How to Plan the Perfect Trip to Ithaca, New York

Ithaca, New York—voted the number 1 “Best Town to Visit in America” by CNN Travel in 2025—is a youthful, lakeside city on Cayuga Lake. Known for its waterfalls, vibrant college‑town energy, farm‑to‑table food and local artisans, Ithaca combines nature and culture for an unforgettable trip.

Why Ithaca Tops Travel Lists

On the shores of New York’s longest Finger Lake, Ithaca is ringed by rolling gorges and more than 150 waterfalls. That natural beauty underpins its welcoming downtown arts scene and diverse food culture, making it equally perfect for outdoor lovers, families and creative types.

Getting There & Staying Put

Ithaca Tompkins International Airport, about ten minutes from downtown, receives flights from Newark and Philadelphia, while Syracuse and Rochester airports offer easy driving access. Renting a car is the most flexible way to explore beyond town.

Stay centrally to access the Ithaca Commons pedestrian mall, restaurants and attractions. Boutique lodging like inns near Cornell University or accommodations overlooking Cayuga Lake offer picturesque comfort and easy walkability.

Explore the Gorges & Waterfalls

Cascadilla Gorge Trail begins right downtown, stepping up past waterfalls and vibrant foliage. In fall, it’s one of the region’s best leaf‑peeping walks.
Ithaca Falls Natural Area drops over 150 feet close to the Commons. Walkable and scenic, it’s a local favorite.
Six Mile Creek and Wells Falls, also known as Businessman’s Lunch Falls, is a stunning four‑tiered cascade about 65 feet high, about five minutes from downtown.
Just outside town, Taughannock Falls State Park features a gorge and a waterfall that plunges nearly 215 feet—taller than Niagara. It’s ideal for hiking, swimming in summer and photo stops by overlooks.

Arts, Culture & Community

Downtown’s Ithaca Commons pedestrian zone buzzes with public art, cafés, galleries, shops and frequent festivals—like First‑Friday Gallery Nights, Chili Fest and the June Ithaca Festival. The Sagan Planet Walk, a scale model of the solar system, extends to the Sciencenter, offering playful astronomy along city blocks.

Catch a show at the historic State Theatre of Ithaca, a 1,600‑seat vaudeville palace now hosting concerts, film and comedy. Nearby, the Hangar Theatre presents regional and children’s theatre year‑round.

The Sciencenter, Ithaca’s science museum, draws over 100,000 visitors annually and features more than 250 interactive exhibits, outdoor science playgrounds and a mini‑golf course. A fun hands‑on stop for families.

Food & Local Flavors

The city’s culinary scene blends Cornell‑influenced innovation with Finger Lakes farm-to-table sourcing. Find local craft cider, brewery tours (Ithaca Beer Company), and enjoy meals at eateries on the Commons or near Collegetown. Farmers Market vendors offer fresh produce, bread, prepared food and community vibe.

One local success story: Chris Kirby, Cornell ’14 and founder of Ithaca Hummus, built a brand delivering “mind‑blowing flavor” and fresh ingredients that now appears in major grocery chains. While official net worth figures are private, his company is among the fastest‑growing premium hummus brands in the U.S.

Sample 3‑Day Itinerary

Day 1 (Friday evening):
Arrive and check into downtown lodging. Walk the Commons, have dinner at a local tavern, then catch live music or a movie at the State Theatre.

Day 2 (Saturday):
Start with a morning walk in Cascadilla Gorge. Stop at the farmers market for breakfast fare. Drive to Taughannock Falls for hikes and vistas. Afternoon cider or beer tasting at a brewing or cider taproom. End with dinner at a farm‑to‑table restaurant, then see a performance at the Hangar Theatre.

Day 3 (Sunday):
Visit the Sciencenter and walk the Sagan Planet Walk. Explore the Cornell Botanic Gardens and Arboretum’s woodlands, gorges and floral gardens. An easy lakeside stroll or paddle before heading home completes a restful, rejuvenating trip.

Planning Tips

Season matters: Fall (mid‑September to mid‑October) is peak foliage time and busiest. If you prefer fewer crowds and better rates, aim for late spring or early winter.
Pack for walkable terrain: Sturdy shoes and layers help when exploring trails and gorges.
Reserve ahead: Lodging and festival events—especially in fall—book early.
Mix nature with culture: Save time for both lakeside hikes and craft meals or arts events.

A Bit About Ithaca’s Vibe

Home to Cornell University and Ithaca College, the city’s median age skews young (mid‑20s to mid‑30s), enriched by creative energy, academic influence and sustainability ideals. It draws families, students and older visitors alike for its outdoor access, thoughtful restaurants and engaged community.

Final Thoughts

Ithaca offers a rare blend: dramatic waterfalls, deep green gorges, a walkable downtown and food rooted in flavor and place. Whether you’re visiting with a partner, family or solo, this Finger Lakes gem delivers nature, local flavor, and cultural discovery in one compact and compelling destination.