8 Gorgeous Lakes To Visit Around Buffalo This Summer
Samantha Gill
Author
No matter the time of year, it’s never too early to start planning your summertime waterfront getaways! If you’re endlessly searching “beautiful lakes near me,” well you’re in luck, as Buffalo is surrounded by several beautiful lakes, and even though some might require a bit of travel time, they’re all well worth a visit. Here are our picks for the eight best lakes near Buffalo.
Chautauqua Lake is one of the larger Buffalo lakes, located in Chautauqua County. The lake is 17 miles long and reaches depths of 78 feet, making it a popular destination for boating and fishing in Western New York. In addition to plenty of activities to partake in on the water, there are also several restaurants and facilities nearby to add to your itinerary!
Spending a day at one of the Finger Lakes requires a bit more travel time, but we promise the reward is worth it. There are eleven Finger Lakes near Buffalo in total - all within a few hours' drive from Buffalo. Whichever lake you choose, be sure to take advantage of the wineries nearby! (Just don't booze and boat.)
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Small but mighty, Lime Lake is located just outside the town of Machias in the southern tier. The entire lake is one mile in diameter, surrounded by homes that comprise the hamlet of Lime Lake. This is one of the great places to swim near Buffalo when the weather gets hot!
Which of these lakes near Buffalo is your favorite? Did we leave any of the best Buffalo lakes off this list? Let us know! Are you more of a sunbather or a swimmer? Leave your favorite waterfront summer pastimes in the comments!
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More to Explore
Lakes Near Buffalo
Where can I rent a boat in Buffalo?
Paddling around a lake is so much fun! Don't worry if you don't have your own boat because there are lots of spots to rent a boat in Buffalo. Hoyt Lake in Delaware Park is one of the Buffalo lakes with a whole flotilla of rental boats to make your day on the lake perfect. You can ret a rowboat and recreate the boat scene from the Notebook. Or, if you're feeling more silly than romantic, you can rent a Floatmingo. A Floatmingo is a pedal boat shaped like a pink Flamingo that'll have you floating around the lake in style!
Are there any lake resorts near Buffalo
There is something to be said for spending a weekend or, better yet, a week at a lake resort near Buffalo. A stay at Geneva On The Lake combines a luxury resort and some magical lake time. Located at the Finger Lakes near Buffalo, you'll be in wine country on the shores of Seneca Lake. Stroll through the formal fairytale gardens and swim in the lakeside pool. You'll enjoy a cozy wood-burning fireplace and a relaxing jacuzzi. Then dine at the Lancelloti Dining Room, and don't forget to order one of the famous desserts. Of course, the best thing about Geneva On The Lake is the fantastic lake sunsets you'll enjoy each evening.
Are there any lighthouses near Buffalo?
Barcelona Lighthouse is an hour south of Buffalo on Lake Erie. Lake Erie is one of the Great Lakes near Buffalo and a great chance to see a lighthouse close to home. The Barcelona Lighthouse was built in 1829 and stands 40 feet tall. You can stop at the visitors center in the Keeper's Cottage to learn about the lighthouse's history. Barcelona might not be the tallest lighthouse on Lake Erie, but it is easily seen from Canada, so don't forget to wave to our neighbors to the north when you visit.