Watkins Glen, New York
Tours

Our most recommended things to do in Watkins Glen, New York

From NYC: Niagara Falls with Outlet Shopping, 2-Day Tour

From NYC: Niagara Falls with Outlet Shopping, 2-Day Tour

Escape the hectic atmosphere of New York for a night on this 2-day tour to Niagara Falls. Travel to the U.S. side of the Falls and ride on the famous Maid of the Mist boat. Enjoy some time shopping for bargains at the an outlet mall along the way. Day 1: Depart from the centrally-located meeting point in New York on an air-conditioned van or bus and heads north. Pass the beautiful Delaware Gap and Watkins Glen State Park in the heart of the Finger Lakes region. Stretch your legs on a walk through Watkins Glen Canyon and capture pictures of views of the waterfalls. Drive by the stunning Seneca Lake and arrive in Niagara Falls in the late afternoon. Tour the American side of Niagara Falls, including the American Falls, Goat Island, and Sister Island. Admire a night tour of Niagara Falls showcasing the colorful lighting of the thundering waters before settling in into your comfortable hotel room for the night. Day 2: Eat a hearty continental breakfast at the hotel. See both the Niagara and the Horseshoe Falls up close from the Maid of the Mist boat (available from May to October). When the Maid of the Mist is not operating, take a tour of the Power Vista Hydro-Electric Station and visit the Cave of the Winds. Board your bus or van and drive south and back to New York City. Stretch your legs in a more urban area, with a shopping excursion at one of the large outlet malls along the way. Return to the city in time for you to grab a late dinner.

From NYC: Best of 2-Day Niagara Falls (US) Adventure Tour

From NYC: Best of 2-Day Niagara Falls (US) Adventure Tour

Experience the magic, mist, and majesty of Niagara Falls without the hassle of planning—just pack your bags and get ready for an adventure! Witness the breathtaking beauty of American nature on this unforgettable journey from New York City! ✅ Marvel at the power of Niagara Falls—feel the mist as you get up close to the roaring cascades. ✅ Immerse yourself in nature’s raw energy with a deep dive into the stunning landscapes surrounding the falls. ✅ Discover world-class artistry at the Corning Museum of Glass, where expert craftsmen create dazzling masterpieces before your eyes. ✅ Enjoy a seamless adventure with comfortable transportation and carefully curated stops along the way. An iconic getaway filled with awe-inspiring sights, fascinating discoveries, and unforgettable memories! Ready to explore the wonders of nature? Book now and let the adventure begin! Day 1: Depart NYC & Explore Unique Attractions *Board your bus and begin your scenic journey toward Niagara Falls. *Optional stop at the Corning Museum of Glass – Discover the art and history behind 3,500 years of glassmaking. *Breathe in fresh air at Watkins Glen State Park (April–October) – Enjoy picturesque waterfalls and the beauty of the Finger Lakes. *Arrive at Niagara Falls for a breathtaking night tour – Watch the falls illuminated in stunning colors, and if you're lucky, catch a fireworks display! *Rest and recharge at your comfortable hotel, located near the falls. Day 2: Experience Niagara Falls & Head Back to NYC *Discover the falls with an optional Niagara Falls Classic Tour, including: o Whirlpool State Park – Witness the swirling currents of the Niagara River. o Cave of the Winds – Get up close to the rushing waterfalls in this exhilarating experience. o Maid of the Mist boat ride (summer season) – Feel the mist as you cruise toward the heart of the falls! o Old Fort Niagara (winter season) – Explore this historic military site overlooking Lake Ontario. *Return to New York City, completing an incredible nature-filled getaway. Notes: Maid of the Mist Niagara Falls Boat usually is closed in the winter season, will not be visited based on attraction closure.

From NYC:Niagara Falls(US), Washington D.C&Philly 3-Day Tour

From NYC:Niagara Falls(US), Washington D.C&Philly 3-Day Tour

First day, step into history in Philadelphia, where the Declaration of Independence was signed. See legendary landmarks like Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. Travel to Washington D.C., home to monuments that define the nation, including: The U.S. Capitol/The White House/Lincoln Memorial. Next day, relax aboard a comfortable coach bus, taking in the scenic landscapes along the way. Visit the Corning Museum of Glass for a fascinating look at 3,500 years of glassmaking. Arrive at Niagara Falls for a breathtaking night tour, where you can witness the falls illuminated under the stars. Stand face-to-face with the roaring waters of Niagara Falls! Upgrade your experience with optional activities like: o The world-famous Maid of the Mist boat ride (seasonal) o Cave of the Winds, where you’ll feel the mist of the falls up close o Old Fort Niagara, a historic military site overlooking Lake Ontario (winter itinerary) On the last day, after a morning of exploration, sit back and relax as you return to NYC, wrapping up an unforgettable journey! DAY 1 Itinerary: New York→Philadelphia→Independence National Historical Park(30 mins)→ Washington D.C.→U.S. Capitol In-depth Tour&The National Archives(Optional, inside visit U.S. Capitol & The National Archives&outside visit Supreme Court of the United States&Library of Congress,120 mins)→White House(Outside visit, 30 mins)→Lincoln Memorial&Vietnam Veterans Memorial(45 mins)→Hotel Special Notes: 1. If unable to enter U.S. Capitol,the attraction will be replaced with the Washington D.C. In-depth Tour(optional). Washington D.C. In-depth Tour itinerary: Air Force Memorial(20 mins)→Thomas Jefferson Memorial(20 mins)→World War II Memorial(20 mins) NYC to Philadelphia:~100 miles Philadelphia to D.C.: ~140 miles Hotel:Springhill Suites Gaithersburg;Comfort Inn Shady Grove-Gaithersburg-Rockville;similar DAY 2 Itinerary: Corning Museum of Glass(Optional,90 mins)→Watkins Glen State Park&Finger Lake(Optional,90 mins, Watkins Glen State Park will not be visited when it is closed)→Niagara Falls Night View In-depth Tour(Mandatory, 90mins) Notes: Watkins Glen State Park is open seasonally from April to October. Please check the official website for exact opening dates. Niagara Falls fireworks are included when available on the day of your visit. Hotel to Corning: ~275 miles Corning to Niagara Falls: ~180 miles Hotel:Sleep Inn Amherst; The Garden Place Hotel; Lockport Hotel; similar DAY 3: Summer Itinerary: (Applied when Maid of the Mist opens) Niagara Falls Classic Tour(Optional, 2.5 hours, including Whirlpool Park&Cave of the Winds&Maid of the Mist)→New York Winter Itinerary: (Applied when Maid of the Mist closes) Niagara Falls Classic Tour (Optional, 2.5 hours, including Whirlpool Park&Cave of the Winds&Old Fort Niagara State Park) → New York Kindly Reminder: 1. Maid of the Mist Niagara Falls Boat usually closed in winter season, it will not be visited based on attraction closure. Niagara Falls to NYC: ~400 miles

NYC: Niagara Falls, Philadelphia, Washington DC 4-Day Tour

NYC: Niagara Falls, Philadelphia, Washington DC 4-Day Tour

Visit the American and Canadian sides of Niagara Falls. Stop at an outlet mall for shopping, continue to the historic city of Brotherly love in Philadelphia and see the famous Liberty Bell and Independence Hall Square. You will also visit Washington DC, the US Capitol and visit the US Mint. Continue to Lancaster to learn about the Amish community. Day 1: New York - Finger Lakes - Niagara Falls Your morning departure from the Big Apple takes you north where you will pass the beautiful Delaware Gap to Watkins Glen State Park in the heart of the Finger Lakes region. Walk through Watkins Glen Canyon to visit the beautiful waterfalls and then continue to Niagara Falls passing Seneca Lake, arriving in the late afternoon. Tour the American and Canadian sides of the Falls including the American Falls, Horseshoe Falls, Goat Island, and Sister Island. At night tour Niagara Falls where you will marvel at the colorful lighting of the waters. Overnight: Ramada - Wyndham Day 2: Niagara Falls - New Jersey As you depart the hotel, hear the thundering water of Niagara Falls. See the falls up close from Horseshoe Falls and experience the power of the current aboard the Maid of the Mist (May-October). From November through April you will tour the Power Vista Hydro-electric Station, and the Cave of the Winds. At noon depart south to New York State. On the way to New York, enjoy a shopping excursion at one of the large outlet malls along the way, where you can hunt for bargains at their brand name stores. Overnight New Jersey - La Quinta Inns & Suites  Day 3: New Jersey - Philadelphia - Washington DC Depart New Jersey to Pennsylvania and to the city of brotherly love Philadelphia. Arriving in the Historic area of Philadelphia you will visit the famous Liberty Bell, and Constitution square and Constitution Hall, one of the symbols of freedom in America. Stroll Elfreth’s Alley (the oldest inhabited street in America) then continue on a panoramic tour of Philadelphia that includes the financial district, Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Historic Philadelphia and more. Departing Philadelphia, see the famous “Rocky Steps” and then continue north to Lancaster county home of the Amish people. Ride on an authentic Amish Buggy, visit an Amish market place of handmade arts and crafts and learn what it's like to live without the benefit of modern technology, electricity, running water or telephone service. Overnight at: Fairfield Inn & Suites, Alexandria Day 4: Washington DC - New York  Start the day with a visit to Thomas Jefferson Memorial, by the Tidal Basin, surrounded with famous Japanese cherry blossom trees. Visit the Arlington National Cemetery, the changing of the guards and the Kennedy family gravesite.  Next stop is Capitol Hill. See the US Capitol and the White House to understand the core of the US government. Continue to the Air and Space Museum before visiting the Lincoln, Martin Luther King, Korea and Vietnam Memorials.  In the late afternoon, depart north for an evening arrival in New York.

From NYC: Niagara Falls, Washington DC and Boston 4-Day Trip

From NYC: Niagara Falls, Washington DC and Boston 4-Day Trip

Your multi-day trip begins with a pickup from one of the meeting points in New York City. Head to Washington DC with a short stop at the Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia. Arrive in Washington DC and check out the U.S. Capitol, the National Archives, the Supreme Court of the United States, the Library of Congress, and the White House. Choose to partake in an optional visit inside the U.S. Capitol and the National Archives. Explore the National Mall and see the Lincoln Memorial, the Korean War Memorial, and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial before retiring to your hotel for the evening. Your stay will be in a hotel like the Springhill Suites or the Comfort Inn Shady Grove in Gaithersburg-Rockville. If the tour is unable to enter the U.S. Capitol, the attraction will be replaced with an optional in-depth Washington D.C. tour. This tour's itinerary includes the Air Force Memorial, the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, and the World War II Memorial. The second day of your tour takes you back north to New York State. Visit the Corning Museum of Glass, Watkins Glen State Park, and the Finger Lakes before arriving in Niagara Falls for an evening tour. Your hotel stay will be in the Sleep Inn Amherst;The Garden Place Hotel;Lockport Hotel or similar Watkins Glen State Park only opens in summer, usually from April to October each year. Please refer to the official website for the special admission date. On the third day, discover the natural wonder of Niagara Falls. In the summer, ride the Maid of the Mist and walk through the Cave of the Winds to get up close to the cascading falls. Visit Whirlpool Park to see Niagara Whirlpool on the Niagara River and the lower Niagara Gorge. In the winter months, visit Whirlpool Park, the Cave of the Winds, and Old For Niagara State Park. From the falls head to Boston and conclude the day at a hotel like the Sonesta Select Boston Lowell Chelmsford; Westford Regency Inn and Conference Center or something similar. The final day of your tour takes you through Boston to Harvard University with an official campus tour included, and the Old State House which was the birthplace of the American Revolution and the place where the Declaration of Independence was first published. See the first subway system, the first public park, the first public botanical garden, and the first large-scale free municipal library funded by the public before going to Quincy Market and having an optional Boston lobster meal. End your trip with a drop-off at Boston Logan International Airport, LaGuardia Airport, or John F. Kennedy International Airport.

NYC: Niagara Falls, Toronto, Philadelphia & DC 5-Day Tour

NYC: Niagara Falls, Toronto, Philadelphia & DC 5-Day Tour

Embark on a 5-day trip to Niagara Falls, Toronto, the 1000 Islands, Philadelphia, Washington DC, and the Amish Country in Lancaster from New York City. Witness the magnificent Niagara Falls, visit the Arlington National Cemetery, and enjoy the convenience of included accommodation and entry tickets. Day 1: NEW YORK – FINGER LAKES – NIAGARA FALLS Depart from the Big Apple heading north where you will pass the beautiful Delaware Water Gap to Watkins Glen State Park in the heart of the Finger Lakes region. Walk through Watkins Glen Canyon to visit the beautiful waterfalls and then continue to Niagara Falls passing Seneca Lake, arriving in the late afternoon. Tour the US side of Niagara including the American Falls, Goat Island, and Luna Island. Experience the power of Niagara aboard the Maid of the Mist. At night, you can appreciate the colorful lighting of the waters. Stay at the Ramada by Wyndham. Day 2: NIAGARA FALLS – TORONTO – 1000 ISLANDS Start with the magnificent Horseshoe Falls view followed by the visit to the picturesque village of Niagara on The Lake. Continue to Toronto, the financial capital of Canada. Visit the HTO Park, Brookfield Place — home of the Hockey Hall of Fame — City Hall, and The Distillery Historic District. Towards the evening, depart Toronto east along the world-famous Lake Ontario for an evening arrival to the 1000 Islands area (in April, based on weather conditions the tour may return to Niagara Falls for overnight). Stay overnight at Gananoque – Comfort Inn (April, Niagara Falls – Ramada by Wyndham). Day 3: 1000 ISLANDS – NEW YORK Start the day with a cruise through the amazing 1000 Islands along the St. Laurence River. See the houses of the rich and famous built atop private islands — such as Boldt Castle and Heart Island. Enjoy a shopping excursion at one of the large outlet malls along the way. Arrive at your hotel in New Jersey at the La Quinta Inn and Suites. Day 4: NEW JERSEY – PHILADELPHIA – WASHINGTON DC Depart from New Jersey to Pennsylvania and to the city of brotherly love Philadelphia. Visit the famous Liberty Bell, Constitution square, and Congress Hall. Continue on a panoramic tour of Philadelphia that includes the financial district, Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Historic Philadelphia, and more. See the famous “Rocky Steps” and then continue to Lancaster county home of the Amish people. Enjoy an authentic Amish Buggy ride through the Amish farm country. In the late afternoon, depart east for an evening arrival in Washington DC where you will stay at the Fairfield Inn and Suites Alexandria. Day 5: WASHINGTON DC – NEW YORK Start the day with a visit to Thomas Jefferson Memorial, by the Tidal Basin, surrounded by famous Japanese cherry blossom trees. Visit the Arlington National Cemetery, the Changing of the Guard, and the Kennedy family gravesite. The next stop is Capitol Hill. See the US Capitol and the White House to understand the core of the US government. Continue to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History (while the Air and Space Museum is closed due to renovations) before visiting the Lincoln, Korea, and Vietnam Memorials. In the late afternoon, depart for an evening arrival in New York.

From NYC: Niagara Falls & 1000 Islands 3-Day Tour

From NYC: Niagara Falls & 1000 Islands 3-Day Tour

Experience the fury of Niagara Falls with a ride on the Maid of the Mist and cruise through the Thousand Islands on this three-day tour from New York City. Day 1: New York - Finger Lakes - Niagra Falls An early morning departure takes you north from the Big Apple as you pass the beautiful Delaware Gap to Watkins Glen State Park in the heart of the Finger Lakes region. Walk through Watkins Glen Canyon to visit the beautiful waterfalls and then continue to Niagara Falls, passing Seneca Lake, where you will arrive in the late afternoon. Tour the U.S. side of the falls including the American Falls, Goat Island, and Luna Island. At night, tour Niagara Falls where you can marvel at the colorful lighting of the waters while on board the Maid of the Mist. Overnight: Ramada by Wyndham. Day 2: Niagra Falls - Toronto - 1000 Islands Start the day with the Horseshoe Falls’ view followed by a visit to the picturesque village of Niagara on the Lake. We continue to Toronto, the financial capital of Canada. Visit the HTO Park, Brookfield Place, city hall, and The Distillery Historic District.  Towards the evening, take off from Toronto along the world-famous Lake Ontario for an evening arrival to the 1000 Islands area (in April, based on weather conditions, you may return to Niagara Falls to stay overnight). Overnight: Gananoque at Comfort Inn (April: Ramada by Wyndham). Day 3: 1000 Islands - New York  Start the day with a cruise through the amazing 1000 Islands along the St. Laurence River. See the houses of the rich and famous built atop private islands. After lunch, head to New York State. On the way, enjoy a shopping excursion at one of the large outlet malls where you can shop for bargains in name-brand stores before your return to New York City in the evening.

From NYC: Niagara Falls U.S. Side 2-Day Trip

From NYC: Niagara Falls U.S. Side 2-Day Trip

Travel from New York City to the US side of Niagara Falls over 2 days. Your adventure begins with a drive to the Corning Museum of Glass, where you can take an optional visit to immerse yourself in the art, history, and science of glassmaking. Afterward, head to Watkins Glen State Park and the Finger Lakes to explore the dramatic gorge and waterfalls. Note that a visit to Watkins Glen State Park only takes place in the summer after the opening of the canyon, usually from April to October each year. Arrive in Niagara Falls in the evening and partake in an optional night tour to experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Niagara Falls illuminated at night. If there's a fireworks show on the night you're there, enjoy a guaranteed chance to watch it. Stay overnight at a hotel nearby. On the second day, see the wonders of Niagara Falls. Take the in-depth Niagara Falls Classic Tour (optional) to marvel at Niagara Whirlpool Park and step into history at Old Fort Niagara State Park. Ride the Maid of the Mist boat when it's open in summer or enter the Cave of the Winds when the Maid of the Mist closes in winter to get up close to the power and beauty of Niagara Falls (both optional). After spending the day around Niagara Falls, conclude your trip with a return to New York City.

From Boston: 4-Day Tour to New York, D.C.&Niagara Falls

From Boston: 4-Day Tour to New York, D.C.&Niagara Falls

Discover the highlights of several cities in the Northeast on this 4-day sightseeing tour by bus or minivan from Boston. See and do only what you want, with entrance tickets to different attractions and experiences optional. Day 1: Boston - New York Depart from Boston in the morning and head to New York. Boston → New York → New York City Fortune Tour (Mandatory, 150 mins) → Liberty Cruise (Optional, 60 mins) Hotel:Holiday Inn Newark International Airport; similar Day 2: New York - Philadelphia - Washington D.C. Drive to Philadelphia and then go to Washington, the political center of the United States, the capital, where the White House, U.S. Capitol are located. Itinerary: New York → Philadelphia → Independence National Historical Park (30 mins) → Washington D.C. → U.S. Capitol In-depth Tour + The National Archives (Optional, inside visit U.S. Capitol & The National Archives + outside visit Supreme Court of the United States & Library of Congress, 120 mins) → White House (Outside visit, 30 mins) → Lincoln Memorial, Korean War Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial (45 mins) → Hotel Special Notes: If unable to enter U.S. Capitol, the attraction will be replaced with the Washington D.C. In-depth Tour (optional). Washington D.C. In-depth Tour itinerary: Air Force Memorial (20 mins)→ Thomas Jefferson Memorial(20 mins) → World War II Memorial (20 mins) Hotel:Springhill Suites Gaithersburg ; Comfort Inn Shady Grove - Gaithersburg - Rockville; similar Day 3: Washington D.C. - Corning - Watkins Glen - Niagara Falls Itinerary : Corning Museum of Glass (Optional, 90 mins) → Watkins Glen State Park + Finger Lake (Optional, 90 mins, Watkins Glen State Park will not be visited when it is closed) → Niagara Falls Night View In-depth Tour (Mandatory, 90mins) Notes: 1. Watkins Glen State Park only opens in summer, usually from April to October each year. Please refer to the official website for the special admission date. 2. In order to ensure a better experience for guests, it is guaranteed that guests can watch the fireworks show at the waterfall on that day (except that there is no fireworks show on that day). Hotel:Sleep Inn Amherst;The Garden Place Hotel;Lockport Hotel or similar Day 4: Niagara Falls - Boston Summer Itinerary: (Applied when Maid of the Mist opens) Niagara Falls Classic Tour (Optional, 2.5 hours, Whirlpool Park + Cave of the Winds + Maid of the Mist included) → Boston Winter Itinerary: (Applied when Maid of the Mist closes) Niagara Falls Classic Tour (Optional, 2.5 hours, Whirlpool Park + Cave of the Winds + Old Fort Niagara State Park included) → Boston Notes: Maid of the Mist Niagara Falls Boat usually closes in winter, and it will not be visited during the closure. Buy 2 Get 2 only for departure Date: 06/01/2025-07/02/2025&07/04/2025-08/30/2025:Thursday, Sunday

From NYC/NJ: 2-Day Niagara Falls & Corning & Buffalo Tour

From NYC/NJ: 2-Day Niagara Falls & Corning & Buffalo Tour

Embark on a 2-day adventure from New York to Niagara Falls, departing early from various NY and NJ locations. Experience the falls' majesty, explore Corning's glass wonders, and visit Buffalo. Summer tours include Watkins Glen State Park, while winter travelers enjoy extended time in Corning. Day 1: New York/New Jersey → Winter: Corning Museum of Glass / Summer: Watkins Glen State Park + Finger Lake → Buffalo → Niagara Falls Your adventure begins with an early departure from New York and New Jersey. Today we will go to visit the Watkins Glen (if closed in winter, we'll visit Corning Glass Center instead). After, we will arrive at Buffalo. This city bears both glory and desolation, being the start of the Erie Canal and the source of waterfall waters. Let us climb to the observation tower to experience the grandeur of the Great Lakes, and listen carefully to the rise and fall of this city. As we reach Niagara Falls, fulfilling the long-awaited visit to the Cave of the Winds wooden walkway (closed after October 20th). With nightfall, join us for a nighttime excursion to Goat Island, where amidst the misty colorful lights, lies a fairy-tale waterfall exclusive to the night. Finally, follow the evening breeze to ascend Luna Island. Day 2: Niagara Falls → New York/New Jersey In the morning, head to admire the Whirlpool Park landscape, overlooking the whirlpool and canyon to feel the awe-inspiring power of nature. Following downstream along the Niagara Gorge, the not-to-be-missed experience is the Niagara Hot Air Balloon Adventure at dawn. Next is a close encounter with the falls, the eagerly anticipated Maid of the Mist boat tour. After a lunch break in Niagara Falls, you'll begin the journey back, arriving at your original departure point around 8 PM, filled with unforgettable memories of your Niagara adventure.

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What people are saying about Watkins Glen, New York

Overall rating

4.4 out of 5 stars
4.4
(1,607 reviews)
5
5 out of 5 stars

This 2-day Niagara Falls tour was a true adventure from start to finish! It was the perfect break from the city—easy, exciting, and packed with unforgettable moments. From exploring the fascinating Corning Museum of Glass to walking through the scenic beauty of Watkins Glen, every stop felt like its own little journey. And of course, Niagara Falls was the star—watching the falls glow at night and getting soaked on the Maid of the Mist was absolutely thrilling. I really want to take a moment to praise our tour guide, he is patient, kind, and genuinely attentive throughout the entire trip. They kept everything running smoothly while making sure we were informed, comfortable, and having a great time.

5
5 out of 5 stars

I joined this 2-day Niagara Falls tour with a close friend, and we both had an absolutely amazing time! We especially appreciated how the itinerary was thoughtfully planned with just the right balance of sightseeing and relaxation. Spending time with my friend while exploring beautiful landscapes and trying new experiences made the entire tour even more special.

5
5 out of 5 stars

The two-day tour to Niagara Falls was amazing. Our guide, Kitty Huang 😸, was extremely kind and friendly! Very well prepared and very punctual! Thank you for the extraordinary experience!

5
5 out of 5 stars

It was quite comprehensive and busy as it covered many areas and sites although we finished late the past 2 days . Overall it was a great experience

5
5 out of 5 stars

We loved the whole experience, everything ran smoothly, the accommodation was amazing and the tour guides were friendly and informative.