Urban culture, interactive science, and nature destinations give Ithaca several distinct visitor highlights. When choosing what to visit, consider whether you’re more interested in an event venue, science exhibits, or trails and scenic spots. This can help you choose what to explore in Ithaca based on the interests that matter most for your trip.
A clear center for culture
The Ithaca Commons is a four-block, pedestrian-only zone in downtown Ithaca. Its size gives the area a clearly defined layout to help you find your way around downtown. The Commons has an event space for concerts, performances, and other events. This brings together a well-defined pedestrian area and a venue for cultural events. If you want to attend a particular concert or performance, check the dates for your travel period.
Science in two forms
The Sciencenter offers a different focus, with more than 250 interactive exhibits; its offerings may evolve. In addition, the Sciencenter’s seasonal Science Park offers interactive outdoor science exhibits about sound, motion, water, and physics; these exhibit details may also change. The offerings differ in scale and setting: the Sciencenter focuses on a large number of interactive exhibits, while the Science Park is a seasonal outdoor offering covering these science topics. If the outdoor exhibits are especially important to you, take the park’s season into account when choosing your dates.
Waterfall and trails as nature destinations
Ithaca Falls is 156 feet high and can be seen from trails in the Ithaca Falls Natural Area, which is managed by the City of Ithaca. Sapsucker Woods offers five miles of trails. At the reception desk of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, visitors can ask about activities to do while hiking these trails. The two nature offerings appeal to different interests: Ithaca Falls is a single waterfall and scenic destination, while Sapsucker Woods offers trails and possible activities to enjoy while hiking. Programs and trail conditions may change; ask at the reception desk about current activities and take conditions into account when planning.
Ithaca and the wider Finger Lakes region
Ithaca is at the southern tip of Cayuga Lake, in New York State’s Finger Lakes region. In the wider region, the Cascadilla Gorge Trail passes through one of the most scenic gorges in the Finger Lakes region. Access may vary by season; if the trail is an essential part of your trip, check whether it is accessible during your travel period. This highlights the different geographic scales: Ithaca is the specific urban focus, while the trail adds a nature destination in the wider region. This can help you choose if you’re considering a broader regional experience alongside the city.
Discover more destinations: Trumansburg, Dryden, Brooktondale
Return to the main travel overview: Tompkins.
