7 Best Lakeside Towns in the Finger Lakes

The Finger Lakes Region of the United States often provides a welcome escape for those desiring quiet settings, beautiful scenery, and lakefront views. Whether you have come to slow down, sample world-class wineries, or wander through charm-soaked streets, you will find a town with your name on it. Ithaca, for example, boasts not just a spectacular backdrop but also a stimulating academic environment. Home to one of the world’s best universities, you will enjoy a delightful mix of cultural attractions and outdoor gems. Aside from Ithaca, discover the best lakeside towns in the Finger Lakes below.

Hammondsport

Hammondsport is a small, quaint town loved for its tantalizing wine scene. It reclines at the southern tip of Keuka Lake, one of the most beautiful in the Finger Lakes Region. Although there are several wine-tasting venues around town, and with awesome views to boot, the historic Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery stands ahead of the pack. They are particularly known for their delicious charcuterie board, which patrons enjoy pairing with a thoughtfully curated wine list. If you love aviation history, the Glenn H. Curtiss Aviation Museum has some interesting stories and displays. It is named for a gifted and underappreciated inventor, whose aircraft were the first ones that could take off from the water and also land on the water. Still on museums, the Finger Lakes Boating Museum has several old boats restored to their original condition. Bonus point? It is conveniently close to the Glenn H. Curtiss Aviation Museum.

Ithaca

Whether you want to wonder at the breathtaking waterfalls and gorges around town, or sip the quiet beauty along the serene shores of Cayuga Lake, Ithaca often feels plucked straight out of a fairy tale. Speaking of fairy tales, this cultured town is named after the famed Greek isle of Ithaca, a feature in Homer's Odyssey. Ithaca boasts a lively arts and music scene, along with a stimulating academic atmosphere, thanks to Ithaca College and Cornell University, a prestigious Ivy League college and one of the world's most highly ranked. Ithaca boasts a decent food scene. So, grab some delicious Szechuan Kung Pao chicken at the aptly named Spicy Asian before hitting its many attractions. The Cornell campus is a treasure trove, especially with stand-outs such as the Cornell Botanic Gardens, the Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art, and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Keep in mind that Taughannock Falls, the tallest free-falling waterfall east of the Mississippi, is just a doorbell away.

Geneva

Although it is not backdropped by the Alps’ towering grandeur, a feature that defines its European namesake, Geneva, New York is still incredibly charming and beautiful. Consider that it sits on the tranquil shores of Seneca Lake, where nature envelops almost every space with rustic charm. There is something else that should make avid anglers pay attention: Seneca Lake is often called the Lake Trout Capital of the World. Start by having a mouthwatering beef brisket at the Rusty Pig on Linden Street, a clean, homey space that serves delicious food with smiles and attention. In the afternoon, catch a show at the handsomely restored Smith Opera House, a historic staple of the town since 1894. Alternatively, explore the Hobart and William Smith Colleges, situated along Lake Seneca’s northern tip. Of course, you will also enjoy lounging on the beach as you inhale lovely views on every side.

Canandaigua

Canandaigua is a scenic town with a pastoral slant that is often called “the Chosen Spot.” Like many small towns that dot the area, Canandaigua sits on a lake with which it shares a name, and, hence, exudes the soothing atmosphere that many people find hypnotic. A nice way to explore the town is to stroll down Main Street, one of the most pedestrian-friendly in the Finger Lakes Region. If you have a thing for nicely curated local history, the Ontario County Historical Society is a nice place to start. Check out Sonnenberg Gardens, a large, swoon-worthy property with several gardens, a Victorian mansion, and an antique greenhouse complex. For taste buds that have an affinity for German-inspired flavors, Rheinblick offers the best German restaurant experience in the Greater Rochester area

Watkins Glen

Most people pass Watkins Glen when driving to what has been described as the crown jewel of the Finger Lakes — Watkins Glen State Park. With its jaw-dropping gorge and cascading waterfalls, this park deserves to be the star attraction in the area. Yet the small, old-timey town that bears its name is no less enchanting. Part of “the Glens” soothing appeal is because it sits right on Seneca Lake, an incredible outdoor gem by itself. But aside from that, the town boasts neat rows of Revival architecture, a yummy collection of inviting restaurants (check out Nickel's Pit on N Franklin Street), and a world-famous motorsports race track. No wonder Watkins Glen is recognized as the Home of Road Racing in America. The trick is to arrive early and travel light.

Skaneateles

Skaneateles, a storybook town on the shores of a pristine lake, is among the most beautiful small villages in America. It is clean and quaint and framed by the austere grandeur of the area’s rolling hills. This town’s core, with its charming mix of historical architecture, is noticeably endearing and adorable. So, how can a first-time visitor spend her time here? Take a boat ride and enjoy the soft breeze and the views, get a dip at Clifton Park, or sample the warm sophistication of Anyela's Vineyards while sipping some of the best reds in America. Keep in mind that this is not your average venue. You will want to know that their Cabernet Franc won the New York Wine Classic in 2023.

Corning

Whether you want to experience the inviting ambiance of Market Street or explore the scenic local trails that traverse the area, Corning has several features that only a handful of other towns can match. Plus, it has the largest glass museum in the world, a mind-bending landmark with endless displays and delights. Keep in mind that there is really no beauty without water. Fortunately, the Chemung River runs through Corning and gives it a touch of rustic allure. Another underrated gem is the Rockwell Museum, the only Smithsonian Affiliate for several miles. Life here is slow and smooth, and boasts the quintessential small-town feel that many often find endearing.

The Takeaway

Whether it is the tumbling rapids that transform a chaotic scene into a heart-stirring spectacle, the mountain-tall waves that rip across the ocean's surface, or the glistening cascades of a sparkling waterfall, water, in its various forms, is among the most idyllic representations of beauty. Then there is the quiet beauty of a peaceful lake, where soft breezes whisper soothing comforts, the waters are blue and calm, and the air fresh and playful. It is the reason the Finger Lakes Region is such an underrated treasure. And that is without mentioning the small, charming towns that dot it, the best of which you have just discovered.