Ithaca Falls

Whether you’re driving into Ithaca for a college tour or flying in to explore the nearby vineyards, there are plenty of hotel and lodging options to accommodate you. We recommend staying around Ithaca Commons as it’s close to downtown, both Cornell University and Ithaca College campuses, and Cayuga Lake. The Commons is a beloved gathering place for locals and a must-visit destination for visitors to Ithaca. Throughout the year, the Commons hosts a variety of community events, festivals, and markets that bring people together to celebrate art, culture, and local traditions, such as the Apple Harvest Festival in the fall season. Check out our map to see our list of lodging recommendations in the Commons and in other areas around Ithaca!

Depending on when you arrive in Ithaca, you may want to stop for brunch. For a great brunch or lunch option, we recommend visiting MIX. This restaurant, valued by locals and college students alike, offers an eclectic mix of small plates and seasonal cocktails. It’s a great place to kick off a long weekend in Ithaca!

After brunch, we recommend you make your way toward the nearby Buttermilk Falls State Park. This park offers something for everyone, whether you're seeking outdoor adventure, relaxation, or simply a chance to connect with nature. It includes several beautiful waterfalls, hiking trails along the gorge, picnic areas, and campgrounds. The parking lot is located near the bottom of the falls - no hiking is required to see the massive waterfall and natural pool at the base! Swimming is permitted here during the summer months. The park’s numerous hiking trails are available at various difficulty levels, including the popular 1.5-mile hike along the Gorge Trail, which runs alongside the picturesque Buttermilk Creek. Keep in mind that this trail is moderate in difficulty and may be a bit muddy. Many people choose to walk in the creek along this trail or stop for a quick dip in the natural pools!

Gorge Trail at Buttermilk Falls

After Buttermilk Falls, we recommend you cool down at the Finger Lakes Cider House. Located about a 20 minute drive north of Ithaca Commons, the Finger Lakes Cider House offers breathtaking views of rolling hills and vineyards on the western side of Cayuga Lake. It's the perfect setting to relax, unwind, and enjoy a glass of cider while soaking in the natural beauty of the surroundings. The Finger Lakes Cider House provides an opportunity to taste a wide variety of locally produced ciders, showcasing the diverse flavors and styles unique to the region. They also offer food pairings to complement their ciders, featuring locally sourced ingredients and artisanal dishes. We recommend the toasted cornbread with jalapeño honey butter!

After visiting the Finger Lakes Cider House, we recommend you stop by Taughannock Falls State Park. As the tallest free-falling waterfall in the northeastern United States, Taughannock (pronounced tuh-gann-ick) rises 215 feet, making it 33 feet taller than Niagara Falls! For those seeking panoramic views of the gorge and waterfall, there is a scenic overlook located near the park's entrance. From here, visitors can marvel at the grandeur of Taughannock Falls and hike around the rim. Aside from hiking, this state park offers campgrounds, picnic sites, and kayaking along Cayuga Lake. If you visit during the summer season, we recommend you visit the monitored swimming area off South Point, with lifeguards keeping watch over a roped-off area.

Taughannock Falls State Park

After a day in the sun, we recommend you visit Ithaca Beer Co. for dinner. Ithaca Beer Co. is known for its diverse and innovative lineup of craft beers, and the brewery offers guided tours that provide insight into the beer-making process, from brewing and fermentation to packaging and distribution. The on-site tasting room provides a cozy and welcoming atmosphere where visitors can sample a variety of beers fresh from the tap (we recommend trying Apricot Wheat)! In addition to its delicious beers, Ithaca Beer Co. also offers farm-to-table dining options at its on-site restaurant. Visitors can indulge in locally sourced dishes that complement the brewery's beer offerings, creating a memorable dining experience that celebrates the flavors of the Finger Lakes region. We recommend you ask for a table in the outdoor seating area, where you can enjoy your drinks in the fresh air and soak up the scenic views of the surrounding countryside.

If you’re hungry for dessert, we recommend stopping at the famous Purity Ice Cream Co. Purity is locally known as the "Ice Cream of the Finger Lakes” and was founded in 1936 by a Cornell University graduate. My personal favorite flavor is Chocolate Raspberry Truffle!

After dinner, we recommend you make your way back to Ithaca Commons for a quick walk before heading to your hotel. The Commons is a four-block pedestrian-only mall adorned with vibrant murals, sculptures, and art installations, and it’s home to a diverse array of locally owned shops, boutiques, and galleries, offering everything from handmade crafts and artisanal goods to vintage clothing and eclectic gifts. It’s a great place for some souvenir shopping!

Sunset over Cayuga Lake

After nightfall, if you’re feeling adventurous, we recommend paying a visit to the Hartung-Boothroyd Observatory atop Mt. Pleasant. This observatory is located about a 15 minute drive from Ithaca Commons, and it’s the perfect place for stargazing! Located away from light pollution, the Hartung-Boothroyd Observatory offers optimal conditions for observing the night sky. Lucky visitors may even be able to access telescopes and other observation equipment to view planets, stars, meteor showers, and galaxies up close!

After breakfast, we recommend spending the day strolling around Cornell’s campus. From Collegetown Bagels, we first making your way up to Ho Plaza. Ho Plaza is one of the most popular areas on Cornell’s campus. It contains the Cornell Store and the McGraw clocktower - you can actually climb up all 161 to the top. The climb to the top offers a breathtaking panoramic views of the campus and also a chance to witness one of Cornell's most cherished traditions—the chimes concerts. We also recommend stopping by the A. D. White Library within Uris Library. With its intricate architectural details, including marble columns, stained glass windows, elaborate woodwork and vaulted ceilings, this room looks like it came straight out of Hogwarts!

Other notable places to visit around campus include the Arts Quad, Herbert F. Johnson Museum, Cornell Dairy Bar, Schoellkopf Field, and Duffield Hall.

A.D. White Library

Following your campus visit, we suggest taking a trip to the nearby Ithaca Falls, renowned as one of the most picturesque waterfalls in the Finger Lakes area. Conveniently situated just across the street from the parking lot, this waterfall offers easy access without the need for a hike.

For dinner, we recommend you pick up a pizza or two from Thompson and Bleecker, and take them to Stewart Park, where you can enjoy them while watching the sunset. This park is situated along the edge of Cayuga Lake and provides a serene atmosphere. We highly recommend ending your second day in Ithaca here!

Stewart Park

If you are in the mood to hike, Watkins Glen State Park and Robert H. Treman State Park are two excellent options. Watkins Glen is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, featuring towering cliffs, lush forests, and cascading waterfalls. The park is home to the famous Gorge Trail, which meanders through a dramatic gorge carved by Glen Creek over thousands of years. Hikers can follow the trail as it winds past 19 waterfalls, each more spectacular than the last, and through enchanting rock formations such as the Spiral Tunnel and Rainbow Falls. In addition to hiking, Watkins Glen State Park offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities, including picnicking, fishing, and birdwatching.

Similarly to Watkins Glen, Robert H. Treman State Park is renowned for its stunning gorges and cascading waterfalls. Visitors of all skill levels can hike along an extensive network of hiking trails that wind through the park's deep gorges, providing breathtaking views of dramatic waterfalls like the 115-foot Lucifer Falls and the picturesque Enfield Falls. One of the unique features of Robert H. Treman State Park is the natural swimming pool fed by the park's stream. The pool is a popular spot for cooling off during the summer months, offering crystal-clear waters surrounded by lush greenery and towering cliffs. For your final dinner in Ithaca, we recommend trying out Le Café Cent-Dix in Ithaca Commons!

If you have extra time left over at the end of your trip, we highly suggest visiting other notable places around the Ithaca area, such as Ithaca College, the Sciencenter, or the Corning Museum of Glass.

Thank you for taking the time to read our itinerary! We hope it serves as a helpful guide for your future travels to Ithaca or inspires you as you plan your own adventure. For more insights into our experience, including the highs and lows, we invite you to check out our blog.

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