Ithaca

Travel Guide

Buttermilk Falls State Park featuring tranquil scenes and a river or creek
Robert H. Treman State Park showing 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
Neat old abandoned dam.    Steep hike down, but great for Urban Exploration!

South Hill

South Hill might not have many top sights, but Ithaca Commons and State Theatre of Ithaca are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

South Hill
Thanks to trover Members I'm now lost in Ithaca NY and area exploring and hiking in areas so beautiful beyond words. Today I hiked Watkins Glen and Buttermilk Falls. Now I'm hiding in a Dunkin Donuts waiting for the storm to blow over. Hopefully I still have a tent when I return to my site at Watkins.

Fall Creek

Fall Creek might not have many top sights, but Ithaca Falls Natural Area and Ithaca Farmers Market are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Fall Creek
Love the drive to Enfield Falls down to the poofy clouds

West Hill

While West Hill might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Ithaca Farmers Market and Hangar Theatre.

West Hill
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South Side

While South Side might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like State Theatre of Ithaca and Ithaca Commons.

South Side
The #Cornell campus has numerous striking paths with views of the clock tower. 

#UStravel 
#Ithaca
#NewYork 
#architecture

Washington Park

While there might not be top attractions in Washington Park, you can explore the larger area and discover places like State Theatre of Ithaca and Ithaca Commons.

Washington Park
La Tourelle

La Tourelle

3.5 out of 5
1150 Danby Rd 96B, Ithaca, NY
The price is CA $211 per night from Jul 21 to Jul 22
CA $211
per night
Jul 21 - Jul 22
Stay at this 3.5-star spa hotel in Ithaca. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,011 reviews)
A Gem Close to Cornell
"We’ve stayed here several times, and it has always been excellent. The current remodeling work is making it even better. A gem."

Reviewed on Jul. 11, 2025

La Tourelle
The Statler Hotel at Cornell University

The Statler Hotel at Cornell University

4 out of 5
130 Statler Dr, Ithaca, NY
The price is CA $337 per night from Aug 5 to Aug 6
CA $337
per night
Aug 5 - Aug 6
Stay at this 4-star 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! (1,002 reviews)
"On campus , great location"

Reviewed on Jul. 13, 2025

The Statler Hotel at Cornell University
Hotel Ithaca

Hotel Ithaca

3 out of 5
222 South Cayuga Street, Ithaca, NY
The price is CA $156 per night from Jul 27 to Jul 28
CA $156
per night
Jul 27 - Jul 28
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! (1,012 reviews)
"Hotel is good, plenty of parking. Area not the greatest, right next door to a 7/11 and there were a bunch of shady looking people hanging out there and in the hotel parking lot. Hotel restaurant is terrible, made everyone feel terrible the next day. Hotel itself was nice and the staff was very ..."

Reviewed on Jul. 13, 2025

Hotel Ithaca
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.
Luxury Suite | Walk to Commons | Free Parking | NY

Luxury Suite | Walk to Commons | Free Parking | NY

Ithaca
Stay at this vacation home in Ithaca. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Ithaca Commons and Buttermilk Falls State Park are ...
10/10 Exceptional! (2 reviews)
Quick Start of Summer trip.
"Wanted to kick the summer off with some great hikes of the waterfalls around Ithaca with the ability to walk to restaurants and coffee shops to start and end the day. This property was exactly what we needed. A short walk to Ithaca commons, and a short drive from all the various waterfalls that we ..."

Reviewed on Jul. 1, 2025

Luxury Suite | Walk to Commons | Free Parking | NY
Ithaca Boat House

Ithaca Boat House

2 out of 5
1180 East Shore Drive, Ithaca, NY
Stay at this apartment in Ithaca. Enjoy free parking and a private beach. Popular attractions Ithaca Commons and Buttermilk Falls State Park are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (14 reviews)
"Fabulous location in Ithaca for Cornell events. Loved being close but also having the relaxing and quiet area. Great host!!"

Reviewed on May 27, 2025

Ithaca Boat House
Lovely apt close to Ithaca, waterfalls, and wineries. Includes private patio.

Lovely apt close to Ithaca, waterfalls, and wineries. Includes private patio.

Ithaca
Stay at this apartment in Ithaca. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Buttermilk Falls State Park and Ithaca Commons are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (11 reviews)
Gem in the Finger Lakes
"This place is absolutely sweet. The apartment & grounds are beautiful, clean & had everything we could possibly need. It was in a great spot located close to the hiking trails we did, wineries & downtown Ithaca. Our host Vickie was so thoughtful & welcoming, checking to make sure we had everything ..."

Reviewed on Jun. 23, 2025

Lovely apt close to Ithaca, waterfalls, and wineries. Includes private 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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