10 Things Worth Doing Around Keuka Lake, New York

Nothing quite compares to summertime in the Finger Lakes! And Keuka Lake might just be one of my favorites. From incredible wineries and unique experiences to beautiful lake views around every corner, there are so many things worth doing around Keuka Lake this season. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or just a day trip, here are 10 of my favorite things to do around Keuka Lake that I think everyone should experience.

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Where is Keuka Lake?

Keuka Lake is located in the heart of New York’s Finger Lakes region, surrounded by rolling vineyards, charming small towns, and some of the state’s most beautiful scenery. Thanks to its central location, it’s an easy road trip from many parts of New York, making it the perfect destination for a weekend getaway.

Approximate driving times:

Buffalo: 2 hours
Rochester: 1.5 hours
Syracuse: 2 hours
Albany: 4 hours
New York City: 5.5–6 hours

If you’re driving, getting to Keuka Lake is relatively straightforward. From most major cities in New York, you’ll take the New York State Thruway before connecting to scenic state highways that wind through the Finger Lakes countryside. There are several access points around the lake, but many visitors choose to base themselves in either Penn Yan, Hammondsport, or Branchport, depending on what they’d like to explore.

Looking for more Finger Lakes Guides? Read one of these next:

The 10 Best Things to Do Around Keuka Lake

Here are 10 things you will not want to miss when visiting Keuka Lake

1. Stay & Dine at the Park Inn

The Park Inn is located right in the charming town of Hammondsport, and this town feels like you’ve walked onto a movie set. It’s been voted “America’s Coolest Small Town,” and after spending some time here, it’s easy to see why! The Park Inn is right in the center of all of the action. It’s a gorgeous all-suites hotel, with beautifully designed, spacious rooms, and so comfortable to come back to after a day of exploring. I really appreciate the sleek, and modern amenities while still keeping some old-school charm.

One of the best parts about staying here is that right outside of its door is the Park Inn restaurant, one of the best restaurants in the area! Their menu focuses on fresh, farm-to-table ingredients, so the dishes are intentional, well-thought-out, and unbelievably delicious! This is a meal I’m still thinking about a week later!

2. Have Cocktails at Black Sheep Distillery

If you’d like a break from the wineries—or if wine just isn’t your thing—make your way to Black Sheep Distillery. This veteran-owned and operated New York State farm distillery sits just a few miles from Keuka Lake and crafts its spirits on-site using New York-grown ingredients. Even better, a portion of its profits supports veterans and their families, making it a place with a meaningful mission as well as exceptional cocktails.

Right when you arrive, you’ll be greeted by the welcoming committee: two adorable dogs who are just as excited to see you as the staff. The atmosphere is incredibly warm and inviting, and I can absolutely see why locals become regulars here. If you peek into the back, you’ll catch a glimpse of the distilling equipment where everything is made on-site. There are plenty of outdoor seating areas that are perfect for a warm summer evening, and I had one of the best Old Fashioneds of my life here!

3. Go Horseback Riding & Wine Tasting at Living Roots

Looking for a unique way to experience Keuka Lake wine country? From May through October, Living Roots partners with Mountain Rose Farm to offer horseback rides through the vineyards, and it’s an experience I can’t recommend enough. As you ride, you’ll learn a little about the vineyard while taking in beautiful, sweeping views of Keuka Lake. The ride is incredibly peaceful, and whether it’s your first time on a horse or it’s been years (like it had for me), the guides do a wonderful job of making sure everyone feels comfortable.

After your ride, you’ll head into Living Roots to enjoy a wine flight of your choosing paired with a small charcuterie board. Between the gorgeous setting, delicious wines, and unique experience, this was easily one of the highlights of my trip and something that makes a visit to Keuka Lake even more memorable!

4. Explore Stony Brook State Park

In my opinion, Stony Brook is one of the most underrated state parks in New York. While places like Watkins Glen tend to get all the attention, Stony Brook is every bit as beautiful, with scenic walking trails, charming stone bridges, cascading waterfalls, and plenty of peaceful spots to simply slow down and enjoy nature. The park’s dramatic gorge is the centerpiece, making it a must-visit for anyone exploring the Finger Lakes!

Beyond the hiking trails, Stony Brook is also a wonderful place to spend an afternoon. During the summer, visitors can cool off in the park’s stream-fed swimming area when lifeguards are on duty, enjoy a picnic under the trees, or let the kids burn off some energy at the playground. It is truly the perfect stop for the whole family!

5. Take a Yoga Class at Grace Farm

Yoga has been a part of my life for over a decade, so when I found out I could take a class while visiting Keuka Lake, I was beyond excited. Grace Farm is honestly one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever practiced. Nestled on an apple orchard overlooking the lake, the setting is incredibly peaceful, and the studio itself feels like a true sanctuary. It’s the perfect place to slow down and reconnect while taking in the beauty of the Finger Lakes.

Owner and instructor Lauren has created such a welcoming space, and her passion for building community shines through in every class. She is also such an incredible, inspiring woman! It’s impossible to leave her class not feeling more inspired yourself. Grace Farm offers a variety of yoga classes throughout the week, as well as seasonal outdoor classes and special events, so there’s something for all experience levels. If you’d like to attend, be sure to check the schedule on their website and reserve your spot ahead of time, especially during the busy summer season.

6. Wine Tasting at Point of the Bluff

One thing Keuka Lake certainly doesn’t have a shortage of is wineries! Every time I visit, I make a point to try somewhere new, and there’s always one that really stands out. This trip, it was Point of the Bluff Vineyards. Housed in a beautifully restored historic schoolhouse, the tasting room has such a cozy, welcoming atmosphere while showcasing a fantastic selection of estate-grown Finger Lakes wines.

Beyond the wine, Point of the Bluff has become one of the area’s premier summer destinations. Spend some time enjoying the beautiful outdoor patio overlooking the vineyards, then check their event calendar before your visit. Throughout the summer, they host everything from weekly farmers markets with live music to an incredible outdoor concert series featuring nationally touring artists, making it the perfect place to spend an afternoon or evening around Keuka Lake.

7. Create Your Own Custom Bouquet at Poppysea

This may have been one of the most unique things I did around Keuka Lake, and it was such a special experience. PoppySea Floristry, located right in the heart of Hammondsport, is one of those places that immediately makes you smile the moment you walk through the door. Surrounded by beautiful blooms and whimsical details, it honestly feels like you’ve stepped into a fairytale. Owner Kelsea has created such a warm, welcoming space, and her creativity and talent are evident in every corner of the studio.

One of the most fun experiences she offers is the chance to create your own custom bouquet. You don’t need any prior experience—Kelsea guides you through the entire process, helping you choose flowers, colors, and textures that complement one another. I ended up creating a gorgeous arrangement with different shades of green and pops of white roses, and I was so proud to take it home. If you’re looking for something a little different from the typical winery itinerary, this is such a memorable way to spend an afternoon.

8. Get Pastries at Vern’s Bakery

A morning around Keuka Lake isn’t complete without a freshly baked pastry and a good cup of coffee, and that’s exactly what you’ll find at Vern’s. Before I visited, several locals told me to get there early because things sell out fast, and they weren’t kidding! Just minutes after the doors opened, people were already streaming in, and it was easy to see why.

The countertops are filled with just about every baked good you can imagine, from flaky croissants and buttery danishes to giant cinnamon rolls and seasonal specialties. Honestly, it felt nearly impossible not to order one of everything!

9. Wine Tasting at Domaine LeSeurre

Domaine LeSeurre is another winery that completely won me over and one I would revisit in a heartbeat. Perched high above Keuka Lake, the views alone are worth the visit, but it was their wine and cheese pairing experience that really made it stand out. Everything we tasted was exceptional, and the staff member leading my tasting was incredibly knowledgeable, making the entire experience feel personal and educational.

One of my favorite things about Domaine LeSeurre is its story. Owners Céline and Sébastien LeSeurre are originally from France, where Sébastien comes from a sixth-generation winemaking family. They brought their French winemaking traditions to the Finger Lakes, creating a winery that perfectly blends Old World expertise with the unique terroir of Keuka Lake. It’s such a special place, and I love that you can experience a little taste of France right here in New York.

10. Have Lunch at Village Tavern

There are so many incredible places to eat around Keuka Lake, but Village Tavern is one that really stands out. Located right in the heart of Hammondsport, this beloved restaurant has been a local landmark for nearly 50 years. It’s now owned by Buffalo native Chris Metz and his partner Julie Vargo, who have continued building on its reputation while introducing fresh ideas and an elevated take on comfort food.

It’s the kind of place where you walk in expecting classic tavern fare and leave talking about one of the best meals of your trip. Chef Dave Tarr has created a menu that blends upscale comfort food with Cajun-Creole influences. If you’re visiting later in the week, don’t miss their rotating four-course tasting menu, and if your trip falls on a weekend, their brunch and famous Bloody Marys are also worth planning around.

Enjoy Your Time on Keuka Lake!

I hope this post has inspired you to spend some time exploring beautiful Keuka Lake this summer and has given you plenty of ideas for making the most of your visit. It truly is one of the Finger Lakes’ hidden gems, with breathtaking scenery, charming small towns, and so much to experience. If you have any questions or your own favorite Keuka Lake recommendations, I’d love to hear them in the comments below. Happy travels!