Location: Ithaca
Top Things to do in Ithaca
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The 10 Best Free Things to do in Ithaca, New York (NY)
"Ithaca is gorges" can be read on proud t-shirts across New York State, and there is definitely truth in advertising. Sitting on the shores of Cayuga Lake, the largest of the Finger Lakes, the hilly town of Ithaca is surrounded by dense forests, towering waterfalls, and many gorges. The natural beauty has a distinctly academic feel, as local universities have filled the woods with museums and education centers like The Cornell Lab of Ornithology, which features a 220 acre wildlife sanctuary.
Restaurants in Ithaca
1. Cayuga Lake
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 384 reviews
One of the largest of New York's Finger Lakes, this area is used for swimming, boating, fishing and other outdoor recreational activities.
Reviewed By L8945JQdavidd - Philadelphia, United States
Spend an afternoon at Sheldrake and Luca Vineyards on lake Cayuga. Beautiful drive and beautiful scenery
2. Six Mile Creek Vineyard
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 125 reviews
Reviewed By youngblood87 - Toms River, United States
Wines were great and staff was excellent. Very friendly and knowledgeable, genuinely enthusiastic about the wine making and tasting. Beautiful view and set up, dog friendly as well like most wineries in the Finger Lakes. This was an unplanned stop but we ended up buying three bottles, highly recommended if anybody is staying in area or just passing through like we did.
3. Cornell University
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 712 reviews
Reviewed By wanderlucky7
Visited and toured because my daughter is starting graduate school in the fall. What a spectacular campus!!! If you are driving through and want to see beautiful buildings, pretty views this is the place. Wow, make sure you see the Arts Quad!
4. Cornell Botanic Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 350 reviews
Cornell Botanic Gardens inspires people - through the cultivation of 150 acres of specialty gardens, conservation of plants and 3400 acres of natural areas, and the education of lifelong learners - to understand, appreciate, and nurture plants and the cultures they sustain. The botanic gardens are located at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY and are open year-round, dawn to dusk, free of charge. The Nevin Welcome Center and Gift Shop is open Mon, Tues, Wed, Thu, and Sun 9:00 - 5:00 p.m. Fri - Sat 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Reviewed By jinxminx888 - Takoma Park, United States
This is one of the reasons it's worth spending a day on the Cornell campus. There's no conservatory associated with the gardens, but there is one on campus in the agriculture program. The gardens are beautiful. We didn't go to the arboretum or the wildflower garden. Usually I would be all over a wildflower garden but this is basically a forested spring one, and we were there in August. Also, we looked at all the steps down, and thought about all the steps back up - we'd already done some hiking in the area and we weren't feeling it. If it was spring I probably would have gone for it. The lilies were a standout - they had a lot of really tall ones that smelled amazing. The gardens outside the visitor center are pretty compact and then you can strike out on the trails through the arboretum and wildflower garden. There are a lot of stairs, it didn't seem very wheelchair accessible. There are little nooks with benches, shade and sun. There was also a new sculpture by UK blacksmith artist Jenny Pickford in steel and glass which was pretty special. It had just been installed a month or two before so I felt pretty lucky about that. The gift shop was nice - a little pricey but we bought some good gifts there. Honestly I wish we had more time and better hiking legs.
5. Ithaca Farmers Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 315 reviews
The Ithaca Farmers Market is an owner–operated cooperative market with over 160 members, who grow or produce their wares within 30 miles of the pavilion. You’ll find a full spread at the market with something for everyone — hot prepared foods, a full spread of vegetables, fruit, cheese, pastured meat, wine, cider, eggs, bakeries, and exceptionally crafted artisanal gifts for your loved ones.
Reviewed By TACOB0B
We visited on a Saturday morning. There is plenty of parking, just wear appropriate footwear as the parking lot is wet and muddy. About 85% of the vendors were there when we went. Everything from fresh vegetables to wines, ciders, local crafts, honey, prepared foods, and coffee. We tried a couple of empanadas which were phenomenal and our only regret was we didn't buy more. Highly recommend.
6. The History Center in Tompkins County
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 21 reviews
Established in 1863. The History Center is a generation-to-generation education and research center focused on engaging with the public. The Center helps people use the tools of history to understand the past, gain perspective on the present, and play an informed role in shaping the future. In order to accomplish this mission we preserve and encourage access to The History Center's unique collections; seek out the diverse needs and interests of our community; design learning experiences and provide services that respond to those needs; create opportunities for people to learn about themselves and their place in the world; and provide a neutral environment for public discussions that bring historical perspective to current issues. Your Ticket to Discovery. Uncover Your Local History. Connect to the Past.
7. Johnson Museum of Art
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 214 reviews
PLEASE NOTE: The Johnson Museum is temporarily closed to visitors. Visit our FAQ for more information. Cornell University's Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art in Ithaca, NY, houses 40,000 works of art in a historic I. M. Pei building. Open year-round, explore the permanent collection and regular temporary exhibitions, with spectacular views of Cayuga Lake, Ithaca, and Cornell. Admission is always free! Closed Mondays, July 4, Thanksgiving Day, and from December 25 to January 1.
Reviewed By Explore280092
Some museums are so big they give me a headache to visit. The Johnson is just the right size for me. You can see it all in a leisure afternoon. Check out the top floor for amazing views and their outstanding collection of Asian art.
8. Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 424 reviews
Reviewed By K2867CRdebbies - Rimersburg, United States
Even though the Visitor’s Center and Gift Shop are currently closed during COVID 19, we still enjoyed the various trails and habitats in Sapsucker Woods. The trails take you through different habitats that are home to many species of birds. The trails are very well maintained and even include some large sculptures. Don’t forget your binoculars and bug spray! This is a MUST SEE for all bird enthusiasts.
9. Ithaca Beer Co.
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 224 reviews
Reviewed By majesdane - Liverpool, United States
Went here for lunch with my SO. This was her first time visiting a brewery and she had a great time. Loved the selection of beers on tap and ended up buying a case to bring home (as well as a case of root beer, which was outstanding). The food was delicious and fairly priced. I'd be interested in trying their game hen meal for two next time I go back; it definitely seemed to be a popular choice. Unfortunately we missed the opening of the beer garden, but we did get decide to go on one of the brewery tours. We lucked out and had the whole thing to ourselves! The tour guide was friendly and talkative and answered all the questions we had. It was interesting learning about their whole process of brewing. At the end, we got to sample some of their beers and sodas. The sodas were great and I very much enjoyed the coffee blonde ale! Overall I had a great experience here and will surely come back again next time I'm in the area. The brewery's proximity to Buttermilk Falls Park also helps make it worth the trip.
10. Ithaca Falls Natural Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 241 reviews
Reviewed By J4234MSscottw - Ferndale, United States
The falls were a great spot for a quick resting stop. Park right there and an easy walk the 100yds to the fall we’re there were lots of shade and rocks to sit and have a quick lunch.
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