Swimming Holes

Typically recognized for our 11 Finger Lakes and two Great Lakes, as you drive around the region’s countryside, you’ll find a landscape freckled with bodies of fresh water where locals are boating, fishing, swimming, relaxing, and recharging. On a hot day, you can stand under a waterfall, swim in a lake, or wade through a creek at one of these refreshing natural swimming holes. Most water parks are open between Father’s Day and Labor Day, but please check ahead, as water quality and weather can affect your experience. Unless otherwise noted, swimming is limited to when a lifeguard is on duty and in designated areas.

City of Rochester

Durand Eastman Beach

At Lot A near Horseshoe Road, you will find the designated swimming area along the 5,000-foot sandy Lake Ontario shoreline. 1342 Lakeshore Boulevard

Ontario Beach Park

Head to the sandy beach on Lake Ontario for a refreshing swim. Look for the blue accessibility mat near the bathhouse, which provides a smooth path from the boardwalk to the water’s edge. 4800 Lake Avenue

Monroe County

Hamlin Beach State Park

In Areas Three and Four, look for guarded sandy beaches with bathhouses and concession stands. In Area Three, there is a blue accessibility mat that leads from the paved pathway to the water. Dogs may swim in Lake Ontario at unguarded beaches in Areas One and Five. Admission Fee. 1 Hamlin Beach State Park, Hamlin

Greater Rochester

Darien Lakes State Park

Bring a packed lunch to enjoy on Picnic Island, then swim at Harlow Lake’s sandy beach. Admission Fee. 10475 Harlow Road, Darien Center, Genesee County

Long Point Park

Take a dip in Conesus Lake from the rocky beach on the western shore. 5325 Long Point Park, Geneseo, Livingston County

Deep Run Park

On the eastern shore of Canandaigua Lake, this pocket park offers a small, rocky beach for swimming, complete with a bathhouse. 4300 East Lake Road, Canandaigua, Ontario County

Grimes Glen

Enjoy this two-mile in-and-out creek walk at your own risk to discover two 60-foot waterfalls. 703 Vine Street, Naples, Ontario County

Kershaw Park

The bathhouse and guarded sandy beach are on the north end of Canandaigua Lake near the city pier. Admission fee. 155 Lakeshore Drive, Canandaigua, Ontario County

Onanda Park

Take a dip in Canandaigua Lake from this rocky beach, complete with a bathhouse. Admission fee. 4965 County Route 16, Canandaigua, Ontario County

Sandy Bottom Park Beach

Relax and swim at a guarded beach on Honeoye Lake with a sandy shore and a bathhouse nearby. Jack Evans Drive, Honeoye, Ontario County

Seneca Lake State Park

Besides a sandy, shallow beach, there is a fantastic water sprayground with 100 jets to enjoy. Admission fee. 1 Lake Front Drive, Geneva, Seneca County

Cayuga Lake State Park

A long, narrow, pebbly sand beach offers a place to swim in cool water. Admission fee. 2678 Lower Lake Road, Seneca Falls, Seneca County

Sampson State Park

Enjoy this small, sandy beach with a bathhouse on Seneca Lake. Admission fee. 6040 New York State Route 96A, Romulus, Seneca County

Sodus Point Beach Park

You’ll find a sandy Lake Ontario beach next to the pier, with concessions and a bathhouse. 7598 First Street, (315) 946-5624, Sodus Point, Wayne County

Keuka Lake State Park

The park offers a large sandy beach and bathhouse at the north end of Keuka Lake. Admission fee. 3560 Pepper Road, Keuka Park, Yates County

Surrounding Counties

Allegany State Park

At Quaker and Red House Lakes, you’ll find sandy beaches to swim from, with bathhouses nearby. Admission fee. 2373 ASP, US-1, Salamanca, Cattaraugus County

Beaver Island State Park

The thought of swimming in the Niagara River may seem daunting because of its proximity to Niagara Falls, just 14 miles downstream. However, visitors can enjoy a sandy swimming beach, kayak launches, trails, and a nature center at the south end of Grand Island. Admission fee. 2136 Oakfield Road, Grand Island, Erie County

Buttermilk Falls State Park

Swim in the stream-fed pool beneath Buttermilk Creek’s lower falls. Admission fee. 106 E. Buttermilk Falls Road, Ithaca, Tompkins County

Cazenovia Lake

Lakeland Park provides a sandy guarded swimming beach, bathhouse, and cartop boat launch. 11 Foreman Street, Cazenovia, Madison County

Clift Park

A set of concrete steps connects the grassy park to the guarded swimming area at Skaneateles Lake. 15 W. Genesee Street, Skaneateles, Onondaga County

Emerson Park

The island, formed by two branches of the Owasco Lake Outlet, features a pebbly sand beach with a bathhouse. This urban park offers walking paths, gardens, and a popular fishing pier, making it an exceptional destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Admission fee. 6877 E. Lake Road, Auburn, Cayuga County

Evangola State Park

Enjoy the sight of towering cliff walls along the Lake Erie shore at this sandy swimming beach with a bathhouse. Admission fee. 10191 Old Lake Shore Road, Irving, Erie County

Fair Haven Beach State Park

At one of the most beautiful locations along Lake Ontario, you can relax on the guarded sandy beach while enjoying the stunning view of the towering shoreline bluffs. Admission fee. 14985 State Park Road, Fair Haven, Cayuga County

Fillmore Glen State Park

Dry Creek offers a refreshing stream-fed pool and a roped-off wading area. Admission fee. 1686 New York State Route 38, Moravia, Cayuga County

Green Lakes State Park

Green Lake, known for its stunning turquoise waters, is a must-see for those seeking a unique swimming experience. At nearly 200 feet deep, this meromictic lake features water that remains crystal clear because of the lack of mixing between its top and bottom layers. Admission fee. 7900 Green Lakes Road, Fayetteville, Onondaga County

Havana Glen

The trail is a short quarter-mile walk along the creek and features stairs attached to the shale wall of the gorge. At the end of the trail, you can wade in McClure Creek and explore under the 60-foot Eagle Cliff Falls. Please note that this is an unguarded area. Admission fee. 135 Havana Glen Road, Montour Falls, Schuyler County

Long Point State Park

Swim in Cayuga Lake from a small grass and stone beachfront. There is a bathhouse available. Admission fee. 2063 Lake Road, Aurora, Cayuga County

Myers Park

View one of the three Cayuga Lake lighthouses beside this small rocky beach. Admission fee. 1 Lansing Park Road, (607) 533-7388, Lansing, Tompkins County

Olcott Beach

Krull Park, on the shores of Lake Ontario, offers a small sandy beach perfect for a fun day trip with the little ones. The beach is next to the Lakeview Village Shops and Olcott Carousel Park, and there is also a splash pad across the street. Olcott, Niagara County

Oneida Shores County Park

Oneida Shores offers a shallow, sandy beach with a dedicated section for inflatables and a convenient bathhouse. Admission fee. 9400 Bartell Road, Brewerton, Onondaga County

Robert H. Treman State Park

Swim in a stream-fed pool beneath Enfield Glen’s waterfall. The diving board is the most popular amenity. Admission fee. 105 Enfield Falls Road, Ithaca, Tompkins County

Rushford Lake

Enjoy swimming at the public beach across from Rush Creek Road at the southern tip of the lake. Caneadea, Allegany County

Sandy Island Beach State Park

As one of the few west-facing beaches along Lake Ontario, Sandy Island Beach is as lovely as the name implies. It is known for being the only significant freshwater dune site in the northeast United States, according to the New York State Parks website. Visitors can enjoy amenities such as a bathhouse and concessions near the parking area and reach the guarded swimming beach using a boardwalk system that protects the dunes and beach grass. Admission fee. 3387 County Route 15, Pulaski, Oswego County

Stony Brook State Park

Swim in the sectioned-off pool of this cold, refreshing creek. Wading is not allowed in the rest of the gorge. Admission fee. 10820 New York State Route 36, Dansville, Steuben County

Sylvan Beach

The swimming beach at Oneida Lake is near the Coney Island–inspired Sylvan Beach Amusement Park. It is a sandy beach, perfect for swimming. 808 Marina Drive, Sylvan Beach, Oneida County

Taughannock Falls State Park

Swim to a floating dock on Cayuga Lake from the narrow, pebbly sand beach. There is a bathhouse and concession stand nearby. Admission fee. 1740 Taughannock Boulevard, Trumansburg, Tompkins County

Verona Beach State Park

Enjoy a splash pad and a sandy, shallow swimming beach on Oneida Lake. Admission fee. 6541 Lakeshore Road S., Verona Beach, Oneida County

Wilson-Tuscarora State Park

You’ll find this small pebble beach with a bathhouse along a thin band of Lake Ontario shoreline. Admission fee. 3371 W. Lake Road, Wilson, Niagara County, Wilson

Woodlawn Beach State Park

Experience a mile-long sand beach on Lake Erie with a bathhouse and concession stands in the presence of massive wind turbines along the shore south of Buffalo. Admission fee. 3580 Lake Shore Road, Blasdell, Erie County

Google Map of Swimming Hole Locations

View the map separately here.

Where are your favorite swimming holes around Rochester?

I’d love to hear from you—please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.