how to access Cayuga Lake
Whether you want to swim, paddle, charter a sailboat or hop on a tour boat (or just lie out with a good book by the water’s edge) — here are some suggestions for how to access Cayuga Lake:
Watching the sunset from the dock at Stewart Park
Stewart Park, one of Ithaca’s city parks is located at the southern shore of Cayuga Lake. Swimming is prohibited in the murky waters (for good reason as bacteria tends to fester in the shallow surf) but is a fantastic site for grilling and picnicking with a view of the water. There are picnic tables and charcoal grills scattered along the shoreline (first come first serve) and the Cayuga Waterfront Trail winds through the park and is a great way to walk, jog, bike or skate along the southern end of the lake over to Cass Park and the Ithaca Children’s Garden on the west side.
The obligatory picture in front of Taughannock Falls overlook.
Taughannock Falls State Park is a great way to spend the day - you can hike up the trail to the tallest waterfall East of the Mississippi and spend the rest of the day languishing by the short - the south side of the park has life guards on duty, a concession stand, a giant well-designed lakefront playground and a roped in swimming area for kids. The north shore does not have a life guard and has an idyllic but rocky cove (wear water shoes) for swimming and offers grills and picnic tables scattered throughout (first come first serve).
Yet perhaps lesser known but just as lovely is Salt Point Natural Area in Lansing. Secure a little private nook along the beach and spend the day wading around the shallow shoreline out to the sandbar. We love the east side because of the famous sunsets!
the famous Cayuga Lake sunset as seen from Aurora, NY
You can rent stand up paddle boards, kayaks and canoes at Puddledockers in Ithaca, as well as at the little boat stand kiosks located at Stewart Park, Myers Park and Taughannock Park.
The public swimming beach at the East Shore Park in Ithaca is a favorite among locals - it tends to get rather crowded on hot summer days, especially during the weekend, but is a lovely spot for a quick dip or watching the sunset from the stepped rocks along the shore.
view from the shore at East Shore Park.
Go further up the east shore of the lake to the quaint village of Aurora and enjoy the Wells College swimming dock - there is a lifeguard on duty most days until 5pm and after that it’s swim at your own risk. A lovely cove for swimming and popular spot for ospreys who love to fish in the shallow waters.
the MV Teal tour boat at Discover Cayuga Lake Boat Tours and Cruises
There are various tour boat services and charter sailboats that you can hire to take you out on the lake. The MV Teal departs from the Ithaca Farmer’s Market, and the brand new Ithaca Boat Tours Tour Boat (beginning late June ‘21) departs from the Inlet next to the former location of Corks and More.
If you want to rent your own boat, Pontoon Boat or fishing boat rentals are available at Frontenac Harbor at FLX Marine in Union Springs.