Kelly. Those who want to do wine tasting can explore the Seneca Lake Wine Trail, which features 28 wineries along the lakeshore. These include Glenora Wine Cellars and Lakewood Vineyards. Nature enthusiasts will love Watkins Glen State Park with its 19 waterfalls and Gorge Trail. The park features a glacial landscape that is at least 12,000 years old. Hikers can enter the park at mile 231 of the main Finger Lakes Trail and carry on walking along the South Rim Trail. The trail looks over the gorge where the waterfalls are. There are several park amenities to enjoy as well, including 305 campsites, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, playgrounds, and picnic shelters.
Penn Yan
Penn Yan sits on the northern end of Keuka Lake and is one of the main locations of the Keuka Lake Wine Trail. There are several family-owned and family-friendly wineries along the trail, with some even allowing dogs. Once Finger Lakes is one of the standout bars and tasting rooms, offering local wine selections for every taste. Aside from the wines, there are lots of other summer activities to enjoy, especially for travelers who time visits outside peak weekends. Those who want to enjoy local cider during their outdoor adventures can make a seasonal u-pick stop at Apple Barrel Orchards before trying hard cider made at the farm. Runners, hikers, cyclists, and horseback riders will appreciate the Keuka Outlet Trail, which follows a section of the Keuka Outlet between Keuka and Seneca Lakes. The trail stretches between Penn Yan and Dresden and features Seneca Mill Falls and Cascade Mills Falls.
Serene Summer Days Await in the Finger Lakes
Summer in the Finger Lakes can be lively, especially at headline parks and lakefront villages, but travelers can still find a quieter pace by visiting popular trails early, choosing weekdays, and mixing in less-crowded stops such as Naples, Aurora, and Trumansburg. You will get the best of the region, and you can do it at your own pace. So, pack a bag and head to the Finger Lakes in 2026 so you can explore the trails in Trumansburg or relax by the water in Hammondsport. In these towns, you can enjoy serene summer days in one of the most memorable destinations in the U.S.
