Things to do in Ithaca

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

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

Ithaca Attractions

A college town surrounded by wilderness, Ithaca combines a historic community and scholarly atmosphere with the most beautiful sights of Central New York. Home to both Ithaca College and Cornell University, the city is a haven of historic buildings, museums, science, and technology, all with a lush, leafy landscape that brings out the ivy in the Ivy League. You can explore the Finger Lakes wine country and visit cascading waterfalls, or relax in shady parks and explore active things to do in Ithaca while you enjoy the peaceful side of the Empire State.


Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.

Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.

One Key members save 10% or more on select activities, hotels, cars and vacation rentals.


What to do in Ithaca

Free Things to Do in Ithaca

There's no need to endlessly reach for your wallet in Ithaca. The following won't cost a thing.

Sapsucker Woods Sanctuary - Find out for yourself why animal lovers keep coming back here.

Allan H. Treman State Marine Park - Wander down the sidewalks and enjoy the character and charm of this vibrant local hangout.

Dewitt Park - Grab your rug, pack some snacks and find a cozy spot to be with nature.

Areas & Neighborhoods in Ithaca

Downtown

Ithaca’s urban core is packed into a few blocks along the northern bank of Six Mile Creek, where historic masonry buildings stand along the pedestrian walkways of Ithaca Commons. A boardwalk runs by the edge of the water, and plenty of hotels stand around the perimeter of the boutique shops, cafés, and restaurants that make up the central business district.

Collegetown

About as on-the-nose as neighborhoods get, this neighborhood faces the Cornell University campus across Cascadilla Creek. Featuring the classic college campus combination of performing arts centers, coffeehouses, and eclectic eateries, the neighborhood fronts a tree-lined hiking trail that runs through the miniature wilderness of Cascadilla Gorge.

Fall Creek

Bordered by Ithaca Municipal Golf Course on one side and Cornell’s College of Architecture on the other, this neighborhood features Queen Anne and Victorian homes scattered along the waterway that provided its name. Fall Creek also happens to hold one of Ithaca’s most spectacular natural sights in the Ithaca Falls Natural Area, and the smokestack from the old Ithaca Gun Company factory still towers over the building’s former site on Gun Hill.

What to See in Ithaca

Gorges, waterfalls, and glacier lakes give Ithaca some of the most picturesque scenery in New York. You can admire the view of the city from the McGraw Clock Tower or get a broader perspective with the Sagan Memorial Walk, a 1:5,000,000,000-scale model of the solar system. A half-dozen creeks run straight through the city, leaving waterfalls and plenty of grassy waterfront and rocky bluffs that converge at the edge of Cayuga Lake.

Sightseeing in Ithaca

Cornell has an obvious place in Ithaca’s cultural scene, with some of the most scenic attractions in the city waiting in and around the university campus. Explore a carefully curated wilderness of New York flora in the Cornell Botanic Gardens or go birdwatching in the wetlands and woodlands of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. At the Museum of the Earth, get a look at prehistoric life and visit the Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art to check out a vast collection of pieces, from Indonesian woodcarvings to American Impressionist paintings.

When you want to strike out into the wilderness, there’s plenty to find out in the country. Buttermilk Falls State Park follows a rushing creek through wetlands, campsites, and a spectacular walking trail, and the paths of Robert H. Treman State Park let you hike out to huge cliffs of layered gray shale. Go fishing on Cayuga Lake or explore the vineyards of the Finger Lakes wine country, and make the most of your time with some of the prettiest scenery in the Northeast.

Things to Do in Ithaca with Kids

Ithaca has loads of close by fun things to do for you and your kids. Our family friendly experiences will keep the crew happy for days.


 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Ithaca? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 


 


Discover the most popular places to visit in Ithaca

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Ithaca

Default Image

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
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
Default Image

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

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 


 

Popular day trips from Ithaca

Frequently asked questions

Is Ithaca worth visiting?
Ithaca has a unique mix of culture, attractions and local charm. Whether you’re into the outdoors, history or traditional food, there’s plenty you’ll find here.
How do I spend a day in Ithaca?
After you’ve visited top attractions like Museum of the Earth and Sciencenter, spend the rest of your day experiencing the food and retail options in Ithaca.
What is the top tourist attraction in Ithaca?
You can’t leave without exploring Buttermilk Falls State Park, rated the top tourist attraction in Ithaca.
Is three days enough to stay in Ithaca?
You can easily visit top attractions like Buttermilk Falls State Park, Robert H. Treman State Park and Hangar Theatre with a three-day escape to Ithaca. On average, most travelers book two days here. There’s plenty to experience nearby too, so linger longer and venture to Horseheads.
Is Ithaca a walkable city?
Some major attractions in Ithaca, such as Hangar Theatre and Six Mile Creek Vineyard, are within walking distance. You can also visit several of the city’s neighborhoods on foot. Only 2 miles from the city center of Ithaca is South Hill and Northeast Ithaca is 3 miles away.
What are some activities to do in Ithaca with kids?
Planning what to do in Ithaca with kids has never been so easy. Whether you’re getting away with little ones or teenagers, there are many family-friendly attractions to keep them entertained here.
What to do in Ithaca for adults?
Six Mile Creek Vineyard and Cornell Lab of Ornithology are just a few of the things to do in Ithaca. With loads of activities available, there’s something here for everyone to explore.
Are there free things to do in Ithaca?
From enjoying parks to wandering around exciting neighborhoods, it’s a breeze to discover free things to do in Ithaca. If you need new ideas, ask a local tour guide for some tips. Ithaca Farmers Market is a top spot for anyone wanting to save on their sightseeing adventures.