8 Best Things To Do In Ithaca, NY
About
Ithaca is the perfect spot for a “gorge”ous getaway! Well known for the saying, “Ithaca is Gorges”, the area boasts a dramatic landscape with over 150 stunning waterfalls, hiking trails, and a quaint downtown area. Located at the southern tip of Cayuga Lake in New York’s Finger Lakes region, Ithaca is approximately 4-hours from both Philadelphia and New York City. This guide outlines the 8 Best Things To Do In Ithaca, NY for a weekend trip!
Ithaca Falls
Ithaca Map
Things To Do
1 - Taughannock Falls State Park
A stop at Taughannock Falls State Park is the top thing to do when visiting Ithaca. The highlight of the park is Taughannock Falls, an impressive 215-foot single-drop waterfall. Carving through the 400-foot gorge, Taughannock Falls is an iconic sight to see! Taughannock Falls State Park is located a short 15-minute drive northwest of downtown Ithaca.
The falls can be viewed either from the Gorge Trail or Falls Overlook. The Gorge Trail offers views of Taughannock Falls from below. The trail is 2.0-miles out-and-back plus 180 feet of elevation gain and is open year-round. Alternatively, the Falls Overlook provides views of Taughannock Falls from above, no hiking required! Both offer excellent views of Taughannock Falls and I would recommend seeing the views from both perspectives, if possible.
2 - Robert H. Treman State Park
Protecting the rugged Enfield Glen, Robert H. Treman State Park is another stunning location in Ithaca. The main features of the park are the deep rocky gorge and the stunning waterfalls along Enfield Creek, including 115-foot Lucifer Falls and Lower Falls. From downtown Ithaca, Robert H. Treman State Park’s Lower Entrance is a short 9-minute drive.
Lucifer Falls can be viewed from the overlooks along the Rim Trail and Gorge Trail. These trails parallel either side of the glen and both can be accessed from the Lower and Upper Park Entrances. To see the most dramatic views of Lucifer Falls, I recommend parking at the Upper Entrance parking area and completing the 1.0-mile Upper Loop, connecting the Rim and Gorge Trails.
To view the Lower Falls, visitors can walk up to its base near the Lower Park Entrance. In the summer months, when a lifeguard is on duty, visitors have the unique opportunity to swim in the natural pool beneath Lower Falls.
***IMPORTANT: As of 11/14/2022, the Gorge Trail and Red Pine Trail is CLOSED for the winter season. The trails typically reopen by late May.
3 - Buttermilk Falls State Park
Buttermilk Falls State Park is the third state park within the Ithaca area that you should visit! The park is named after its main feature, Buttermilk Falls. The cascading falls are part of Buttermilk Creek’s route down a steep valley toward Cayuga Lake. Standing at 165-feet tall, Buttermilk Falls is the second tallest waterfall in Ithaca. The Lower Entrance to Buttermilk Falls State Park is located a short 7-minute drive southwest of downtown Ithaca.
To view Buttermilk Falls, visitors can walk up to its base near the Lower Park Entrance parking lot. There are also several hiking trails, including the Gorge Trail and Rim Trail,
***IMPORTANT: As of 11/14/2022, the Gorge Trail and east side of Lake Treman Trail is CLOSED for the winter season. The trails typically reopen by late April.
4 - Ithaca Falls
Located less than a mile from downtown Ithaca is Ithaca Falls, a picturesque 150-foot waterfall. Part of the Ithaca Falls Natural Area, Ithaca Falls can be viewed from the short trail paralleling Fall Creek or from the Lake Street bridge. Parking lots are available at the intersection of Lake Street and E Falls Street.
5 - Treehouse at Cayuga Nature Center
The Cayuga Nature Center protects 100 acres of woodlands and fields adjacent to Cayuga Lake. The Nature Center has more than 5-miles of trails, live native animals, and various exhibits. However, its most unique attraction is TreeTops, a 6-story treehouse! This one-of-a-kind installation is a fun stop for children and adults, alike.
6 - Stewart Park
Ithaca is situated at the southern tip of Cayuga Lake, the longest lake of the Finger Lakes. Stewart Park is a public park on Cayuga’s lakefront, granting visitors a spot to relax and enjoy the lakeside views. There’s no swimming access, but Stewart Park has fishing spots that are open to the public and the park connects to the 8-mile, multi-use Cayuga Waterfront Trail.
7 - Cider Tasting
Ithaca is regarded as one of the best cider regions in the world! The area boasts an abundance of award-winning craft cideries, so it’s the perfect destination to go cider tasting. Two popular spots close to Ithaca are detailed below:
Finger Lakes Cider House at Good Life Farm serves up artisan ciders and sparkling wines in their relaxed tasting room. In addition to their ciders, they also offer a locally-sourced food menu. Located at 4017 Hickok Road, Interlaken, NY 14847.
South Hill Cider offers a selection of craft ciders, guided tastings, and house-made snacks in their elegant tasting room. Located at 550 Sandbank Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850.
Other popular cideries in the Ithaca region worth checking out are New York Cider Company, Redbyrd Orchard Cider, Black Diamond Farm and Cidery, and Bellwether Hard Cider and Wine Cellars.
8 - Restaurant Scene
Ithaca is bursting with a variety of amazing restaurants, ranging from casual cafes to fine dining. Foodies will certainly enjoy the restaurant scene that Ithaca has to offer. A few popular spots are listed below:
Ithaca Bakery is a favorite amongst locals for breakfast and lunch! The bakery has been open since 1910 and offers a wide-ranging menu of artisan breads, bagels, pastries, soups, salads, and sandwiches. Customers can enjoy counter-service and take-out. Located at 400 N Meadow St, Ithaca, NY 14850.
Gimme Coffee is a specialty coffee roaster, coffee shop, and espresso bar. Serving up delicious coffees, lattes, and cappuccinos, Gimme Coffee is sure to satisfy your caffeine fix. Locations in downtown Ithaca and Trumansburg, NY.
Moosewood Restaurant is internationally recognized for their creative vegetarian and vegan menu as well as their 12 published cookbooks. Their dishes are made with local produce and served up in a modern, cozy dining room. Open since 1973, Moosewood Restaurant is an Ithaca staple. Located at 215 N Cayuga St, Ithaca, NY 14850. Reservations are recommended.
Maxie’s Supper Club & Oyster Bar features house-made Southern dishes, seafood, and shellfish. Dine at Maxie’s for good food, a fun environment, and live music. Located at 635 W State St, Ithaca, NY 14850.
Other highly-rated restaurants in Ithaca are Coltivare, Thompson and Bleecker, Mia Tapas Bar and Restaurant, Simeon's American Bistro, and Ithaca Beer Co.
Where To Stay
Ithaca Marriott Downtown on the Commons is a modern, chic hotel offering guests comfortable rooms and suites. Centrally located in downtown Ithaca, the Ithaca Marriott is in walking distance to an abundance of restaurants, boutiques, and art galleries. For dog-lovers, there’s no need to leave your fur-baby at home, because the hotel also offers dog-friendly rooms. Guests can enjoy amenities such as a gym, airport shuttle, valet services, and on-site restaurant, Monk on the Commons. Located at 120 S Aurora St, Ithaca, NY 14850.
Ithaca, New York is a magical location for a weekend getaway! Between the abundance of waterfalls, parks and trails, stunning Cayuga Lake, unique restaurants, and cideries, there's so much to do and enjoy in Ithaca. I hope this guide on the 8 Best Things To Do In Ithaca, NY inspires you to visit!
