20 Unique Things To Do In Ithaca For First Time Visitors (2024)

The city of Ithaca is a popular tourist destination in upstate New York. It’s a lively college town with two universities and it offers numerous museums, diverse restaurants, beautiful state parks, hiking trails and over 100 waterfalls. There are so many activities for the entire family in Ithaca.

In this guide, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about visiting Ithaca and what you shouldn’t miss during your trip including tips from a local.

Our Ithaca Experience

Kristen grew up in the beautiful Finger Lakes region of upstate New York and we also temporarily lived in the area when Mark immigrated to the US in 2019. We spent the majority of the pandemic visiting Ithaca waterfalls and hiking the stunning NY state parks found scattered all throughout the Finger Lakes.

While we no longer live in the area, Kristen’s family still lives in upstate so we typically return to the area multiple times a year. Most of the photos in this guide were taken during our April 2023 visit. Unfortunately, the weather was gray and overcast, but the waterfalls were at their peak. Read moreabout us.

Where Is Ithaca, New York?

The city of Ithaca is located in Tompkins County which is nestled in upstate New York between Niagara Falls and New York City. It’s unique because the city is situated on the southern shore of Cayuga Lake and also happens to be in the heart of NY’s gorgeous Finger Lakes region.

If you’re looking for outdoor adventure, wineries, lakefront dining and water sports, the bustling college town of Ithaca has you covered. The city is home to both Cornell University and Ithaca College. These popular schools are one of the main draws in the area bringing thousands of visitors every year.

You can’t go very far in town without seeing the popular slogan, “Ithaca is gorges.” So it’s probably no surprise many people also visit Ithaca to hike one of the many gorge trails located within the city.

Now, let’s explore Ithaca! Here’s what you should see:

1. Cascadilla Gorge

The Cascadilla Gorge is one of the best things to do in Ithaca because it’s a secret oasis hidden in plain sight right in the middle of the Cornell campus. This gorge features 6 large plunging waterfalls as they flow through Cascadilla Creek surrounded by beautiful stone staircases and bridges.

The total length of the Cascadilla Gorge Trail including the upper loop is around 1.5 miles out and back with about 300 stairs. From start to finish the hike should take around 1 hour 30 minutes, but plan for more time if you stop for photos along the route.

The main Cascadilla Gorge Trail connects Cornell with Downtown Ithaca it’s typically open between theend of April through the end of Novembereach year. But it temporarily closes in winter.

Here are the trailhead locations:

• Top– Corner of College Avenue and Oak Avenue
• Bottom– Corner of Linn Street, Terrace Place and East Court Street

READ: Hiking the Cascadilla Gorge

2. Cornell Botanic Gardens

• Address:124 Comstock Knoll Drive
• Location: Google Maps

If you’re a nature lover, don’t miss the Cornell Botanical Gardens when you’re in town. The gardens and natural areas are free of charge and open year round from dawn until dusk. This garden can be enjoyed by all types of visitors and you can sign up for tours, workshops, lectures and webinars to learn about plants and nature.

The gardens cover more than 3,400 acres both on the Cornell campus and throughout Tompkins County. We like visiting the Botanical Garden at Cornell in spring because there’s a rich diversity of plants in bloom including conifers, herbs, vegetables, rhododendrons, perennials and grasses.

Here are popular spots to visit:

• Brian C. Nevin Welcome Center – Info, exhibits, restroom and classrooms
• Beebe Lake – A one mile trail over historic Sackett Bridge
• Mundy Wildflower Garden – Sanctuary of native plans along Fall Creek
• F. R. Newman Arboretum – 100 acre garden with paved paths
• Fall Creek Natural Area – Woodland trails with various hikes

Travel Tip: Parking is available throughout the garden grounds but may require payment by meter, mobile-payment or Cornell University permits. Please don’t use the permitted parking lot because you may get a ticket!

3. Cayuga Lake

As you drive into Ithaca, you’ll notice gorgeous rolling hills and lush vineyards overflowing with grapes. Upstate NY is an ideal landscape for the cool-climate grapes which now inhabit the area. The Cayuga Lake Wine Trailis America’s first and longest running wine trail featuring 12 unique wineries dotted along Cayuga Lake.

We recommend you start in Ithaca and make your way around the lake as you sample various wineries. Here are popular wineries along the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail:

• Button Grove Winery
• Hosmer Winery
• Long Point Winery
• Montezuma Winery
• Six Mile Creek Vineyard
• Thirsty Owl Wine Company

Although it’s called a trail, the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail is not walkable and you’ll need some sort of transportation. While a few of the wineries are located close together, others will require a short drive. Uber and Lyft are not reliable outside the city of Ithaca, but you could consider a wine tasting tour.

>> Book a Cayuga Lake Wine Tasting Tour: All day winery tour for six

READ: Best things to do in the NY Finger Lakes

4. Hike Through Sapsucker Woods

• Address: 159 Sapsucker Woods Rd
• Location: Google Maps

One of our favorite things to do in Ithaca that not many visitors know about is take a hike through Sapsucker Woods which is part of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. It’s a 230-acre nature preserve featuring four miles of trails through wetlands, old fields, forest and a pond edge. Most of the trails follow mulched paths and boardwalks.

Last time we visited Sapsucker woods in spring 2023, we saw many birds including a Canadian Goose, a killdeer, a black-capped chickadee and a Baltimore oriole. Use eBird to check recent bird sightseeings in Sapsucker woods.

5. Fuertes Observatory

• Address: 209 Cradit Farm Dr
• Location: Google Maps

The Fuertes Observatory is located on Cornell’s north campus near Helen Newman Hall. It’s home to the Irving Porter Church Telescope and it can track objects in the sky using an original weight-driven clockdrive. This observatory is operated by the Cornell Department of Astronomy and holds public viewing nights every Friday from 8pm to midnight.

We recommend you call (607) 255-3557to make sure the Fuertes Observatory will be open to the public during the time of your visit. Sometimes the observatory closes down so it’s best to double check.

Travel Tip: Parking for the Fuertes Observatory is located in the Appel Commons parking lot located directly across the street.

6. Museum Of The Earth

• Address: 1259 Trumansburg Rd
• Location: Google Maps

The Museum of the Earth is one of the best things to do in Ithaca with kids because it features numerous hand-ons exhibits and an enormous collection of fossils including the Hyde Park mastodon. With both an upper and lower floor, here are the highlights in the museum:

• 44 foot skeleton of a North Atlantic right whale
• Cambrian to Silurian Theater
• The Fossil Lab
• Coral Reef Exhibits
• Preparation Laboratory

Admission tickets for the Museum of the Earth are $12.50 for adults and $7.50 for youth (ages 4-17). Children ages 3 and under can enter the museum for free.

7. Explore Cornell University

Cornell University is one of the best places to visit in Ithaca because it has numerous attractions on campus open to the general public. Many of these activities are free and open daily. Here is a short list of what you can visit at Cornell University:

• Climb McGraw Tower – Climb up 160 steps and hear the 21-bell chime played by student chimemasters. See the Cornell Chimes concert schedule here.
• A. D White Library – Opened in 1891 and often called one of the country’s most beautiful libraries, the A.D. White Library is home to over 30,000 books featuring ornate walkways (open 8:00 am – 9:00pm).
• Johnson Museum of Art – Designed by I. M. Pei, this museum houses over 40,000 works of art including works from Andy Warhol, Georgia O’Keeffe, Francisco Goya, and Henri Matisse (open 10:00am-5:00pm from Tuesday to Sunday).
• Cornell Dairy Bar – Since 1880, the Cornell Dairy Bar has been producing milk and ice cream from Cornell’s very own dairy cows. Kristen always visited here as a child and it’s certainly one stop you shouldn’t miss.

Travel Tip: Complimentary weekend parking near the Martin Y. Tang Welcome Center is available at Toboggan Lodge and Forest Home Drive Parking Garage.

8. Ithaca Commons

• Address: 171 E M.L.K. Jr. St
• Location: Google Maps

Another one of the most popular areas to visit is the Ithaca Commons located in the heart of downtown. This four-block pedestrian shopping area is home to over 100 independently owned businesses.

Here is a quick list of what you can find:

• Visitors Center – If you’re new to the area, you should stop in for guides, maps and information about the local area (open 10:00am – 6:00pm, Monday to Saturday).
• Tompkins Center for History and Culture – This community hub celebrates Ithaca history, heritage and food for both country residents and visitors (open 10:00am – 5:00pm, Wednesday-Saturday).
• Sagan Planet Walk – Brought to you by the Sciencenter, this fun walk features a large scale model of our Solar system including planet sizes and distances.
• Moosewood Restaurant – A popular place for vegetarian and vegan entrees served with local produce

If you’re visiting Ithaca in a specific season, look for special annual events held in the pedestrian streets:

• Apple Harvest Festival – Apples, local produce, fresh baked good, games and live performances
• Ice and Lights – An outdoor Glow Bar, an ice carving competition and various gourmet chowders served by local restaurants
• CFCU Summer Concert Series – A free outdoor concert series held every Thursday June through September

9. Ithaca Farmers Market

• Address: Steamboat Landing, 545 3rd St
• Location: Google Maps

The Ithaca Farmers Market just celebrated 50 years in 2023 so it’s certainly one of the hottest spots in town. Featuring local farmers, artisans and chefs, this is where you can support the community. Here are the opening hours:

• Saturdays: 9:00am-3:00pm April to October + 10:00am-2:00pm November-December
• Sundays: 10:00am-3:00pm May to October + 10:00am-2:00pm November

At the market, visitors can purchase farm-raised meat, eggs, dairy, fresh vegetables as well as locally prepared staples such as sauces, jelly, apple cider, wine, mushroom spirits, and other baked goods. It was closed when we visited because it was mid-week.

10. Hunt For Waterfalls

The slogan Ithaca is gorges gives you a hint that you can expect to find numerous gorges in town. Well, many of these gorges also have waterfalls so one of the best things to do in Ithaca is find all the hidden waterfalls in town.

April is the best time of year to visit the Ithaca waterfalls because this is when the falls will be at their heaviest flow as the snowpack melts. However, if you can’t visit in April, these waterfalls are still worth visiting because most of them are easily accessible.

Here are the best waterfalls in and nearby the city limits:

• Ithaca Falls – A stunning waterfall in the center of town
• Wells Falls – Our favorite waterfall to visit in Ithaca
• Triphammer Falls – Located directly on Cornell’s campus
• Ludlowville Falls – A large waterfall with a hidden cave

READ: Where to find best waterfalls in Ithaca

11. Ithaca Children’s Garden

• Address: 121 Turtle Ln
• Location: Google Maps

The Ithaca Children’s Garden (ICG) is the perfect place to let your little one play while exploring the outdoors. With over 70,000 visitors per year, this garden is another one of the best things to do in Ithaca with kids.

Children can explore the Bird Habitat Garden, Gaia the turtle, a wildflower meadow, the kids kitchen, rice paddy pond, a troll house and so much more. If you’re a returning visitor to Ithaca, you might like to attend one of the ICG’s signature events:

• Festival of Fire & Ice
• International Mud Day
• Scarecrow Jubilee

Travel Tip: The Ithaca Children’s garden is across the street from Colley Boathouse so you might be able to catch a glimpse of the Cornell rowing team.

12. Sciencecenter

• Address: 601 1st St
• Location: Google Maps

The brightly colored outside exterior of the Sciencenter in Ithaca immediately draws you in. You can’t help but wonder what lies beyond the vibrant walls. This is a popular Ithaca museum where kids can learn about astronomy, live animals, ocean, sustainability, weather, young scientists and outdoor activities such as mini golf.

General admission tickets for the Sciencenter begin at $10 while children under 2 years of age can enter for free. Last tickets for mini golf are sold at 4:15 pm.

13. Cayuga Nature Center

• Address: 1420 Taughannock Blvd
• Location: Google Maps

The Cayuga Nature Center near Ithaca provides both indoor and outdoor nature programs in hopes to encourage visitors to explore the natural history of the Cayuga Lake Basin. Founded in 1981, this nature center sit on 100 acres of woodland and it’s home to a six-story treehouse, live native animals and Denison Gorge featuring the Denison waterfall.

All trails and the treehouse are open daily from 10:00am – 5:00pm. The main lodge closes for the winter season, but trails are still accessible. Admission is pay what you wish so please make a small donation if possible. When we visited the center was closed, but we could walk the trails.

14. Buttermilk Falls State Park

• Address: 106 E Buttermilk Falls Rd
• Location: Google Maps

Buttermilk Falls state park is one of themost popular state parksaround Ithaca thanks to a stunning scenic gorge trail featuring pothole pools and dozens of small waterfalls. Right at the entrance of the park, there is a 165 ft high creamy frothing waterfall which happens to look like buttermilk. It slips and slides down an angled slab of rock into anatural swimming pool.

One of our favorite things to do in Ithaca is to hike the gorge trail at Buttermilk Falls, but you can also hike the rim trails or circumference Treman Lake. Read our guide below for more information.

READ: How to visit Buttermilk Falls state park

15. Robert H. Treman State Park

• Address: 105 Enfield Falls Rd
• Location: Google Maps

Similar to Buttermilk Falls listed above, Robert H. Treman state park is another fun thing to do in Ithaca with the family. Everyone can enjoy the rugged gorges and natural beauty around every corner.

There are two main waterfalls at Robert H. Treman includingLucifer FallsandLower Falls. But the most popular section of the park is the natural fed swimming hole which is typically open from the end of June to the beginning of September.

READ:Tips for visiting Robert H. Treman state park

16. Taughannock Falls State Park

• Address: 1740 Taughannock Blvd, Trumansburg, NY 14886
• Location: Google Maps

Taughannock Falls state park is home to thetallest single-drop waterfalleast of the Rocky Mountainseasily making this Ithaca waterfall the most visually impressivewaterfall in New York. The spectacular waterfall plummets215ftinto a deep bowl-like depression in the Earth.

Taughannock Falls can be viewed from the drop zone or from an incredible overlook hundreds of feet away. In addition to Taughannock Falls, you can also visit two smaller waterfalls in the park, rent a kayak on Cayuga Lake or stop by the stunning Inn at Taughannock.

READ: Complete guide to Taughannock Falls state park

17. Gourdlandia

• Address: 77 Rachel Carson Way
• Location: Google Maps

During our last visit in April 2023, we had to visit Gourdlandia to see what all the fuss was about. After our visit, we certainly think Gourdlandia is one of the most unique things you can do in Ithaca. Graham Ottoson was a former midwife who now focuses her time on creating art with gourds. Just by stepping into the shop at Gourdlandia, we could see her passion and skill for crafting beautiful art.

Travel Tip: Stop in to make your own gourd nightlight which takes about 3-4 hours and costs $40. This project is available Monday mornings as well as Tuesday, Friday and Saturday afternoons.

18. Newfield Covered Bridge

• Address: 20 Bridge St, Newfield, NY 14867
• Location: Google Maps

About 8 miles from downtown Ithaca, the Newfield Covered Bridge is currentlythe oldest surviving covered bridge still open to daily vehicular traffic in New York State. Originally built in 1853, we love the Newfield Covered Bridge because it’s the only remaining covered bridge in Tompkins Country. So history lovers this is one you should not miss.

Travel Tip: If you stop to get photos of the bridge, just be mindful of the traffic.

19. Stop For A Beer

Ithaca is no longer just for wine lovers because you can come and sip IPAs, porters and stouts all summer long. Craft breweries are popping up not only in Ithaca, but all over the NY Finger Lakes region. For those looking to sample Ithaca’s best breweries, we recommend:

• Ithaca Ale House
• Liquid State Brewing Company
• Ithaca Beer Company
• Ithaca Beer Taproom in Collegetown

20. Purity Ice Cream

• Address: 700 Cascadilla St
• Location: Google Maps

Purity Ice Cream is an Ithaca tradition and it’s often referred to as the Ice Cream of the Finger Lakes. No visit to Ithaca is complete without a stop at Purity.

Made right in central New York, you’ll find numerous ice cream flavors including new and classic options as well as homemade vegan flavors. The kitchen in purity is also open from 7:30am to 10:00pm serving everything from mouth watering breakfast sandwiches to fresh off the grill burgers.

The next three activities on this list are not immediately located within Ithaca, but they are some of the most popular things to do in the Finger Lakes region.

If you could work one or all of these attractions into your Finger Lakes itinerary, you will not be sorry. However, you may have to do a little bit of extra driving.

21. Corning Museum Of Glass

• Address: 1 Museum Way, Corning, NY 14830
• Location: Google Maps

The Corning Museum of Glass is a fun museum which can be found in Corning, New York about 50 miles southwest from Ithaca. Established in 1951, the Corning Museum of Glass was created by Corning Glass Works and it’s a not-for-profit museum dedicated solely to glass.

With over 50,000 objects spanning 3,500 years of history including everything from ancient Egyptian pharaoh to contemporary sculpture, there is something for everyone here. Last time we visited the Corning Glass Museum, we made our own glass figurines so read our guide below for more information.

READ: How to spend a day at the Corning Museum of Glass

22. Letchworth State Park

• Address: 1 Letchworth State Park, Castile, NY 14427
• Location: Google Maps

Letchworth state park is another breathtaking park located in the western portion of the Finger Lakes region stretching between both Livingston and Wyoming counties. If this is your first time in the Finger Lakes, this state park is our top recommendation. Letchworth was even voted themost stunning US state park in 2015 and is often called the Grand Canyon of the East.

Kristen spent her childhood hiking these gorgeous trails and Letchworth has now become one of our favorite photography locations to date. Our photos from Letchworth even feature in Gestalten’s,The Great American Road Trip.

There are many fun things you can do at Letchworth state park year-round. Having visited in all four seasons, here are the best things to do:

• Photograph Letchworth’s 3 Popular Waterfalls
• Camp at one of the 300 cabins or campgrounds
• See The Mount Morris Dam
• Hit one of the 28 hiking trails
• Stop by the Humphrey Nature Center
• Swim At The Harvey Swimming Pool
• Walk the Autism Nature Trail (ANT)

READ: Complete guide to Letchworth state park

23. Visit Nearby Watkins Glen

The nearby village of Watkins Glen sits at the southern end of Seneca Lake, the largest Finger Lake in the entire region. You might know Watkins Glen for it’s well-known Watkins Glen International Speedway, but there are so many hidden gems we couldn’t list them all in this guide!

For a small village Watkins Glen certainly packs a punch. Here are the best things to do:

• Hike the gorge trail at Watkins Glen state park
• Drink wine along Seneca Lake
• Explore the shops along Franklin St
• Find more Finger Lake waterfalls
• Book an evening dinner cruise with Captain Bill
• East some locally produced cheese and ice cream

Travel Tip: If you choose to visit the village of Watkins Glen, you’ll notice the pedestrian crossings on the road are race flags instead of solid white lines.

READ: Best things to do in Watkins Glen

Interactive Ithaca Map

Click or touch the map to open a new window, then zoom in and out to familiarize yourself with the area. Alternatively, you can click any activity or place you’re interested in via the left column.

You’ll find icons for all of the things to do in and nearby Ithaca mentioned in this guide including food recommendations and where to stay.

You can also access our interactive Google Map via this link here for best things to do in Ithaca, NY.

How To Get Around Ithaca

Ithaca is a smaller city, but you’ll need access to a car in order to visit many of the things we list in the guide. While Uber and Lyft are available downtown, ride sharing apps are limited outside the city limits. If you want to visit any of the wineries along the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail or visit some of the nearby state parks, you’ll need some form of transportation.

Parking in the city can also be a little bit intimidating because it can be very busy and it’s filled with one way streets. If you’re visiting the Ithaca Commons, you can find street parking along most of the roads, but you’ll need to pay a fee by the hour in order to park your vehicle. Or if you’re visiting Cornell or Ithaca College, keep an eye out for permitted lots because you will get a ticket and potentially towed.

Last time we visited Ithaca, we paid on card and received a text once our allotted parking time was running out. We could add more time via text if necessary so no need to rush back to your vehicle.

Travel Tip: On street parking in Ithaca is typically $1.50/hour and enforced from 9:00am – 6:00pm Monday through Friday. But you can park on the street for free during the weekends.

Where To Stay In Ithaca

Accommodation in Ithaca can be expensive, but there are also a few great budget lodging options. You can read our guide to the 8 best hotels in Ithaca, NY on our sister site or select one of our top picks from below.

Here are the best Ithaca Hotels:

• Rodeway Inn – Best budget option
• Dorm Hotel – Cornell University themed
• Argos Inn – Elegant boutique hotel
• La Tourelle Hotel – Unique spa hotel
• The Statler – Luxurious option on Cornell’s campus

We’ve stayed at the Inn at Taughannock and the Glass Magnolia which make for great options if visiting Taughannock Falls state park nearby or you don’t want to eat downtown.

Ithaca Restaurant Recommendations

Ithaca has an eclectic mix of popular restaurants and we’ve listed them below. You can also find many chain restaurants in town, but try to support the local options if possible:

• Simeon’s American Bistro – American fare with co*cktails and outdoor seating
• MIX – Eclectic small plates with live jazz and blues on Sundays
• Saigon Kitchen – Pho, vermicelli + other Vietnamese favorites
• Maxie’s Supper Club– Southern dishes, shucked shellfish + live music
• The Boatyard Grill– American menu with Asian options
• Old Mexico – Casual Mexican joint with fajitas and tequila
• The State Diner – Long time standing diner with all day breakfast
• Yellow Deli – Beautiful wooden restaurant serving sandwiches

You can’t go wrong with any of these options and we’ve eaten at most of them throughout the years. But on our last trip we ate at the Yellow Deli for a quick lunch and the Boatyard Grill for dinner.

The Morgan Conclusion

Ithaca is a lively college town filled with numerous restaurants, breweries, hiking trails, gardens and two university campuses. There is so much to do here for the entire family and it makes for a great day trip or stop on a longer road trip.

So is Ithaca worth visiting?

Yes, Ithaca is worth visiting because it’s a beautiful city in the NY Finger Lakes on the southern end of Cayuga Lake. Visitors can explore Cornell, enjoy local wineries, walk numerous gorge hiking trails and take the kids to the popular Sciencenter. Many sections of Ithaca are walkable such as the downtown area and the Ithaca Commons. However, you may want a car to visit other popular places such as the nearby state parks.

If this is your first time in upstate New York, here are the top 10 things to do in Ithaca NY:

1. Hike through the Cascadilla Gorge
2. Visit Cornell University
3. Stop for an ice cream cone at Purity’s
4. Explore the Sciencenter
5. See Taughannock Falls
6. Hike the gorge trail at Buttermilk Falls
7. Swim in the pool at Robert H. Treman
8. Sip wine along Cayuga Lake
9. Hunt Ithaca’s popular waterfalls
10. Finish your day with a craft beer

Our favorite thing about Ithaca are the stunning state parks located very close to the city. If you want to explore more, check out the best state parks in New York.

Our Ithaca Photos

As we mentioned earlier, we know Ithaca very well and we always love revisiting. Here are a few more photos so you can get a better feel for the city:

More From The Finger Lakes

• Fun places to visit in the NY finger lakes
• How to hike Watkins Glen gorge to Rainbow Falls
• Guide to visiting Buttermilk Falls
• Best things to do at Letchworth state park
• How to visit Robert H. Treman
• Guide to finding Taughannock Falls Overlook
• How to hike the Bluff Trail at Chimney Bluffs
• Where to find Grimes Glen Park in Naples NY
• How to visit Stony Brook state park
• Hiking the Green and Round Lake loop
• How to find the best Finger Lakes waterfalls

More From Upstate New York

• Gorgeous photos of Eternal Flame Falls
• How to visit Niagara Falls state park
• Things to do in and near Lake Placid
• Guide to hiking High Falls Gorge Trail
• How to hike the highest peak in NY, Mount Marcy
• Where to find the best New York waterfalls

Want more New York content? Head over to our New York Travel Guides to explore the Finger Lakes, Adirondacks and the best of NYC.

We hope this guide listing the best things to do in Ithaca helps with planning your visit to Upstate New York!

Please let us know if you have any questions about visiting Ithaca or upstate New York in the comments below.

Happy Travels,

Mark and Kristen

Enjoy this Ithaca things to do guide? Pin it for later!

Note: This article contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

All Rights Reserved © Where Are Those Morgans, LLC. Republishing this article and/or any of its contents (text, photography, maps, graphics, etc.) in whole or in part is strictly prohibited.