Ithaca, NY

Travel Guide

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

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
The Statler Hotel at Cornell University
The Statler Hotel at Cornell University
4 out of 5
130 Statler Dr, Ithaca, NY
$260 nightly
The price is $307 total per night from Aug 4 to Aug 5
$307 total
Aug 4 - Aug 5
Total includes taxes and fees
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! (1,004 reviews)
Awesome views and friendly staff
"Honestly, it's one of my best hotel experiences so far. My wife and I stayed here for the 4th of July weekend to hit up Watkins Glen State Park, among few other Finger Lake and Falls. We didn't realize the hotel was smack in the middle of Cornell University until we arrived. We ended up doing some ..."

Reviewed on Jul 6, 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
$119 nightly
The price is $134 total per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
$134 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
Total includes taxes and fees
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)
Adequate Stau
"Hotel is dated. Toilet in room did not flush correctly. No one changed towels or made up room during our 3 night stay. Staff was friendly. Breakfast was busy and staff did their best to keep up with flow of people . Some people are obnoxious and take a lot of food which they waste. Overall Hotel ..."

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2025

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Ithaca, NY
Hotel Ithaca
Hotel Ithaca
3 out of 5
222 South Cayuga Street, Ithaca, NY
$127 nightly
The price is $149 total per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
$149 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
Total includes taxes and 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! (1,003 reviews)
"The food at the restaurant, especially the free coffee, was especially good. The proximity to Ithaca Commons could not have been beter. The only reason I would not this as a five star experience was that we had to go out of our way to ask that our rooms were cleaned. We were there for a week and ..."

Reviewed on Jul 6, 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
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! (74 reviews)
Weekend Getaway
"Adorable little cottage. It rained all wknd, so after hiking my pups and I relaxed in front of the fire and watched some Netflix. Even with the fog, the views in the backyard were stunning. I hope to return in the fall."

Reviewed on May 5, 2025

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