Glaciers created yet another stunning water source a very long time ago. This one, Cayuga Lake, was located in the picturesque Finger Lakes region. Cayuga is the second-deepest Finger Lake and the longest. It is well known as the lake that reaches the shores of Ithaca and is famous for hosting activities like boating, sailing, swimming, and fishing.

Cayuga Lake is home to 17 different species of fish, including smelt, lake trout, and smallmouth bass, as well as lake towns with a variety of things to do. It also has a world-class wine trail. Ithaca, a lively small city with a youthful vibe, is located on the southernmost point of the lake. Ithaca is the ideal destination for foodies, as it has more restaurants per capita than New York City and the well-known Ithaca Farmers Market.

This lake's length, which is about 40 miles, gives visitors plenty of room to get lost. There are plenty of access spots along the shore, so don't worry, this is a great destination for families.

If you're not feeling at ease boating, reserve a fishing trip or a boat tour in Ithaca or Allan H. Treman State Marine Park. Or you could hire a kayak, SUP, canoe, or pedal boat. In any case, don't miss the sunset. It's wonderful!

Location: Cayuga / Seneca / Tompkins counties, New York

Area: 2,033 km²

Chautauqua Lake is one of the highest navigable lakes in North America, rising 1,308 feet above sea level. This lake, which is 17 miles long, gives visitors plenty of room to explore its murky depths. There are four public swimming beaches, as well as many sandy areas to spend the day. This lake also one of the biggest lakes New York.

You've come to the perfect location if you love to fish. Chautauqua Lake has angling competitions every year and is well recognized for its excellent bass, muskellunge, and walleye fishing. At one of the marinas nearby, you may rent a boat, whether it's motorized or not. At Prendergast Point, Bemus Point, Long Point State Park, as well as Mayville Lakeside Park and Lakewood, you can launch boats from public launches.

The area's most well-known destination is Chautauqua Institution, a non-profit educational facility that experiences increased summertime activity. Take classes in the humanities, religion, and leisure. Or go to one of the many performances, which include opera, dance, and theater.

Location: Chautauqua County, New York

Area: 470 km²

Oneida Lake has an advantage over the other, bigger New York sights. It is the largest lake wholly contained inside the borders of New York State, measuring 21 miles in length. Oneida Lake is a fantastic day trip destination and is just a 30-minute drive from Syracuse, one of the best cities in New York State.

Everything you might anticipate is available at the lake, including skating, boating, swimming, and fishing. Additionally, due to its shallow depth, it is a popular summer destination for families.

Head to adjacent Sylvan Beach when it's time to dine or take a break from the sun's powerful beams. Aside from the amusement park, which is one of the main attractions for kids, this area has a large variety of stores and eateries.

Location: Oneida / Oswego counties, New York
Area: 206.7 km²

Great Sacandaga Lake, which is really a reservoir, is less well-known than its bigger, more prominent cousins, and the residents want to keep it that way. This 29-mile-long hideaway is a serene utopia, a hidden gem surrounded by lofty soaring woods and filled with immaculately pure, clean water.

When visiting this best lake in New York, that doesn't mean you can't relax and take in the tranquility of the water. There is a lot of boating, fishing, swimming, and water sports (and in the winter, skiing, skating, and snowmobiling). There are even four boat ramps on the property. To avoid it becoming too crowded, you should do so without telling too many people. So, shh!

After you've had your fill of Great Sacandaga Lake, go into town for a bite to eat and stroll through the quaint streets lined with boutique stores and small museums.

Location: Adirondack Park, Fulton / Saratoga / Hamilton counties, New York

Area: 108 km²

The Queen of American Lakes, Lake George, is located deep within the vast and rugged Adirondacks. A well-known tourist spot all year round, including summer concerts, camping, and water activities as well as winter carnivals and ice castles. The Lake George Area, covering an area of 44 square miles, is made up of 13 charming lakeside communities, each with a unique aesthetic.

Since there are so many outdoor activities to select from, outdoor aficionados will be content here all year long. This lake in New York offers the ultimate summertime entertainment thanks to boating, biking, fishing, swimming, and water sports. White water rafting is the most popular activity during the cooler months, followed by horseback riding, hiking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and skating.

Get on a boat (a canoe or sailboat will do) and cruise out to Millionaire's Row, the amazing stretch of shoreline dotted with opulent mansions, to take in the sights.

Location: Adirondacks, New York

Area: 84.48 km²

You'll find it especially difficult to leave the stunning Canandaigua Lake if you visit during the height of October. The already stunning area is brightened by rich red, yellow, and orange hues, which are expertly highlighted by the lake's vivid blue water. It makes sense since its name means "The Chosen Spot."

This beautiful lake, which is 16 miles long and 1 mile wide, provides drinking water for approximately 70,000 people living in the adjacent city of Canandaigua. One of the best lakes in New York, Squaw Island is one of only two in the Finger Lakes region. It is also one of the best lakes in New York. For a closer look at this charming little place, consider renting a canoe, kayak, or water bike.

You can find grand homes and cottages along the lake's northern shore, many of which are comparable in size to those on Millionaire's Row in Lake George. Naples, a village bursting with natural beauty, is at the southernmost point.

Location: Ontario / Yates counties, New York

Area: 43.5 km²

Rest, unwind, and enjoy Skaneateles' stunning blue-green waters, which have earned the title of "the gem of the Finger Lakes." The name, pronounced "thin atlas," is Iroquois for "long lake" and refers to the fifth-largest glacial lake in the area. Skaneateles is a dazzling treasure surrounded by grand mansions and historical homes with expansive lawns. It will put a big strain on your camera. Skaneateles, the main village, will offer the small-town charm you didn't know you were needing as well as activities to keep everyone occupied.

This pristine lake, either "skinny-atlas" or "skanny-atlas," is classified as an oligotrophic by scientists. This indicates that the lake has low nitrogen levels, which aids in limiting the growth of algae and other vegetation.

Skaneateles Lake is one of the best lakes in New York for swimming because of how clean it is. During the summer, this location is particularly well-liked for canoeing, fishing, and entertaining water sports. It is also adjacent to the quaint downtown area of the village's principal settlement, which goes by the same name. Visit boutique and antique stores, shop, and eat at farm-to-table establishments. Take to the water for breathtaking views of the nearby mansions, estates, and historic homes that line its shores, or ride in a hot air balloon to take in the scenery from above.

Location: Onondaga / Cayuga / Cortland counties, New York

Area: 35.61 km²

Experience Owasco Lake's serene surroundings and calm, fresh waters for yourself. This tranquil refuge is tucked amid farms, parks, and quaint lakeside communities. It's been said to be one of New York State's warmest lakes, making it the ideal location for sports involving the water. It has drawn tourists from all over the world for almost 200 years due to its temperate climate. For many reasons, this lake is considered one of the biggest lakes in New York.

Owasco Lake, the smallest of the major Finger Lakes at 11 square miles, is located in Auburn, where you can visit former residences of William Seward and Harriet Tubman.

At the southern end of the lake is Filmore Glen State Park, which features campgrounds, a swimming pool fed by a stream, and hiking paths around thundering waterfalls. Emerson Park, where people enjoy swimming and attending shows at the Merry-Go-Round Theater, is located at the north end.

Location: Cayuga County, New York

Area: 26.97 km²

The 11th-largest lake in the world is Lake Erie, did you know that? This monster is the fourth largest of the Great Lakes, measuring more than 9,900 square miles on the surface and another 30,000 square miles below ground in a drainage basin.

In its 4,000-year-old history, numerous ships have sunk in these waters, making Lake Erie one of the top diving locations in New York State. Visitors engage in common water activities such as boating, fishing, swimming, and kayaking above the surface. Summertime pastimes are replaced by skating, cross-country skiing, ice fishing, and snowmobiling during the winter.

Are you looking for a good place to pass the day? Consider visiting Lake Erie State Park. It has numerous trails, a disc golf course, a playground, and camping facilities. At the city's Canalside Buffalo waterfront development, which hosts significant concerts in the summer and provides ice bikes in the winter, lakeside fun is also possible. Go zip lining at the thrilling Buffalo RiverWorks high ropes course if you're feeling daring.

Location: North America

Area: 25,744 km²