Overview
Watkins Glen is a small town of 1,863 (2020) in New York's Finger Lakes region. It is famous among motorsports fans for its speedway.
2 sights · 2 things to do · 1 bars & cafés · 4 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Watkins Glen
Watkins Glen International
NASCAR race track with on-site campground.
Grand Prix Festival of Watkins Glen
Annual main street gathering of classic and sport cars in early September.
Watkins Glen State Park
Watkins Glen contains running trails and various small rock waterfalls at the southern tip of Seneca Lake. The waterfalls cascade down a long slot canyon/gorge. Camping and cabins are available. Trails in the gorge close…
Farm Sanctuary
Animal rescue farm with vegan bed-and-breakfast accommodations ($110/night) and guided farm tours.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Sep. Summer highs reach about 80°F; winter lows dip to about 15°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Jun and Jul. (climate data from nearby Ithaca)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- ELM Elmira Corning Regional Airport, Elmira/Corning — 15 mi away. Directions
- ITH Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport, Ithaca — 22 mi away. Directions
- SYR Syracuse Hancock International Airport, Syracuse — 64 mi away (major hub). Directions
From Ithaca, Watkins Glen is roughly half an hour west on NY 79.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $25–$25 a night (typical $26), from 2 listed prices.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$70, mid-range ~$100, comfortable ~$190.
See the Sleep guide ↓ for places to stay.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Watkins Glen International, Watkins Glen State Park
- Afternoon Grand Prix Festival of Watkins Glen, Farm Sanctuary
- Evening Rooster Fish Pub
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
From Ithaca, Watkins Glen is roughly half an hour west on NY 79.
From Interstate 90 (exit 42, between Syracuse-Rochester) or Interstate 86 (Corning-Binghamton) take NY 14, which becomes the town's main street.
Get around
The fastest way around Watkins Glen is by racecar.
Otherwise, Watkins Glen is best walked. Parking is easiest near the marina. Head north on Decatur St. and park in the lot to your left in front of the harbor hotel. Parking is also available across the street from the village's entrance to the state park, but the lot fills quickly in the busy summer season. If so inclined, state park parking is more available further uphill away from the village itself.
A regional hop-on-hop-off bus called the Lakeside Trolley can be used to get around the village and travel to wineries around Seneca Lake.
See
Do
Do Watkins Glen State Park
Watkins Glen contains running trails and various small rock waterfalls at the southern tip of Seneca Lake. The waterfalls cascade down a long slot canyon/gorge. Camping and cabins are available. Trails in the gorge close in the off season (between Columbus Day and Memorial Day) when fees are not collected.
Drink
Drink Rooster Fish Pub
Brew pub and café with on-site bed and breakfast.
Sleep
Go next
- Finger Lakes
- Erie Canal
- Corning - A Southern Tier city with the grand Corning Museum of Glass
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My experience
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