The 15 Best Things to Do in the Finger Lakes

[{"selector":"#anim-7ba5712b-d75b-4c99-9440-10e576e35c79","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":250,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-4b5ecb4f-b362-4db3-ab4d-c3e0cfa0cb49","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-177.04918%, 0px, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":250,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] The Finger Lakes region is renowned for its crystal clear lakes, New World wineries, and beautiful waterfalls, making this one of the best vacation destinations on the East Coast. Learn more

With a central location in upstate New York, it’s only a short drive away from major cities like NYC, Toronto, and Philadelphia, so it’s a prime destination if you’re road-tripping around the region!

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With so many things to see and do, you might not know where to begin. So we’ve compiled our list of the absolute best things to do in the Finger Lakes for you.

See “Gorges” Hourglass Pools at Watkins Glen State Park

The iconic Watkins Glen State Park is representative of the waterfalls and gorges that the Finger Lakes region is known for. 01. Learn more

Swim Beneath Buttermilk Falls

A 90-foot waterfall set in striated gorge rock takes center stage at Buttermilk Falls State Park. The falls then give way to a deep pool and open swimming area, which is definitely one of the Finger Lakes’ most dramatic sights. 02. Learn more

Go Kayaking on Canandaigua Lake

Canandaigua Lake is the most popular of the Finger Lakes for water sports. Expect to see paddleboarding, water skiing, tubing, sailing, windsurfing, swimming, and fishing all happening on the water and near the shore. 03. Learn more

Relax on a Wine Tasting Boat Tour

These leisurely tours will take you to award-winning wineries on both shores of Cayuga Lake, a historic winemaking region. Sample the wares, then bring some back to enjoy onboard. 04. Learn more

Forage Wild Plants along the Finger Lakes Trails

The Finger Lakes have a super diverse forest ecology. Wild herbs, edible flowers, and medicinal foods grow freely along the trails here, and foraging for them will give you a unique appreciation for the land. 05. Learn more