Nestled in the heart of Finger Lakes, a charming city awaits your arrival, offering a blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. With its picturesque landscapes, scenic hiking trails, and world-class museums, this destination is perfect for travelers seeking both outdoor adventures and urban experiences.
As you explore this vibrant city, you’ll uncover the top attractions, hidden gems, and must-visit spots that make it truly special. From cascading waterfalls to farm-to-table dining, there’s something to delight every interest and age group. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, a family vacation, or a solo adventure, this guide will help you make the most of your time in this captivating region.
Discovering Ithaca’s Natural Beauty
Discover the natural beauty of Ithaca, where waterfalls cascade into serene gorges and scenic trails await exploration. Ithaca is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes, featuring numerous state parks that showcase the area’s unique geological formations and picturesque scenery.
Taughannock Falls State Park
Taughannock Falls State Park is home to the tallest single-drop waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains, standing at an impressive 215 feet. The park’s cliffs rise over 400 feet above the gorge, creating a breathtaking landscape. Visitors can enjoy hiking, picnicking, and camping in this beautiful setting.
Buttermilk Falls State Park
Buttermilk Falls State Park offers a complete natural experience with its 165-foot cascading waterfall, scenic gorge trail, and refreshing swimming area at the base of the main falls. The park is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, providing opportunities for hiking, swimming, and picnicking.
Robert H. Treman State Park
Robert H. Treman State Park features two magnificent waterfalls, Enfield Falls and Lucifer Falls, connected by trails that wind through a stunning gorge landscape. Visitors can explore the park’s natural beauty, enjoying hiking and picnicking opportunities.
Each of these parks provides a unique perspective on Ithaca’s natural beauty, from accessible viewing platforms to immersive hiking experiences that bring you close to the powerful cascades. The parks are well-maintained, with facilities for picnicking, swimming (seasonal), and camping, making them perfect for everything from quick visits to full-day adventures in nature.
Exploring Ithaca’s Stunning Waterfalls
Visitors to Ithaca are drawn to its numerous waterfalls, each offering a unique experience. Whether you’re looking for a quick visit to a city-center waterfall or a more adventurous hike to a secluded spot, Ithaca has something for everyone.
Ithaca Falls
Ithaca Falls is a 100+ foot waterfall located in the heart of the city, making it an ideal spot for those who want to experience natural beauty without venturing far from downtown. You can easily access this impressive waterfall along Falls Creek.
Cascadilla Gorge
Cascadilla Gorge offers a unique waterfall experience with eight cascades along a half-mile trail that connects Cornell University to downtown Ithaca. The trail features a 300-foot elevation change and partially paved paths for easier walking.
Wells Falls
Wells Falls, also known as Businessman Lunch Falls or First Dam Falls, is located just a short drive from the downtown area. It sits next to an abandoned pumping station built in 1893, providing a distinctive waterfall setting where natural beauty meets industrial history.
Each of these waterfalls is accessible with relatively short walks, making them perfect additions to your Ithaca itinerary. The variety of waterfall experiences—from urban settings to secluded spots—showcases why Ithaca proudly embraces its “Ithaca is Gorges” slogan.
Must-Visit Museums in Ithaca
Ithaca’s museums are a treasure trove of knowledge, featuring exhibits on art, history, and the natural world. Whether you’re interested in ancient artifacts, contemporary art, or the region’s natural history, Ithaca’s museums have something to offer.
Johnson Museum of Art
The Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art at Cornell University is a must-visit, with its five floors of diverse exhibits ranging from ancient Asian art to contemporary works by university students. All exhibits are available to you completely free of charge.
Museum of the Earth
Located on the western shores of Cayuga Lake, the Museum of the Earth is a fantastic natural history museum run by the Paleontological Research Institution. Here, you can journey through four billion years of the earth’s history, highlighted by the remarkably complete Hyde Park Mastodon fossil.
The History Center in Tompkins County
The History Center in Tompkins County offers a unique glimpse into local heritage, with exhibits thoughtfully displayed within historic bank vaults. You’ll gain insight into the history and culture of the region through modern and engaging displays.
Each of these museums provides distinctive educational experiences that appeal to different interests, from art appreciation to paleontology to regional history. They serve as perfect indoor activities when you need a break from outdoor adventures or during inclement weather, offering enriching experiences regardless of when you visit.
Family-Friendly Attractions
With its rich natural beauty and innovative attractions, Ithaca is an ideal destination for family-friendly fun. The city offers a variety of experiences that cater to all ages, ensuring that every family member has a memorable time.
Sciencenter
The Sciencenter is a unique blend of a children’s museum and a hands-on science museum, offering two floors of interactive exhibits that make learning fun for kids. Your children can engage in hands-on exploration and play, discovering scientific concepts in an entertaining way.
Cayuga Nature Center
The Cayuga Nature Center is a haven for nature lovers, featuring a remarkable six-story treehouse perched above a waterfall. Your family can explore wildlife exhibits, climb the treehouse, and enjoy several miles of nature trails suitable for all ages.
Ithaca Children’s Garden
The Ithaca Children’s Garden offers a one-of-a-kind play experience with innovative areas like the Sound Garden and the “Anarchy Zone” where kids can create their own play environments. This attraction provides a fun and educational experience for children, making it an ideal stop for families.
These family-friendly attractions provide options for both indoor and outdoor activities, making them perfect for your visit regardless of weather conditions. Each venue balances educational content with fun experiences, ensuring that both children and adults in your group will find something engaging and memorable.
Exploring Cornell University Campus
Cornell University, one of the Ivy League’s most prestigious institutions, is a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be discovered. As you explore the campus, you’ll find a blend of academic excellence and picturesque surroundings that make it a unique destination.
Cornell Botanic Gardens
The Cornell Botanic Gardens span across approximately 175 acres adjacent to the Cornell University campus and over 4,000 acres throughout the Ithaca area. You can enjoy native trees, beautiful gardens, and several waterfalls, making it a serene home away from home.
Fuertes Observatory
At Fuertes Observatory, you have the opportunity to stargaze through telescopes during Friday night public sessions throughout the academic year. The observatory also houses a small museum where you can learn about the history of astronomy and Cornell’s contributions to the field, providing a unique experience for visitors.
Exploring the Cornell campus gives you insight into one of America’s prestigious Ivy League institutions while enjoying architectural beauty and natural landscapes that make it much more than just an educational facility. It’s a great place to feel at home while discovering the beauty of New York’s area and enjoying the scenery around falls.
Ithaca, New York: Best Things to Do for Food Lovers
Ithaca’s culinary landscape is characterized by its emphasis on local ingredients, farm-to-table dining, and traditional treats like Purity Ice Cream. You’ll discover a variety of flavors that make Ithaca a home to many food enthusiasts.
Ithaca Farmers Market
The Ithaca Farmers Market is a highlight, operating every Saturday and Sunday from April through November. With up to 130 vendors, you’ll find locally grown produce, artisanal foods, wines, honey, and handcrafted items. The market’s picturesque setting in the Ithaca Pavilion adds to your experience, making it both a shopping destination and a scenic attraction.
Farm-to-Table Dining Experiences
You can indulge in farm-to-table dining at numerous Ithaca restaurants that source ingredients directly from local farms. These establishments showcase the region’s agricultural bounty with seasonal menus, providing you with an authentic taste of the Finger Lakes region.
Purity Ice Cream
Purity Ice Cream offers you a taste of history with its delicious treats made since 1936. The experience here feels like stepping into a classic ice cream parlor, complete with distinctive white and red bowls, though waits can be long at times.
These culinary experiences connect you with Ithaca’s strong agricultural heritage and commitment to sustainable food practices, giving you authentic flavors that represent the best of the Finger Lakes region. Whether you’re visiting the Ithaca Farmers Market, enjoying farm-to-table dining, or savoring Purity Ice Cream, you’ll feel at home in downtown Ithaca.
Craft Beverage Trail in Ithaca
Discover the best of Ithaca’s craft beverage scene on the Craft Beverage Trail, featuring top breweries and wineries. The Finger Lakes region is renowned for its craft beverage scene, and Ithaca is at the heart of it all.
Ithaca Beer Company
You can sample award-winning brews at Ithaca Beer Company, one of the region’s pioneering craft breweries established in 1998. They offer both a spacious taproom south of the city and a convenient location near Cornell’s campus.
Liquid State Brewing
Liquid State Brewing in downtown Ithaca provides you with a more urban craft beer experience in their beer hall-style taproom with an inviting outdoor deck perfect for warm weather visits.
Finger Lakes Wine Tasting
The surrounding Finger Lakes region offers you numerous wine tasting opportunities, with vineyards specializing in cool-climate varieties like Riesling and Cabernet Franc that have earned international recognition.
The craft beverage trail gives you flexibility to create your own tour based on your preferences, whether you’re interested in beer, wine, cider, or spirits—all produced within the distinctive terroir of the Finger Lakes region.
Outdoor Recreation on Cayuga Lake
Experience the beauty of Cayuga Lake, a gem in the Finger Lakes region. As the second-largest of the Finger Lakes, Cayuga Lake offers a variety of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy.
Boating and Water Activities
You can explore Cayuga Lake through various water activities, including kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing, available through rental services at multiple locations. Rent a boat or launch your watercraft at one of the many access points, such as Taughannock Falls State Park.
Lakefront Parks and Beaches
The lakefront parks offer beautiful vistas and recreational facilities. Stewart Park, East Shore Park, and Myers Park provide different perspectives of the 38-mile-long lake. During summer months, you can enjoy swimming at designated beach areas or simply relax on the shore while taking in views of the surrounding hills and waterfalls that feed into the lake.
Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the variety of species in Cayuga Lake, including lake trout, bass, and perch, with fishing spots accessible from both shore and boat. The lake provides a refreshing counterpoint to Ithaca’s gorges and waterfalls, giving you a complete Finger Lakes experience with both rushing waters and calm, expansive lake views.
Unique Historical Sites Near Ithaca
Beyond Ithaca’s natural beauty, the region is also home to a number of significant historical sites. You can explore these historical gems to gain a deeper understanding of the area’s rich history.
Newfield Covered Bridge
The Newfield Covered Bridge, built in 1853, is a remarkable piece of history and the oldest covered bridge in New York that you can still drive across. This historic bridge is a rare example of preserved transportation history.
Ludlowville Falls
Ludlowville Falls is a beautiful waterfall located within Ludlowville Park, north of Ithaca on the eastern shores of Cayuga Lake. You can view this stunning waterfall from both above and below via a short trail.
Visiting these historical sites provides a glimpse into the region’s past while offering natural beauty, combining educational value with scenic appeal. Both locations are slightly off the beaten path, giving you a chance to explore beyond Ithaca’s more famous attractions.
Seasonal Festivals and Events in Ithaca
Ithaca comes alive with vibrant festivals and events throughout the year, showcasing its rich culture and community spirit. These events are a great way to experience the city beyond its natural attractions, offering insights into its vibrant arts scene and strong community bonds.
Ithaca Festival
The Ithaca Festival is a highlight of the city’s cultural calendar, celebrating the local arts scene with live music performances, art exhibitions, craft vendors, and food stalls. This four-day celebration is a must-visit for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the city’s creative community.
Apple Harvest Festival
The Apple Harvest Festival is a celebration of the bountiful apple harvest in the Finger Lakes region. Enjoy apple picking, cider tastings, apple-themed foods, and crafts that showcase the region’s agricultural bounty.
Ithaca Porchfest
At Ithaca Porchfest, you’ll experience a unique music festival where local musicians perform on residential porches throughout neighborhoods, creating an intimate community concert experience unlike any other.
These seasonal events give visitors insight into what makes Ithaca special, highlighting the city’s vibrant arts scene and strong community bonds. Planning your visit around these festivals can enhance your Ithaca experience, allowing you to connect with locals and participate in traditions that define the Finger Lakes region’s cultural landscape.
Arts and Entertainment Scene
You’ll discover a rich tapestry of artistic expression in Ithaca’s galleries, theaters, and music venues. The city’s arts scene is a dynamic blend of traditional and contemporary expressions, offering you a unique cultural experience.
Live Music Venues
Ithaca is home to a lively live music scene, with venues that cater to various genres and styles. You can enjoy live performances almost any night of the week, ranging from cozy cafes to dedicated music spaces featuring local talent and touring artists.
Art Galleries and Theaters
The city boasts numerous art galleries like the State of the Art Gallery, CAP ArtSpace, and the Ink Shop Printmaking Center, each showcasing diverse artistic styles and rotating exhibits. You can also explore multiple performance venues, including the historic Hangar Theatre and the intimate Kitchen Theatre Company.
Downtown Ithaca serves as the cultural hub, with many galleries, theaters, and music venues concentrated in a walkable area, making it easy for you to explore the city’s vibrant arts scene. The variety of options available ensures that you’ll have a memorable experience, whether you’re interested in visual arts, theater, or live music.
Hiking Trails for All Skill Levels
Discover Ithaca’s great outdoors through its varied hiking trails, suitable for families, casual hikers, and experienced adventurers alike. With an abundance of natural beauty, Ithaca is renowned for its picturesque waterfalls, state parks, and outdoor recreational opportunities.
Easy Family-Friendly Trails
Ithaca offers several easy, family-friendly trails that are perfect for a leisurely hike. The Cayuga Waterfront Trail and the base trail at Taughannock Falls State Park are great options, offering flat terrain and stunning views accessible to hikers of all ages and abilities.
Moderate Hiking Options
For those seeking a moderate challenge, trails like the Gorge Trail at Buttermilk Falls and the Rim Trail at Robert Treman State Park are ideal. These trails feature some elevation changes and stairs but reward hikers with spectacular waterfall views.
Challenging Trails for Experienced Hikers
Experienced hikers will appreciate the combined loop trails at Treman State Park or the South Hill Recreation Way extension trails, which offer more significant elevation gains and technical sections. Many trails interconnect, allowing you to customize your hiking experience based on your energy level and time constraints.
For safety, especially during hunting seasons, wear bright colors like blaze orange to ensure visibility.
Best Shopping Experiences in Ithaca
In Ithaca, shopping is an adventure that combines the local culture with one-of-a-kind treasures. Visitors can explore a variety of shopping districts and markets that showcase the area’s unique character.
Downtown Ithaca Commons
You’ll love exploring the Downtown Ithaca Commons, a pedestrian-only shopping district featuring unique boutiques, bookstores, gift shops, and restaurants housed in historic buildings with character. The Commons serves as Ithaca’s vibrant center, hosting street performers, seasonal decorations, and pop-up events that create a lively atmosphere as you shop.
Local Artisan and Craft Shops
Beyond the Commons, you can discover local artisan shops throughout the city offering handcrafted jewelry, pottery, textiles, and artwork created by talented Finger Lakes craftspeople. The Ithaca Farmers Market provides another distinctive shopping experience, where you can purchase not just fresh produce but also artisanal foods, handmade crafts, and unique souvenirs to take home.
Shopping in Ithaca emphasizes local, sustainable, and handcrafted items, giving you opportunities to find one-of-a-kind treasures while supporting the local economy. Whether you’re looking for a special memento or simply want to enjoy the local culture, Ithaca’s shopping experiences have something for everyone.
Day Trips from Ithaca
The Finger Lakes region offers a wealth of exciting day trip opportunities from Ithaca. You can explore stunning natural beauty, historical sites, and cultural attractions, all within a short drive from Ithaca.
Watkins Glen State Park
Watkins Glen State Park is a must-visit destination, just 45 minutes from Ithaca. The park features a dramatic gorge with 19 waterfalls along a two-mile path, making it one of the most beautiful state parks in New York.
Seneca Falls
Seneca Falls is another great day trip option, offering a significant historical experience as the birthplace of the women’s rights movement. Visit the Women’s Rights National Historical Park and the charming It’s a Wonderful Life Museum.
Corning Museum of Glass
The Corning Museum of Glass is a world-renowned destination that provides an extraordinary day trip opportunity. Explore historical glass collections and watch live glassblowing demonstrations by master artisans.
These day trips allow you to experience the diverse attractions of the Finger Lakes region while using Ithaca as your home base. Each destination complements what you’ll find in Ithaca, expanding your understanding of the region’s natural beauty, cultural significance, and artistic heritage.
Where to Stay in Ithaca
When planning your trip to Ithaca, choosing the right accommodation can significantly enhance your overall experience. Ithaca offers a diverse range of options to suit different preferences and budgets.
Downtown Accommodations
Downtown Ithaca hotels offer the convenience of being within walking distance to the Ithaca Commons, restaurants, and entertainment options. You’ll enjoy an urban setting with easy access to nightlife and local attractions.
Lakefront Lodging
For a more scenic experience, consider lakefront lodging options along Cayuga Lake. These accommodations offer stunning water views, private docks, and a peaceful atmosphere away from the city center.
Unique Bed and Breakfasts
Ithaca’s unique bed and breakfasts, many housed in historic homes, provide personalized service and local insights. You’ll experience the charm and character of these homes, making your stay even more memorable.
The area offers a variety of accommodation types, from luxury hotels to vacation rentals, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Your choice of where to stay can enhance your overall experience, whether you prefer being close to Cornell University or immersed in nature.
Conclusion: Planning Your Perfect Ithaca Getaway
From the majestic Taughannock Falls to the charming Ithaca Farmers Market, this city in the Finger Lakes region is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and foodies alike. As you plan your trip to Ithaca, New York, consider the season, as each offers distinct experiences—summer provides ideal conditions for swimming beneath waterfalls, fall showcases spectacular foliage, winter transforms gorges into ice sculptures, and spring brings rushing waters and blooming gardens.
For first-time visitors, allowing at least 3-4 days gives you enough time to explore Ithaca’s major waterfalls, visit a few museums, enjoy the local food scene, and perhaps take a day trip to nearby attractions. Families visiting Ithaca should balance outdoor adventures with kid-friendly attractions like the Sciencenter and Ithaca Children’s Garden, while also leaving room for spontaneous discoveries.
No matter your interests—whether hiking trails, exploring art and history, sampling local flavors, or simply relaxing by Cayuga Lake—Ithaca’s diverse attractions ensure you’ll return home with memorable experiences and likely plans for your next visit to this special corner of New York state.
