Our Picks for the Best Things to Do in Seneca Lake
When planning your trip to the Finger Lakes, it can seem impossible to narrow down which lake is right for you and your family. Luckily, our wealth of local knowledge allows us to help our guests figure where to stay! For instance, visitors hoping for great fishing opportunities should head to Keuka Lake. Those who want to enjoy a more small-town feel should stay near Cayuga Lake. Guests who want to enjoy simple pleasures like scenic hikes or lazy boat rides should plan their trip near Seneca Lake. The longest of the Finger Lakes, this body of water is home to the biggest wine trail in New York State, three of the best parks in the region, and some outstanding boat tours. Discover a few of our favorite things to do in Seneca Lake. Do you want even more awesome itinerary suggestions? Download our free Vacation Guide!
The Best Things to do in Seneca Lake
Explore the Seneca Lake Wine Trail
A trip to the Finger Lakes isn?t complete without visiting at least one of the region?s wineries! That?s easy for guests staying near Seneca Lake, home to the largest of the area?s wine trails. In total, it includes 35 wineries, one distillery, two cider producers, two breweries, and a meadery. This region is most well-known for producing some of the best Rieslings in the world, and they have the awards to show for it! If you want to combine stunning views with a day spent on the Seneca Lake Wine Trail, head down Route 14S. It?s considered one of the most scenic drives in the Finger Lakes and is also right in the midst of the trial. Plus, it?ll take you to Watkins Glen State Park, another one of our favorite parks near Seneca Lake. Driving down this route is one of our favorite things to do in the Finger Lakes in the fall!
Book Passage on a Seneca Lake Boat Tour
Whether you?re celebrating a special occasion or want to spend time on the water without the hassle of renting a vessel, a Seneca Lake boat tour is the perfect addition to your itinerary. Schooner Excursions offers small private and public charters, as well as wine tour packages and eco-tours. Captain Bill?s Seneca Lake Cruises is a more refined experience. Their 270-passenger elegant vessel, the Seneca Legacy, offers wonderful dinner cruises during the summer season. They also have the Stroller IV, a more traditional ship, aboard which a traditional sightseeing cruise takes place. A boat tour with your loved one is definitely one of our picks for one of the most romantic things to do in the Finger Lakes.
Spend the Day in Watkins Glen
Racing fans should not miss the chance to visit the Watkins Glen International (or as locals know it, The Glen). It was the host of the Formula One United States Grand Prix for 20 years, so there are two decades of racing history on the grounds! Today, it?s considered Mecca of North American road racing, with races (and even concerts) still frequently held at the arena. Check the schedule when you reserve your home from Finger Lakes Premier Properties!
Visit a Nearby Park
There are three excellent parks on the north, southeast, and south sides of the lake.
Seneca Lake State Park is the northernmost park and is ideal for guests traveling with children or those who?d prefer to swim. It?s right on the edge of Seneca Lake, overlooking the crystal-clear blue waters of the largest of the Finger Lakes. It features a playground and a ?sprayground,? which is the first of its kind in a New York State Park. There are also two excellent marinas within the grounds, with over 200 boat slips available. In the summer, locals and visitors alike flock to the lake?s beaches. In the winter, ice fishing and cross-country skiing are the most popular activities.
Located between Seneca Lake and Cayuga Lake is the Finger Lakes National Forest, the only one in the state. As opposed to most of the parks in New York, the forest features acres of open land and even free-range cattle feasting on the grass. In total, there are 30 miles of interconnecting trails. Locals tend to visit the forest for hiking, biking, horseback riding, or cross-country skiing in the winter.
The most famous the parks in the Finger Lakes is Watkins Glen State Park. It won third place in USA TODAY Readers? Choice Poll for the Best State Park in the United States thanks to its gorgeous scenic hikes, gorges, and waterfalls. There are a total of 19 falls within the park, as well as natural staircases. The park is most famous for the Gorge Trail, which winds past each of the falls and over 800 stone steps. It?s a challenging hike but one that is worth the effort! Shutterbugs won?t want to miss the stunning views, so be sure to bring your camera when you visit.
Stay with Finger Lakes Premier Properties
Are you ready to experience the beauty of Seneca Lake for yourself? Then book a rental with Finger Lakes Premier Properties. We have the most outstanding selection of homes in the region, including many luxurious ones on the shores of Seneca Lake.
Consider booking The Grape Escape, a four-bedroom, three-bedroom home that features elegant and modern accommodations. This secluded house is in the middle of the Seneca Lake Wine Trail and has stunning waterfront views and quiet, restful nights. It also comes with extra amenities like a huge rec room with a pool table, foosball table, and two walk-out patios on either end of the structure. In the summer, enjoy spending town on the lounging deck which overlooks the water. You and your family will love swimming, wading, and fishing off the dock. In colder weather, snuggle in front of the property?s fire pit.
Browse our full list of accommodations and book today! We look forward to having you.
Are you looking for some great things to do in the Finger Lakes this weekend? Take a look at our Facebook page! We?re always posting awesome upcoming events that you won?t want to miss.