Situated midway between Rochester and Syracuse on Routes 5 & 20, Geneva feels like the center of the Finger Lakes region. A one-hour drive from Rochester, the city sits on the north shore of Seneca Lake and is known for its agricultural and food science innovations. It is home to the Viticulture and Wine Center at FLCC and Cornell AgriTech. Visitors to Geneva can experience these innovations at local restaurants and wineries.
Plan Your Day Trip to Geneva
Breakfast
You can enjoy a delicious meal at Water Street Cafe, Monaco’s Coffee, Captain’s Cafe, or Bagels & Cakes.
Morning
Park at the Finger Lakes Welcome Center and walk along the north shore through Seneca Lake State Park. The walk to the sprayground is a little over two miles, so trek as far as you like before returning to the welcome center, where you can snap a photo with the giant I Love New York sign.
Lunch
Visit the historic district for some delicious food and drinks at Beef and Brew, Char Burrito Bar, FLX Fry Bird, Parker’s Grille, or The Elephant. Check out Stonecutter’s Tavern at Belhurst Castle for a more formal setting. Besides their regular menu, they also have a wine, beer, and hard cider tasting room.
Afternoon
Experience the history of Geneva by joining a guided tour of Rose Hill Mansion on the northeast side of Seneca Lake. Then head to Three Brothers Wineries & Estates, home to Stony Lonesome Wine Cellars, Passion Feet Wine Barn, Bagg Dare Wine Company, and War Horse Brewing Co., for an afternoon of wine and beer tastings. Before dinner, walk along South Main Street to see the historic rowhouses across from Pulteney Park and down Seneca Street to discover colorful murals, beautiful architecture, and the historic Smith Opera House. Linden Street has a European atmosphere on Friday and Saturday nights when the Herringbone brick road is closed to vehicles. Visitors can enjoy outdoor dining, live music, and dancing at innovative food and drink establishments.
Dinner
Select from among the exceptional restaurants on Seneca or Linden Streets, like FLX Table, Halsey’s, The Rusty Pig, Eddie O’Brien’s Grille & Bar, or the speakeasy at Vinifera. Also, consider the Ports Cafe on West Lake Road, Ichiro Japanese Restaurant or Cosentino’s Ristorante on Exchange Street, Anorah on Castle Street, and Kindred Fare on US Route 20. Enjoy an exquisite meal at Geneva on the Lake, which offers stunning views of Seneca Lake and beautifully manicured gardens.
Evening
The Linden Social Club and Microclimate Wine Bar are intimate spaces to enjoy a creative cocktail or local wine. Alternatively, you can take a sunset stroll down Long Pier with a refreshing wine slushy or a delicious scoop of Gifford’s ice cream from Long Pier Ice Cream & Rentals.
Signature Events
Cruisin’ Night
mid-July
Spend a warm Friday evening downtown at the city of Geneva’s longest-running event. Marvel at over 100 classic cars while enjoying food, wine, beer, shopping, and live music on multiple stages. The streets around Seneca Street are closed for this pedestrian-friendly block party. Seneca Street
Glorious Garlic Festival
early August
This three-day garlic-centric event features food, wine, beer, cooking demonstrations, music, and art along Seneca Lake’s shoreline. Lakefront Park
Google Map of Locations
Explore More
Hammondsport offers a charming getaway brimming with scenic beauty, delicious dining, unique shopping, and exceptional wines.
Seneca Falls, on historic Route 5 and 20, is the birthplace of the Women’s Rights movement and is the inspiration for It’s a Wonderful Life.
Of the five Finger Lakes closest to Rochester, Canandaigua Lake and the city’s historic downtown have the most to offer visitors.
The heart of the village of Watkins Glen is the 1.5-mile-long gorge, a truly breathtaking and awe-inspiring showcase of nature’s beauty.
These day trips are filled with carefully chosen options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as memorable experiences and events.
24 Hidden Places Around Rochester
From secret gardens to enchanting waterfalls, exploring hidden places around the Rochester area is the ultimate way to add some spice to your travel experiences.
🍦The Best Ice Cream Shops Around Rochester
These top ice cream and frozen dessert shops in charming villages and city neighborhoods turn a simple scoop into an artisanal delight.
132 Things to Do Around Rochester
We’ve pulled together a list of fun and unique things to do around Rochester, NY, within two hours of home—perfect for quick getaways.
Where are your favorite places to visit in Geneva, NY?
Your insights and experiences are valuable. Please share them in the comments.
People often ask me if I get free access to places while exploring. The answer is no unless I’m invited to previews or granted behind-the-scenes access as part of my media role. Generally, I don’t mention my project, Day Trips Around Rochester, NY, because I want the same experience you would have. I create and share content simply because it brings me joy. I would appreciate your support—a cup of coffee or two to help fuel future field trips—if you have found valuable information here that has helped you explore the Rochester area.
