Seneca Lake

Travel Guide

Sheldrake Point Winery which includes farmland
Keuka Lake State Park featuring a lake or waterhole
Seneca Falls showing a lake or waterhole and a coastal town
Keuka Lake State Park featuring farmland
Seneca Falls featuring a coastal town and general coastal views
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 travelling 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 kilometres) away. Greater Rochester International Airport is 67 miles (107 kilometres) away.

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

Where to stay in Seneca Lake

Seneca Falls showing 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

Western Gardens might not have many top sights, but South Main Street and Smith Center for the Arts are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Western Gardens
del Lago Resort & Casino
del Lago Resort & Casino
4 out of 5
1133 Route 414, Waterloo, NY
The price is S$172 per night from 21 Apr to 22 Apr
S$172
includes taxes & fees
21 Apr - 22 Apr
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Waterloo. Enjoy a full-service spa, 7 restaurants, and a casino. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,434 reviews)
Great little getaway
"This was a great get away for my husband and I. There are nice selection of food for a smaller venue. There are live and electronic games. The hotel room was very nice. Love the bathroom set up. Bed was very comfy. I would recommend this location and plan to visit again."

Reviewed on 18 Apr, 2025

del Lago Resort & Casino
Lakeside Resort
Lakeside Resort
2.5 out of 5
3812 State Route 14, Watkins Glen, NY
The price is S$213 per night from 20 Apr to 21 Apr
S$213
includes taxes & fees
20 Apr - 21 Apr
Stay at this hotel in Watkins Glen. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,007 reviews)
"The place was awesome and Rocky the dog who lives on the property puts a smile on everyone’s face!"

Reviewed on 15 Apr, 2025

Lakeside Resort
The Lux Hotel & Conference Center, Ascend Hotel Collection
The Lux Hotel & Conference Center, Ascend Hotel Collection
2.5 out of 5
2468 State Route 414, Waterloo, NY
The price is S$130 per night from 22 Apr to 23 Apr
S$130
includes taxes & fees
22 Apr - 23 Apr
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Waterloo. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (317 reviews)
Great Stay!
"Came into town for a concert at the casino. Convenient location and friendly staff. Would definitely stay here again!"

Reviewed on 16 Apr, 2025

The Lux Hotel & Conference Center, Ascend Hotel Collection
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.
The Flatts at North Shore
The Flatts at North Shore
3.5 out of 5
414 Exchange St, Geneva, NY
Stay at this 3.5-star spa condo in Geneva. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Smith Center for the Arts and South Main ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (82 reviews)
"Thank you Karen, it was a lovely place to stay in Geneva, NY"

Reviewed on 13 Sep, 2024

The Flatts at North Shore
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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