Home to eleven breathtaking glacial lakes, New York’s Finger Lakes region is made for unforgettable summer days on the water. And there’s no better place to launch your Finger Lakes adventures than Ithaca, located right on the southern shoreline of Cayuga Lake. Spend your afternoons boating, cooling off at local beaches, casting a line for trout, or paddling through calm, peaceful stretches of water.
After a day on the water, continue your adventures at La Tourelle Inn & Spa. Immerse yourself in the lush landscapes of our 15-acre resort and enjoy direct access to the trailhead at Buttermilk Falls State Park. Then, ease your tired muscles at August Moon Spa, refuel with a delicious meal at The Lounge, and unwind around the campfire at Firelight Camps with a drink from the bar. Plus enjoy live music at both Firelight and La Tourelle throughout the summer.
Discover the best ways to experience Cayuga Lake this summer and make our Ithaca inn your home base for it all!
Accessing Cayuga Lake from La Tourelle
Because Cayuga Lake is the longest of the Finger Lakes, there are plenty of ways to get out on the water. Here are a few convenient access points near La Tourelle we recommend:
- Stewart Park is the closest option, just five miles from the inn. Amenities include a paved waterfront trail, paddlecraft launches, a pier, a picnic pavilion, a playground, and a vintage carousel.
- Taughannock Falls State Park is one of the most popular spots to access the lake, located 13 miles from La Tourelle. It features a dramatic 215-foot waterfall, gorge and rim hiking trails, a lakeside beach for swimming, picnic areas, and a boat launch.
- Myers Park is located on the eastern shore of Cayuga Lake in Lansing, approximately 13 miles from the inn. Amenities include a swimming beach, boat launch, campground, picnic areas, and fishing access.
- Allan H. Treman State Marine Park is located five miles from La Tourelle. Amenities include extensive boat launches, marina slips, shoreline fishing access, picnic areas, and walking/biking paths along the waterfront.
Things to Do on Cayuga Lake
Relax at the Beach and Cool Down in the Water
Head to Cayuga Lake’s lovely swimming beaches and cool down from the summer heat. Taughannock Falls State Park has one dedicated swimming beach, with seasonal lifeguards and monitored swimming areas for extra safety. On the east side of the lake, Myers Park has another fantastic swimming area with lifeguards on duty.
Get Out on the Water by Boat
The long and narrow shoreline of Cayuga Lake makes it perfect for all kinds of boating. Rent a motorboat from one of the many local outfitters and launch from Allan H. Treman State Marine Park or Taughnanock Falls State Park. If you prefer to have someone else take you around, several boat tours are available from places like Discover Cayuga Lake.
Paddle at Your Own Pace
Explore Cayuga Lake at your own pace on a scenic paddling adventure. Rent a canoe or kayak from Taughannock Falls State Park, Myers Park, or Stewart Park and launch from the same location. Plan your paddling route along the Blueway Trail and find options for every skill level.
Cast a Line and Go Fishing
Cayuga Lake is one of the best fishing lakes in the Finger Lakes. Bring a fishing rod on your boat rental or cast your line from the pier at Stewart Park to target species like lake trout, smallmouth bass, and northern pike. Or sign up for a charter with In-Depth Fishing Adventures for the ultimate day on the water.
Explore the Shores of Cayuga Lake
While much of the fun happens on the water, there is plenty of fun to be had along the shores of Cayuga Lake as well. Drive a portion of the Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway and cruise past views of the lake, its shores, woodland landscapes, and natural attractions. Stop along the way and grab a drink at one of the many wineries along the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail. On Saturdays and Sundays, check out the Ithaca Farmers Market on Cayuga Inlet and shop from local vendors.
Book Your Summer Stay at Our Finger Lakes Resort
Whether you’re interested in boating, swimming, fishing, or following the wine trail, Cayuga Lake offers endless ways to enjoy the season just minutes from La Tourelle Inn & Spa. Book your summer getaway at La Tourelle Inn & Spa and enjoy the perfect basecamp for Finger Lakes adventures. Stay in our guest rooms at the inn or opt for one of our glamping tents at Firelight Camps. However you stay, you’ll find the perfect balance of adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty waiting for you at our Ithaca spa resort!