Get Your FREE Ultimate Weekend Packing Cheat Sheet!

collage of photos of Watkins Glen, NY
Picture of Anna Marie

Anna Marie

What To Do in Watkins Glen, New York

A Pull Over and Let Me Out Day Trip to Watkins Glen, NY
A woman sipping coffee outside
Hi, I’m Anna Marie. I’m a wife, mother, Irish dancer, and pug mom living in North Carolina. I also love to travel. Come along for the ride! If you see something you like, don’t be afraid to say, ‘Pull over and let me out.’

Watkins Glen, New York is a delightful hamlet in the Finger Lakes region of the Empire State. The town most renowned for its annual NASCAR and musical events is a terrific base for exploring the scenic area. Tucked on the banks of Seneca Lake, the deepest of the Finger Lakes, the village offers a variety of activities, attractions and plenty of small town character visitors will enjoy. Here is a Pull Over and Let Me Out look at what to do in Watkins Glen, New York.

Watkins Glen State Park

Waterfall and stone arch at Watkins Glen State Park in New York - PullOverAndLetMeOut
One of the 19 iconic waterfalls at Watkins Glen State Park

Watkins Glen State Park is the most famous of the Finger Lakes State Parks and it does not disappoint. The sheer number of waterfalls alone is breath-taking and makes a visit an absolute must. Follow the gorge path and feel the water spray as you wind your way past the 19 waterfalls.

The focal point of this popular natural attraction is the 400- foot deep narrow gorge cut through rock by a stream. This wonder of nature, dating back to the ice ages, is a spectacular attraction. The pathways are well maintained and relatively easy to navigate. The view from the bridge above the gorge is magnificent.

In addition to the stunning beauty of the gorge and cascading waterfalls, Watkins Glen State Park offers multiple amenities. Visitors can choose from a range of activities including biking, hiking, camping, playgrounds, dining, a gift shop, and more.

Watkins Glen State Park is located at the south end of Seneca Lake in Schuyler County. Opened in 1863, as a privately run tourist resort, ownership was taken over by the State of New York in 1906 and has been run by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Preservation since 1924. The iconic waterfalls and scenery make a great itinerary item for a fun-filled day or longer in Watkins Glen.

View looking down from the gorge at Watkins Glen State Park of people on walkway.
A view from atop the gorge at Watkins Glen State Park
Cascading waterfall at Watkins Glen State Park in New York. PullOverAndLetMeOUt
"Within two miles, the glen's stream descends 400 feet past 200-foot cliffs"

Sail the 'True Love' on Seneca Lake

Watkins Glen is situated on the banks of Seneca Lake where the schooner, True Love is docked. Commissioned in 1925, the True Love sailed rivers, canals, the Caribbean Sea, and Atlantic Ocean before sailing home to the Finger Lakes of New York.

Today, True Love is owned and operated by Schooner Excursions and available for public day sailing, as well as private and corporate sailing events. Visitors can set sail on the legendary schooner featured in the films Philadelphia Story and High Society.

 I had the absolute joy of sailing Seneca Lake, a geological wonder by the way, aboard the True Love. Our excursion lasted several hours and was outstanding. It’s an incredible way to experience the Finger Lakes and worth the price of admission. To read more about my trip on the True Love click here.

passengers-True-Love-Seneca-Lake-PullOverAndLetMeOut
Sailing on True Love
PullOver Pro Tip picture

Water activities are abundant in Watkins Glen and surrounding area. Paddle, Fish, Swim, Sail or Cruise Seneca Lake and beyond!

Watkins Glen International

View of Watkins Glen International Raceway track in Watkins Glen, NY
The view of the track at Watkins Glen International
The pit area at Watkins Glen International race track in New York
The pit area at the race track at Watkins Glen, NY

Watkins Glen International, or as it’s better known as The Glen, is synonymous with racing. The legendary track hosts a variety of races throughout the season and is New York’s home for NASCAR each summer. If you’re visiting for a racing event, the Watkins Glen International website features an A-Z list of details to make your visit memorable and hassle-free.

While tours of the facility are not offered, the track is available for special events including the one I attended while in town for a travel writers convention. It was a rush to stand next to the M&M car in Victory Lane, to say the least! Additionally, merchandise can be purchased at their downtown office and it’s there visitors can learn how to “Drive the Glen.” 

Woman standing in front of NASCAR number 18 M&M car
Pretty impressive! That's NASCAR champ Kyle Busch's number 18 M&M's car.

Downtown Watkins Glen

The town of Watkins Glen is idyllic. Park the car on Franklin Street and travel the main downtown area on foot. Quaint streets dotted with shops, boutiques, and restaurants make it a picture postcard village worth exploring.

While in town, I had the pleasure of visiting Rooster Fish Pub. The happy craft brewery not only serves small batch beers and seasonal brews, it’s also a pub offering all the pub grub classics. Burgers, sandwiches, nachos, and poutine made of fresh ingredients make the perfect pairing with a cold brew.

In addition to the abundant dining choices in downtown Watkins Glen, there are several yummy places to get desserts or other tasty treats. Ice Cream fans will have their choice of several shops including The Great Escape Ice Cream Parlor and Colonial Inn & Creamery, both located on Franklin Street.

Customers ordering at the bar at Rooster Fish Pub in Watkins Glen, New York
Rooster Fish Pub serves delicious pub grub and craft beer.
Street art of race cars on a building in Watkins Glen, NY
Watkins Glen's racing heritage can be seen in the street art downtown.
Two small glasses of beer for sampling at Rooster Fish Pub in Watkins Glen NY
Seasonal brews are on tap at Rooster Fish Pub

Lakewood Vineyards

The Finger Lakes Region (FLX) is famous for its wine. Hence, a visit to one of the more than 100 wineries in the region is in order. We visited Lakewood Vineyards in Watkins Glen where we enjoyed a stunning view of the vineyards and Seneca Lake while sampling delicious award-winning wines. The vineyards have deep roots dating back to the early 1950s when the Stamp family first planted vines. The popular grapes at the time were primarily for grape juice and large wineries. In the 1980s, the family diversified and planted several new varieties of grapes with the vision of one day crafting their own wines.

Lakewood Vineyards Winery opened in 1989 and today, three generations of the Stamp family staff the award-winning winery. They offer a range of wine tasting opportunities and tours as well as the chance to purchase their wines at the winery or online. It’s a relaxing locale and pleasant pairing to sample wine while breathing the fresh air and drinking in the scenery. I enjoyed their wine so much, I picked up a bottle of their Bubbly Candeo to take home. (If you get there, be sure to taste it, yum!) 

a glass of white wine in front of flowers and a scenic mountain backdrop
Sip award-winning wine in serenity
Rows of grapes in a vineyard.
Explore the vineyards at Lakewood Vineyards
Lakewood Vineyards sign over door in Watkins Glen, NY
Lakewood Vineyards in Watkins Glen

Final Thoughts

Watkins Glen, New York is one of those places I wish I’d had a little more time. While I did get to see and enjoy several of the top tourist attractions in the area, I came away wishing I’d been able to dive deeper into the history and natural history of this scenic part of New York.

 This is a glimpse into a day trip to Watkins Glen, but if possible and should your agenda permit, I’d recommend spending a couple days in order to fully experience Watkins Glen and surroundings. More time is preferable especially if your objective is to get outdoors and enjoy nature. Outdoor enthusiasts will revel in the number of campsites and cabin rentals and the wide range of adventures available. Perhaps the question isn’t, what to do in Watkins Glen, New York? But rather, where to begin? 

  • This was written during COVID-19 so some activities/events may currently be suspended. Be sure to research before traveling.
Walkway leading to the waterfall and gorge at Watkins Glen State Park

Hey Pinners, Pin This For Later!

► Plan Your Trip to Watkins Glen Now!

It makes it simple to plan your trip.   We’ve pre-filled the destination from the article and if there are multiple places mentioned in the article, we’ve put the one that is best used as your base to see all of the places mentioned.

Just select I’M STAYING and enter the travel dates and hit SEARCH.  It automatically uses the first place in the article.  

For a multi-day trip, if you stay near that location, you should be able to use it as your base.

Super simple.  Just click on the pencil and enter the name of any place mentioned in the story.  Or you can enter any address or even the name of a company if you are mixing business and pleasure.

Just click I’M DRIVING and you can see how long it will take, get driving directions and even rent a car if you need one.

Yes, we guarantee the best published rates on hotels.  Click on the link for BEST RATE 110% GUARANTEE for details.

Share your experiences  

Hey pinners, save this for pinning after your trip

After you get back from your trip, please use these images to post to social media or post your own photos.  Please tag us on your post #pulloverandletmeout
 
You can also use the social sharing links on the SmartTrip tool.
 

Read More!

a cover photo for a blog post about Dahlonega GA

Five Fun Things to Do in Dahlonega, Georgia

Tucked away in scenic north Georgia is the historic town of Dahlonega. The site of the nation’s first major gold rush in 1828-29, was also the original home of the Cherokee Nation. Today, this picturesque mountain town retains and cherishes its past while inviting visitors to come and experience everything it has to offer. Travel there with PullOverandLetMeOut to learn five fun things to do in Dahlonega, Georgia.

Read More »
cover photo of a red barn surrounded by autumn leaves

Top Travel Essentials for Your Fall Getaway

Fall travel trends often reflect the season’s unique characteristics, such as cooler weather and a shift in popular destinations. Similarly, fall travel requires us to adjust our packing approach. PullOverandLetMeOut shares some of the top travel essentials for your fall getaway.

Read More »

Shop for popular travel gear!

Let’s Get Social!
Click below and join the conversation on social media

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top

FREE Access to Exclusive Travel Tips and Deals

Get the latest travel news, tips & information from PullOverandLetMeOut.com!

Save on Membership with

Coupon LIFECHANGER25

don't leave empty-handed

Get your FREE Ultimate Weekend Packing Cheat Sheet

Happy Travels