Watkins Glen, New York, Travel Guide

The Finger Lakes region in Upstate New York is known for its stunning scenery, world-class wineries, and charming small towns. Located at the southern tip of Seneca Lake—the largest Finger Lake by volume—is a hidden gem for visitors looking to explore the outdoors: Watkins Glen.

While many head here to visit Watkins Glen State Park, known for its 19 waterfalls cascading hundreds of feet down a winding gorge, the area is equally popular for its wine. The Seneca Lake Wine Trail, in particular, is one of the four unique wine trails in the Finger Lakes region and features almost 30 wineries.

Bruce Murray, who owns Boundary Breaks Vineyard, tells Travel + Leisure that the local community is tight-knit and highly collaborative, which leads to a welcoming environment. “Part of what makes coming to places like this feel different is that you can see the owner pouring wine themselves,” Murray says. “You can tell that people are committed, and they really care.”

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or a fast-paced adventure, Watkins Glen is a great (and centrally located) town to kick off your Finger Lakes adventure.

Best Hotels

For luxury accommodations in town, the Idlwilde Inn is a 16-room retreat set in a renovated Victorian house. Less than half a mile away, the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel sits right on the lake, with many rooms featuring waterfront balconies.

For a farm stay, consider Farm Sanctuary, a 275-acre animal sanctuary that offers a handful of refurbished cabins and tiny houses. Guests can learn about ethical farming practices and partake in barnyard tasks.

Another unique option is Grist Iron Brewing Company, which has an on-site guest house called The Farmhouse. It can accommodate up to 16 people and has a huge deck with picturesque lake views. Plus, you’ll be within walking distance of all the great beer and barbecue you’ll find right up the hill at the brewery.

More of a wine lover? Glenora Wine Cellars has an inn offering stunning vistas of the surrounding vineyards and easy access to the property’s winery.

There are also several bed-and-breakfasts sprinkled along Seneca Lake. For more accommodation options, check out the nearby town of Ithaca, which is a 30-minute drive from Watkins Glen and home to several larger hotels.

Things to Do

While Watkins Glen itself is quite small, the real sights to behold can be found in the surrounding natural beauty of the Finger Lakes region. For instance, Watkins Glen State Park offers a full day (or more) of activities, including an Olympic-sized pool, tours through the gorge in the summer, campsites, and several scenic picnic areas. On its 2.3-mile Glen Creek Gorge Trail, which is open seasonally, travelers will wind over and under waterfalls and through the spray of Cavern Cascade.

Seneca Lake is also a great spot to fish. For those who are more interested in swimming, a visit to the lakefront Watkins Glen Beach or Sampson State Park is a refreshing way to spend the day.

Experiencing the area’s wineries is a top activity for many visiting Watkins Glen, and charting a course along the wine trail is a surefire way to taste some of the region’s best vintages while taking in beautiful views. The history of wine being made near Seneca Lake can be traced back to the mid-1800s. Some of the best wineries include Wagner Vineyards, J.R. Dill Winery, Damiani Wine Cellars, and, of course, Murray’s Boundary Breaks Vineyard.

Murray’s hope is that visitors interested in Finger Lakes wine will expand their palates beyond the riesling wines the area is best known for. “People think red wines aren’t very good in the Finger Lakes, and for many years they weren’t. But that’s changing,” Murray tells T+L. “If you’re on a wine tour and you want to get to know the best red wines in the Finger Lakes, you should try cabernet franc.”

But there’s more to the region than wine, according to Murray. “People come to this region for the wine and craft beverage community,” he says. “We have beer, we have cider, we have distilled spirits, and within an hour of Watkins Glen, there are probably 100 choices.”

If you’re a racing enthusiast, be sure to check out Watkins Glen International, an automobile race track. This historic raceway has hosted numerous national and international events, including the United States Grand Prix. 

The nearby Corning Museum of Glass is also a highlight for visitors of all ages. With glassmaking demonstrations, exhibitions, and galleries, plus kid and family programs, the museum is a top tourist destination and only 25 minutes from Watkins Glen by car.

Best Restaurants

For an upscale dining experience, try the Blue Pointe Grill. This waterfront restaurant offers fresh seafood and steak dishes and stunning views of Seneca Lake. The Elf In The Oak is a highly rated local sandwich shop with covered patio seating.

Many wineries and breweries in the area offer tasting menus and local snacks. For a fun lunch while you’re out wine tasting, try F.L.X. Wienery for gourmet hot dogs. Near Watkins Glen, Ithaca has several great restaurants, including Moosewood, a popular vegetarian spot.

Best Time to Visit

Watkins Glen is a great year-round destination. In summer, the warm temperatures mean more nature trails and parks are open—but this can also draw larger crowds. Fall brings the harvest season and cooler temperatures, while spring sees the waterfalls surge back to life after the snowmelt. Winter, while cold, is also beautiful, with frozen lakes and cozy cideries.

How to Get There

There are several airports in the Watkins Glen region, including Elmira Corning Regional Airport (ELM) and Ithaca Tompkins International Airport (ITH)—both are about 30 minutes away by car. The largest nearby airport is Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR), which has more frequent flights and is about a 1.5-hour drive from Watkins Glen. 

The drive to Watkins Glen is about 4.5 hours from New York City. It’s also possible to take a train or bus to the Finger Lakes area, with both Amtrak and Greyhound offering service to larger cities. Trains run through Syracuse and Rochester, while buses stop in Corning and Ithaca. 

How to Get Around

Having a car in this area is most convenient for exploring everything the Finger Lakes region offers, especially when it comes to getting to Watkins Glen itself. While rideshares are sometimes available, keep in mind that the region is fairly rural and service might be limited. 

Although there are no car rental locations directly in Watkins Glen, renting a car from your arrival airport is easy, with major companies (like Avis, Budget, and Hertz, among others) available.

For larger groups looking to take on the Finger Lakes wine trails, there are plenty of bus and shuttle companies that can safely drive your group to different wineries or other craft beverage stops. Make sure to check each winery’s group policy before arrival. You can find recommended transportation services from the Finger Lakes Wine Country Tourism Association, the Seneca Lake Wine Trail, or the Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance.