From Halal food to nature walks, your guide to Syracuse summers

Syracuse in the summer is a whole vibe. Between swimming in the blue waters at Green Lakes, devouring a Middle Eastern-inspired cheeseburger that’s just a little too big for your mouth, screaming the lyrics to your favorite songs with the artist only feet away, and wandering the trails of the Mill Run Park that feel straight out of a Studio Ghibli film, you’ll quickly realize this city is not just another dot on your map after all. 

Syracuse’s charm lies in its mural-covered alleys, Salt City Market’s global flavors, echoes of cheers from the Empower FCU Amphitheater and the family-run restaurants and diners that serve recipes passed down through generations. Whether you’re on the hunt for the best birria tacos in town or just trying to survive a 90-degree day with a good swim, Syracuse has got you covered. 

This isn’t your typical “things to do” list. This is your summer mood board, Syracuse edition. Whether you’re a local looking for new spots or just visiting the city wondering where to start, this guide is for you.

Nature in the heart of the city

Syracuse is the kind of place where you can sip a matcha downtown in the morning and be surrounded by the trees by noon. City life mixes well with nature here — and the best part? You’re less than 20 minutes away from both.

Mill Run Park

Mill Run Park is your forest-core dream. Your ‘nature walk’ playlist is made for this park. 

Ask Alex from Syracuse, who goes hiking every week with his dog, Apollo.

“This is our favorite park to bring him to,” he said. “It’s quiet, there are creeks everywhere, and the big open field at the top is perfect for a game of fetch.” 

The sound of water running through limestone creek beds, the sun peeking through the branches and the leaves, and the magic of nature is otherworldly.

Choose from two hiking trails: the yellow for a quick, breezy one-mile loop and the red for when you’re feeling ambitious (six to 10 miles!). As you walk the trails, keep an eye out for deer.

While the walk can be peaceful, nature keeps you on your toes. 

“You’ve got to be careful of the ticks here,” Alex said. “It’s beautiful here but definitely check yourself and your dog after a run.” 

Some locals call this their “COVID park” since it became a go-to escape during the pandemic. 

For Pam Gottheld, this park is where her kids grew up.

 “It’s not a big park,” said Gottheld, an adult services coordinator at the Manlius Library. “But it was big enough when my kids were really little. As they got older, they went there on their own with friends.”

Gottheld shared a helpful tidbit for first-timers: the upper section of the park can be accessed from Whetstone Road, just off Route 92 as you head out of the village toward the transmit station. Visitors can follow the tree-lined trails and find themselves next to the open field where people play baseball and soccer.  Another trail goes down to the main playground and the picnic areas. 

The heart of this park is its bridge that leads to what residents call “the little island.” Just before the two trails split off, the wooden bridge appears to your right. The bridge was restored recently by the Eagle Scouts of Alexander Thomas Troop 369. Stand in the middle of the bridge, and you’ll catch the sunlight dancing on the creek below. Cross over, and you’ll find yourself at the creek’s edge, where the slow-moving current invites you to dip your feet and stay. The wide, flat stones by the water make it easy to sit down, take a breather, and enjoy the quiet. It’s the kind of place where you can open a sketchbook, pull out a speaker, or just let your phone stay in your pocket for once. 

But for those who like a bit of adventure, there’s more. 

“If the water isn’t too high,” Gottheld said. “You can cross Limestone Creek by foot and find another section of trail. It follows the Whetstone Road and eventually brings you to a small waterfall. My kids used to love exploring that.” 

The waterfall is the perfect reward for your impromptu hike; just be ready to get your feet a little wet. 

Clark Reservation State Park

Clark Reservation State Park is almost six miles away from downtown Syracuse, located in the town of DeWitt. This park is home to Glacier Lake, which is unlike any other — it’s not just visually captivating, it’s ancient. In the early 1900s, Mary Clark Thompson bought this property to keep it from becoming part of the quarry and named it after her father, Myron H. Clark, who was a governor of New York in the 1880s. 

“My favorite trail is the Lake Trail,” Clark Reservation park manager Julie Smith said. “It’s hard to get down to, and it’s a tough trail, but it’s around the glacier lake, which is about seventy feet deep, which is really deep for the size of it.” 

Accessing Glacier Lake isn’t for the faint of heart. To reach the shoreline, you’ll need to descend nearly 175 feet down a stone staircase — but it’s worth every step. There are almost six miles of trails accessible in this park. 

Fishing is encouraged for those interested.

 “Fish is stocked down on the Lake Trail, so it’s a lot of stairs to get there, but it’s worth it,” Smith said. 

You’ll definitely want to pack light if planning to fish, which means ditching your bulky gear and bringing just the essentials. The lake is stocked annually with 20,000 walleye fish along with chain pickerel, pumpkinseed sunfish, golden shiners, rainbow trout, and brown trout. These fish range from around 7.7 inches to nearly 19 inches. But because recent studies suggested possible elevated mercury levels, catch and release is a better strategy than eating what you catch. 

For botany enthusiasts, Clark Reservation is one of the few places in the region where you’ll find the American Hart’s Tongue Fern, an endangered species. 

“We even grow them on a different property and replant them here to help the population grow,” Smith said. “That’s how rare they are.” 

On weekends, visitors can join guided hikes hosted by the Friends of Clark Reservation. The park’s nature center is open daily in the summer from noon to 4 p.m., offering educational displays, fossil exhibits and more. 

Birdwatchers will be happy to know that Clark Reservation is part of the New York State Birding Trail, and a prime spot for cedar waxwings and woodpeckers. According to local birdwatcher Alan Middleton, recent park sightings include Canada goose, pileated woodpecker, downy woodpecker, yellow-throated vireo, and a common raven. 

Onondaga Lake Park

Onondaga Lake Park is by far the best-known park in this city. 

“We’re so lucky to have so many great parks in this area,” Park recreation supervisor Megan Ball said. “But what makes this one stand out is the variety of activities it offers.”

That includes nearly eight miles of paved trails, fishing spots, birdwatching spots, pickleball courts, pavilions, multiple playgrounds, and even a skate park. 

Wegmans Landing is the family hub in this park, featuring the Wegmans Playground, a skate park, bike rentals, and even quadricycles. Kids can enjoy the playground while parents hit the pickleball courts only a few feet away. 

“There are a few other playgrounds in the park down Sawmill Creek and Willow Bay if the Wegmans playground gets too crowded,” Ball said. 

Trams run on weekdays, giving visitors a relaxing way of seeing the park without having to walk the distance. 

Ball recommends the East Shore Trail as the most accessible for individuals with disabilities. It’s easy to access from several different areas of the park. 

The East Shore Trail is the main trail, which starts at the Wegmans Landing area and goes down to the Wegmans Good Dog Park. The Shoreline Walking Trail runs parallel to the East Shore Recreational Trail, and that’s geared more toward walkers and runners. 

“During the busy season, the wheel users, such as bikers and rollerbladers, are on the recreational trail, and the walkers and the pedestrians are on the shoreline walking trail,” Ball said. 

The West Shore Trail is about four and a half miles and less developed, so you can expect to feel closer to nature. 

Part of the West Shore Trail is the Lake Land Trail, which is about a mile long; it is not paved, so wear appropriate shoes. 

“You can be on the West Shore Trail, hop off onto Lake Land, and loop back over to the West Shore, so that’s a nice little quiet area if you are looking for that kind of solitude,” Ball said. 

Murphy’s Island Trail is located near Destiny USA, and it’s not even half a mile long. It’s a very small section, but it’s a mixture of stone dust and a wooden boardwalk.

“It’s a good spot for birding and spotting eagles; it doesn’t have as many amenities, so I think that one is more used by people who are specifically looking to bird-watch,” Ball said.

Speaking of birdwatching, this park is known for its eagle sightings. You can expect to see lots of geese, herons, sparrows, and even swans at this park. Don’t forget to pack your binoculars and a camping chair to get the best view at Murphy’s Island Trail. 

Fishing enthusiasts are in for a treat, too. With two jetties — one of them fully ADA-accessible in the Willow Bay area — there’s plenty of space to cast a line. And yes, there are fish worth the effort. 

“We host bass and carp tournaments during the year, including endurance-style carp tournaments where people fish nonstop for 72 hours,“ Ball said. “People take this very seriously.” 

Onondaga Lake Park also has deep roots in local history. The park was established in 1933 through a work relief program launched during the Great Depression.

The history of the park lives on at the Salt Museum, which offers free self-guided tours Thursdays through Sunday and private tours by appointment. Here’s your chance to learn how Syracuse earned the nickname “Salt City.”

Onondaga Lake Park also supports and hosts pop-up classes like Fit for the Next Fifty, SUNY ESF youth camps, and CNY pickleball meetups. Check the park website for updates on the events.

Green Lakes State Park

Green Lakes State Park is beloved for its clear, blue-green waters, sandy beaches, and tree-lined trails. These lakes, a remnant of the last Ice Age, were formed nearly 14,000 years ago when meltwater flowed from a great glacial waterfall, carving out the basins now occupied by the two lakes. Today, the lakes get their signature green color from a mix of light absorption, unusually deep and clear water, and a natural presence of calcium carbonate. The lakes are what scientists call meromictic, meaning their layers of water never mix. It’s an unusual trait that only 36 lakes possess around the world.

With over 20 miles of trails, Green Lakes is a dream for walkers, runners, bikers, and anyone with a camera in hand. Whether you’re on a sunrise jog, a golden hour stroll, or just want the perfect Instagram backdrop, these lakeside trails deliver. Wrapped around two of the most alluring lakes in upstate New York, the trails offer everything from casual loops to scenic runs with nonstop views that’ll have you stopping just to soak it all in.

Fishing is allowed at Green Lake — but only outside the designated swimming area, and strictly not on Round Lake. You can catch rainbow trout, largemouth bass and a variety of panfish in the iridescent waters of Green Lake. Take a dip in the lake; swimming is allowed daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. between Memorial Day and Labor Day. 

If you’re looking for a weekend escape but prefer comfort over camping, consider booking one of the park’s seven remodeled cabins, each prepared with essentials like a private bathroom, kitchen, dining area, and screened porch. Sleeping up to four guests (with two singles and one double bed), the cabins offer the right mix of rustic charm and modern convenience. Cabins are available for weeklong stays (Saturday to Saturday). Peak season begins on the fourth Saturday before Labor Day. Outside peak season, a two-night minimum stay is required. Just don’t forget to pack your own linens, cookware, and toiletries. But if camping is more your style, Green Lakes has you covered with a wide range of options, from non-electric tent-only sites tucked into the trees to full-service pull-throughs. Whether you’re going old-school camping or rolling in with all the gear, there’s a spot waiting for you under the stars.

Exploring Green Lakes from the water is an experience you won’t want to miss. Rent a boat or a kayak, including the popular clear kayaks that offer a view beneath the surface. Boats are available on a first-come, first-served basis, with all oars and life jackets provided for your safety. The prices range from $13 to $20 for an hour, making it an affordable way to enjoy the lake from a fresh perspective.

When hunger strikes, head over to Yards Grille, where you can choose between indoor or outdoor seating with a view. Prefer something quick and casual? Grab a bite at the beachside concession stand next to the lifeguard station. From pizza and fries to ice cream and sodas, it’s the perfect pit stop to refuel between swims.

Tasting the flavors of Syracuse

Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite to eat, sipping coffee, or stocking up on groceries, Syracuse has a way to keep things fresh, flavorful and completely local. Here’s where to eat, snack, and shop like a local.

Salt City Market

Salt City Market is Syracuse’s go-to spot for bold flavors and food adventure. Whether you are a foodie or just love trying new foods, this year-round market is for you. From spicy Jamaican jerk chicken to savory Mac n Cheese Cinnabon, there is something to excite everyone. If you’re all about discovering and soaking up a lively atmosphere, Salt City Market should be at the top of your list. 

There’s a grocery store tucked away just out of sight at the very end of the market, in the opposite direction from the bar? If you’re on the hunt for healthy snack options, this is the spot to check out. 

You are missing out on a unique grocery experience that goes way beyond your typical grocery store. Lila Janke, who’s been a cashier at the Co-op for just over two years, says a lot of folks come in expecting just a small deli but are surprised to find a full grocery store, complete with fresh produce and a freezer section.

This co-op sits in an area where traditional grocery options are limited. 

“Before this, there really wasn’t much in terms of grocery stores — just small spots like gas stations where you might find snacks or maybe a banana, but nothing that offered actual sustainable food options,” Janke said. 

Syracuse Cooperative Market invests in community-focused programs and is committed to healthy food. 

“We have some amazing programs here, like Double Up Food Bucks, something I discovered myself and haven’t seen at places like Wegmans. If you have EBT, every dollar you spend on fruits and veggies earns you an extra dollar to spend on even more fresh produce,” Janke said.

The focus here is fresh, local, organic and healthy options. 

“It’s part of our mission,” Janke said. “Whether you’re gluten-free, vegan, or just looking for better snacks, you’ll find plenty of choices.” 

Plus, the chefs whip up fresh food on-site, from sandwiches and salads to pasta dishes, with new vegan options rolling out soon. 

“Their vegan potato salad is truly super good,” she said. 

Joining the co-op is more than just scoring discounts. For a one-time $100 investment ($50 for students and seniors), you’re buying into something bigger. 

“It’s more like buying a stake in the company. When you join, you’re investing in the community and supporting local growth. It’s not just about getting discounts; you’re actively part of something bigger. Plus, if the co-op has a successful year, members can even earn a return on their investment,” Janke said. 

Members get exclusive deals and voting rights as well. Hosting friends and family this summer and planning to wow them with your baking skills? Score 10% off when you buy in bulk. Local bakers often grab huge bags, like 200 pounds of flour, right here. 

So, next time you are in the Salt City Market, swing by the Co-op for a grab-and-go meal made fresh in their kitchen.

Aloha Krab

If you’re hooked on TikTok food trends or love binge-watching mukbangs, Aloha Krab is about to become your new obsession. Ever caught yourself craving something you’ve never had before, like a piping hot seafood boil, just because it looked insanely delicious on screen? 

General manager Latifah Brown is the powerhouse behind the scenes, juggling everything from staffing and inventory to making sure every guest has a memorable experience. 

“I try to make sure everybody has a good time from the moment they walk in until they leave,” Brown said. 

Aloha Krab is the only place in Syracuse that offers an impressive three-pound seafood boil just like the ones in those TikTok videos. You can mix and match lobster, snow crab, Dungeness crab, and shrimp, all tossed in flavorful butter and seasoning. Brown recommends either the signature Aloha special sauce, a blend of all the house-made sauces, or the Juicy Cajun seasoning, packed with garlic butter and bold spices. 

“That’s usually what people go for,” she said. “Including my husband and me.” 

Fresh seafood arrives weekly, shipped from Boston and Massachusetts, while oysters come from Prince Edward Island, and the prized king crab is Alaskan. 

The chefs, who surprisingly speak only Mandarin, bring their own flair and expertise to the kitchen. 

“We use translators and learn new words every day. I’m not fluent, but I know enough Mandarin to get by,” Brown said. 

Brown recommends crab meat fries loaded with blue crab and aioli, crispy calamari, coconut shrimp drizzled with a piña colada sauce, fried pickle spears that are surprisingly addictive, and hushpuppies with a hint of onion flavor, perfectly paired with the coleslaw.

Kofta Burger

Kofta Burger isn’t a typical burger joint. It’s an experience, a flavorful mix of American comfort food and Middle Eastern tradition. 

“All our sauces are halal, homemade, and draw from all over the Middle East, like our Egyptian-style harissa or classic Greek tzatziki,” cook and server Abdullah Rashid said.

Kofta Burger first opened on James Street but relocated downtown in February 2024.  It’s already creating serious buzz, especially because it’s the only spot in Syracuse to carry Salaam Cola, a beloved Middle Eastern soft drink. 

“We prep everything in the morning,” Rashid said. “Our meats come from local halal butchers, and we bring in fresh greens weekly.” 

But that’s not all; this is probably the only place that is down for any crazy combo. 

“Anything on the menu can be swapped, changed, or mixed. If we’ve got it, we’ll make it work,” he said. 

At Kofta Burger, the creativity never stops. They roll out daily specials that keep visitors coming back for more. 

“Every day one of us, whether it’s me, the owner, or another cook, comes up with something brand new, and we put it on the board as the burger of the day,”  Rashid said. 

One recent hit is the Miso Mustard Smash Burger, packed with bold aromatic flavors, which quickly became a fan favorite. 

The signature Kofta Burger is hands-down the best seller. But don’t sleep on the other items on their menu. 

“One day a regular came in and asked for a cheeseburger inside a wrap. So we made it for him, and it was so good that it’s now on our menu permanently. We call it the Cheeseburger Shawarma. It’s literally a cheeseburger inside a lavash wrap,” Rashid said. 

He also recommends the Pomegranate BBQ Burger, the spicy Harvest Burger, and the Jalapeño Smash. 

For bowl lovers, Rashid recommends the chicken bowl or the lamb and harissa-loaded mac and cheese.

 “That’s one of my personal favorites,” he said. 

It’s not just the great food that draws people; it’s how the restaurant leans into its Middle Eastern roots. Entering the restaurant, the first thing you’ll notice is the Middle Eastern music and the art on the walls. 

“People love the environment. We know our regulars by name,” Rashid said. 

Whether you’re looking for a halal burger joint, wanting to try something new, or simply hanging out with a friend, Kofta Burger is open for you every day of the week from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Sports in the City

NBT Bank Stadium

The shouts of children and adults alike fill the air as the Syracuse Mets hit another run. Some children wave their clapper toys like victory flags every run scored, while others are arms deep in the popcorn bucket, their faces covered in the sticky ice cream residue. It’s loud, it’s joyful, and it’s everything summer at the ballpark should be — it’s the NBT Bank Stadium. 

Many adults still remember their first games at that stadium, wide-eyed, glove in hand, sitting beside their parents or grandparents, cheering for a home run. When the Mets light up that scoreboard, it’s not just the game that keeps people there; it’s the shared traditions and cheers, high-fives between strangers, and the end-of-the-night firework show as families sit side by side. 

“Fourth of July weekend’s the busiest yet the best time to be here,” said Stu Wilkinson, who’s been working at the stadium since 2017. “They have three times the number of fireworks they normally do.” 

Wilkinson should know; he’s been around since the Tim Tebow era. Yes, that Tim Tebow.

Wilkinson points out that Sundays are ideal for families with young children. Not only do kids eat free (hot dog, chips, soda and ice cream) but they also get the chance to run the bases after the game.

The post-game base run is a tradition. Children line up down on the field and start at home base. 

“They run all the way around, and parents can go with them too, if they have little ones,” Wilkinson said.

And if you’re wondering what to eat? 

“I’ve been eating Hoffman hot dogs my whole life,” Wilkinson said. 

There are nachos available, which are just tortilla chips with a cheese sauce, nothing crazy special. The tenders and fries are slightly soggy as well. If you are looking for a satisfying meal, you won’t find it here. However, you will find great ice cream and lemonade. Perry’s ice cream never misses.

Syracuse Sports Association

If you are looking to get into local sports and find a like-minded community, look no further than the Syracuse Sports Association (SSA). From classic backyard games to competitive league tournaments, SSA has events for everyone to stay active and make new friends. 

SSA is for adults who loved being involved in sports in high school and college but don’t feel like they can be a part of a team anymore. You don’t have to give up your love for the game just because life got busy. 

For instance, if you’re looking for a quick game of cornhole that will let you be social, sporty, and just the right amount of competitive, sign up for Tuesday Night Cornhole at Sharkey’s. Through Sept. 23, Sharkey’s will host the competition where two teams will throw bags, eat food and sip drinks, starting at 6:30 p.m. It costs $160 per team for 11 weeks of gameplay. The top four teams will win cash, bar swag, and, of course, bragging rights. 

Whether you are in it for the win or the wings, SSA’s Cornhole Tournament is all about fun, friends, and making the most of those warm summer days. 

As you finish reading this guide, remember that Syracuse is yours to explore and discover this summer. So, grab your shades, slide on your slippers, and head on out to make this your best summer yet. Consider this guide a challenge to try something new, support a local grocery store, catch a big fish, and go out to another Mets game with your family while you can.

Here’s to summer in Syracuse!