Sometimes we all need a break from the hectic world. We need to find a place to relax and take in the scenic beauty of nature around us to find balance again. Serenity Benches are perfect for this. We have encountered so many of these benches in some of the most beautiful places imaginable in our adventures. (Check back often, as we will be continuously updating this list as we travel through the Finger Lakes.)
The Finger Lake Region
The Finger Lakes Region is as famous for its wine and as it is for the gorgeous lakes that offer some seriously stunning vistas. Many of these tranquil benches are located on the 11 Finger Lakes or in the many parks in the area. Finger Lakes Region is full of benches that allow visitors to find calmness in the alluring beauty.
Conesus Lake
Vitale Park
There are all sorts of benches to view not only the lake but the gardens at this park. If you are looking for a little something extra, there are concerts in the park here in the summertime.
Long Point Park
A quiet place to enjoy watching the water of Conesus Lake. If you are looking for a quiet place to get near the lake in the wintertime, this park is nearly always deserted.
Hemlock Lake
Hemlock Lake Park
Sit along the northern shore of Hemlock Lake and enjoy the blue waters. This end of the lake is usually fairly quiet, and therefore peaceful.
Canadice Lake
It was sitting on one of these benches on this beautiful Finger Lake that we decided to write this article. We felt like we could just sit there for hours and listen to the water and sounds of nature. The peace and tranquility just completely washed over us. There are several of these benches on Canadice Lake.
Honeoye Lake
Sandy Bottom Park
There are several idyllic places in this park to kick back and enjoy the peace of nature. This bench looks over the lagoon; however, there are others that sit along the beach and some also along the nature trail.
Honeoye Lake Boat Launch
Located near the south end of Honeoye Lake this bench gives visitors and peace seekers a stunning view up the lake.
Harriett Hollister Spencer Park
This is without a doubt one of the best views in all of the Finger Lakes. We have made a point to visit here every season, and it is breathtaking each and every time we see it.
Canandaigua Lake
Kershaw Park
There are lots of places to sit and take in the exquisite beauty of Canandaigua Lake at Kershaw Park.
Onanda Park
This park is located about half way down the west side of the Lake. There is a nice beach where visitors can hunker down in one of the many Adirondack chairs and meditate on the lovely blue waters of Canandaigua Lake.
Canandaigua Pier
Take an evening stroll on the Canandaigua Pier, maybe grab some ice cream and then sit in one of the many benches overlooking the Lake and marvel at what a beautiful lake Canandaigua is.
Keuka Lake
Keuka Lake State Park
This is a fantastic place to sit and enjoy Keuka Lake any day, but the fall colors light up the hills in the autumn.
Keuka Lake Outlet Trail at Seneca Mill Falls
Nothing is more tranquil than a waterfall. Take a short stroll down the Keuka Lake Outlet to Seneca Mill Falls to enjoy some time with a glorious waterfall.
Seneca Lake
Finger Lakes Welcome Center
Seneca Lake is the deepest Finger Lake, and you just never know what you’ll see while you sit and enjoy the view.
Route 14
There is a stretch of sidewalk that runs along the west side of the lake near the north end. If you are an early bird, the sunrises from here are spectacular.
Cayuga Lake
Cayuga Lake State Park
Take a seat and enjoy the gorgeous view at this state park on Cayuga Lake. There is a lovely park and pier that offers plenty of places to take a load off and find some peace and quiet.
Long Point State Park
Long Point State Park is quite small but that is where it truly gets it’s charm. The point allows for visitors to spread out in this park, rather than crowd one another.
Owasco Lake
Emerson Park
Emerson Park is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful parks in the Finger Lakes. There are so many benches spread throughout the park set in the most scenic locations that allow visitors to find serenity in the gorgeous surroundings.
Skaneateles Lake
Clift Park
There are several parks along the north end of Skaneateles Lake, Clift Park and Thayer Park. Even though these parks are actually in heart of the town of Skaneateles, the views they provide are completely breathtaking.
Thayer Park
Scott Park Boat Launch
Quite off the beaten path, this bench sits on the inlet of Skaneateles Lake. When there isn’t a great deal of boating traffic trying to get out on the Lake, this is quite a tranquil spot.
Otisco Lake
Otisco Lake Park
If I were searching for the one place in the Finger Lake to sit back and enjoy a good book in the shade of a tree and next to a lovely lake, Otisco Lake Park would be the place.
Otisco Lake Preserve
This bench isn’t just a beautiful place to sit and enjoy the scenery, it is also a lifesaver when you are crawling back up the hill. If you are up for the challenge, this is a stunning destination where visitors can stroll the shore of Otisco Lake.
Along Lake Ontario in the Finger Lake Region
Webster Pier
Nothing is quite as tranquil as watching the sink into Lake Ontario at sunset. The sunsets at Webster Pier are truly amazing.
B Forman Park
This park has such a wide open area on Lake Ontario that you can catch both a sunrise and sunset from the same bench (if you sit there long enough).
Pultneyville
If you happened to be following the seaway trail through the town of Pultneyville, there are two very small town parks along the road. We have seen some of the best sunrises from here.
Sodus Point
We think this bench is so great we could help but add two pictures of it. It is set right at the top of a hill and overlooks Sodus Bay. The sunrises here are out of this world.
Sodus Bay Lighthouse
Come to see the historic lighthouse, stay to for the stunning view of Sodus Bay.
Chimney Bluffs
Chimney Bluffs is one of New York States’ most unusual and unique destinations. Take a seat on this serene bench and enjoy a perfect view of not only Lake Ontario but the Bluffs in the distance.
Fair Haven Beach State Park
Visit this lovely state park on Lake Ontario. This park has a huge beach and an extra-long pier, perfect for birdwatching or just enjoying the beauty of the Lake.
Sterling Nature Center
Quite easily one of our favorite parks on Lake Ontario. There are so many different habitats here, you can take your pick of a relaxing setting.
Fort Ontario
This historic fort has a phenomenal view of Lake Ontario. Take a stroll around the fort and utilize one of the benches to appreciate the stunning scenery.
More Places in the Finger Lakes Region
Honeoye Falls
We love waterfalls (if you couldn’t tell) so having the opportunity to sit, relax and zen out to one is always welcome.
Rotary Park
This is one of those places where sitting quietly on the creek can pay off. The is so much wildlife you can spot in this park, including otters.
Indian Fort Nature Preserve
Indian Fort Nature Preserve is a wonderful hike through the woods. There is lots of serenity to be had here in the ancient forest and deep-cut ravines.
Tinker Nature Park
There are plenty of benches to choose from throughout this magnificent park. The majority of the paths in this park run through the woods, and there are lots of places to sit and enjoy the serene beauty.
Do you enjoy sitting in peaceful settings? What is your favorite scenic destination? We are constantly exploring and finding all sorts of new places. We will be updating this list as we come across new serenity benches. Do you know of any that aren’t on our list? We would love to hear from you. Please leave us a comment below.