The Finger Lakes, celebrated worldwide for their stunning beauty, invite visitors to explore a multitude of scenic spots where they can bask in breathtaking views of shimmering waters framed by rolling hills and lush vineyards. Each vantage point offers a unique perspective, showcasing the vibrant colors of the changing seasons and the tranquil charm of these picturesque lakes.
We have compiled a list of places where you can enjoy fantastic scenic views. Many of these locations allow you to take in the sights without leaving the comfort of your vehicle.
KEY:
🚗- Can be seen from your vehicle
🥾 – Requires walking or hiking
There are many more places not on our list that we need to visit. We will continue to update this list as we discover more fantastic scenic views!
Honeoye Lake
Harriett Hollister Spencer Park
How to See It:🚗 (Late Spring – Fall)/ 🥾 (Winter)
This might easily be one of the best views in the Finger Lakes. It is a full view of Honeoye Lake from above, with nothing to obscure it. Visit any time of year, and you will get a picture-perfect view. In the Spring, Summer, and Fall you can drive right up to the scenic vista. In the Wintertime, however, you must park in the parking area and walk up the road to it.
Canandaigua Lake
Carolabarb Park
How to See It: 🚗
This small park at the southern end (on County Rd 12) provides the best vantage point to appreciate the beauty of Canandaigua Lake. It is little more than a parking area, but the view from there is spectacular.
Canandaigua Highlands Overlook
How to See It: 🚗
Although it is technically a preserve, there are no hiking trails available. There is just a parking area and a bench from which to enjoy the view. You can see the very end of Canandaigua Lake and a stretch of the inlet. In the fall, it is particularly stunning to see the hills surrounding the lake ablaze with brilliant autumn colors.
County Road 11
How to See It: 🚗
This view takes you by surprise as you round the corner. It runs right alongside the lake, and this is the one spot where there are no houses to obscure your view. If you stop, please pull all the way off the road as not to obstruct traffic.
Canandaigua Lakeview Cemetery
How to See It: 🚗
Canandaigua Lakeview Cemetery is a beautiful and peaceful spot with a lovely view of the lake (hence the name.)
Windy Hill Scenic Overlook
How to See It: 🚗
You have to be driving West on Lake to Lake Road to see this view. There is a GPS location for this, but I assumed it mean there was some sort of parking area. There isn’t. In fact, the GPS will lead you to the top of a hill, in front of a private resident. You really can’t stop safely here, so you will need to enjoy the view on the go.
County Road 12
How to See It: 🚗
If there were a holy grail of scenic roads in the Finger Lakes, County Road 12 would be it. The view from here is unparalleled, and you are able drive quite a few miles with almost the entirety of Canandaigua Lake before you. If you decide to pull over, please pull off the road to avoid obstructing traffic and respect private property.
East Shore Preserve At Bare Hill
How to See It: 🥾(Easy)
This Finger Lake Land Trust property is just a tiny sliver of land with a trail that leads down to the shore of Canandaigua Lake. However, you don’t need to go all the way to the bottom to get a fantastic view. It is only a partial view of the Lake but it is still lovely.
East Lake Road
How to See It: 🚗
As you approach Vine Valley on East Lake Rd, this fantastic view of the Lake can be seen from your car. Please be respectful of other vehicles (don’t block traffic) and private property.
Seneca Point Rd
How to See It: 🚗
This is another spectacular view of Canandaigua Lake, which you can see from the comfort of your car. Head south on Seneca Point Rd, and be prepared to have your breath taken away. Again, please be respectful of other vehicles and do not trespass on private property.
Coye Road
How to See It: 🚗
While you are out exploring in your car, taking in all of the incredible views of Canandaigua Lake, Head to Coye Road for this fantastic view. Please make sure to pull your vehicle off of the road to keep from blocking traffic.
Coye Cemetery on Route 21
How to See It: 🚗
If you are headed north on Route 21, keep an eye out for this small cemetery on the roadside. For your safety, do not pull up alongside the road because there is very little shoulder there. The entrance to the cemetery is on Bopple Hill Rd.
Canandaigua Vista Preserve
How to See It: 🥾(Easy/Moderate)
This preserve has great hiking with several spots where you’ll catch multiple glimpses of Canandaigua Lake in the distance throughout your hike.
Keuka Lake
Garrett Memorial Chapel
How to See It: 🥾(Easy)
The Garrett Memorial Chapel is an awe-inspiring destination all by itself. However, when you see the stunning views of Keuka Lake in the background, this place becomes nothing short of amazing. The grounds of Garrett Memorial Chapel are open from May through October, although we were able to visit on an unusually warm early November weekend.
Skyline Drive
How to See It: 🚗
If you decide to visit Garrett Memorial Chapel, the view from Skyline Drive is just down the street (at the bottom of the road). This view is at the very center of the Y in Keuka Lake.
Route 76
How to See It: 🚗
If you travel north on Route 76, you’ll enjoy a stunning view of Keuka Lake. There are spots along the road for taking pictures, but please respect private property.
Middle Road
How to See It: 🚗
Take a drive down Middle Road to experience one of the best scenic drives in the Finger Lakes. This isn’t a long road, but the view from here can’t be beat.
Glenview Cemetery
How to See It: 🚗
Glenview Cemetery has a breathtaking view, but what made this place enchanting was the overwhelming aroma of grapes in the air. We were overwhelmed with the smell of ripped grapes. (Let me warn you – if you have any thoughts of treating yourself to some grapes – Wine grapes are not the same as eating grapes.)
Cayuga Lake
Ithaca College
How to See It: 🚗
Many Ithaca College Students (our own daughter included) have enjoyed having this view greet them daily from the top of South Hill. My daughter tells me that there is a fantastic view of Cayuga Lake from the tippy top of South Hill in the Ithaca College Natural Lands.
Sunset Grill
This is our favorite place to eat in Ithaca. In addition to the excellent fare, the Sunset Grill provides guests with a fantastic view of Cayuga Lake from the outdoor dining patio.
Edwards Lake Cliffs
How to See It: 🥾(Easy)
Visitors not only enjoy stunning views of Cayuga Lake from this incredible preserve’s clifftop but also have access to excellent hiking trails and a beautiful 35-foot waterfall.
Sims-Jennings Preserve at Cayuga Cliffs
How to See It: 🥾(Easy)
This beautiful preserve offers two gorgeous hikes to see multiple views of Cayuga Lake. If you are a waterfall chaser, you are going to love this preserve. There are numerous small waterfalls scattered across the 223 acres.
Myers Marine Park
How to See It: 🥾(Easy)
Myer Marine Park offers a breathtaking view of Cayuga Lake. This lovely lakeside park provides access to the lake, functioning as a boat launch and offering opportunities to swim, fish, or simply relax and appreciate the charm and beauty of the area.
Owasco Lake
Owasco Bluffs Nature Preserve
How to See It: 🥾(Easy/Moderate)
Owasco Bluffs is a wonderful hiking destination on the eastern shore of Owasco Lake. It invites visitors to traverse fields and woods and explore a cliffside trail that rewards their journey with a breathtaking view of the lake from the top of the bluff.
Emerson Park
How to See It: 🥾(Easy)
Emerson Park is a sprawling park on Owasco Lake, and you get a gorgeous view of the Lake, especially from the pier. This is a wonderful place to take a stroll, not just for the view of the Lake but also for the lovely gardens and benches and gazebos to enjoy the peaceful setting.
Skaneateles Lake
Ripley Hill Nature Preserve
How to See It: 🥾(Easy)
Ripley Hill Nature Preserve features a short, flat trail that leads hikers to one of the few overlooks of Skaneateles Lake. As the tallest point at an elevation of 1,968 feet, Ripley Hill offers a stunning view from above.
North Glen Haven Rd.
How to See It: 🚗
If you are headed north on North Glen Haven Road, you can have an amazing, unobscured view of the south end of Skaneateles Lake. This is a residential road, so if you visit, please respect private property and do not block traffic.
Otisco Lake
Otisco Lake Causeway
How to See It: 🥾(Easy)
The Causeway offers visitors a unique vantage point of Otisco Lake from its center. Once a road that spanned the lake, it is now a narrow strip of land where visitors can stroll to the end and enjoy views of both sides of the lake.
Otisco Lake Preserve
How to See It: 🥾(Moderate)
This beautiful preserve provides stunning views of Otisco Lake from above. There is a trail that leads down to the shore, offering a fantastic panoramic view of the lake. However, the trail is quite steep and may not be suitable for individuals with knee issues. You can see the lake about halfway down the trail, but if you decide to continue to the bottom, be prepared for a challenging climb back up.
Did you know of another stunning view that I missed? Let me know in the comments.