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Day Trips from Finger Lakes

Day Trips from Finger Lakes

Finger Lakes New York, USA Travel Guide

Curated Day Trips

Experience the Finger Lakes' diverse attractions. From stunning natural wonders to cultural sites, memorable adventures await.

Plan your escapes with options for every interest and duration.

Popular Excursions

  • Hike the stunning Gorge Trail at Watkins Glen State Park.
  • Discover the art of glassmaking at the Corning Museum of Glass.
  • Sample local wines along the Seneca Lake Wine Trail.
  • Visit Letchworth State Park, the 'Grand Canyon of the East'.

Planning Your Excursions

Thoughtful planning yields seamless day trips.

Morning Adventures

Start your day early to visit popular attractions before crowds.

Morning Itinerary Suggestions

  • Watkins Glen State Park: Arrive early for the Gorge Trail.
  • Farm Markets: Explore local produce and crafts.
  • Breakfast Spots: Enjoy local cafes.

Afternoon Exploration

Discover more of the Finger Lakes' charm after lunch.

Afternoon Itinerary Suggestions

  • Winery Visits: Taste unique local varietals.
  • Museums: Engage with local history and art.
  • Scenic Drives: Enjoy picturesque routes.

Activities by Interest

Nature & Outdoors

  • Gorge Hiking: Explore famous trails like Watkins Glen.
  • Kayaking: Paddle on tranquil lake waters.
  • Cycling: Discover scenic rail trails.
  • Forest Walks: Wander through serene woodlands.

Culture & History

  • Historic Sites: Learn about local heritage.
  • Women's Rights: Visit Seneca Falls.
  • Art Galleries: Explore local artistic talent.
  • Performing Arts: Enjoy local shows.

Travel Distances & Time

  • Ithaca to Watkins Glen:Approx. 45 mins
  • Geneva to Corning:Approx. 1 hour
  • Skaneateles to Seneca Falls:Approx. 40 mins
  • Canandaigua to Naples:Approx. 30 mins
  • Airport to Ithaca (ITH):Local
  • Airport to Syracuse (SYR):Approx. 1.5 hours to Ithaca
  • Airport to Rochester (ROC):Approx. 1.5 hours to Geneva
  • Airport to Elmira (ELM):Approx. 30 mins to Corning

Navigation Tip

Utilize a map to plan distances between towns and attractions, streamlining your routes.

Outdoor Adventures

Discover the region's natural playgrounds and breathtaking landscapes.

Gorge Trails

Explore stunning waterfalls and scenic paths.

Lake Activities

Enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming.

Cycling Routes

Cycle along picturesque rail trails and country roads.

Hiking & Waterfalls

Experience the iconic gorges and their cascading waterfalls.

Top Hiking Spots

  • Watkins Glen State Park: Hike the famous Gorge Trail.
  • Taughannock Falls State Park: View the highest single-drop waterfall in NY.
  • Robert H. Treman State Park: Discover Lucifer Falls and swimming holes.

Lake & Boat Tours

Enjoy the Finger Lakes from the water with various tours and rentals.

Water Activities

  • Boat Cruises: Scenic tours on Seneca or Cayuga Lake.
  • Kayaking/Canoeing: Rent equipment for independent exploration.
  • Fishing: Opportunities for diverse fish species.

Popular Activities

Wine TastingLocal Wineries
HikingState Parks
GlassblowingCorning Museum
BoatingAll Lakes
CyclingRail Trails
Farm VisitsSeasonal

Nature Connection

  • Embrace outdoor activities for a full Finger Lakes experience.
  • Many parks have accessible trails.
  • Check park websites for current conditions and fees.
  • Respect wildlife and natural habitats.
  • Leave no trace during your outdoor adventures.

Cultural & Historical Exploration

Explore the rich history and arts scene of the Finger Lakes.

Women's Rights Movement

Discover the birthplace of the women's rights movement.

Sites

  • Women's Rights National Historical Park, Seneca Falls.
  • Wesleyan Chapel, site of the first Women's Rights Convention.
  • National Women's Hall of Fame, celebrating American women.

Underground Railroad

Learn about the region's significant role in the Underground Railroad.

Related Attractions

  • Harriet Tubman National Historical Park, Auburn.
  • Freedom Trail locations throughout the region.
  • Local museums with abolitionist history.

Arts & Glassmaking

Immerse yourself in the world of glass art and other creative expressions.

Artistic Highlights

  • Corning Museum of Glass: World-renowned glass collection.
  • The Rockwell Museum, Corning: American art in a former school.
  • Local Galleries: demonstrating regional artists and crafts.

University & Intellectual Hubs

Explore academic excellence and cultural institutions.

Campus Attractions

  • Cornell University, Ithaca: Historic campus and gardens.
  • Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art, Cornell University.
  • Cornell Botanic Gardens: Diverse plant collections.

Prominent Historical Towns

Each town has an unique glimpse into the region's past and present.

Seneca Falls

Birthplace of women's rights.

Auburn

Home of Harriet Tubman National Historical Park.

Geneva

Historical architecture and Main Street.

History Immersion

Visit historical sites to fully appreciate the Finger Lakes' deep roots in American history.

Specialized Experiences

Discover unique attractions and focused activities for every traveler.

Unique Offerings

1

Craft Beverage

Explore breweries, cideries, and distilleries.

2

Culinary Tours

Join a food tour or cooking class.

3

Outdoor Adventures

Try ziplining or glider rides for thrill-seekers.

Winery Activities

  • Tastings
  • Vineyard Tours
  • Cellar Tours
  • Food Pairings
  • Live Music Events
  • Seasonal Festivals

Winery Experiences

  • Wine Blending Classes
  • Grape Stomping (seasonal)
  • Picnic Areas
  • Gift Shops
  • Art Exhibits
  • Cooking Demos

Local Artisan Crafts

Glass Art

Hand-blown glass and unique artistic pieces.

Pottery & Ceramics

Handcrafted functional and decorative pottery.

Jewelry

Unique designs from local jewelers.

Discover Local Craftsmanship

Seek out local artisans and markets for unique souvenirs and gifts.
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