Canandaigua Lake Waterfront Kershaw Park
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Canandaigua Lake Waterfront Kershaw Park

4.6
·2k reviews·Canandaigua, United States

A beautifully maintained park on Canandaigua Lake, featuring an inclusive playground, scenic walkways, and a relaxing beach.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Beat the crowds and heat

CrowdLow
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Canandaigua Lake Waterfront Kershaw Park

Canandaigua Lake Waterfront Kershaw Park

Best Time

Summer mornings

Beat the crowds and heat

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A beautifully maintained park on Canandaigua Lake, featuring an inclusive playground, scenic walkways, and a relaxing beach.

4.6
(2k reviews)

"Kershaw Park is a beautifully maintained lakefront park with scenic views of Canandaigua Lake. It’s ideal for families, walkers, and anyone looking to relax by the water."

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TIP

🚗 Parking Tips

Arrive early on summer weekends, as parking lots fill up fast! Consider weekdays for easier access . :car:

☀️ Beach Day Essentials

Bring your swim gear and towels for the sandy beach. The swimming area is wonderful with a sandy bottom . :beachwithumbrella:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Inclusive Playground

Inclusive Playground

A thoughtfully designed play area catering to children of all abilities, fostering fun and interaction for everyone.

Lakeside Walking Paths

Lakeside Walking Paths

Paved paths offer stunning views of Canandaigua Lake, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a refreshing walk.

Swinging Benches

Swinging Benches

Unique swinging benches provide a relaxing spot to soak in the beautiful water views and enjoy the scenery.

Beach and Swimming Area

Beach and Swimming Area

A clean, sandy-bottom beach perfect for cooling off, with designated swimming areas during warmer months.

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Embrace the Lakeside Vibe

Kershaw Park offers a beautiful beach, walking paths, and picnic spots on Canandaigua Lake. It's a well-loved community spot, perfect for relaxation and family fun. Arrive early on summer weekends to secure parking, as it can fill up quickly.Reddit

Inclusive Play and Scenic Views

This park boasts an inclusive playground designed for all children, alongside scenic lakefront walkways and a public dock. Enjoy the picturesque views and the tranquility of the Finger Lakes region.TikTok

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Beat the crowds and heat
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Quieter atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Sunset
Why
Breathtaking views
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

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@councilwomanmeredith
1.7K likes • 54K views

🚗 Parking Tips

Arrive early on summer weekends, as parking lots fill up fast! Consider weekdays for easier access.Reddit :car:

☀️ Beach Day Essentials

Bring your swim gear and towels for the sandy beach. The swimming area is wonderful with a sandy bottom.Reddit :beachwithumbrella:

reddit.com

Swimming in Canandaigua

reddit.com

Local beaches

🚶‍♀️ Scenic Strolls

Enjoy the clean, paved walking paths with beautiful lake views. Don't miss the unique swinging benches! :walking:

🧺 Picnic Perfect

Picnic pavilions and open spaces make it ideal for gatherings. Pack a lunch and enjoy the lakeside setting. :picnic_table:

reddit.com

Where do y'all like to go swimming that isn't one of the disgusting beaches in Rochester?

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Parking Tips

Arrive early on summer weekends, as parking lots fill up fast! Consider weekdays for easier access.Reddit :car:

☀️ Beach Day Essentials

Bring your swim gear and towels for the sandy beach. The swimming area is wonderful with a sandy bottom.Reddit :beachwithumbrella:

🚶‍♀️ Scenic Strolls

Enjoy the clean, paved walking paths with beautiful lake views. Don't miss the unique swinging benches! :walking:

🧺 Picnic Perfect

Picnic pavilions and open spaces make it ideal for gatherings. Pack a lunch and enjoy the lakeside setting. :picnic_table:

🛶 Water Activities

Launch kayaks or paddleboards from the park for a fun day on Canandaigua Lake.Reddit :kayak:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Kershaw Park is widely praised as a beautifully maintained and scenic spot on Canandaigua Lake, offering a welcoming atmosphere for families and individuals alike. Visitors love the inclusive playground, clean beach, and relaxing lakeside paths with unique swinging benches. While parking can be a challenge on busy summer weekends, the overall experience is consistently rated as highly positive, making it a beloved community gem.

"Canandaigua is just so beautiful! They do such a lovely job keeping up with their parks. I love the swinging benches! Everything is very clean.
People are pretty friendly too! I enjoyed my visit!"

Christa Lily

"I grew up not too far from Kershaw Park in Naples. The park has always been a lovely and beautiful place. The city keeps it well maintained, and it has a nice swimming area which I think should be made a little bigger. You can launch your kayaks or pedal boards there. And the swimming is wonderful with a sandy bottom to enjoy."

Shanon Brink Dekouski

"Kershaw Park in Canandaigua is a beautifully maintained lakefront park with scenic views of Canandaigua Lake. It’s ideal for families, walkers, and anyone looking to relax by the water 🤗
Pros:
• Gorgeous lake views and sunsets 🌅
• Clean, paved walking paths
• Nice playground
• Benches, picnic areas
• Close to restaurants and downtown shops

Cons:
• Parking can fill up on busy summer weekends
• Swimming access is limited to the beach area only

Great for a day trip, morning walk, or lakeside picnic. A well-loved community spot with just enough amenities without feeling overcrowded."

Saida Niyazova

What People Like

Beautiful lake views
Inclusive playground
Clean and well-maintained

What People Dislike

Parking fills up

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Kershaw Park is located on the west end of Canandaigua Lake. It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available, though it can fill up on busy days.Reddit Public transportation options might be limited, so driving is generally recommended.

Yes, Kershaw Park offers parking facilities. However, during peak summer weekends and holidays, the parking lots can fill up quickly. Arriving early is advised to secure a spot.Reddit

While there's a public dock, Kershaw Park is more geared towards launching kayaks and paddleboards rather than larger boats. For boat launches, you might need to look for dedicated marinas or boat launch sites nearby.

The park features paved walking paths, making it accessible for strollers and wheelchairs. The inclusive playground is also a key feature designed for accessibility.TikTok

Kershaw Park is situated along Lakeshore Drive in Canandaigua, NY. It's conveniently located near the main routes that lead into the city.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Kershaw Park is a public park and generally does not require an entrance fee for general access. Enjoying the beach, walking paths, and playground is free for all visitors.

The park is typically open from dawn until dusk. Specific hours for facilities like restrooms or pavilions might vary, but the grounds are generally accessible throughout daylight hours.

While picnic pavilions are available, it's a good idea to check with the local parks department if reservations are recommended or required for larger groups, especially during peak season.

Generally, you can bring your own food and drinks to enjoy in the picnic areas. Alcohol policies may vary, so it's best to check local regulations if you plan to consume alcoholic beverages.

Swimming is typically permitted during the summer months when lifeguards may be on duty and the water is suitable. Outside of the designated swimming season, swimming might be at your own risk.

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

You can enjoy swimming at the beach, walking the scenic paths, playing at the inclusive playground, picnicking, and relaxing by the lake. Kayaks and paddleboards can also be launched here.Reddit

Yes, Kershaw Park features a fantastic inclusive playground designed to be accessible and enjoyable for children of all abilities.TikTok

Restroom facilities are available within the park for visitor convenience. They are generally kept clean and well-maintained.

The lakefront walkways, the beach area, and the swinging benches offer beautiful backdrops for photos, especially during sunrise and sunset.Reddit

While fishing might be possible from the public dock or along the lakefront, it's advisable to check local fishing regulations and obtain any necessary licenses.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, Kershaw Park is conveniently located close to downtown Canandaigua, offering a variety of restaurants, cafes, and shops within walking distance or a short drive.Reddit

The park has picnic pavilions, and while specific grilling facilities might not be present, you can often bring your own portable grill if permitted by park rules. Check local regulations.

Given its proximity to downtown Canandaigua, you'll find convenience stores and cafes nearby where you can purchase snacks and drinks.

Canandaigua offers a range of dining, from casual eateries and pubs to more upscale restaurants, many with views of the lake or situated in the charming downtown area.

There isn't a permanent concession stand mentioned, but during peak season, there might be occasional vendors. It's best to bring your own provisions or dine in town.

📸 📸 Photography

Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for photography, casting a beautiful glow over Canandaigua Lake.Reddit Golden hour is particularly stunning.

The lakefront walkways, the public dock, the swinging benches overlooking the water, and the inclusive playground all provide unique and picturesque photo opportunities.Reddit

Drone usage is subject to local regulations and FAA guidelines. It's essential to check if drones are permitted in public parks and adhere to all rules regarding privacy and safety.

For casual personal photography, there are usually no restrictions. However, if you plan to conduct professional shoots or commercial filming, you may need to obtain permits from the city or park authorities.

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive lake views and park landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for capturing details across the water or wildlife. A tripod is recommended for sunset and sunrise shots.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Kershaw Park is a dream for families! The inclusive playground is a major highlight, ensuring all children can play together and have fun.TikTok The clean, sandy beach is perfect for little ones to splash and build sandcastles. Parents appreciate the well-maintained facilities and the overall family-friendly atmosphere.Reddit

Beyond the playground and beach, the paved walking paths are great for strollers, and the picnic areas are ideal for family meals. You can easily spend a whole day here enjoying the lake views, the play areas, and the simple joy of being outdoors together. Don't forget to check out the unique swinging benches for a moment of shared relaxation.

🚶‍♀️ Walkers and Nature Enthusiasts

For those who love a good stroll with a view, Kershaw Park delivers. The paved walking paths offer a smooth and accessible route along the beautiful Canandaigua Lake shoreline. You'll be treated to scenic lake views and the calming presence of the water throughout your walk.Reddit

The park is meticulously maintained, making it a pleasure to explore. The swinging benches are a delightful addition, providing perfect resting spots to admire the scenery, especially during sunrise or sunset. It’s a peaceful environment to connect with nature and enjoy the tranquility of the Finger Lakes.

📸 Photographers

Kershaw Park is a photographer's delight, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. The lakefront provides a stunning backdrop with opportunities to capture reflections, water textures, and vibrant skies.Reddit The unique swinging benches also offer charming foreground elements for your shots.

Beyond the lake views, the inclusive playground presents interesting angles and vibrant colors. The overall well-maintained landscape of the park ensures that almost any spot can yield a beautiful photograph. Remember to bring a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive scenery.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Inclusive Playground Experience

Kershaw Park is celebrated for its inclusive playground, a testament to thoughtful design that ensures children of all abilities can play together. This isn't just a standard playground; it's a space where communication devices are integrated, allowing for shared experiences among children with diverse needs.TikTok The focus is on universal design, meaning the equipment and layout are intended for everyone to use and enjoy without the need for adaptation or specialized design.

Visitors rave about how this inclusive approach fosters a welcoming atmosphere. It's a place where children can connect through play, regardless of their communication styles or physical abilities. The park's commitment to inclusivity makes it a standout destination for families seeking a truly equitable play experience. The presence of features like communication stations further enhances the interactive and social aspects of the playground.TikTok

This dedication to inclusivity is a significant draw for families and a point of pride for the Canandaigua community. It transforms a simple park visit into an opportunity for social learning and shared joy, making Kershaw Park a unique and valuable asset.

Lakeside Relaxation and Recreation

The lakefront of Kershaw Park is its undeniable heart, offering a serene escape with stunning views of Canandaigua Lake. The landscaped beach provides a clean, sandy area perfect for sunbathing, wading, or simply enjoying the water. Reviewers consistently praise the sandy bottom of the swimming area, making it a pleasant experience for visitors.Reddit It’s an ideal spot to cool off during warmer months.

Beyond the beach, the park features well-maintained paved walking paths that meander along the shoreline. These paths are perfect for a leisurely stroll, a brisk jog, or simply enjoying the picturesque scenery. Scattered along these paths are unique swinging benches, offering a charming and comfortable place to pause, relax, and soak in the breathtaking lake views and sunsets.Reddit This combination of active recreation and peaceful relaxation makes Kershaw Park a versatile destination.

For those looking to get out on the water, the public dock serves as a convenient launch point for kayaks and paddleboards.Reddit This allows visitors to explore the lake at their own pace, adding an element of adventure to their visit. The park's amenities, from the beach to the walking trails and water access, are designed to cater to a wide range of interests, ensuring a fulfilling experience for everyone.

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