A road trip around the Finger Lakes feels tailor-made for a long weekend, with rolling vineyard hillsides, glacier-carved gorges, boat-friendly lakes, and charming towns where you can park and wander to tastings, galleries, shops, cozy eateries, and more. This easy itinerary starts in Ithaca and traces a relaxed loop around Cayuga and Seneca—the two largest lakes.
"The drive itself favors scenic state byways over speed, sticking to paved routes with no tolls or gravel, with plenty of gas stations (as well as charging stations for EV drivers) along the way—so getting there is just as pleasant as being there!"
Your adventure through Upstate New York is perfect for families and couples, outdoorsy and wine-friendly in equal measure, and it plays well in every season. Experience spring’s high water and wildflowers, enjoy long swim-and-boat days in summer, stroll through spectacular harvest colors in fall, or cozy up to quiet rim walks and fireside tastings in winter. Whenever you choose to visit, plan lightly and leave plenty of space to wander.
Where to start: Rochester vs. Syracuse (getting to Ithaca)
Whether you're coming from Syracuse or Rochester, your itinerary starts in Ithaca and loops along Cayuga’s west shore to Seneca Falls and Geneva, then down Seneca to Watkins Glen and back to Ithaca. You can comfortably do the core trip in just 3 days; add a day or two for more wineries, museums, and extra gorge time. For first-timers, this loop hits the “greatest hits” (Taughannock, Watkins Glen, Seneca Falls) with room for personal detours and more unhurried moments—whether that’s a second (or third) tasting, a quick paddle, or a lakeside picnic.
Rochester to Ithaca (west-to-east approach)
- Generally follows I-390/US-20/NY-96 through farm country; easiest to add Geneva and the north end of Seneca Lake en-route.
- Ideal if you want a first coffee/stretch stop in Canandaigua or to add a Geneva lunch and a quick look at the historic Smith Opera House before continuing to Ithaca.
- Shift south onto NY-14 down Seneca’s western shore for a scenic alternative; you’ll skim vineyards and lake views nearly the whole way.
Syracuse to Ithaca (north-to-south approach)
- Quickest is I-81/NY-13; scenic options track the Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway down the eastern shore and then cut back to Ithaca.
- Great if you want a classic lakeside town detour in Skaneateles (for lunch or coffee) before heading toward Ithaca, or if you’d rather focus on Cayuga Lake wineries first.
Day 1: Slow and steady to Ithaca gorges and waterfalls
With Ithaca as your home base, you'll ease into the long weekend where small-town life and gorge country meet. Begin at Taughannock Falls State Park for the classic overlook, then follow the mostly level Gorge Trail to the base where the water drops 215 feet in a single, dramatic plunge. Spring snowmelt makes the waterfall thunder, while the winter sometimes freezes the rim like glass. Kids will love playing along the creek’s smooth stone shore (be sure to bring water shoes).
Keep the day unhurried and scenic. NY-89 traces the shoreline and keeps you off gravel and tolls while still close to services. If you’re stretched and ready to hike, swing by either Buttermilk Falls State Park or Robert H. Treman State Park for short “sampler” loops with a few stairway sections, stone bridges, and quick-shot vistas without committing the entire afternoon. Buttermilk Falls is particularly easy if you have little ones in tow.
Between stops, head to downtown Ithaca and stock up for a simple picnic. Then, plan a pause at any of the lakeside pull-offs. Families can break up the day with short walks and frequent snacks along the trails. Couples could add a tour of the Cornell Botanic Gardens before drifting back to the pedestrian-friendly Ithaca Commons for a romantic dinner.
Day 2: Wine and cheese on Cayuga’s western shore
Point the car north and keep speeds mellow on this west-shore drive. Late morning is a fine hour to start tasting—just keep it balanced for the driver by splitting flights and mixing in walks or hikes. Lucas Vineyards is the region's pioneer, with their porch views helping to set the pace. If you prefer a deck with a little buzz, Buttonwood Grove Winery often has music on fair-weather afternoons. Some wineries even let you bring outside food, with Sheldrake Point Winery encouraging guests to pack their own picnic for the pairing!
When you’re ready for something savory, head inland on NY-96 to a working dairy for a simple farm tasting—an easy in-and-out that suits families as well as couples stocking a cooler for a sunset cheese plate. Kids can meet the herd and sample curds at Muranda Cheese Company right outside Waterloo, while the grown-ups can pick up a few aged wedges for their wine paring.
If energy remains, swing through Interlaken for ice cream cones at Cayuga Lake Creamery or pause in Geneva at Seneca Lake State Park for the lakeside playground and “sprayground.” Both make for the perfect family-friendly break. Prefer something a little quieter? Detour to Lodi Point State Park for a short shoreline stroll.
Day 3: Lakeside sips from Seneca Falls to Watkins Glen
Start in Seneca Falls, where the women’s rights movement took a public stage. Step into the Women’s Rights National Historical Park visitor center for the story of the 1848 Convention. Then, walk or drive a few blocks to the National Women’s Hall of Fame to meet the honorees who changed the game in science, arts, sports, and more. Turn south on NY-14 with Seneca’s wide blue water at your side. If you want one last lakeside toast, the Miles Wine Cellars sits right on the shore with absolutly stunning dock views and an easy in and out.
Save the big finish for Watkins Glen State Park. The gorge path leads you behind waterfalls and under stone bridges—short, dramatic, and famous for good reason. Go early or later in the day for fewer crowds in summer and fall, pack a light jacket for spray, and watch your footing on damp stone. In winter, check the park page for trail status and use the overlooks if sections are closed.
Roll back toward Ithaca on quiet farm roads with the cooler full and the long weekend well-spent. If legs still feel lively, a short amble up the Cascadilla Gorge Trail drops you right into the Commons for some last-minute window shopping, an unhurried dinner, and one more wander past street musicians. But however you choose to finish your Finger Lakes road trip, your favorite flavor from Purity Ice Cream is sure to make for the sweetest end.
Your return trip (Ithaca to Rochester or Syracuse)
Back to Syracuse (approx. 1.5 hrs; scenic option 2+ hrs)
From Ithaca, take NY-34 up the east side of Cayuga for lake vistas and farm stands before angling to US-20 or I-81 into Syracuse. If time allows, pause at roadside overlooks or wander a small-town main street for coffee before the final push. This route keeps you on paved, well-marked state roads and avoids tolls while staying close to services—ideal for winter or after-dark travel.
Back to Rochester (approx. 2 hrs; scenic option 2.5 hrs):
Head west from Ithaca on NY-96 toward Trumansburg and Geneva, then follow US-20 across the northern Finger Lakes into Rochester. For a longer, prettier finish, drift down NY-14 along Seneca’s west shore first, then turn north at Geneva. You’ll pass frequent towns for fuel, snacks, and last-chance wine and cheese pickups—all on paved state highways with good shoulders and no tolls.