Where to Play, Eat, and Stay on a Winter Trip to Syracuse, New York

Central New Yorkers know. Rather than shuttering their doors and windows and hibernating until spring, Syracusans and their neighbors have mastered the art of embracing winter. On my recent trip to Syracuse, I discovered firsthand why this city is the ultimate winter destination (with a wellness bent to boot). From rejuvenating outdoor adventures to restorative activities and rich history, Syracuse is a place that nourishes both the mind and body when the temperature drops. Here’s how.

Things to do in Syracuse in winter

Clinton Square Ice Rink

Ice skating at the Clinton Square Ice Rink isn’t just about gliding across the ice — it’s a chance to skate on top of history. Before the Erie Canal was rerouted in the early 1900s, it ran right through Clinton Square, and locals would skate across the frozen canal in winter. Today, this open-air ice skating rink welcomes over 20,000 visitors a year. Be sure to check out its lunchtime skate special for reduced pricing and a less crowded rink.

Clinton Square Ice Rink: 2 S Clinton St, Syracuse, NY 13202

Green Lakes State Park

Green Lakes State Park is a nice spot for hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing, with over 15 miles of trails that wind through lush old-growth forests and along the lakeshore. In winter, the 18-hole Green Lakes State Park Golf Course also remains open to snowshoers. Combine the Round Lake and Green Lake loops for a 3.5-mile flat trail, a favorite for hikers and runners as it circles the park’s two glacially created lakes.

Green Lakes State Park is open from sunrise to sunset, with free admission during the winter months. Note that while you’ll need to bring your own cross-country skis, snowshoes are available for free at the Environmental Education Center.

Green Lakes State Park: 7900 Green Lakes Rd, Fayetteville, NY 13066

Mirbeau Inn & Spa

Located near Skaneateles Lake, Mirbeau Inn & Spa is a 20-minute drive from Syracuse and provides a wide range of treatments including massages, body wraps, and facials. I made sure to give myself ample time before and after my massage to take full advantage of the amenities, such as the fitness center, dry sauna, steam room, relaxation room, and heated outdoor jacuzzi. Check in early and dine in the restaurant upstairs while wearing your robe, or opt for a laid-back experience and order food and drinks jacuzzi-side.

Note that the spa doesn’t offer day passes, so you must have a treatment booked to use the facilities. Reservations are essential, especially if you’re not staying overnight at the inn.

Mirbeau Inn & Spa: 851 W Genesee Street Rd, Skaneateles, NY 13152

Beaver Lake Nature Center

If your Syracuse visit happens to fall during a full moon like mine did, check out the evening events at the Beaver Lake Nature Center, where you cou can hike, snowshoe, or ski in the moonlight. Stop by the visitor center for a trail map, as some trails are designated for specific activities, and many are one-way loops — also, don’t forget to bring a headlamp or flashlight.

Note that while the evening full moon events offer a unique way to experience the park after dark, the Beaver Lake Nature Center (about 20 minutes from Syracuse) is also open during the day for outdoor recreation.

Beaver Lake Nature Center: 8477 E Mud Lake Rd, Baldwinsville, NY 13027

Matilda Joslyn Gage Center

At the Matilda Joslyn Gage Center in Fayetteville, slightly east of Syracuse, you can explore the life and legacy of one of America’s important human rights activists. Born in 1826, Gage was a prominent figure in the women’s suffrage movement and a fierce advocate for abolition, Indigenous rights, and the separation of church and state. Her well-preserved home, a stop on the Underground Railroad, not only served as a refuge for those seeking freedom but also as a hub for suffrage activism and social justice work.

For those with literary interests, the center also highlights an intriguing connection to L. Frank Baum, author of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Gage’s youngest daughter married Baum, and Gage’s progressive philosophies influenced his writing.

The center itself, dedicated to Gage’s visionary life, is a space that fosters purpose and wellness, reminding visitors that true well-being is not only physical but also rooted in the health of society and the equality of all its people.

Matilda Joslyn Gage Center: 210 E Genesee St, Fayetteville, NY 13066

Glow Yoga and Juice Bar

If you’re looking to warm up, recharge, and exercise your body in Fayetteville after flexing your mind at the Matilda Joslyn Gage Center, stick around for a yoga class at Glow Yoga and Juice Bar. The studio offers a range of classes, both heated and unheated. I took the heated 60-minute Power Slow Flow, a Baptiste-inspired vinyasa that provides a full-body workout, sinking deep into poses and sweating out any tension. Mats and towels are available to rent, and drop-ins are welcome.

Glow Yoga and Juice Bar: 6823 E Genesee St, Fayetteville, NY 13066

Skä•noñh Great Law of Peace Center

Situated on the shores of Onondaga Lake, the Skä•noñh Center is named after the Onondaga greeting Skä•noñh, which translates to “peace and wellness.” The center’s exhibits dive into the culture, traditions, and history of the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) people. When you get there, be sure to watch the short video featuring Haudenosaunee individuals sharing what Skä•noñh means to them, as it serves as a perfect introduction to the center’s story. With its serene lakeside setting, the Skä•noñh Center invites visitors to reflect on the significance of the area’s Indigenous heritage and its enduring influence.

Skä•noñh Great Law of Peace Center: 6680 Onondaga Lake Pkwy, Liverpool, NY 13088

Where to eat and drink in Syracuse

Rise N Shine

With a focus on the three Bs — breakfast, brunch, and brinner (aka breakfast for dinner) — this diner takes pride in serving creative dishes (although, admittedly, I found the extensive food and drink menu overwhelming at first glance). If you’re prone to decision paralysis, go for the eggs Benedict flights, pancake flights, and various drink flights to taste a little bit of a lot.

Rise N Shine: 500 Westcott St, Syracuse, NY 13210

Salt City Market

After a few laps around the Clinton Square Ice Rink, head over to Salt City Market (just four blocks from Clinton Square) for a delicious lunch. This food hall has over 10 diverse eateries, a grocery store, an artisan gift shop, and ample seating. Choose your own culinary adventure by deciding between a variety of international flavors — including Jamaican, Ethiopian, and Thai — or opt for local regional dishes to satisfy your cravings.

Salt City Market: 484 S Salina St, Syracuse, NY 13202

Noble Cellar

Stained-glass windows, 18-foot ceilings, a brick exterior, and wine — if you’re thinking of a church, you’re partly right. Nobel Cellar is an upscale wine bar and restaurant housed in a former church that was once a stop on the Underground Railroad. Though it’s only been open since January 2024, the spot has already earned both local and international awards. While you can’t go wrong with any selection, ask the server for the best food and wine pairings. Reservations are highly recommended.

Noble Cellar: 304 E Onondaga St, Syracuse, NY 13202

Elephant and the Dove

Near the Mirbeau Inn & Spa, Elephant and the Dove specializes in dining experiences with a modern Mexican twist. Co-owner Adam Weitsman, who studied art and spent time in Mexico City, named the restaurant as a tribute to iconic artists Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo (Rivera represents the elephant and Kahlo the dove).

The restaurant’s interior features large floral designs, colorful patterned wallpaper, and cozy seating. The menu blends traditional ingredients with contemporary flair and generous portions — the bang-bang shrimp tacos and Mexican street corn are standouts.

Elephant and the Dove: 9 E Genesee St, Skaneateles, NY 13152

Where to stay in Syracuse

Best Western Syracuse Downtown

Conveniently located in Syracuse’s Armory Square, the Best Western Syracuse Downtown was originally built in 1927 and is a member of the Historic Hotels of America. The biggest perk of staying here is that you’ll be near downtown’s best dining and entertainment area and within walking distance of Clinton Square, Salt City Market, and Noble Cellar.

Best Western Syracuse Downtown: 416 S Clinton St, Syracuse, NY 13202

Marriott Syracuse Downtown

The Marriott Syracuse Downtown offers a unique opportunity to experience this beloved Syracuse landmark once known as “The Great Lady.” Originally opened in 1924 as Hotel Syracuse, the hotel was the largest and most prestigious in the area for nearly 90 years, hosting five US Presidents as well as celebrities like John Lennon. After a $75 million restoration, the hotel reopened in 2016, preserving its grandeur while incorporating modern comforts. A 40-foot-by-six-foot mural depicting 20 key events in the first 100 years of Syracuse’s history is displayed above the front desk, adding a fun visual journey through the city’s past.

Marriott Syracuse Downtown: 100 E Onondaga St, Syracuse, NY 13202

Getting to and around Syracuse in winter

Syracuse is connected by rail and bus, but most people coming from out of state arrive at the Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR). After touching down, the most effective way to explore is by renting a car — while the downtown area is navigable on foot, some destinations are not within walking distance or serviced by bus, and winter weather means you might not want to walk anyway.

Lyft and Uber are options in Syracuse, but having your own vehicle will give you greater flexibility and convenience.