Seneca Lake, NY

Travel Guide

Sheldrake Point Winery showing farmland
Keuka Lake State Park which includes a lake or waterhole
Seneca Falls featuring a coastal town and a lake or waterhole
Keuka Lake State Park which includes farmland
Seneca Falls featuring general coastal views and a coastal town

Embark on a series of outdoor adventures and then relax with locally made wine in a region known for its beautiful scenery and attractive towns and villages.

Carved by glaciers, Seneca Lake is the largest and deepest of New York State’s Finger Lakes. Here, hike a gorge, picnic by a waterfall, sample award-winning wines and cheer on a motor race.

Enjoy plenty of water-based pursuits on the lake. Charter a sail boat or book a sunset dinner cruise. Swim, canoe, Jet Ski and wakeboard. Try trout fishing at Catharine Creek, which is located at the lake’s southern end. If you are traveling with children, visit Seneca Lake State Park. It features a “sprayground” with more than 100 water jets.

Explore more of Seneca Lake’s scenery. Cycle along well-maintained paths on the eastern and western shores. Hike the narrow gorge of Watkins Glen State Park past several waterfalls. In the winter, try skiing and snowmobiling in the Finger Lakes National Forest.

The hills and countryside surrounding Seneca Lake are dotted with vineyards and wineries. Spend a day or two on the Seneca Lake Wine Trail, touring winegrowing estates and tasting some of their award-winning products. Throughout the year, the region hosts numerous food and drink festivals such as February's Chocolate and Wine Weekend. Visit the trail’s official website for more details. If you don’t want to drive, use one of many companies in the area offering drivers and personalized tours.

Visit some of the towns and villages situated along the shores of the lake. In Geneva, at the northern end, find historic homes, antique stores and plenty of restaurants. Make your way to Watkins Glen at the southern end for motor races at the Watkins Glen International Racetrack. 

Reach the area by car or by train to Rochester or Syracuse. Seneca Lake is served by four airports. The nearest is Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport, 35 miles (57 kilometers) away. Greater Rochester International Airport is 67 miles (107 kilometers) away.

Seneca Lake is a great vacation destination at any time of the year for its scenery, wines and range of outdoor activities.

Where to stay in Seneca Lake

Seneca Falls which includes a lake or waterhole

Sheldrake

If you're spending some time in Sheldrake, Sheldrake Point Winery and Cayuga Lake are top sights worth seeing.

Sheldrake
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Western Gardens

4.5/5(8 area reviews)

While Western Gardens isn't home to many top sights, South Main Street and Smith Center for the Arts are some notable places to visit nearby.

Western Gardens
del Lago Resort & Casino

del Lago Resort & Casino

4 out of 5
1133 Route 414, Waterloo, NY
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Waterloo. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 7 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,534 reviews)
Love it here.
"We made a last minute decision to go to the state fair in Syracuse. Knowing from previous stays that Del Lago had clean, spacious rooms we decided to book there instead of a Syracuse hotel. We are never disappointed with our stays at Del Lago. The front desk and hotel staff are very friendly and ..."

Reviewed on 2025/8/23

del Lago Resort & Casino
The Gould Hotel

The Gould Hotel

3.5 out of 5
108 Falls Street, Seneca Falls, NY
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Seneca Falls. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and the bar ...
The Gould Hotel
41 Lakefront Hotel, Trademark Collection By Wyndham

41 Lakefront Hotel, Trademark Collection By Wyndham

3 out of 5
41 Lake Front Blvd, Geneva, NY
The price is NT$3,548 per night from Sep 2 to Sep 3
NT$3,548
NT$4,027 total
Sep 2 - Sep 3
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Geneva. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
41 Lakefront Hotel, Trademark Collection By Wyndham
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Radio City Apartments

Radio City Apartments

3.5 out of 5
142 West 49th Street, New York, NY
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in New York. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and a business center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (4,566 reviews)
"The most convenient location near Times Square but off the busiest streets. I felt safe. Walked back to room around 11 pm. Not many people on the street by the hotel so I just walked close to another group. AC worked great and furnishings were fine. A little dark inside and bathroom is tiny but overall ..."

Reviewed on 2025/8/26

Radio City Apartments
31 Street Broadway Hotel

31 Street Broadway Hotel

2 out of 5
38 West 31st Street, New York, NY
Stay at this aparthotel in New York. Enjoy room service, WiFi (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the clean rooms and the overall value ...
5.4/10 (1,107 reviews)
"Overall experience was very good."

Reviewed on 2025/8/26

31 Street Broadway Hotel
Starlight Hotel

Starlight Hotel

2.5 out of 5
40-40 College Point Blvd, Flushing, NY
Stay at this aparthotel in Flushing. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8/10 Very Good! (638 reviews)
"Great property"

Reviewed on 2025/8/24

Starlight Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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