Waterfalls & Wine Tastings in Ithaca
Tips on renting in Ithaca
Getting Around
What to Pack
Must-Try Activities
Smart Spending Tips
Welcome to Ithaca, New York, a picturesque lakeside city where families can craft unforgettable memories together. Start your journey with a relaxing stroll along the Cayuga Waterfront Trail, a smooth, paved path ideal for strollers. Pause at Stewart Park to soak in beautiful lakeside views, let the children enjoy the playground, and discover the enchanting Ithaca Children’s Garden just nearby.
To experience Ithaca’s natural splendor, set out on the Gorge Trail at Taughannock Falls State Park. This gentle hike leads to the awe-inspiring 215-foot Taughannock Falls, which rises higher than Niagara Falls. The trail is open all year, offering spectacular vistas in every season.
If the weather turns rainy, the Sciencenter promises hands-on excitement for children of all ages, with over 250 interactive exhibits including a touch tank and an animal room that spark curiosity and wonder. For a truly special outing, the Hands-on-Nature Anarchy Zone at the Ithaca Children’s Garden invites kids to build forts, climb trees, and immerse themselves in creative play with water, sand, and clay. Ithaca is the perfect destination for families seeking adventure, relaxation, and lasting connections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to see what Ithaca has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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To visit Robert H. Treman State Park in Ithaca, NY, start by exploring the rugged Enfield Glen, where winding trails guide you past 12 waterfalls, including the majestic 115-foot Lucifer Falls. Hike the moderately difficult gorge trail, which takes about 1.5 hours and includes three staircases, or opt for the rim trail for stunning views of the gorge below. Enjoy a swim in the stream-fed pool beneath a waterfall during the warmer months, with lifeguards present during the day, and be prepared for a $9 entrance fee. The park is particularly beautiful in early autumn, with vibrant colors enhancing the natural scenery.
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For a seamless and enjoyable boating experience on Cayuga Lake in Ithaca, consider launching at Taughannock Falls State Park. This state-maintained boat launch and marina, located about one-third of the lake’s length up from Ithaca on the western shore, offers a hard surface launch with space for 16 cars and trailers. The park is open year-round, though boating is typically best from May to October, allowing you to explore the lake, its wineries, and various water activities with ease.
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For a safe and refreshing dip near Ithaca, head to several life-guarded swimming areas. Taughannock Falls State Park offers a guarded swimming area on the west side of Cayuga Lake, along with a concession stand and a lakefront playground. Buttermilk Falls State Park and Robert H. Treman State Park both feature natural pools at the base of their waterfalls, perfect for a summer swim. Additionally, Myers Park on the east side of Cayuga Lake and the municipal pools at Cass Park and Alex Haley Pool in Ithaca provide well-monitored swimming spots. These areas are open during the summer months, making them ideal for warm weather outings.
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Dogs are warmly welcomed on many hiking trails in Ithaca, New York. Explore the 8-mile Cayuga Waterfront Trail, which offers stunning views of Cayuga Lake and is perfect for a leisurely walk or vigorous run with your furry companion. You can also venture into Robert H. Treman State Park and Buttermilk Falls State Park, where dogs are allowed on leashes, providing opportunities to enjoy serene waterfalls and rugged gorges. These trails are open year-round, but early autumn is particularly beautiful with the vibrant foliage.
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For a captivating waterfall experience in Ithaca, hike the Taughannock Falls State Park trails, where a short, flat walk from the parking lot leads you to the breathtaking 215-foot Taughannock Falls. Alternatively, explore the 1.3-mile Cascadilla Gorge Trail, which winds through historic stone steps and passes six stunning waterfalls from downtown Ithaca to the Cornell Campus. For a more urban adventure, take the short 150-yard hike to the base of Ithaca Falls in downtown Ithaca, a 150-foot cascade that is easily accessible year-round.
