Ithaca, NY

Travel Guide

Buttermilk Falls State Park featuring tranquil scenes and a river or creek

Visit Ithaca

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

Lansing

Unique features of Lansing include the historic sites and restaurants. Make a stop by Cayuga Lake or Lansing Park while you're exploring the area.

Ithaca is gorges and it is filled official and unofficial swimming holes, this is an official one with a life guard and diving board. Great place for kids and adults to cool off and who doesn't like sitting beneath a waterfall.:)

Newfield

Newfield is noteworthy for its gardens, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Robert H. Treman State Park and Connecticut Hill Wildlife Management Area.

Such a pretty September day on a Saturday with school in session

Collegetown

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

Views of Cayuga Lake are beautiful from campus. One of nicest visitors centers I've seen.

South Hill

Unique features of South Hill include the waterfalls and coffeehouses. Make a stop by Buttermilk Falls State Park or Butterfield Stadium while you're exploring the area.

Definitely worth following the marks on the trees to this beauty.

East Ithaca

Restaurants and wineries are just a few things travelers like about East Ithaca. A stop by Six Mile Creek Vineyard is also recommended if you've got time to explore the area.

Hotel Ithaca

222 South Cayuga Street, Ithaca, NY

Situated near the airport, this hotel is within a 5-minute walk of State Theatre of Ithaca and Ithaca Commons. Cornell University and Ithaca College are also ...

4/5Very Good! (903 reviews)

"Theo hotel was pleasant. Close to the Commons, restaurant and close distance to activities. The breakfast is delicious, the staff is super friendly. The only complains I have would be I wish the pool was open, also our room had a dirty underwear hanging in the bathroom. Under the beds are filthy. ..."

Reviewed on Aug 3, 2021

Ithaca Marriott Downtown on the Commons

120 S Aurora St, Ithaca, NY

Located in the heart of Ithaca, this hotel is steps from Ithaca Commons and The History Center. State Theatre of Ithaca and Cornell University are also within ...

4.6/5Exceptional! (526 reviews)

"Very nice updated property in a great area."

Reviewed on Jul 19, 2021

The Statler Hotel at Cornell University

130 Statler Dr, Ithaca, NY

Situated in Ithaca, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Cornell University and Cornell Botanic Gardens. Ithaca Commons and State Theatre of Ithaca are also ...

4.7/5Exceptional! (880 reviews)

"Across the board the personnel, from greeters/valet, to front desk and restaurant, came across as efficient, happy in their work, and committed to a positive guest experience. The consistency of those attributes is, in my experience, as rare as it is welcome. Good job."

Reviewed on Aug 1, 2021

See all 239 properties in 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.

Small House, Walking Distance From Suny or Downtown Cortland

Cortland, NY

Located in the heart of Cortland, this vacation home is within 1 mi (2 km) of Cortland Beer Company and State University of New York-Cortland. 1890 House Museum ...

4.6/5Exceptional! (8 reviews)

Cute house

"Quaint little house in a quiet neighborhood location. Easy walk to the downtown area for my son‘s college graduation, numerous restaurants and pubs nearby. Ideally suited for only four adults."

Reviewed on Jun 13, 2021

Homewood Suites by Hilton Ithaca

36 Cinema Dr, Ithaca, NY

Situated in Ithaca, this aparthotel is 0.3 mi (0.5 km) from Triphammer Marketplace and within 3 mi (5 km) of Cornell University and Cayuga Lake. Shops at Ithaca ...

4.4/5Excellent! (772 reviews)

"Clean and comfortable rooms. Good breakfast with nice variety. Hotel provides easy access to the many waterfalls throughout the city."

Reviewed on Jul 25, 2021

Ithaca Boat House

1180 East Shore Drive, Ithaca, NY

Situated in Ithaca, this apartment building is within 3 mi (5 km) of Cayuga Lake, Cornell University, and State Theatre of Ithaca. Ithaca Commons is 3 mi (4.9 ...

4/5Very Good! (6 reviews)

"The location of the property was beautiful and the size is good as well, however, we stayed in the lower unit and two out of the three mornings, we awoke to toddlers running above our heads. It was miserable waking up at 5 and 6 am to kids running through the house above. If we ever stay again at ..."

Reviewed on Nov 11, 2019

See all properties in 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.