Nestled in the heart of Upstate New York lies one of the most coveted, favorited regions of the state- The Finger Lakes. Canandaigua Lake is often hailed as the “Queen of the Finger Lakes” for its pristine waters, majestic scenery, and charming towns. Whether you crave time on the lake, are looking for a taste of the region’s renowned wineries, or you’re chasing after breathtaking views, Canandaigua Lake is the perfect location for a weekend escape.
Growing up in Buffalo, NY, the Finger Lakes has always been a convenient yet exciting getaway destination. Because of its location, it’s very easy to reach from Western and Upstate New York. I’ve visited on numerous occasions and there’s always something new that draws me back. And with eleven lakes making up the Finger Lakes, I imagine I’ll be drawn back many more times!
I visited Canandaigua Lake for the first time in fall of 2023. It immediately stole my heart and became one of my new, favorite Finger Lakes. I spent two days getting to experience the best of what Canandaigua Lake has to offer and I will outline exactly that in this post. Keep reading for how to spend a perfect weekend in this special corner of the Finger Lakes.
Getting There
Canandaigua Lake is a very accessible, easy destination. Because of it’s perfect location in the Finger Lakes region of New York State, it has a close proximity to many cities in Western and Central New York. Below I will list some places with a close enough radius to Canandaigua Lake, making for an ideal weekend getaway:
- Buffalo, NY– 95 miles, 1.5 hour drive
- Rochester, NY– 30 miles, 35 min drive
- Syracuse, NY– 65 miles, 1 hour drive
- Albany, NY– 210 miles, 3 hour drive
For other posts on the Finger Lakes, save one of these for later:
- Visiting The Finger Lakes: A Guide to One of New York’s Most Favorited Regions
- A Perfect Day Trip to Corning, New York
- A Perfect Winter Weekend Itinerary for The Finger Lakes
Plan Your Arrival
Depending on where you’ll be traveling from, plan your arrival time for the late morning or early afternoon. You’ll want to have a full-day so that you can make the most of your time on beautiful Canandaigua Lake!
Day One on Canandaigua Lake
Your first day on Canandaigua Lake is all about seeing the beautiful views, eating delicious food, and exploring the area a bit. It’s the perfect combination of fun and relaxing. Let’s get into it!
Head to Lake View Point Scenic Overlook
For the most picturesque views of Canandaigua Lake, head to the very beautiful Lake View Point Scenic Overlook. Depending on which direction you’re driving from, this overlook could potentially be on your way. There’s a stop off area that comes up pretty quickly, so keep an eye out! There’s a small parking lot, making it a convenient place to get out for a bit and take in the scenery and even some picnic tables for relaxing after a potentially long drive.
Location: 7083 Co Rd 12, Naples, NY
Have Lunch at Old School Cafe
From there, head to Old School Cafe for a late breakfast or early lunch. This 150-year-old structure indeed was a school house, and eventually turned into the most adorable, cozy cafe! It has the most welcoming feel and homey environment, which I immediately felt upon entering and speaking with some regulars about what to order. They offer tons of great breakfast and lunch options (which made for a challenging decision making process), fantastic coffee drinks, and there’s even a bar. Our food came out quickly and you could tell that it was made with love!
Location: 196 N Main St., Naples, NY
Hours: Mon & Tues: Closed, Thurs- Sun: 9am- 2pm
Check into Hotel Canandaigua
Next, head to your hotel to get checked in and settled in. I highly recommend staying at Hotel Canandaigua. This newly opened hotel by Hilton is located at the northern tip of the lake, boasting gorgeous views and easy-to-get-to surrounding areas. Featuring 190 guest rooms and suites, the hotel also has a gorgeous bar and restaurant located inside, an outdoor pool, and beautiful grounds, perfect for morning walks by the lake. The suites are extremely spacious, yet cozy, with a very welcoming feel. You also can’t beat a balcony view overlooking the lake. Interested in staying at Hotel Canandaigua? Book here!
Location: 205 Lakeshore Dr, Canandaigua, NY
Get a Flight at Star Cider
After spending some time relaxing and getting settled in, head to Star Cider. This family run company produces premium hard ciders using local ingredients and 100% NY apples. Star Cider is fun, lively, and perfect for an exciting time out in Canandaigua. They have an extensive cider list including unique seasonal ciders. I personally recommend getting a flight which will allow you to try a variety. Star Cider also houses Neno’s Mexican Food, so you’re always welcome to get some delicious street tacos or nachos along with your cider. And if you happen to be in the area on a Wednesday, make sure to pop in for trivia night! It’s a blast!
Location: 3365 NY-364, Canandaigua, NY
Hours: Mon- Thur: 12pm- 8pm, Fri- Sat: 12pm- 10pm, Sun: 12pm- 10pm
Have Dinner at The Cove
Located right in Hotel Canandaigua is their beautiful restaurant, The Cove. The vibe is very warm and relaxed, yet there’s a definite feel of sophistication. From the lovely flowers and candles placed on each table to the well-thought out cocktail menu, you can tell it’s a place that pays attention to detail. The menu incorporates unique, fresh ingredients in each dish and the service is phenomenal. Dining here is a true culinary experience. It also couldn’t be more convenient ending the night here knowing all you need to do is take an elevator ride up to your room!
Location: 205 Lakeshore Dr, Canandaigua, NY
Hours: Mon- Thur: 7am- 10pm, Fri- Sat: 7am- 11pm
Day Two on Canandaigua Lake
Spend your second day on Canandaigua Lake exploring the culture, history, and beauty of what this charming area has to offer!
Morning By The Water
One of my favorite things about staying at Hotel Canandaigua was being right on the water. Our bedroom balcony overlooked the lake, which was such a lovely view to wake up to. But I also enjoyed spending time walking around the property in the morning, which has perfect lakeside views. There’s a fantastic walking path, gorgeous willow trees, swinging benches to relax on, and a beautiful pier perfect for photo ops!
Check out Downtown Canandaigua
There’s plenty to do in the downtown area of Canandaigua. Stroll along Historic Main street, which is lined with charming shops, boutiques, and restaurants. Head over to the City Pier to take in some scenic views and maybe stumble onto some live music. There’s also a handful of local art galleries and antique shops to enjoy. This is also the perfect area to grab breakfast or an early lunch!
Tour Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion
This New York State Historic Park sits on a 50-acre late nineteenth century Victorian Estate and is a perfect escape for history and architect enthusiasts alike. Here, you’ll be able to tour a Queen Anne-style mansion and nine formal gardens of the world, each with a distinct style and seasonal bloom. The grounds are just as impressive as the property and it truly feels like stepping back in time! You can take either a guided or self guided tour through the property, which served as the grand summer home of Frederick Ferris and Mary Clark Thompson. Afterwards, wander through the impressive greenhouse complex. There’s also a little cafe on the property. Tickets can be purchased in advance here.
Location: 250 Gibson St, Canandaigua, NY
Hours: Thurs- Mon: 9:30am- 4:30pm, Tues- Wed: Closed (Season is from May- Oct.)
Enjoy Your Time on Canandaigua Lake
I hope this post has given you some insight and inspiration as to how to spend your time on lovely Canandaigua Lake. This is such an easy and fun weekend trip idea to add onto a summer or fall bucket list and will surely leave you wanting to go back to the Finger Lakes over and over.Please feel free to leave any questions or comments below and as always, happy travels!
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