This Charming Coastal Village In New York Is Home To Fun Parks And Local Eateries

Nestled on the southern shore of Lake Ontario, Sodus Point is a coastal village highlighting the allure of New York's Great Lakes. Known for its historic lighthouse, vibrant marina, beautiful parks, and enchanting restaurants, Sodus Point is among the top must-visit family vacation destinations in the U.S. that both kids and parents will love. From kayaking and fishing to dining on seafood, Sodus Point provides a welcoming atmosphere. In summer, the waterfront village buzzes with sailboats and families exploring the parks.

Sodus Point is about 40 miles from Rochester, accessible via NY-14 North in just under an hour. If you're driving in from Syracuse, take 1-90 West and NY-14 North to get to the village in about 1 hour and 10 minutes. The closest airport to the area is Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC). From the airport, you can get a rental car or taxi to the village. Sodus Point was originally inhabited by the Onondaga and Cayuga tribes, with white settlers arriving in 1794, who created the port settlement. During the War of 1812, the village was burned, then rebuilt when the war ended.

Sodus Point is home to Sodus Point Beach Park, a family-friendly destination known for soft sand, calm waters, and beautiful views of Lake Ontario. The swimming beach is on the southern shoreline along the lake, and is usually guarded. You can swim when the beach is open, but sometimes it may be closed when water conditions change. While pets are welcome at Sodus Point Beach Park, they aren't allowed in the swimming area.

Aside from swimming beaches, the park has a fishing pier, a bathhouse, and open pavilion. A short distance from the Sodus Point Beach Park is the Lighthouse Museum. As one of the stunning lighthouses on the Great Lakes that look best in the winter, it exhibits the maritime history of Great Sodus Bay. You can stroll around the Lighthouse museum, join a guided tour, or get souvenirs at the gift shop. When you feel like mixing things up a bit, stop by the Macyville Woods Nature Preserve, a 34-acre preserve with oak, beech, maple, and cherry trees. 

When you get hungry, Sodus Point's local eateries serve delicious lakeside dishes. Located near the bay is Captain Jack's Good Time Tavern. The facility is known for its laid-back atmosphere, live music, and hearty menu of burgers and sandwiches paired with cocktails and beers. Another favorite is Franklin House Tavern, known for comfort food. Here you can enjoy fresh dough pizza, burgers, chicken wings, and locally-owned craft beers. Tick-Toc Croc's Café is another popular choice. With great views of Lake Ontario from its outdoor seating, the waterfront restaurant offers a wide array of treats, including classic breakfast dishes like French toast, eggs benedict, and waffles. Lunch options include sandwiches, lobster rolls, and tacos. If wood-fired dishes are your thing, stop by the Six50 restaurant for an opportunity to savor wood-fired chicken wings glazed with different sauces or choose from six50 Signature Pizza options.

Beyond the beach and marina, Sodus Point is a getaway to many other attractions around the area. Visit Beechwood State Park, about two miles from Sodus Point Village, home to an abandoned Girl Scouts' camp. This park stretches over 250 acres on the shores of Lake Ontario, and has dense pine, wooded hills, hemlock groves, and marshy ravines. You can see the abandoned buildings of the summer camp, but beyond the decaying structures, there are other fun things to do and see. For instance, Maxwell Bay on the west tip of the park provides a great spot for paddling and fishing. As you stroll through, you may spot squirrels, deer, and various bird species in the woods.

About 13 miles from Sodus Point are the beautiful landscapes at Chimney Bluffs State Park. Discover breathtaking Great Lake views at this New York state park famous for its towering clay formations that rise above the lake and are carved by centuries of wind and water erosion. Explore the about 150 feet high spires created by drumlins that stretch for about a mile.

Do not forget to hike trails like the 1.4-mile Bluff Trail, which provides panoramic views of Lake Ontario and its shoreline. If you want to retreat as you soak in what Mother Nature has to offer, bring your lunch and follow the trails to the western side of the park, where the grass is mowed. While the park allows pets, they must be supervised and on a leash or in a crate. The furry friends are also not allowed in golf courses, buildings, pools, playgrounds, or guarded beaches.