Looking for lakeside charm and Finger Lakes flavor? Head to Geneva, NY! Set on the northern tip of Seneca Lake, this vibrant small city is known for wine trails, historic architecture, and farm-to-table cuisine. Whether you're sipping Riesling or strolling the waterfront, Geneva blends natural beauty with modern flair.
When I like to visit
The best time to visit Geneva is from late spring through fall (May to October). Enjoy warm weather for lake activities, wine tastings, and colorful foliage drives. Harvest season in September is especially scenic and flavorful.
Tips for getting There
- By Car: Geneva is easily accessible via I-90 and NY-14, about 1 hour from Rochester and 1.5 hours from Syracuse.
- By Train: Amtrak service is available to Rochester or Syracuse, then rent a car to reach Geneva.
- By Air: Fly into Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC) or Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR).
Where I like to stay
- Belhurst Castle – A lakeside castle hotel with elegant rooms, a winery, and spa.
- 41 Lakefront Hotel – Waterfront accommodations with modern amenities and scenic views of Seneca Lake.
- Vinifera Inn at the Ramada – Stylish rooms in the heart of wine country with easy access to downtown Geneva.
Top Attractions
1. Splash, Stroll, or Picnic Lakeside at Seneca Lake State Park
Encompassing just over 140 acres, Seneca Lake State Park is located on the north end of the lake, and it's a wonderful place for year-round outdoor recreation. Amenities include a swimming beach, six pavilions, and plenty of picnic tables, and families with children will also appreciate the playground and the "Sprayground", which features more than 100 water spray jets. Boat launches and two marinas are available for anyone who wants to get out on the water to boat or fish, and when the lake freezes over in the winter, it's an excellent spot for ice fishing.
Address: 1 Lake Front Dr, Geneva, NY 14456 , Phone: 315-789-2331
2. Sip Elegance in Every Glass at Ravines Wine Cellars – Seneca Lake
Ravines Wine Cellars - Seneca Lake was the first winery in the Finger Lakes region to pursue a traditional European winemaking approach, and the tasting room and vineyard on Seneca Lake is their original location. They're best known for their dry white wines, particularly their bone-dry Riesling, but they offer an excellent selection of red and sparkling wines as well. Most of their wines can be sampled in their year-round tasting room, which also serves a small menu of local cheeses, chocolates, and seasonally inspired small plates on most weekends. Tours and elaborate food pairing experiences are available by appointment.
Address: Ravines Wine Cellars, 400 Barracks Rd, Geneva, NY 14456, Phone: 315-781-7007
3. Wander Through Time and Grace at Rose Hill Mansion
Dating back to 1837, the Rose Hill Mansion is a gorgeous Greek Revival home that overlooks Seneca Lake. The mansion was inhabited by the Swan Family between 1850 and 1890, and many of the rooms are furnished just as they would have been during the family's time here.
The mansion is open to the public between the beginning of May and the end of October, and guided tours are offered multiple times a day Tuesday through Sunday. If you want a souvenir, you can stop by the gift shop to pick up an old-fashioned children's game, a historic book, or a local handicraft.
Address: Rose Hill Mansion, 3373 NY-96A, Geneva, NY 14456, Phone: 315-789-3848
4. Savor Scenic Sips at Zugibe Vineyards
Boasting 40 acres of beautiful vineyards home to more than ten different grape varieties, Zugibe Vineyards is a family owned and operated winery that offers a delightful assortment of dry and semi-dry wines. The tasting room is open year-round, and guests can choose between a dry flight and a sweet one.
There's also a seasonal bistro, which is open for dinner on Thursdays and lunch on Saturdays between late May and the end of September. Live music is held on these Thursday evenings as well, and guests are welcome to bring a blanket and relax on the lawn with a glass of wine or beer.
Address: Zugibe Vineyards, 4248 E Lake Rd, Geneva, NY 14456, Phone: 315-585-6402
5. Catch a Show in Historic Style at the Smith Opera House
Originally known as the Geneva Theater, the Smith Opera House has been the heart of the community's arts scene since it was built in 1894, and it's immediately recognizable thanks to its elegant brick exterior.
The building has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1979, and the ornate interior has been carefully restored to its original grandeur, giving visitors the feeling that they've truly stepped back in time. A variety of different live performances are held here, including live music, children's plays, and dance shows, and there's also a historic movie theater that sometimes screens films.
Address: Smith Opera House, 82 Seneca St, Geneva, NY 14456, Phone: 315-781-5483
6. Toast Tuscan Vibes at Ventosa Vineyard’s Lakeside Escape
Located on a gorgeous 65-acre property overlooking Lake Seneca, Ventosa Vineyard is an Italian-style winery that aims to make visitors feel like they've been transported to Tuscany.
Dry red wines crafted according to Old World traditions are their specialty, but they also offer some excellent white wines and sweet dessert wines, and many of their wines are made entirely with grapes grown right in their own vineyards. The tasting room and bistro are open year-round, and live music performances are held once a week, although tastings aren't available after 5 p.m. on live music nights.
Address: Ventosa Vineyard , 3440 NY-96A, Geneva, NY 14456, Phone: 315-719-0000
7. Uncork Small-Batch Charm at Billsboro Winery
Specializing in dry vinifera wines, Billsboro Winery is owned and operated by a husband and wife team with a serious passion for wine. Their tasting room is housed inside a historic barn surrounded by majestic walnut trees, and guests are always welcome to stop by during opening hours to sample some wines and learn from the knowledgeable tasting room staff.
Special wine and chocolate tastings are available upon request, and during the summer, a Pizza on the Patio event is held every other week. The winery is open year-round except for a two-week break in early January.
Address: Billsboro Winery, 4760 W Lake Rd, Geneva, NY 14456, Phone: 315-789-9538
8. Raise a Glass of Craft Flavor at Lake Drum Brewing
Made up of a collective of artisan beer makers, Lake Drum Brewing is a unique brewing company that believes in pushing the limits of the craft beer revolution. As a farm brewery, at least 60% of the ingredients for each beer are grown locally, and the company also makes an effort to source all of the ingredients for their ciders from growers in New York State. Their beer portfolio includes everything from sours to IPAs to pale ales, and the ciders range from dry to semi-sweet. The tasting room is open seven days a week, and live music is sometimes played on the weekends.
Address: Lake Drum Brewing, 16 E Castle St, Geneva, NY 14456, Phone: 315-789-1200
Attractions for First Time Visitors
- Seneca Lake State Park – Swim, picnic, or stroll the lakefront trails and enjoy splash pads in summer.
- Belhurst Estate Winery – Taste award-winning wines and craft beers in a historic castle setting.
- Geneva History Museum – Learn about local heritage through exhibits in a preserved 1829 mansion.
- Downtown Geneva – Browse boutiques, galleries, and cafes along historic streetscapes.
- Finger Lakes Wine Trails – Geneva is a gateway to the Seneca Lake Wine Trail, home to dozens of wineries.
Where I Like to Eat
- Kindred Fare – Locally sourced American fare served in a warm, rustic-chic setting.
- Halsey’s Restaurant – Upscale yet relaxed spot known for steaks, seafood, and brick oven pizza.
- Red Dove Tavern – Creative small plates, craft beer, and seasonal cocktails in a cozy downtown space.
Local Events
- Geneva Music Festival (May–June) – Celebrated chamber music and jazz performances at local venues.
- Cruisin' Night and Block Party (June) – Classic car show with live music and family fun downtown.
- Geneva Lakefront Arts Festival (August) – Fine art, crafts, food, and live entertainment by the lake.
Day Trips Within 30 Minutes of Geneva, New York
- Waterloo (10–15 min) – Explore Memorial Day history, outlet shopping, and historic downtown charm.
- Seneca Falls (15–20 min) – Visit the Women’s Rights National Historical Park and canal-side attractions.
- Penn Yan (25–30 min) – Discover lakeside views, boutique wineries, and the scenic Keuka Outlet Trail.
- Canandaigua (25–30 min) – Enjoy Sonnenberg Gardens, lakefront fun, and vibrant shops and dining.
- Dresden (15–20 min) – Hike the Keuka Lake Outlet Trail and explore quiet Finger Lakes wine country.
- Phelps (10–15 min) – Visit rural farm stands, historic homes, and scenic backroads near Geneva.
- Clifton Springs (20–25 min) – Experience a charming spa town with art galleries and serene parks.
- Ovid (25–30 min) – Tour unique wineries and enjoy beautiful Seneca Lake vistas in wine country.
- Romulus (20–25 min) – Discover peaceful lakeside spots and visit wineries or the former Army Depot.
- Manchester (25–30 min) – Browse antique stores or use it as a jumping-off point for local exploring.
- Shortsville (25–30 min) – Dine at cozy local eateries and enjoy relaxed small-town vibes.
- Gorham (20–25 min) – Drive scenic roads, explore farmland, and enjoy proximity to Canandaigua Lake.
- Hall (15–20 min) – Admire wide-open farmland and explore the quiet beauty of this rural hamlet.
Plan Your Trip