Ithaca Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Buttermilk Falls State Park featuring a river or creek and tranquil scenes
Robert H. Treman State Park featuring a cascade
Ithaca
Ithaca
Photo by HB Mertz
This college town calls itself “gorges,” for the striking ravines that cut through the city and offer spectacular hikes and views.

You’ll see more than one person wearing the T-shirt, “Ithaca is Gorges,” in this Central New York college town. Explore the ravines in Ithaca and along the shores of Cayuga Lake, the longest of the glacially formed Finger Lakes, to appreciate the beauty of the area’s gorges, hillsides and waterways.

The heart of Ithaca is Cornell University, a world-renowned Ivy League university. Stroll through the large campus past 150-year-old brick buildings. Climb 161 stairs of the McGraw clock tower to listen to chimes played three times daily during the school year by Cornell students. Visit the Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art, a free gallery with original artwork from various cultures and times and frequent themed exhibitions. If you’re in the city on a clear Friday night, go to the Fuertes Observatory to view the night sky.

Cornell Plantations, the university’s botanical gardens, is over 25 acres (10 hectares) in area with an arboretum of New York trees, colorful annual and perennial garden plantings and numerous natural areas. Wander the walking trails to see gorges, streams, waterfalls, woodlands and meadows. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology and nearby Sapsucker Woods offer some of the world’s best bird-watching experiences.

Visit several waterfall areas within the city limits: Ithaca Falls and Buttermilk Falls and Robert H. Treman state parks. Just west of Ithaca at the southern end of Seneca Lake is Watkins Glen, with a long walking trail through an impressive ravine and an international speedway which hosts varied auto races and concerts. You may want to follow the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail around the lake to enjoy vineyard views and flavorful vintages.

In the city, Museum of the Earth, Sciencenter and State Theatre of Ithaca offer additional family-friendly activities. Visit the downtown Ithaca Commons pedestrianized area for numerous shopping and restaurant choices.

Fly into Ithaca or other regional airports. Then see for yourself that “Ithaca is Gorges…” and buy the T-shirt.

Where to stay in Ithaca

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Downtown Ithaca

While visiting Downtown Ithaca, you might make a stop by sights like State Theatre of Ithaca and Ithaca Commons.

Downtown Ithaca
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South Hill

While South Hill isn't home to many top sights, Ithaca Commons and State Theatre of Ithaca are some notable places to visit nearby.

South Hill
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Fall Creek

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Fall Creek and surrounding area, you can visit Ithaca Falls Natural Area and Ithaca Farmers Market.

Fall Creek
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Washington Park

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Washington Park and surrounding area, you can visit State Theatre of Ithaca and Ithaca Commons.

Washington Park
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East Ithaca

You'll enjoy the restaurants and wineries in East Ithaca. You might want to make time for a stop at Six Mile Creek Vineyard or Eastern Heights Park.

East Ithaca
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South Side

While South Side isn't home to many top sights, State Theatre of Ithaca and Ithaca Commons are some notable places to visit nearby.

South Side
The Statler Hotel at Cornell University
The Statler Hotel at Cornell University
4 out of 5
130 Statler Dr, Ithaca, NY
The price is AU$296 per night from 19 Dec to 20 Dec
AU$296
includes taxes & fees
19 Dec - 20 Dec
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Ithaca. Enjoy free WiFi, 4 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,000 reviews)
"We really like this place and the staff are great."

Reviewed on 18 Nov. 2024

The Statler Hotel at Cornell University
Hotel Ithaca
Hotel Ithaca
3 out of 5
222 South Cayuga Street, Ithaca, NY
The price is AU$192 per night from 22 Dec to 23 Dec
AU$192
includes taxes & fees
22 Dec - 23 Dec
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Ithaca. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
Finger Lakes long weekend
"Hotel was very clean, room was spacious, bed & pillows comfortable, great location, ample & convenient parking, bar & restaurant on site were great - just wish it was open on Sunday. Disappointed that pool was not in service. Wish we had known that prior to the trip."

Reviewed on 13 Nov. 2024

Hotel Ithaca
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Ithaca, NY
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Ithaca, NY
3 out of 5
1100 Danby Rd, Ithaca, NY
The price is AU$150 per night from 5 Dec to 6 Dec
AU$150
includes taxes & fees
5 Dec - 6 Dec
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Ithaca. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,008 reviews)
"Property is old"

Reviewed on 14 Nov. 2024

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Ithaca, NY
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Fingerlakes Cayuga Lakefront Home, Amazing Views and Deck, Pet Friendly, Upscale
Fingerlakes Cayuga Lakefront Home, Amazing Views and Deck, Pet Friendly, Upscale
Ithaca
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Ithaca. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and patios. Popular attractions Buttermilk Falls State Park and Museum ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (118 reviews)
"This was one of my best vrbo experiences. The location was fantastic as well as the amenities and I look forward to staying at this property again in the future!"

Reviewed on 1 Oct. 2024

Fingerlakes Cayuga Lakefront Home, Amazing Views and Deck, Pet Friendly, Upscale
Backyard Waterfall and Cayuga Lake Views!
Backyard Waterfall and Cayuga Lake Views!
Ithaca
Book a stay at this ski cottage in Ithaca. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and ski-in/ski-out access. Popular attractions Buttermilk Falls State Park and Hangar Theatre ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (57 reviews)
Lovely Cabin-Vibes
"Was the perfect location in the middle of everything we wanted to do! The cottage had lovely cabin vibes with all the amenities of home. The backyard water fall was gorgeous. Our dog loved smelling around the yard. We promised ourselves to spend more time in Ithaca in the future and know we’ll have ..."

Reviewed on 27 Oct. 2024

Backyard Waterfall and Cayuga Lake Views!
Cabin near Finger Lakes & Ithaca with Firepit and Patio
Cabin near Finger Lakes & Ithaca with Firepit and Patio
Ithaca
Stay at this cabin in Ithaca. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Buttermilk Falls State Park and Robert H. Treman State Park are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (21 reviews)
Nice getaway
"It was a cozy cabin. Hosts were very informative. We had a great time."

Reviewed on 13 Oct. 2024

Cabin near Finger Lakes & Ithaca with Firepit and Patio
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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