Ithaca Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Buttermilk Falls State Park featuring tranquil scenes and a river or creek
Robert H. Treman State Park which includes a waterfall
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

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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East Ithaca

Travellers enjoy East Ithaca for its restaurants and wineries. Consider checking out Six Mile Creek Vineyard while you're in the area.

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
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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
The Statler Hotel at Cornell University
The Statler Hotel at Cornell University
4 out of 5
130 Statler Dr, Ithaca, NY
Fully refundable
The price is Rp3.492.648 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
Rp3.492.648
Rp4.121.325 total
includes taxes & fees
31 Mar - 1 Apr
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Ithaca. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 4 restaurants and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,002 reviews)
"Love the Statler!"

Reviewed on 19 Mar 2025

The Statler Hotel at Cornell University
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 Rp1.386.168 per night from 30 Mar to 31 Mar
Rp1.386.168
Rp1.566.370 total
includes taxes & fees
30 Mar - 31 Mar
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Ithaca. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,002 reviews)
"Overall GREAT Experience, this may be my "I had too much of regular life, time to get away for a night or two" spot. Pro: * Friendly Staff * SUPER CLEAN * Great Value!!!! * Well Maintained * Quiet * Close drive to the falls. Con: * The property is a bit dated, SUPER CLEAN and well maintained. I had ..."

Reviewed on 21 Mar 2025

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Ithaca, NY
Courtyard by Marriott Ithaca Airport/University
Courtyard by Marriott Ithaca Airport/University
3 out of 5
29 Thornwood Dr, Ithaca, NY
The price is Rp1.947.236 per night from 30 Mar to 31 Mar
Rp1.947.236
Rp2.200.376 total
includes taxes & fees
30 Mar - 31 Mar
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Ithaca. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,003 reviews)
"Good"

Reviewed on 21 Mar 2025

Courtyard by Marriott Ithaca Airport/University
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.
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 Shops at Ithaca Mall are located nearby.
9/10 Wonderful! (13 reviews)
Can't wait to get back here again!!
"The view over the lake was spectacular for sunsets and especially full moon! The place was spotless and had everything we needed, with very comfortable furniture. Could use a small step stool to get into and out of the bed, and maybe a small half door across the stairs for safety, especially at ..."

Reviewed on 8 May 2023

Ithaca Boat House
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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