Angola on the Lake New York Travel Guide

Angola on the Lake New York
Angola on the Lake is an underrated lakeside getaway that offers stunning sunsets, outdoor recreation, and a laid-back atmosphere. Whether you're looking for beachside relaxation, exciting water sports, or cultural attractions, this charming destination has something for everyone. Plan your visit and experience the natural beauty and local charm of Angola on the Lake, NY!
Nestled along the shores of Lake Erie in Western New York, Angola on the Lake is a charming hamlet in the town of Evans and is west of the village of Angola. Angola on the Lake offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and small-town charm. Whether you're looking for a relaxing getaway or an adventure-filled vacation, Angola on the Lake has something for everyone. This travel guide will help you explore the best that this picturesque destination has to offer.
Getting to Angola on the Lake
Angola on the Lake is conveniently located just 25 miles southwest of Buffalo, NY, making it a quick and easy drive along Interstate 90 (I-90). From Buffalo: Take I-90 W to Exit 57A, then follow NY-5 W (Lake Shore Road) into Angola. The nearest major airport is Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF), which is approximately a 50 minute drive from the hamlet. From Cleveland, OH: Take I-90 E, passing through Erie, PA, before exiting at Angola If you're driving from New York City, expect a journey of about 7 hours via Interstate 90.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Angola on the Lake is during the late spring, summer, and early fall months (May through October). During this period, the weather is pleasant, and the lake is perfect for swimming, boating, and fishing. The fall foliage in October is particularly stunning, making it a great time for scenic drives and hikes.
Save on Fees and Experience Better Service by Booking Direct and Local with a Vacation Rental Manager

Short-Term and Long-Term Vacation Rentals for a family vacation, romantic getaways, business trips, reunions, and more. The preferred vacation stay.. learn more
Things To Do in and around Angola on the Lake, New York
Bennett Beach
Bennet Beach gives you the opportunity to rest, relax, and enjoy after a week-long work. This spot has a welcoming atmosphere for people across walks of life, particularly for families. One of the main attractions in the area is the beach. This small, sandy beach is perfect for a relaxing day by the water. The beach is family-friendly, with calm waters ideal for swimming. There are also picnic tables and grills available, making it a great spot for a lakeside lunch.
You can also find bird and animal species in this place, such as gulls, terns, herons, waterfowl, deer, and squirrels. If you love fishing, you can catch brown trout, lake trout, and steelhead trout at Bennett Beach.
Evans Town Park
A hidden gem along Lake Erie, this park features a sandy beach, picnic areas, and stunning sunsets. Activities such Swimming, beachcombing, volleyball, and fishing.

Evangola State Park
The natural sand beach and majestic arc-shaped shoreline of Lake Erie is one of the things that makes Evangola State Park a must-visit place. You can find grassy picnic areas, shelters, basketball and tennis courts, baseball diamonds, three campground loops, six yurts, a nature center, a cabin, and a banquet room here.
Evangola State Park, known for its rugged shoreline and unique rock formations. The park offers swimming, picnicking, and hiking opportunities. The Evangola Nature Center is also worth a visit, offering educational programs and exhibits about the local flora and fauna.
You can enjoy swimming, fishing, hiking, and biking at Evangola State Park. It is also open for campers from mid-April until the end of October. Winter activities are also fun to experience here.
Sturgeon Point Marina
- Public boat launches for fishing and recreational boating.
- Fishing charters, where experienced guides take you out onto the lake to reel in trophy-sized walleye, smallmouth bass, and perch.
- A scenic boardwalk, perfect for a relaxing walk along the waterfront.
Lake Erie State Park
Just a short drive from Angola on the Lake, Lake Erie State Park offers a wide range of outdoor activities. The park features hiking trails, fishing spots, and a large campground. The scenic overlooks provide breathtaking views of Lake Erie, especially at sunset. It's a must-visit for nature lovers.
For the ultimate outdoor experience, consider camping at Lake Erie State Park. The park offers both tent and RV camping, with amenities such as showers, restrooms, and electric hookups. It's a great way to immerse yourself in nature.
Historic Angola Village
Take a stroll through the historic Angola Village, where you'll find charming 19th-century architecture and a quaint downtown area. The village is home to several antique shops, boutiques, and local artisans, making it a great place to pick up unique souvenirs.
Known for hiking, waterfalls, and scenic overlooks, Zoar Valley offers stunning canyons and rugged terrain for adventurers.
Turtle Joes Sandbar
Turtle Joes features the most amazing lake views, patio, outdoor bar, drink specials, food, and live entertainment, Turtle Joes Sandbar is just a short drive south to Angola on the Lake.
The Beach Club at Mickey Rats
Beach bar with amazing lake views, cold drinks, and live music! They have a selection of local bands for you to sing and dance to while watching the gorgeous sunset. The Beach Club at Mickey Rats is sure to be your go-to spot for the summer.
Graycliff Estate
A 20 minute drive to the stunning Frank Lloyd Wright-designed home with guided tours showcasing architectural brilliance and Lake Erie views. A great detour for history and architecture lovers.
Overlooking Lake Erie, this historic home was designed as a summer retreat and features breathtaking design elements, peaceful gardens, and guided tours.
Eighteen Mile Creek Park

Angola on the Lake Activities
Fishing and Boating
Lake Erie is the star of the show in Angola on the Lake, and there are plenty of water activities to enjoy. Rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore the lake, or try your hand at fishing.
Lake Erie is one of the best fishing spots in the region, known for walleye, smallmouth bass, and perch.
Charter fishing trips are available for those looking for a guided experience.
Hiking and Biking
The area around Angola on the Lake offers several hiking and biking trails. The Lake Erie State Park and Evangola State Park both have well-maintained trails that wind through forests, along the lake, and past scenic overlooks. The nearby Erie County Forest is another great spot for hiking.
Evangola State Park (15 minutes away) offers scenic hiking trails, a sandy beach, and camping opportunities. Eighteen Mile Creek Park (20 minutes away) is a great spot for hiking and birdwatching. The Seaway Trail, which follows the shoreline of Lake Erie, is perfect for road cycling and scenic rides.
Bird Watching
Angola on the Lake is a haven for bird watchers, especially during the spring and fall migration seasons. The lake and surrounding wetlands attract a wide variety of bird species, including herons, egrets, and even bald eagles.
Golfing
Golf enthusiasts will enjoy the nearby 18-hole golf courses, such as the Tri County Country Club. The courses offer challenging play with beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.
Restaurants and Dining
Connors Hot Dog Stand
Castaway's Waterfront Bar & Grill
Turtle Joes Sandbar
Casual Dining with the most amazing views on Lake Erie. Drinks and dining at this magical destination with view you will always remember. We recommend the quesadillas!
Pasquale’s Restaurant
Nick Charlap's Ice Cream
Family owned & operated Ice Cream Business, serving WNY for 6 decades! This charming little spot offers a variety of ice cream flavors, as well as milkshakes and sundaes. It's the perfect treat on a warm summer day.
Events & Festivals in Angola, NY
Annual Beach Party & Fireworks (July 4th Weekend)
Evans City PumpkinFest
Town of Evans Community Events
Weekly Farmers' Markets (Summer)
Where to Stay
Vacation Rentals
Angola Lakefront Rental Homes and Cottages – Many privately owned vacation rentals offer stunning lake views and direct beach access.
Camping Options
Evangola State Park Campground – Features tent and RV camping, beachfront access, and scenic trails.
Angola KOA Holiday – Family-friendly with cabins, pools, and outdoor activities.
Nearby Attractions and Things to Do
Eden Valley Winery
For those who enjoy craft beverages, the nearby Eden Valley Winery offers a selection of locally produced wines, many of which pair beautifully with the region’s fresh seafood and farm-to-table dishes.
Pellicano Vineyard Hamburg Winery
For those who have a passion or obsession for wine, you will consider Pellicano Vineyard Hamburg Winery a heaven on earth. The patio area of this vineyard, where visitors can taste various wines, is simply mesmerizing. The vantage point from the patio allows you to see the impeccable scenery that you would wish to stay there forever.
This family business has been an attraction in Erie County for a long time. Do not miss this spectacular vineyard when you visit Angola on the Lake, New York.
Town of Ellicottville and Holiday Valley Ski Resort
Located in the Southern Tier of Western New York, Ellicottville is a charming ski town and popular tourist destination during wintertime but also throughout the entire year. If skiing and snowboarding are not your jam, Ellicottville has plenty of other things to explore and do.
Holiday Valley is an all-season resort with 60 trails, 13 lifts, and a world-class snowmaking system. Holiday Valley has biking and hiking trails, adventure course, roller coaster, and more!
Zoar Valley
Known for hiking, waterfalls, and scenic overlooks, Zoar Valley offers stunning canyons and rugged terrain for adventurers. Hiking is one of the best ways to experience Nature. Thus, you should go to Zoar Valley and hike through the rich green landscape and witness the spectacular scenery of flora and fauna. Make sure to prepare yourself before embarking on a hiking adventure at Zoar Valley because the trails here are pretty demanding.
Although the trails are more difficult here than other trails in Erie County, you will not regret it when you arrive at the top. Unspoiled beauty and majestic vistas of the place will reward you upon reaching your destination.
Akron Falls Park
If you need an outdoor escapade, pack your bag and visit the beautiful Akron Falls Park. At this place, you will see the hypnotizing beauty of the cascades surrounded by dense forest, moss, and ferns by the cliff. Aside from flora species, you will also see various fauna here, such as black-capped chickadees, white-tailed deers, and blue herons.
Nature envelopes you when you are in Akron Falls Park. You can do activities, such as photography, hiking, biking, and fishing here.
Buffalo Cattaraugus & Jamestown Scenic Railway
Embark on a journey through the incredible countryside of Erie County. You choose a theme of your journey on one of the vintage trains. The most popular theme here is the Great Train Robbery Ride, which takes you a glimpse of a bygone era of train robbery. Passengers are also served with delectable food and wine on the trip.
Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls is just outside the border of Erie County. When you see this grandiose natural attraction, which is famous all over the world, you will be in awe of its beauty. Take a boat tour and go up close to Niagara Falls.
Buffalo, NY
Visit Canalside, the Buffalo Zoo, and try Buffalo wings at the legendary Anchor Bar.
Chautauqua Institution
A beautiful lakeside cultural hub known for lectures, arts, and performances.
Conclusion
Angola on the Lake, NY, is a hidden gem that offers a perfect mix of relaxation and adventure. Whether you're lounging on the beach, exploring the state parks, or enjoying a meal with a view, you're sure to fall in love with this lakeside haven. Plan your visit today and discover all that Angola on the Lake has to offer!
Map of Angola on the Lake New York
Additional Western New York Articles
Winter Ski Getaway in Ellicottville New York
by Anthony Vaarwerk
Ellicottville New York Hidden Ski Trail Paradise
by Tiffany Wagner
Things To Do in Ellicottville New York
by Anthony Vaarwerk