Stay Your Way in the Finger Lakes
With so much to explore across the Finger Lakes, your getaway deserves a home base just as memorable. Whether you’re dreaming of waking up to lake views, relaxing in a historic inn, or cozying up with under the stars, the region offers an array of accommodation styles across its 14 unique counties. From charming small towns to serene state parks, discover the stay that matches your adventure.
Places to Stay Across the Finger Lakes
Finding the perfect place to stay in the Finger Lakes is easy. With each county offering one-of-a-kind accommodations fit for families, travelers with pets, couples, folks with accessibility needs — there’s something for everyone. Discover your perfect stay:
- Cayuga County: Stay in lakeside vacation rentals, boutique inns, and historic bed and breakfasts in Cayuga County, centrally located in the Finger Lakes Region for easy access to multiple lakes. Known for its rich history, scenic farmland, and cultural landmarks like the Harriet Tubman Home, Cayuga County is ideal for travelers seeking tranquility, heritage, and convenient access to popular attractions like the Finger Lakes wine trails.
- Chemung County: Discover family-friendly hotels, spacious vacation homes, and budget-friendly motels in Elmira and surrounding areas, providing a comfortable base for exploring the region. Known as “Mark Twain Country,” Elmira offers literary landmarks such as the Mark Twain Study at Elmira College and his gravesite at Woodlawn Cemetery. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy riverfront trails along the Chemung River, the Catharine Valley Trail, and attractions like the Tanglewood Nature Center and Harris Hill, home to the National Soaring Museum.
- Cortland County: Cortland County offers a variety of accommodations, including ski lodges, cozy mountain cabins, and countryside bed and breakfasts, catering to families, outdoor enthusiasts, and winter sports lovers. The area is home to Greek Peak Mountain Resort, featuring year-round activities such as skiing, snowboarding, and an indoor waterpark, as well as the Lime Hollow Nature Center, which provides scenic trails and educational programs.
- Livingston County: Stay in charming inns, lakeside cottages, and family-sized rentals near Letchworth State Park, often called the “Grand Canyon of the East.” Livingston County offers a peaceful retreat with easy access to outdoor adventures like hiking, biking, and hot air ballooning. With its scenic beauty and welcoming accommodations, it’s an ideal base for nature lovers and road trippers exploring the Finger Lakes region.
- Monroe County: Discover a blend of urban culture and lakeside relaxation in Monroe County. Choose from boutique hotels in Rochester, romantic bed and breakfasts in canal towns, or modern vacation rentals near Lake Ontario. Enjoy proximity to cultural attractions like the George Eastman Museum and the Strong National Museum of Play, as well as outdoor activities along the Erie Canal and Lake Ontario’s shoreline.
- Onondaga County: Experience a blend of urban culture and lakeside relaxation in Onondaga County. Choose from modern hotels in Syracuse, romantic bed and breakfasts in canal towns, or lakeside cottages near Lake Ontario. The area is a hub for group travel, sporting events, and cultural getaways, offering easy access to attractions like the Everson Museum of Art, the Erie Canal Museum, and the annual New York State Fair.
- Ontario County: Find upscale resorts, historic inns, and charming bed and breakfasts in the towns of Canandaigua and Geneva. Ontario County offers a blend of Finger Lakes wine country charm with lakefront luxury, spa experiences, and arts-focused retreats. Enjoy proximity to cultural attractions like the Sonnenberg Gardens and Mansion State Historic Park, as well as outdoor activities along Canandaigua Lake and the surrounding countryside.
- Schuyler County: Stay in campgrounds, glamping sites, cozy motels, and lakeview rentals in Schuyler County, home to Watkins Glen State Park and Seneca Lake. Ideal for waterfall chasers, hikers, and motorsport fans, the area offers easy access to scenic trails, the Seneca Lake Wine Trail, and Watkins Glen International Raceway.
- Seneca County: Stay in waterfront resorts, pet-friendly cabins, and centrally located hotels in Seneca County, situated between Seneca and Cayuga Lakes. Explore the historic village of Seneca Falls, home to the Women’s Rights National Historical Park, and enjoy activities like wine tasting along the Seneca Lake Wine Trail, boating, and cultural experiences in the heart of the Finger Lakes region.
- Steuben County: Cozy up in rustic lodges, family-owned motels, and vacation homes among the wooded hills of Steuben County. Anchored by Corning, home to the renowned Corning Museum of Glass, the area offers a blend of artistic experiences and outdoor adventures. Explore scenic trails, enjoy wine tasting along Keuka Lake, and immerse yourself in the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.
- Tioga County: Unwind in tranquil cabins, wooded campgrounds, and welcoming guesthouses throughout Tioga County, the southern gateway to the Finger Lakes. This peaceful retreat offers starlit skies, charming small towns like Owego, and attractions such as Tioga Downs Casino Resort. It’s an ideal base for travelers seeking nature, relaxation, and a slower pace.
- Tompkins County: Explore a variety of accommodations in Tompkins County, from eco-friendly lodges and boutique hotels in Ithaca to scenic lake cottages and student-friendly rentals. Ithaca, and the surrounding area are renowned for their natural beauty, featuring over 150 waterfalls within 10 square miles, including those in Buttermilk Falls and Robert H. Treman State Parks. Home to Cornell University, Tompkins County offers a blend of educational attractions, cultural experiences, and outdoor adventures, making it an ideal destination for conscious travelers.
- Wayne County: Discover charming cottages, converted barns, and agritourism bed and breakfasts nestled among orchards and along the Erie Canal in Wayne County. This hidden gem in the Finger Lakes region is ideal for cyclists, antique enthusiasts, and autumn leaf-peepers seeking a peaceful retreat with scenic beauty and rich heritage.
- Yates County: Choose from vineyard-view vacation homes, lakefront lodges, and countryside inns in Yates County, located in the heart of the Finger Lakes region. With its rolling farmland, Mennonite markets, and access to Keuka Lake, Yates County offers a serene stay for couples and slow travelers seeking a peaceful retreat.
Finger Lakes Trip Inspiration & Regional Guides
Discover detailed insights into all 14 counties with the free Finger Lakes travel brochure, an essential guide for planning the perfect getaway. Simply fill out the online request form, ask any questions, and inspiration will be on its way. For even more trip ideas, seasonal highlights, and local stories, be sure to browse the Finger Lakes blog.
