Enjoy lazy days of swimming in Oneida Lake, two miles of sandy beaches for building sandcastles, and sunbathing at Sylvan Beach and Verona Beach State Park. This quintessential beachfront community has been preserved in time. Reconnect as families and friends have done for generations at Sylvan Beach. Escape to your favorite waterfront cottage, tent or park your RV at one of the many local campgrounds; fish for walleye, bass, perch and other freshwater treasures. Pick up a beach volleyball game, motorboat, sail, kayak, ski, picnic or just chill. Chill? Oneida Lake offers year wide to reveal views of Oneida Lake. The Oscar-nominated film The Sterile Cuckoo starring Liza Minnelli was shot in part at the church in 1969. Minelli’s first on-screen kiss was filmed at the church during the making of the movie. Sylvan Beach Union Chapel is a historic interdenominational church located on the waterfront in Sylvan Beach. It opened on July 3, 1887 and worship services have been held there every summer since. Its unique top-hinge doors open round activities, including ice fishing in the winter months.

Oneida Lake is known for spectacular sunsets! Find a favorite spot on the beach, watch from a restaurant deck, calm the engine on your boat, walk the path to the historic Verona Beach Lighthouse for a secluded view, but don’t miss the sunset! Check out the live sunset cam at sylvanbeachny.com

Enjoy lakefront dining at locally-owned iconic restaurants like Eddie’s for a famous hot ham sandwich, Canalview Cafe, Captain John’s and the Pancake House. Get your fill of barbeque at Bone-Yard BBQ or Willie’s Chop Shop and check out the eccentric 32-tap collection of New York State craft beers on tap at Oneida Lake Brew Haus.

Enjoy swashbuckling fun for the whole family during Pirates Weekend in July. Celebrate at the corner of beach and canal during Canal Fest in August. Revel in nostalgia playing iconic carnival games, crash bumper cars, and get a gorgeous view of Oneida Lake from the top of Central New York’s largest roller coaster at Sylvan Beach Amusement Park. The historic Carello’s Carousel Arcade has been offering classic carousel rides and entertainment since 1896. Stay up late for a Park After Dark Ghost Tour and hear about the spirits that haunt the park!

The newest beach attraction, The Lake House at Sylvan Beach, opening May 2020, will feature indoor/outdoor dining options, casino gaming and entertainment. Nearby, families can take in the excitement of stock car racing at the Utica-Rome Speedway. View artifacts, art, and cultural heritage displays of Oneida Indian life at Shako:wi Cultural Center; and uncover the utopian society mysteries kept at Oneida Community Mansion House. Tour Sherrill Manufacturing, crafting Liberty Tabletop, the only flatware made in America.

A short drive from the beach, you will find world-class entertainment at the 1,200 acre Turning Stone Resort Casino. With Las Vegas-style gaming, award-winning restaurants, spas, golf, nightclubs, shows, concerts and accommodations, your stay is certain to exceed expectations. Just seven miles away, Vernon Downs Casino Hotel, home to the famous “Miracle Mile” harness racetrack, offers daily racing simulcasts, casino gaming, casual dining, lodging and entertainment.