Things to do in Ithaca, New York
- Ithaca holds the dubious distinction of having the most ice cream shops per capita in the United States, a result of local lore claiming the ice cream sundae was invented here in 1892.
- The city's motto, 'Ithaca is Gorges,' is a local pun based on the area's geological features that has become a ubiquitous regional brand.
- The downtown area, known as Ithaca Commons, is an outdoor pedestrian mall that spans two blocks and was one of the first of its kind in the United States when established in the 1970s.
- Ithaca is home to one of the most significant collections of anarchist literature in the world, housed within the Labadie Collection's reach through local archives.
- The city experiences 'lake-effect' weather patterns due to its location at the southern tip of Cayuga Lake, which creates localized microclimates.
About Ithaca, New York
Ithaca is defined by its dramatic topography, featuring deep gorges and over 150 waterfalls within a ten-mile radius. As the home of Cornell University, the city balances academic culture with extensive natural preserves like the gorges at Robert H. Treman State Park [9314]. Visitors often explore the intersection of regional natural history at the Museum of the Earth [30789] or enjoy cultural performances at the historic State Theatre of Ithaca [23029]. The landscape is sculpted by unique glacial activity that created the region's signature 'gorges' aesthetic.
Highlights of Ithaca, New York
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Parks
Follow the gorge trail to see the dramatic Lucifer Falls, a 115-foot cascade.
Museums
The museum offers a curated collection of Asian art and panoramic views of Cayuga Lake from its top floor.
Museums
Examine the extensive fossil record of the Finger Lakes region, including a massive Right Whale skeleton.
Parks
Navigate a series of staircases that lead past a powerful 165-foot waterfall.
Museums
The facility focuses on hands-on science and technology exhibits geared toward interactive learning.
Venues
Attend live music or film screenings within an ornate 1928 vintage theater.
Places of interest
View a cascading waterfall located directly on the Cornell University campus grounds.
Parks
Access the Cayuga Lake waterfront via this park, which features an antique carousel.
Top things to do in Ithaca, New York
The 49 highest-rated places in Ithaca, New York, ranked by travellers.
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Parks
Watkins Glen State Park is defined by a 400-foot deep narrow gorge carved into Devonian-era sedimentary rock by Glen Cre...
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Parks
Taughannock Falls State Park centers on a 215-foot plunge waterfall that is three stories taller than Niagara Falls. The...
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Buttermilk Falls State Park is defined by a 500-foot cascading drop formed by Buttermilk Creek as it descends into the C...
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Parks
Robert H. Treman State Park is distinguished by the rugged Enfield Glen, a deep gorge carved by Enfield Creek containing...
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Parks
Stewart Park is a 180-acre public park situated at the southern tip of Cayuga Lake in Ithaca, New York. It features a hi...
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Museums
The Sciencenter is a non-profit, hands-on science museum in Ithaca featuring over 250 interactive exhibits spread across...
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Parks
Fillmore Glen State Park is defined by its deep limestone gorge featuring five distinct waterfalls and a unique natural...
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Venues
The State Theatre of Ithaca is a historic non-profit performing arts venue originally opened in 1928 as a silent movie p...
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Museums
The Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art is located on the Cornell University campus in Ithaca and is housed in an iconic I....
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Venues
The Clemens Center is the primary performing arts facility in Elmira, New York, serving as a hub for Broadway touring co...
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Museums
The Museum of the Earth in Ithaca, New York, is operated by the Paleontological Research Institution and focuses on the...
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Amusement parks
Harris Hill Amusement Park is a nostalgic, family-oriented venue located in Elmira, New York, focusing primarily on clas...
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Venues
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Temples
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Ithaca, New York on the map
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Plan your visit to Ithaca, New York
Late spring to early autumn, specifically June through September, when the waterfall trails are fully accessible and the lake-side parks are most active.
3-4 days, which allows sufficient time to hike the major gorge trails and visit both university-associated museums and the downtown district.
The city is moderately walkable downtown, but a car is strongly recommended for accessing state parks and dispersed natural attractions; the TCAT bus system serves the university and core areas.
Downtown Ithaca provides the best access to dining and the Commons, while the neighborhoods surrounding Cornell University offer a quieter, collegiate atmosphere.
Mid-range; accommodation costs fluctuate significantly during university events like graduation or homecoming, making advanced booking essential.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 49 curated attractions in and around Ithaca, New York, ranked by traveller ratings.
Watkins Glen State Park is the highest-rated place to visit in Ithaca, New York right now.
The largest category is parks, with 24 places to explore.
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