When the weather warms up, it is only customary that you pack up the car with your beach chairs, lather on the sunscreen and hit the road to one of the Central New York beaches. With many lakes and reservoirs in the region, there are plenty of spots to have some fun in the sun.
Cooperstown
Popular Glimmerglass State Park overlooks grand Otsego Lake. Not only can you go swimming, canoeing or kayaking, but you can also explore a historic landmark in Hyde Hall. Check out Gilbert Lake State Park in the town of New Lisbon, where you can also explore Three Mile Point. Smaller beaches like Fairy Springs Park on Otsego Lake also accommodate swimming. For a more intimate experience, Baker’s Beach is located on the smaller Canadarago Lake in Richfield Springs.
Oneida Lake
Sylvan Beach and Verona Beach State Park are both located on Oneida Lake which is known as the largest lake taking residence entirely within New York State. Oneida Lake has a shoreline length of 77.2 miles.
Sylvan Beach is a popping spot during the summer. It is the home to a variety of different restaurants, gift shops, cottages and its exciting amusement park, Sylvan Beach Amusement Park. This lakefront village is the perfect location to bring the whole family. In fact, The Cove at Sylvan Beach resort was recently named one of the “12 Best Places to Visit This Summer” by Good Housekeeping magazine. The beach itself is a perfect place to take a dip on a hot day or just lounge with your favorite read.
Not too far from Sylvan Beach you’ll find Verona Beach State Park. Here you can visit the 75-foot tall Verona Beach Lighthouse that was built in 1915. It is the perfect place to take a scenic walk and learn some history, not to mention jumping into the refreshing lake after.
Nearby Delta Lake State Park has a sandy beach is a more relaxing spot. Visitors can hang out on the beach and swim or they can explore the hiking and nature trails located right at the park.
Cazenovia
Picturesque Cazenovia Lake has a public beach accessible at Lakeland Park. You can take a dive off the diving board or sunbathe on the sandy beach while enjoying the view.
If you have a boat, you are able to launch it at either McNitt State Park off East Lake Road or Lakeside Park. Unwind and cast your line at Cazenovia Lake. For a lunch break or after a long day, you can eat some delicious food at The Brae Loch Scottish Restaurant & Inn, The Brewster Inn, or take a stroll into the village where there are a variety of different spots to grab a bite.
Old Forge
In the small village of Old Forge, set up your chairs at Old Forge Public Beach. Open seven days a week during the summer until Labor Day, this location is the perfect place to unwind. Parking and entrance are both free and there are always lifeguards on duty. You’ll also find tennis courts and a lakefront park with a playground. Not too far of a walk puts you right in the heart of the village where there are shops, restaurants and lodges. Adults can also wander over to Fulton Chain Craft Brewery for a brew after a long day at the beach.
