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, colourful 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

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
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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 Reis Tennis Center.

East Ithaca
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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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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
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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
Hotel Ithaca

Hotel Ithaca

3 out of 5
222 South Cayuga Street, Ithaca, NY
The price is CA $157 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
CA $157
CA $186 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,006 reviews)
"Thank you !"

Reviewed on Aug. 7, 2025

Hotel Ithaca
La Tourelle Inn & Spa

La Tourelle Inn & Spa

3.5 out of 5
1150 Danby Rd 96B, Ithaca, NY
The price is CA $220 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
CA $220
CA $248 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,001 reviews)
"La Tourelle is an excellent hotel and convenient for visiting the Ithaca area. The staff was excellent and went out of their way to provide exceptional service. The restaurant offered very good meal options prepared well. The grounds were lovely and quiet. Overall we enjoyed our stay and would recommend ..."

Reviewed on Aug. 14, 2025

La Tourelle Inn & Spa
Cayuga Blu Hotel

Cayuga Blu Hotel

2 out of 5
2310 N Triphammer Rd, Ithaca, NY
The price is CA $168 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
CA $168
CA $190 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Ithaca. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
7.2/10 Good! (898 reviews)
"great location and near campus. Staff were nice and accomodating"

Reviewed on Aug. 12, 2025

Cayuga Blu Hotel
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.
Rustic, Cozy Cottage with Backyard Waterfall and Cayuga Lake Views!

Rustic, Cozy Cottage with Backyard Waterfall and Cayuga Lake Views!

Ithaca
Book a stay at this family-friendly cottage in Ithaca. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Ithaca Commons and Buttermilk Falls State Park ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (78 reviews)
Ithaca stay
"The cabin was perfect very clean and cozy. We loved the waterfall in the backyeard it was beautiful. So relaxing to sit out at fire at night with the sound of the waterfall. Very private area we loved everything about it. Tia answered any questions we had very quickly. We will definitely be back. ..."

Reviewed on Jul. 28, 2025

Rustic, Cozy Cottage with Backyard Waterfall and Cayuga Lake Views!
Luxury Estate with a Lakeview - Where Elevation Meets Imagination

Luxury Estate with a Lakeview - Where Elevation Meets Imagination

Brooktondale
Stay at this vacation home in Ithaca. Enjoy laundry facilities, in-room fireplaces, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Buttermilk Falls State Park and ...
Luxury Estate with a Lakeview - Where Elevation Meets Imagination
Cozy 3 Bedroom House in Downtown Ithaca

Cozy 3 Bedroom House in Downtown Ithaca

Ithaca
Stay at this vacation home in Ithaca. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Ithaca Commons and Buttermilk Falls ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (26 reviews)
"Great stay, nicer than I expected. Hosts were very thoughtful and everything we could have needed was available."

Reviewed on Jun. 8, 2025

Cozy 3 Bedroom House in Downtown 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.

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