Vacation rentals in Syracuse

Centrally located within the state of New York, Syracuse is known as the gateway to the Finger Lakes region, and opportunities to get in or on the water abound here. Drop a kayak or paddleboard on one of the many lakes within a short distance from Syracuse — along with the Finger Lakes, you’re close to the Great Lakes and Kettle Lakes — or bring a fishing pole to try your luck with a range of saltwater and freshwater fish. Three major rivers — the Mohawk, Oswego, and Seneca — are also within an hour’s drive, making waterbound recreation a huge draw.

Of course there’s also plenty to do on dry land here too. The Everson Museum of Art hosts a range of American artists and artforms, most notably a sizable ceramics collection, and the Erie Canal Museum celebrates the history of the canal that runs through the city. Syracuse is also home to a notable private university named after the city, which hosts numerous sporting and cultural events throughout the year.

Anytime is a good time to stay in one of the area’s vacation rentals, as Syracuse is truly a four-season destination. Summers are hot enough to encourage lounging lakeside, while winters are cold and snowy.

Springtime is perfect for hiking and enjoying the blooming flowers and greenery at spots like the Onondaga Creekwalk to the waterfall trek in Pratt's Falls Park. However, weather in the spring can be cold and snowstorms are common — snow season typically lasts from November through April — so make sure to pack warm layers. In March, you can attend the annual St. Patrick's Day parade that goes through downtown Syracuse.

If you enjoy water sports, summer is the perfect time for lake activities. There are also great outdoor events taking place in Syracuse in the summer, like a big blues festival in June. Experience the changing fall foliage in autumn, where you can hike in the state parks or head to an apple orchard. Embrace the cold and snowy weather in winter with sports like snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. The Holidays in the City event in December includes a gingerbread exhibition, Santa with real reindeer, and other festive events throughout Syracuse.

The Erie Canal Museum

The Erie Canal Museum celebrates the canal’s major role in the history of the United States. The museum is housed in the 1850s Weighlock building, which was originally built for weighing boats and collecting tolls on cargo but is now the last remaining Weighlock building in America. Discover how the canal was built and how it changed the course of the United States’ social and economic development. The museum is open seven days a week and offers free admission.

Pratt’s Falls Park

About 15 miles from downtown Syracuse, this county park features a scenic trail that leads to a 48-metre waterfall. Formed by retreating glaciers, this geological wonder was the site of Onondaga County's first mill in 1796.

Everson Museum of Art

Designed by a renowned architect, the Everson Museum of Art is home to a large collection of American modern and contemporary art, as well as a collection of ceramics and ground-breaking video art. The museum’s exhibits include a permanent collection of art as well as temporary showcases.