Planning a trip to the Finger Lakes, but feeling overwhelmed trying to determine which of the towns in the Finger Lakes is the best place to stay during your trip? Believe me, I understand… I had the exact same dilemma when booking my vacation and deciding where to stay in the Finger Lakes in October 2024!
Here’s the deal… the great thing about the Finger Lakes is that there’s so much to see and do — including scenic hikes, charming villages, sparkling lakes, vibrant college towns, quaint family farms, top-tier dining experiences, and picturesque wineries. However, since the Finger Lakes region covers nearly 9,000 square miles and encompasses dozens of towns, finding where to stay for access to all the best things to do in the Finger Lakes is much more of a challenge!
That’s where I hope this guide can help! During my trip to the Finger Lakes, I explored several popular towns around the three largest lakes — Cayuga Lake, Seneca Lake, and Keuka Lake — to provide an overview of the best places to stay in the Finger Lakes, tailored to your interests and travel style. I’ll also include the best things to do, top restaurant recommendations, and hotel recommendations from my trip to help you plan your trip to the Finger Lakes!
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Ithaca
Ithaca, located on the southern end of Cayuga Lake, is the largest town in the Finger Lakes with a population of nearly 34,000. Ithaca is the home of Cornell University — one of the eight Ivy League schools — so it has a vibrant college town atmosphere as well as a thriving arts scene, with several art galleries and theaters in town.
We stayed in Ithaca for a couple of nights because it was close to several hikes we wanted to check out, and it offered a larger selection of hotels than most other towns in the Finger Lakes. Though I preferred the charm of the smaller towns I’ll share about below, I do think staying in Ithaca is the right choice if you’re looking for an eclectic college town with a vibrant arts scene or for avid hikers who want to be within a short drive of the best waterfall hikes in the region.
Here are my top recommendations for things to do in and around Ithaca in the Finger Lakes:
Best Things to Do in Ithaca
- Taughannock Falls State Park — Taughannock Falls State Park is located about a 15-minute drive north of Ithaca. This state park features a spectacular 215-foot waterfall, a scenic hiking trail, and a beautiful park that sits on the west side of Cayuga Lake.
- Indian Creek Farm — Indian Creek Farm is a must-visit in Ithaca! Located 10 minutes north of Ithaca, this charming farm stand offers seasonal u-pick fruit, vegetables, and flowers, and fresh apple cider and apple cider donuts during fall in the Finger Lakes.
- Buttermilk Falls State Park — Buttermilk Falls State Park is a 10-minute drive from Ithaca and is home to one of the most beautiful hikes in the Finger Lakes, the Buttermilk Falls Gorge Trail. This short (but steep!) 1.6-mile climb through a gorge offers stunning waterfall views and beautiful glimpses of fall foliage during October (take my word for it!).
- Downtown Ithaca — Although the true beauty of Ithaca lies just outside the city, be sure to spend some time exploring what this vibrant city has to offer. Head to The Commons to shop at local shops and boutiques and dine at quaint cafes, shop for seasonal goods at the Ithaca Farmers Market on Saturday and Sunday mornings, and stroll around the beautiful Cornell Botanic Gardens at Cornell University.
Where to Eat & Drink in Ithaca
- Finger Lakes Cider House — There are lots of great cideries around Ithaca, but I recommend driving about 25 minutes north to Finger Lakes Cider House! You can build your own cider flights from a list of 20+ handcrafted ciders and wines, and the food is also spectacular. We loved the Field ‘N’ Farm Cheese & Meat Board and Pulled Pork Sandwich.
- The Greenhouse Cafe & Cocktail Lounge — The Greenhouse Cafe & Cocktail Lounge was an unexpected find that we loved during our trip to the Finger Lakes! We ordered sandwiches for dinner that were simple but tasty, and two martinis… an espresso and a chai martini… which were delicious. We loved the laid-back vibes of this cozy local spot!
- Botanist Coffeehouse — We tried a couple of coffee shops during our time in Ithaca, but Botanist Coffeehouse ended up as my favorite. This local coffee shop shares a space with a local florist, so the entire shop is filled with lush plants and beautiful blooms. And, of course, the coffee and fresh-baked pastries are incredible too!
- Moosewood Restaurant — Although we didn’t have time to dine at Moosewood Restaurant during our time in Ithaca, this local restaurant deserves a spot on this list of the best places to eat in Ithaca. Moosewood is renowned for its vegetarian cuisine and cookbooks, which have sold millions of copies since the 1970s. If you do have time, be sure to snag reservations at this local restaurant for fresh, healthy cuisine!
Where to Stay in Ithaca
Compared to the other towns in the Finger Lakes, Ithaca has the most options for hotels and accommodations. During our time in Ithaca, we stayed in Canopy by Hilton Ithaca Downtown, and we loved it! This hotel is centrally located and within walking distance of The Commons, has a gorgeous, modern design, and has an on-site restaurant, which serves a great breakfast. It’s definitely one of the most upscale options for a stay in the Finger Lakes, but it’s still affordable.
Another great hotel option in Ithaca is The Statler Hotel at Cornell University. The Statler Hotel is the most luxurious hotel in Ithaca, offering award-winning restaurants, elegant rooms, and world-class service on the campus of Cornell. And, fun fact, the hotel is staffed almost entirely by students from the university’s prestigious hospitality school!
Geneva
Geneva, behind Ithaca, is the second-largest town in the Finger Lakes. It sits on the northern edge of Seneca Lake and is conveniently located near many of the region’s top attractions.
However, unlike Ithaca, Geneva has much less of a “hip” and “artsy” college town culture and feels much more historic. Downtown Geneva is filled with charming boutiques and local restaurants, and the waterfront is gorgeous — in my opinion, one of the most gorgeous of all the towns in the Finger Lakes. Geneva is also home to the Finger Lakes Welcome Center.
One of the standout qualities of Geneva is the fine dining options — I noticed Geneva has more high-end restaurants than any of the other towns we visited in the Finger Lakes. Overall, I recommend staying in Geneva if you like the idea of staying in a larger town with numerous options for dining and shopping while still experiencing the lakefront and historic charm offered in some of the smaller towns around the Finger Lakes.
Here are some of the things to do and restaurants you can’t miss during a trip to Geneva:
What to Do in Geneva
- Downtown Geneva — Downtown Geneva is a great spot to go shopping if you want to find a unique souvenir to bring home with you. There are some cute shops on Linden Street (I loved Finger Lakes Goods!) and on Main Street, just across from the waterfront.
- Seneca Lake Wine Trail — Geneva is a great spot to stay if you want to explore the wineries on the north end of Seneca Lake. In fact, one of the most famous wineries in the Finger Lakes, Three Brothers Wineries and Estates, is just over a ten-minute drive from Downtown Geneva (this winery is a whole experience and a must-visit!).
- Finger Lakes Welcome Center — As I mentioned earlier, Geneva is home to the Finger Lakes Welcome Center. This welcome center also has a gorgeous deck that overlooks Seneca Lake and a play area for kids, making it a worthwhile place to stop in Geneva.
- Seneca Lake State Park — Seneca Lake State Park is a can’t-miss stop in Geneva… especially in the summer when the warm sun is shining! This popular state park is home to a swimmable sandy beach, a splash pad for kids, a launching point for boats and kayaks, and well-marked trails for hiking and biking.
- Belhurst Castle — For a taste of history in the Finger Lakes, head to Belhurst Castle, just south of Downtown Geneva. This stunning mansion, built in the 1880s, was once a private residence, but has been adapted into a four-star hotel with high-end restaurants, charming rooms, a winery, a spa, and a salon.
Where to Eat in Geneva
- Kindred Fare — Kindred Fare was definitely my favorite sit-down restaurant we visited during our time in the Finger Lakes. The atmosphere, service, and food were all a 10/10. I absolutely recommend making dinner reservations at this spot during a trip to Geneva!
- Monaco’s Coffee — Monaco’s Coffee was one of my top three coffee shops we visited during our trip to the Finger Lakes. Their coffee and pastries are made (or roasted!) in-house, and all their ingredients are sourced locally. The specialty maple latte was so delicious and the perfect drink for the Finger Lakes in the fall!
- The Rusty Pig — The Rusty Pig is a great spot to stop for a casual lunch during a trip to Geneva. This local joint specializes in American cuisine, and especially barbecue plates and sandwiches. We didn’t have time to eat here during our trip to Geneva, but this spot was recommended by a local, and when we peeked at the menu, it looked amazing!
- FLX Table — For an upscale fine dining experience in the Finger Lakes, head to FLX Table in Geneva. With only 14–16 seats in the restaurant and no boundary between the guests and the kitchen, this restaurant’s seasonal, prix fixe menu brings five-star dining to the next level.
Where to Stay in Geneva
Geneva is known for its beautiful historic boutique hotels, including Belhurst Castle & Winery (mentioned earlier!) and Geneva on the Lake. Both these historic hotels offer undeniable charm and are the perfect places to stay for a luxurious or romantic getaway to the Finger Lakes.
For a more laid-back hotel option in Geneva, consider booking a room at 41 Lakefront Hotel, Trademark Collection by Wyndham. This hotel is located right on Seneca Lake and is within walking distance of all the shopping and dining in Downtown Geneva!
Penn Yan
Penn Yan, located on the northeast end of Keuka Lake, is a small, charming town that is home to Birkett Mills, one of the largest producers of buckwheat in the world.
We stayed in Penn Yan for three nights because it was in the perfect central location for tons of wineries and attractions we wanted to explore in the Finger Lakes. Although we chose to stay here for convenience… this charming small town stole my heart. Penn Yan is adorable, and it ended up being my favorite of the Finger Lakes towns we visited during our trip! If you’re looking for a picturesque small town with lakefront views that is a short drive from the best wineries, farms, and orchards in the Finger Lakes, you’ll love staying in Penn Yan!
Here are my top recommendations for things to do in and around this charming town:
What to Do in Penn Yan
- Keuka Lake Outlet Trail — The Keuka Lake Outlet Trail is a seven-mile trail that starts on Keuka Lake in Penn Yan and ends on Seneca Lake in Dresden. This is a fantastic spot for hiking, walking, or biking in Penn Yan! There are two waterfalls along the trail, Seneca Mill & Falls and Cascade Mill & Falls, and plenty of parking lots near the scenic viewpoints, if you don’t want to hike the entire trail.
- Keuka Lake Wine Trail — Penn Yan is on Keuka Lake, which makes it an excellent starting point for exploring the Keuka Lake Wine Trail. Read my wine lover’s guide to the Finger Lakes for more information about the Keuka Lake Wine Trail, but my top winery picks on Keuka Lake within a 30-minute drive of Penn Yan are Stever Hill Vineyards, Bully Hill Vineyards, and Weis Vineyards.
- Seneca Lake Wine Trail — Penn Yan’s location on the northern tip of Keuka Lake also makes it a fantastic launching point for some of the best wineries on the northwest side of Seneca Lake, like Fox Run Vineyards (one of my top picks on the Seneca Lake Wine Trail that is only a 10-minute drive from Penn Yan!).
- Apple Barrel Orchards — If you’re visiting the Finger Lakes in the fall, pay a visit to Apple Barrel Orchards. Located less than a five-minute drive from Downtown Penn Yan, this family-owned apple orchard offers u-pick apples in September and October and a cidery with ciders produced from apples grown, harvested, and fermented on the farm.
- Sugar Shack Blueberry Farm — Planning a summer trip to the Finger Lakes, but still want to get in on the fruit-picking fun? No problem! Head to Sugar Shack Blueberry Farm, located just over ten minutes from Downtown Penn Yan, to pick delicious blueberries and raspberries at this family-owned farm during July and August.
Where to Eat & Drink in Penn Yan
- Amity Coffee Co. — Amity Coffee Co. was my favorite coffee shop in the Finger Lakes! We visited this local coffee shop in Downtown Penn Yan three times during our trip, which is a very high compliment, because I almost always try new places each day when I’m traveling! The atmosphere was so cozy, warm, and inviting, and the food, pastries, and drinks were all incredible. I was obsessed with the Feta Days Bagel, and I’m still dreaming about the Boston Cream Pie Crossaint my husband and I shared. Yum!
- Sapalta — Sapalta is a restaurant I wanted to try during our time in the Finger Lakes, but it didn’t work out due to the timing of our stay in Penn Yan. However, this restaurant that overlooks Seneca Lake is only 15 minutes from Penn Yan and features a stunning patio and chef-driven menu. From what I’ve heard, the service is just as fantastic as the food and views. I’ll be checking out this spot during my next trip to the Finger Lakes!
- Spotted Duck — Craving ice cream? Head to Spotted Duck, less than a 10-minute drive from Penn Yan, for farm-fresh, small-batch frozen custard made from duck eggs! I loved getting a flight so we could sample different flavors. Cookies & Cream was my favorite!
- Main Deck — Main Deck is a fantastic spot to eat in Penn Yan for dinner with a view. This stunning restaurant overlooks Keuka Lake and offers gorgeous lakefront views from the dining room, outdoor deck, and lakeside patio. The menu features local farm-to-table dishes and craft cocktails in a fine dining atmosphere. And, bonus… this restaurant is a short five-minute walk (if even!) from my top hotel recommendation in the Finger Lakes.
Where to Stay in Penn Yan
I’ll be honest… I am not someone who generally recommends generic chain hotels. However… I do have to say that our stay at Hampton Inn Penn Yan exceeded my expectations, and I would absolutely recommend staying here during a trip to the Finger Lakes!
This affordably-priced hotel is located right on the banks of Keuka Lake (views pictured below!) and has a deck with fire pits overlooking the lake. The rooms are spacious and clean, and the hotel is a short drive from coffee shops and restaurants in Penn Yan. It’s also centrally located and within 10–15 minutes of the best wineries and attractions around Keuka Lake and Seneca Lake. We loved our stay at Hampton Inn Penn Yan and would stay here again in a heartbeat!
Watkins Glen
Watkins Glen, located on the south end of Seneca Lake, is one of the most popular places to stay in the Finger Lakes. This town is next to Watkins Glen State Park, home to some of the best hikes in the Finger Lakes, and several wineries on the Seneca Lake Wine Trail. This small town is also home to Watkins Glen International, a racetrack that hosts races for NASCAR.
Although we did not stay overnight in Watkins Glen, we did visit for an afternoon and evening to get a feel for all that this small town had to offer. I thought Watkins Glen was in an excellent location for exploring the Finger Lakes and had plenty to offer, from local restaurants and shops downtown to hikes and wineries just outside the city.
Watkins Glen definitely had more of a “touristy” feel than the larger cities and lacked the charm of some of the smaller towns (in my opinion!). However, I do think staying in Watkins Glen is right for you if you’re looking for a small tourist town that offers it all — prime access to waterfalls, hikes, shopping, wineries, and dining options in the Finger Lakes.
Here are some of the top places to explore and things you can’t miss while staying in or visiting Watkins Glen:
What to Do in Watkins Glen
- Watkins Glen State Park — Watkins Glen State Park is home to one of the most stunning waterfall hikes in the Finger Lakes, the Watkins Glen Gorge Trail. During this 2.2-mile hike, you’ll climb winding staircases, travel behind cascading waterfalls, and cross picturesque bridges over the gorge. It’s a can’t-miss hike in the Finger Lakes!
- Seneca Lake Wine Trail — Watkins Glen is a fantastic launching point for some of the best wineries in the Finger Lakes along the Seneca Lake Wine Trail. One of my favorite wineries, Lakewood Vineyards, is only a five-minute drive from Downtown Watkins Glen!
- Seneca Harbor — Watkins Glen sits right on Seneca Harbor, where you’ll find dozens of boats docked and the picturesque Seneca Lake Pier, which offers stunning views of the lake and the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel. Come here to watch the sunset. It’s gorgeous!
Where to Eat & Drink in Watkins Glen
- Shtayburne Farm Creamery — Ice cream is one of my main food groups, so when I saw the mix-and-match cheese and ice cream flights at Shtayburne Farm Creamery (made with farm-fresh dairy products!), I knew we had to stop. This family farm is located less than ten minutes from Watkins Glen and is totally worth the drive… the views are just as spectacular as the food. The cheese curds were our favorite!
- Nickel’s Pit BBQ — We grabbed dinner at Nickel’s Pit BBQ after a long day of hiking and exploring, so I didn’t remember to take a picture of my food until it was gone… whoops! However, if you’re walking around Downtown Watkins Glen and are looking for a casual dinner stop, Nickel’s Pit BBQ is a great choice. I recommend the brisket!
- Graft Wine + Cider Bar — If you’re searching for a restaurant in Watkins Glen that has a more upscale feel, I recommend looking into Graft Wine + Cider Bar. Although we (unfortunately!) didn’t have the chance to dine here, when we walked by, I peeked inside and looked at the menu… and the vibes, food, and drinks all look incredible! This would be a great spot for a cozy hangout or date night.
Where to Stay in Watkins Glen
If you’re planning to stay in Watkins Glen, the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel is a great choice! We didn’t stay at this hotel during our trip to the Finger Lakes, but we did walk around the lobby and deck to take a peek… and it was super charming! This hotel, as the name suggests, sits right on the harbor of Seneca Lake. It’s home to a restaurant with stunning lakefront views and is right in town, so you can walk to all the dining, shopping, and best things to do in Watkins Glen.
More Inspiration for Where to Stay in the Finger Lakes
Even though I recommend staying in Ithaca, Geneva, Penn Yan, or Watkins Glen during a trip to the Finger Lakes, there are plenty of other towns to choose from!
Smaller villages like Hammondsport at the south end of Keuka Lake and Aurora on the west side of Cayuga Lake offer plenty of historic charm and a laid-back atmosphere, and other towns like Corning and Seneca Falls are home to iconic historic and cultural landmarks, like the Elizabeth Cady Stanton Home and Corning Museum of Glass.
Canandaigua is known for its peaceful atmosphere and luxurious lakefront boutique hotels, including The Lake House on Canandaigua and Hotel Canandaigua (both of which look amazing… I would plan a trip to Canandaigua just to stay at one of them!), and Skaneateles is known for its pristine beauty and warm hospitality on the north end of Skaneateles Lake.
Regardless of Where You Choose to Stay in the Finger Lakes… You’re Bound to Have an Unforgettable Time
The Finger Lakes is such a gorgeous region in Upstate New York, filled with stunning lakes and hikes, farm-to-table dining experiences, fabulous wineries, and tons of other adventures. Regardless of where you choose to stay in the Finger Lakes — from larger cities and towns like Ithaca and Geneva to quaint small towns like Penn Yan and Watkins Glen — you’re sure to love all that the Finger Lakes has to offer (hopefully just as much as I did!).
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