If small-town charm, lakeside views, and all the cheese, wine, and waterfalls you can handle sounds dreamy, this Seneca Lake road trip is calling your name.
We’re talking about a loop packed with gorgeous views, delicious pit stops, and hidden spots you’d totally miss if you didn’t know where to look.
From surprise castles to homemade ice cream and trails that’ll have you yelling “WOW” every five minutes, this trip is all about fun, flavor, and good vibes.
So grab your keys, crank up the tunes, and let’s hit the lake!
1. Geneva
With colorful murals and rows of 1800s buildings that look straight out of a movie, Geneva is a picture-perfect starting point.
It’s known for awesome wineries (hello, wine tastings with lake views) and a cute main street full of shops and cafés.
There’s also Seneca Lake State Park, where you can walk the pier, rent a kayak, or just chill by the water.
Fun fact: Geneva calls itself the “Lake Trout Capital of the World,” and every spring, they throw a huge fishing derby to prove it.
2. Belhurst Castle and Winery
Just a few minutes from downtown Geneva, you’ll find Belhurst Castle and Winery—yes, an actual castle sitting right on the edge of Seneca Lake.
This place has it all: a stone mansion with towers and stained glass windows, a winery pouring local reds and whites, and even a spa if you’re feeling fancy.
Whether you’re sipping a glass on the lawn or exploring the beauty inside, Belhurst offers a mix of history, mystery, and wine.
3. Glenora Wine Cellars
Keep cruising down the west side of Seneca Lake, and you’ll hit Glenora Wine Cellars—one of the OG wineries in the region, pouring since the ’70s.
It has a hillside tasting room with big views of the lake, an on-site inn, and a restaurant where you can munch on local eats with a glass of bubbly in hand.
The atmosphere here is super laid-back, and the wine flight menu is stacked with crisp whites and bold reds—perfect for sipping while you watch boats cruise by.
4. Shtayburne Farm Creamery
After all that wine, you’ll definitely want to swing by Shtayburne Farm Creamery for something cold, creamy, and 100% homemade.
This family-run dairy farm serves crazy good ice cream, like Peach Cobbler and Caramel Apple, plus shelves full of hand-cut cheeses made right on-site.
You can even peek into the creamery window to see the cheese-making magic happen while you snack!
5. Watkins Glen State Park
Once you’ve got your ice cream fix, head south to Watkins Glen State Park—it’s hands down one of the most jaw-dropping spots on the whole trip.
The Gorge Trail winds past 19 waterfalls (yes, nineteen!), with stone bridges, narrow tunnels, and staircases carved right into the rock.
It seriously feels like nature built its own adventure park, and every twist in the trail gives you a new “wait, WHAT?!” kind of view.
6. Montour Falls
Just a few minutes down the road from Watkins Glen, Montour Falls is way smaller—but the waterfall here is anything but.
Right in the middle of town, Shequaga Falls drops from 156 feet like a giant curtain of water crashing down behind a little neighborhood street.
It’s the kind of spot you can swing by in five minutes, snap gorgeous photos, and still be back in the car before your coffee gets cold.
7. Finger Lakes Distilling
If you’re ready to switch things up from wine and waterfalls, Finger Lakes Distilling is an incredible detour.
Perched on a hill with epic lake views, this small-batch distillery produces smooth spirits—think spicy rye and a gin that smells like a walk through the woods.
It has a laid-back tasting room where you can enjoy a craft cocktail and learn how they turn local grains into bottles worth bringing home.
8. Sampson State Park
When you’re ready to stretch your legs (or just crash in a peaceful spot), Sampson State Park is a total gem on the east side of the lake.
It’s got wide-open lakefront views, quiet campsites, and a massive marina—great for boaters or anyone who just loves watching them drift by.
Fun fact: This place used to be a Navy training base during WWII, and you can visit the little military museum within the park if you’re into history.
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