The Finger Lakes Region: A Premier Upstate New York Summer Destination

Letchworth State Park | David Coffing

The Finger Lakes region is one of the defining destinations of Upstate New York. This area consists of 11 pristine lakes, which serve as popular four-season vacation spots. The Finger Lakes region is renowned for its wineries, charming cities and towns, and endless recreational opportunities. In the summer, the warm New York sunshine creates the perfect atmosphere to explore this amazing area. Let’s look at why the Finger Lakes is a top option for an Upstate New York summer getaway.

Pleasant Getaway Towns

The Finger Lakes’ many scenic towns and cities contribute to the region’s popularity among tourists. While the area’s scenery might be the most significant attraction, the following communities offer the perfect places to rest up or explore between trips to nearby natural destinations:

Savona: Savona is a tiny community for those who want to experience a peaceful and rural getaway in the heart of the Finger Lakes. Savona is not far from Moss Hill State Forest and other nearby lakes, such as Lamoka Lake.

Bath: Home to around 12,000, this quaint community is surrounded by the Finger Lakes’ famed wineries and vineyards. Bath has tranquil parks and nature preserves that visitors can explore, boasts convenience to Keuka Lake, and hosts fun summer festivals. 

Scenic Natural Settings

The Finger Lakes area is one of the most scenic you’ll find, encompassing a wild, untamed landscape filled with forests and, of course, its famous lakes. Several renowned sites across the Finger Lakes region make it such a popular hotspot.

Watkins Glen State Park: Watkins Glen State Park is an iconic destination for visitors to experience. Exploring this park, which features vast woodland, flowing waterfalls, and rocky gorges, is best enjoyed in the summer when you can cool off by the waterfalls’ misty spray. 

Letchworth State Park: Letchworth State Park, a 17-mile-long park along the Genesee River, has stunning waterfalls and forests with trails alongside winding waterways.

The Finger Lakes: Of course, the region’s gorgeous lakes hold the main appeal of this region in the summer. The area is home to numerous lakes, big and small, including the famed Cayuga Lake, Seneca Lake, and Keuka Lake.

Watkins Glen State Park | Ian Hutchinson

Appealing Recreation and Attractions

Whether you love being active in the great outdoors or prefer a more laid-back, culture-driven experience, the Finger Lakes area will provide much to enjoy while visiting in the summer.

For outdoor enthusiasts, the Finger Lakes region is a paradise. On land, visitors can enjoy high-quality golf courses, relax at pleasant beaches, ride along bike trails, or go hiking at the area’s many scenic state parks, which offer views of waterfalls, lakeshores, and evergreen forests. For those who love the water, boating, water sports, and fishing are popular pastimes there. 

If you prefer to relax inside, there is still plenty to experience. The Finger Lakes area is home to some terrific museums, including the Finger Lakes Museum, the Corning Museum of Glass, and the Strong National Museum of Play. The region has amusement parks and art galleries as well. For foodies, the Finger Lakes food and drink scene is excellent, with thriving farm-to-table eateries and plenty of local wineries, breweries, and distilleries for enjoying a tasty local beverage after a long day.

Cayuga Lake | Brian Tafel