Routes 5 and 20 trace one of the most quietly rewarding east–west journeys across the Finger Lakes. Stretching roughly 67 miles from Caledonia to Auburn, this shared corridor passes through historic villages, lakefront cities, and agricultural landscapes shaped by centuries of travel, trade, and settlement.
In many places, Routes 5 and 20 aren’t experienced as a highway at all. They become Main Street or Genesee Street—familiar downtown stretches where drive-ins, inns, parks, museums, and waterfront paths invite you to slow down and explore on foot. The route follows paths established long before cars, connecting communities that still reward curiosity today.
This guide moves west to east, highlighting towns and cities where Routes 5 and 20 offer natural stopping points for day trips—whether you’re following the road end to end or dipping into just one stretch at a time.
Avon
Avon is one of the first places along Routes 5 and 20 where the drive begins to feel like a destination. Centered along Genesee Street near the Genesee River, the village blends classic roadside stops with a walkable downtown and river-adjacent parks.
Things to Do
- Watch a movie at the Vintage Drive-In, a seasonal favorite with deep local roots.
- Walk or picnic at Avon Driving Park.
- Follow the Erie-Attica Rail Trail where it crosses the river just outside the village.
Where to Eat
- Tom Wahl’s for burgers and root beer.
- Avon Inn for casual dining in a restored historic setting.
- Duffy’s Tavern or Avondale Pub for relaxed pub fare.
- Sprinkles Ice Cream Parlor for a classic village stop.
Breweries
Bloomfield
Bloomfield is a quieter stop along Routes 5 and 20, known more for its small-town charm and specialty attractions than for a traditional downtown strip. It’s a good place to slow the pace and explore something unexpected.
Things to Do
- Browse handcrafted pottery at Wizard of Clay.
- Visit the Antique Wireless Museum, home to one of the world’s largest collections of historic radios and communications equipment.
Where to Eat
- Shark’s Ice Cream for a seasonal treat.
Canandaigua
Canandaigua is one of the most dynamic stops along Routes 5 and 20, offering a mix of lakefront recreation, historic estates, cultural attractions, and a lively downtown. Whether you’re here for an afternoon or a full day, it’s a place where plans can easily expand.
Things to Do
- Spend time along Canandaigua Lake at the City Pier or Kershaw Park Beach.
- Tour Sonnenberg Gardens and Mansion State Historic Park, a landmark of the region.
- Visit Granger Homestead, Roseland Waterpark, or the Canandaigua Lady paddlewheel boat.
- Attend a concert at CMAC or Lincoln Hill Farms.
- Follow the Ontario Pathways rail trail where it crosses Routes 5 and 20 in nearby Stanley.
Where to Eat
- New York Kitchen for regional food and wine experiences.
- Rio Tomatlan, Flavors Indian Restaurant, Eric’s Office, Rheinblick German Restaurant, or The Green Front.
- Cheshire Farms Creamery for ice cream.
Breweries & Wineries
- Naked Dove Brewing, Twisted Rail Brewing, Peacemaker Brewing, Bee Hive Brew Pub, Young Lion Brewing.
- New York Kitchen and the Finger Lakes Wine Center tasting rooms.
Geneva
Geneva sits at the northern tip of Seneca Lake and feels distinctly shaped by the water. With a compact downtown, historic neighborhoods, and easy lake access, it’s a natural place to linger.
Things to Do
- Walk the waterfront at Seneca Lake State Park or along the lakefront path.
- Visit Rose Hill Mansion, Smith Opera House, or Bishop Nature Preserve.
- Explore downtown shops and historic streets.
Where to Eat
- Char Burrito Bar, Water Street Cafe, Bagels & Cakes, or Stonecutter’s Tavern at Belhurst Castle
- FLX Table or Geneva on the Lake for a special-occasion meal.
- Ports Cafe, The Rusty Pig, or Eddie O’Briens Grille & Bar for dinner.
- Long Pier Ice Cream along the waterfront.
Breweries & Wineries
- Lake Street Filling Station, Webe Brewing, Lake Drum Brewing, Bottomless Brewing.
- Belhurst Castle and Estate Winery, Ventosa Vineyards, Raymor Estate Cellars Winery.
Waterloo
Waterloo’s identity is closely tied to national history, while still retaining a small-town feel along Routes 5 and 20. It makes for a meaningful, low-key stop between lakefront destinations.
Things to Do
- Visit the National Memorial Day Museum, commemorating the birthplace of Memorial Day.
Where to Eat
- Connie’s Diner or Mac’s Drive-In for classic roadside fare.
- Muranda Cheese Company just outside the village.
Seneca Falls
Seneca Falls blends historic significance with natural beauty, sitting near the outlet of Cayuga Lake and close to the Montezuma wetlands. It’s one of the most layered stops along Routes 5 and 20.
Things to Do
- Explore Cayuga Lake and Cayuga Lake State Park.
- Visit the Women’s Rights National Historic Park, including the Wesleyan Chapel and Elizabeth Cady Stanton.
- Stop at the National Women’s Hall of Fame or the It’s a Wonderful Life Museum.
- Explore Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge nearby.
- Shop at the Historic Route 20 Information Center.
Where to Eat
- Cafe 19, El Bajio Mexican Restaurant, Parker’s on Fall, Penny’s Place, or dining at the Gould Hotel.
Wineries
- Montezuma Winery & Hidden Marsh Distillery.
- Izzo’s White Barn Winery in nearby Cayuga.
Auburn
Auburn marks the eastern end of the Routes 5 and 20 corridor and offers a strong mix of history, culture, and lake access. It’s a fitting place to end the journey—or begin it in reverse.
Things to Do
- Spend time along Owasco Lake at Emerson Park.
- Visit the Seward House Museum, Harriet Tubman Home, Ward W. O’Hara Agricultural Museum, or Willard Memorial Chapel.
- Attend a performance at Merry-Go-Round Playhouse and Rev Theatre Company, or the Public Theater.
- Catch a Auburn Doubledays MLB game or enjoy the Finger Lakes Drive-In nearby.
Where to Eat
Breweries & Wineries
- Next Chapter Brew Pub, Good Shepherds Brewing, Prison City Pub and Brewery.
- CJS Vineyards & Aurelius Winery.
Visitor Resources
Visitor Guides
Wine Trails
Explore More
Explore New York’s Finger Lakes Region
The Finger Lakes region is a popular tourist destination, featuring 11 lakes, charming cities and villages, and scenic farmland.
One hour from Rochester, Penn Yan is a unique day-trip experience due to the significant presence of Old Order Amish and Mennonite communities.
The Village of Skaneateles is the perfect place to get away and enjoy the pace of lake life, surrounded by unique boutiques and restaurants.
Take a drive through the Livingston County countryside to explore charming village Main Streets, historic districts, nature trails and lakes.
Where are your favorite day trips along Routes 5 and 20?
I’d love to hear from you—please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
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Thank you!
Debi
Enjoy the Journey Together!
You forgot LIMA….
What are your favorite things to do in Lima?
Oh, my, Peter! Thank you for the correction!