11 Amazing The Finger Lakes Day Trips That Are Worth The Drive
The Finger Lakes region is home to 11 stunning lakes, each offering a wide range of outdoor activities, including biking, kayaking, swimming, fishing, and more, all within the state of New York.
Some lakes are nestled in charming towns with well-developed amenities and popular tourist attractions, while others remain quiet and untouched, offering pristine nature. Each lake, town, and attraction provides its own distinct character and natural beauty, making them worth exploring.
Here are 11 unforgettable day trips, each one worth the drive, located within just two hours of both Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC) and Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR).
Geneva, New York
The town of Geneva, New York, is a historic, walkable destination that makes the perfect day trip in the Finger Lakes region, located 50 minutes from the Rochester International Airport. Geneva’s downtown reveals a new layer of charm with every block, from old-world architecture to modern charm located directly on Seneca Lake.
Walking through the historic streets, visitors will find a mix of shops nestled within beautiful 19th-century buildings, most notably, Stomping Grounds, a friendly bookstore and gift shop that showcases the uniqueness of Geneva. A short half-mile walk away is Geneva's very own history museum, the Geneva History Museum. This community-focused institution preserves the town’s rich history with exhibitions and immersive rooms that bring the past to life.
This perfect family-friendly town is worth the drive to walk around a beautiful and historic small city while experiencing the incredible views of Seneca Lake.
Seneca Lake Wine Trail
Located on the upper east side of Seneca Lake, just 50 minutes from Rochester International Airport, is Three Brothers Winery. This winery is featured along the Seneca Lake Wine Trail, the largest and most active wine trail in New York State. Three Brothers Winery is one of the most popular wineries in the area, thanks to its diverse offerings, family-friendly atmosphere, and scenic location.
This winery offers a one-stop tasting experience, featuring three unique wineries, a microbrewery, and a cafe, all within a short walking distance of each other.
Customers can enjoy one tasting or take the whole tour and enjoy each of the four unique tasting rooms offered by the winery. Take a stroll at this kid-friendly winery and see the beautiful vineyards while sampling a selection of hand-crafted wines, brews, coffees, and hard ciders.
Watkins Glen, New York
Head south of Lake Seneca to find Watkins Glen, a well-known, beautiful village in the Finger Lakes region. An hour and 30 minutes from Rochester International Airport, the town offers excellent attractions for all ages to see the beauty of Seneca Lake, most notably the Pier House at Seneca Lake in Watkins Glen.
Watkins Glen State Park is one of the most popular state parks, widely known for leaving tourists and visitors amazed by its natural beauty. The 1.5-mile, one-way hike through the narrow Gorge Trail winds through a total of 19 waterfalls and through the spray of Cavern Cascade, creating an incredibly scenic walk of mossy cliffs and stone bridges that is worth the drive to see.
Ganondagen State Historic Site
Step back in time with a day trip to Ganondagan State Historic Site in Victor, New York, a short half-hour drive from Rochester International Airport. This remarkable site is the only one in New York State dedicated entirely to Native American history, and the only fully interpreted Seneca town in the United States. Located on the original grounds of a 17th-century Seneca village, Ganondagan brings the vibrant culture, resilience, and contributions of the Seneca people to life.
Through exhibits, guided tours, and a full-scale replica of a traditional longhouse, visitors of all ages can connect with the rich heritage that helped shape the Finger Lakes region. If you're looking for a meaningful and educational day trip, Ganondagan is the perfect destination.
Canadice Lake
One hour from Rochester International Airport, Canadice Lake is widely known as a pristine source of drinking water, which has kept its shoreline remarkably undeveloped compared to other lakes in the region. There are no towns or communities directly along its shores, and it is one of the Finger Lakes' best-kept secrets. Like all of the Finger Lakes, it remains a popular destination for recreational activities such as kayaking, canoeing, and fishing, but it offers a level of calm and seclusion that’s truly unique.
Canadice Lake Outfitters provides everything you need for a relaxing day on the water, including kayaks, canoes, and life jackets. With convenient lakeside service, all your gear is delivered right to the shoreline.
If you're seeking a quiet escape into nature, Canadice Lake is well worth the drive to experience its peaceful, untouched beauty.
Canandaigua, New York
Nestled at the north end of Canandaigua Lake is the charming small town of Canandaigua, known for its wine trails and scenic lakeside paths, 50 minutes from Rochester International Airport. In the heart of the city, the Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park stands as one of the nation’s most well-preserved Victorian-era country estates, featuring stunning gardens and hosting events such as Arts at the Garden during the Summer and Haunted Strolls in the Fall.
Whether you're looking to unwind or explore, its scenic beauty makes it an ideal destination year-round, with Fall being especially magical. October brings a breathtaking display of fall foliage that's truly worth the trip. For a relaxing experience on the water, hop aboard the Canandaigua Lady, a historic paddlewheel boat offering serene lake cruises and onboard dining with stunning views.
Bristol Mountain Ski Resort
Located just 20 minutes from Canandaigua, New York, and 50 minutes from Rochester International Airport, Bristol Mountain is the premier destination in the Finger Lakes for skiing, snowboarding, and zip lining. With an impressive 1,200-foot elevation, it is the highest between the Rocky Mountains and the Adirondacks.
Bristol Mountain can be explored throughout the year, not just in winter. In the summer, cool off at the sister locations, Roseland Waterpark and Roseland Wake Park. In the fall, take in the stunning foliage from the chairlifts or join in the fun at the Fall Festival. From aerial adventures to seasonal events, Bristol Mountain delivers excitement in every season, making it an unforgettable day-trip destination.
George Eastman Museum
Located in the heart of Rochester, New York, the George Eastman Museum is a must-see destination for anyone interested in photography, film, or history. As the world's oldest photography museum and home to one of the most significant motion picture archives, it offers a fascinating journey through the evolution of visual storytelling.
Set on the beautiful estate of George Eastman, founder of Kodak, this museum celebrates the legacy of a man who revolutionized the field of photography. Eastman’s inventions made photography accessible to all, and his innovations laid the foundation for the motion picture industry that we know today.
A visit to the George Eastman Museum is perfect for families, photography lovers, and curious minds of all ages. Explore historic cameras, rare films, and even walk through Eastman’s preserved mansion and gardens.
Skaneateles Lake
For a peaceful and scenic day trip, Skaneateles Lake is a standout destination in the Finger Lakes region. Sitting at the highest elevation of all the Finger Lakes, it stretches 16 miles long and across three counties. A short 30-minute drive from Syracuse Hancock International Airport, the lake is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and stunning natural beauty, perfect for a day trip.
Skaneateles Lake offers some of the best fishing opportunities in the region, with popular spots like the Skaneateles Creek Spillway, West Lake Road Public Lot, and North Skaneateles Lake, each offering unique experiences and a variety of fish. Whether you’re casting from the shore or heading out on the water, you’ll find excellent conditions for catching lake trout, rainbow trout, landlocked salmon, yellow perch, pickerel, largemouth bass, and more.
Whether you're an experienced fisherman or planning a relaxing day by the lake with family, Skaneateles Lake delivers both the calm and adventure that make the Finger Lakes region so unforgettable.
Cayuga Lake
As the longest of the Finger Lakes, Cayuga Lake is a perfect destination for a day of boating and water sports, and is a short hour and 15 minutes from Syracuse Hancock International Airport. Offering convenient single-day rentals, Cayuga Lake Boat Rentals is highly known and recommended for a variety of watercraft rentals. The lake also features a designated Blueway Trail that’s safe for all kayaks and canoes, making it ideal for a fun, secure, and relaxing day on the water.
At the northern end of Cayuga Lake lies the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge, situated along one of the busiest bird migration routes in the Atlantic Flyway. This wildlife refuge is home to over 300 bird species, making it a must-visit destination for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike. Cayuga Lake and the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge together create the perfect day trip for outdoor enthusiasts exploring the Finger Lakes region.
Taughannock Falls
An hour and 30 minutes from Syracuse Hancock International Airport is Taughannock Falls, the tallest free-falling waterfall east of the Mississippi River, with an approximate 215-foot drop, located in the town of Ulysses. The Taughannock Falls State Park is an eye-stopping, beautiful park that leaves visitors stunned.
Located on Cayuga Lake, the overlook to the central falls is a short walk from the visitor center. The walk is easily accessible for families and all those interested in seeing the waterfalls. In addition, there are two other waterfalls located along Taughannock Creek within the park. A 20-foot cascade, known as Little Falls, is located downstream, while the 100-foot Upper Falls are found upstream.
Whether you're flying into Rochester or Syracuse, the Finger Lakes region offers an incredible variety of day trip destinations. From cascading waterfalls and serene lakes to immersive historical sites, world-class wineries, and vibrant cultural institutions, there's something here for every traveler.
These 11 destinations showcase the diversity, natural beauty, and rich heritage of upstate New York. Explore peaceful paddles on Canadice Lake, stroll through historic Geneva, hike past waterfalls in Watkins Glen, or check out the Seneca history at Ganondagan.
With easy access from two major international airports and well-maintained scenic byways, exploring the Finger Lakes has never been easier for an unforgettable day trip.
