It's summertime and the water is calling. With dozens of lakes, waterways and rivers sprawling throughout the Syracuse area, it's easier than ever to get your boat in the water, rent your preferred vessel, reserve a dinner cruise, catch a concert dockside, hit up the coolest waterfront attractions and experience why Syracuse sizzles in the summer.
ONONDAGA LAKE & RIVERWAYS
WHERE TO LAUNCH
Onondaga Lake Park Marina & Boat Launch
Located within Onondaga Lake Park, this marina hosts the only paved, public boat launch on Onondaga Lake. Operating sunrise to sunset April 15 - October 31, this launch offers daily boat/personal watercraft launches for $10, as well as discounted senior prices, seasonal launch passes, ample vehicle and trailer parking & more. 99 Vine Street, Liverpool
Kenneth P. Lynch Boat Launch at Honeywell's Onondaga Lake Visitors Center
This new launch spot sits on the southern shore of Onondaga, with free launching for trailered motorboats, canoes, kayaks and paddle boards. Conveniently located near the NYS Fairgrounds and right off Interstate 690, this ramp location offers parking for 30 cars and trailers as well as an accessible fishing platform. 280 Restoration Way, Syracuse
WHERE TO CRUISE OR DOCK
The Winds of Cold Springs Harbor Marina
Situated on the Seneca River near Onondaga Lake, The Winds is a full service marina that is home to 58 dock slips, a fuel dock, inside and outside storage area and a nearby state boat launch. The marina boasts a full service kitchen and outdoor Tiki bar with live music every weekend, all summer long — get your boat in the water and stick around for some tunes, bites and bevs.
Lakeview Point Landing — Amphitheater
Tucked along the southern shore of Onondaga Lake, Lakeview Point Landing provides boaters with a convenient access point to reach Onondaga Park’s West Shore Trail which runs directly through St. Joseph's Health Amphitheater at Lakeview. Motorized boaters can reserve a dock slip at $1.50/ft. on show days, with docks opening two hours prior to show time and a dedicated entrance into the amphitheater (concert tickets must be purchased separately and in advance). Reservations are not required on non-show days, and the docks are free for use on those days as well.
Syracuse Inner Harbor
Boats can scope out the shores of the lake while coasting into the Inner Harbor on Onondaga's southeastern shore. Here you can dock your boat and walk around the up-and-coming district at stops such as Meier's Creek Brewing Company at the Iron Pier or Buried Acorn Brewing. The Inner Harbor Amphitheater and boutique hotels in the area also offer continuous events throughout the year.
ONEIDA LAKE & RIVERWAYS
WHERE TO LAUNCH
Oneida Shores Boat Launch
This boat launch offers the most accessible route to New York State's largest inland lake and is ideal for larger motorized vessels. Less than a mile off Interstate 81 in Brewerton, the paved launch provides multiple entry ramps for boats of all sizes at $10 per launch, ample parking nearby, picnic facilities, rest rooms, ranger patrols and public campsites. 9444 Bartel Cir, Cicero
Oneida Lake South Shore Fishing Access Site
With tons of vehicle and trailer parking available, this free-to-launch park on the southern shore of Oneida Lake has four launching bays. It is a more shallow launch spot, ideal for smaller motorized boats and car-top crafts. Bush Road, Bridgeport
Oneida River Boat Launch
An outlet of Oneida Lake and part of the NYS Barge Canal, this DEC launch is free to the public and offers up parking for 20 cars and trailers. 2487 481, Clay
WHERE TO CRUISE OR DOCK
Frenchman Island
Reopened to the public in 2008 as a New York State Park, the Frenchman Island near Oneida's western shoreline is 26 acres of deep woods, peaceful trails and a circa 1917 lighthouse, all accessible via boat with a 150-foot pier on the south shore of the island. Over 100 years ago this small island was home to a small resort with a two-story inn and a bowling alley. Camping and fires are not permitted but visitors are free to enjoy the trails and wildlife at their own discretion.
The Waterfront Tavern
Tie up to the docks outside The Waterfront Tavern and enjoy classic American pub fare, summer cocktails on their spacious deck, or beat the heat with some apps in their interior restaurant, all fit with great inlet views.
Barado's On The Water
Tucked away in a cove near Big Bay on the west side of Oneida Lake, this bar and grill serves up a variety of fresh American fusion fare, handcrafted cocktails, and serene seaside views.
Sylvan Beach
A great place on the eastern shore to bring the entire family, Sylvan Beach is loaded with beachfront bars and restaurants, a quaint and retro amusement park, a casino with 100+ slot machines, classic car cruise-ins every week and much more!
OTISCO LAKE
WHERE TO LAUNCH
Otisco Lake DEC Boat Ramp
Experience the peaceful waters of the Finger Lakes when you launch at Otisco's hard surface ramp on the southwestern shore. Parking for 13 cars and trailers, ideal for vessels 25' or less. 1490 West Valley Road, Preble
Otisco Causeway
Dividing the lake into two distinct basins is the Otisco Causeway, which is the spot on this lake where kayaks, canoes and hand-launching watercrafts can hit the water. This launch neighbors the boat ramp and also hosts a fishing pier for easy access family fun. 1438 West Valley Road, Preble
WHERE TO CRUISE OR DOCK
Lakeside Vista Restaurant
Located right on western shoreline of Otisco, this full-service tavern and restaurant serves up casual dining, live music and Finger Lakes wine flights with a side of stunning lake views.
Otisco Lake Park
A serene outdoor space to relax, have a picnic, listen to the birds and take in the lake, Otisco Lake Park boasts hundreds of feet of incredible fishing access and three acres of tree-lined greenspace.
Amber Inn Tavern
From pizza and wings to artisan flatbreads and fresh-cut fries, the Amber Inn off Otisco Valley Road serves up cold craft brews, modern American cuisine and tons of live music.
SKANEATELES LAKE
WHERE TO LAUNCH
DEC Boat Launch, Skaneateles Lake
Launch your very own Finger Lakes excursion along Skaneateles Lake from this free boat ramp on the northwestern isle of the lake. A small launch with limited parking space, this is a great spot to hit on less crowded summer days and also boasts a small beach dockside ideal for kayaks and canoes. NYS Boat Launch Fire Lane 15, Skaneateles
Scott Boat Launch
At the southernmost end of the lake in Homer, NY is the Scott Boat Launch, a no-frills access point for vessels of all sizes. East Lake Road, Homer
Skaneateles Marina
No boat? No problem! Rent a pontoon, paddleboard, or single & double kayaks at this marina located on the western shoreline of Skaneateles. You can also launch your own boat, but they do offer half- and full-day rentals for the craft of your choice, make your reservations well ahead of time because spots fill up fast! 1938 West Lake Road, Skaneateles
WHERE TO CRUISE OR DOCK
Staghorn Cliffs — Cora Kampfe Dickinson Conservation Area
Take in the sights of 1,350 feet of shoreline and the high bluffs locally known as Staghorn Cliffs. Visitors are often amazed to find thousands of fossil horn corals embedded in the bedrock, prime examples of an ancient coral reef from the Devonian Period. Access to the 21-acre preserve is by boat only, with easy beach docking for canoes and kayaks.
The Glen Haven Hotel, Marina & Restaurant
With a rich history spanning over 100 years, The Glen Haven restaurant and bar is a unique, off-the-beaten-path gem at the south end of Skaneateles Lake. Patrons can cruise in, dock the boat, enjoy the live music and sample their fun and modern menu. Lodging is available but tends to book up fast.
Mid-Lakes Navigation
Mid-Lakes Navigation is the place to go for a guided cruise around this stunning Finger Lake. Guests can choose from sightseeing cruises, dinner cruises, lunch cruises, or cocktail cruises in the summer — you can even head out on a mail delivery expedition across the entire lake! 3 West Genesee Street, Skaneateles
Upstate Guide Service
Join the crew at Upstate Guide Service for the ultimate outfitted fly fishing, light tackle spin fishing and tributary trout fishing cruises. Providing professional guided services on Skaneateles Lake and other upstate fishing spots, you can schedule your excursion on the lake by emailing them or giving them a call.
SENECA RIVER
WHERE TO LAUNCH
Mercer Park
This spot is where to get your canoe or kayak into the river with long and easily accessible docks and a handicap accessible area. There's also a playground and swings, restrooms, picnic tables, basketball courts and more. North Street, Baldwinsville
Baldwinsville Community Park
Just south of the village of Baldwinsville, this large wooded park provides a boat launch on the Seneca River, as well as restrooms, ball fields, picnic areas and a pavilion, nature trails and more. Lions Parkway, Baldwinsville
Case Marina, LLC
A great location to launch, this marina offers over 40 slips and full fuel service, as well as giving easy access for navigating westbound on the Seneca River toward Cross Lake, a super hot fishing spot. 2302 W. Genesee Road, Baldwinsville
WHERE TO CRUISE OR DOCK
Southwest Trail
Located directly next to an old functioning lock, this spot has docking space for visitors to tie up and hit the quaint riverside village of B'ville. Here you can grab a bite and beverage right on the water at several locations. The Suds Factory River Grill has spacious indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the Seneca, and a quick walk up the street also offers up local faves like Angry Garlic, Mohegan Manor & Pizza Man.
Bud Light Amphitheater at Paper Mill Island
Also right in the heart of town is Paper Mill Island, an awesome spot to cruise by and catch some summer concert action from the water.
