Nestled in the heart of the Finger Lakes region of New York, Ithaca is one of the state’s most charming and picturesque cities. We also covered before as one of the three gourmet getaways in Upstate NY.
Known for its natural beauty and history, Ithaca offers many exciting things to do and see. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a history buff, or a foodie, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city.
So, if you’re planning a trip to this city, here are five ways to spend your day:
1) Downtown Ithaca
One of the best places to visit is downtown.
With its historic architecture, colorful street art, cafes, restaurants, and boutiques, downtown Ithaca is a vibrant hub of activity and culture. You can explore the unique shops and art galleries, grab a cup of coffee, relax in a cozy cafe, or simply enjoy the city’s lively atmosphere.
When visiting Downtown Ithaca in New York, a stop at Sweet Melissa’s Ice Cream Shop is an absolute must. This charming ice cream parlor offers a delightful array of handcrafted ice creams and sorbets, each bursting with flavors that range from classic favorites to unique, seasonal creations. And if you happen to indulge a bit too much in those delectable sweets, fret not! Downtown Ithaca has you covered with a nearby dentist in Ithaca. So, you can savor the delicious ice creams at Sweet Melissa’s with peace of mind, knowing that your dental needs are just a stone’s throw away should you need them. Enjoy your ice cream adventure in Downtown Ithaca without any worries!
Watch this video to get a glimpse of downtoan Ithaca:
2) Cornell Lab of Ornithology
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology is a world-famous research institution and museum dedicated to the study and conservation of birds. The lab focuses on educating the public about the importance of avian conservation.
The Center is filled with interactive science exhibits and artwork within a 230-acre sanctuary. You can also walk the 4 miles of nature trails and observe the stunning birds that live in the sanctuary.
Watch this video to get a glimpse:
3) Taughannock Falls State Park
For those who love hiking and exploring the great outdoors, Taughannock Falls State Park is a wonder with its 215-foot waterfall, majestic gorge, and sprawling hiking trails.
Whether you’re hiking the Rim Trail, camping in one of the park’s secluded campsites, or simply lounging in the sun on the beach, Taughannock Falls has something for everyone.
Watch this video to learn more:
4) Ithaca Farmers Market
The Ithaca Farmers Market is a fantastic destination for all your gastronomic delights. This bustling market is a feast for the senses, from fresh farm-to-table produce to artisanal bread, cheese, and wine.
You can explore the stalls sampling delicious food and drinks, talk to the local farmers and artisans, and enjoy live music while taking in the views of Cayuga Lake.
Watch this video to get a glimpse:
5) Cayuga Lake
Speaking of Cayuga Lake, this stunning body of water is one of the most beautiful and scenic in New York State.
You can rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore the tranquil waters, go fishing and catch your dinner, or simply relax and enjoy the sunset with your loved ones. Plenty of parks and public access points allow you to enjoy the lake’s natural beauty!
Watch this video to get a glimpse:
To conclude…
There’s truly no shortage of amazing activities to try out when spending the day in Ithaca.
From exploring downtown and its historical landmarks to discovering native birds at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology or taking a leisurely stroll through Taughannock Falls State Park and appreciating nature’s beauty—you’ll find something to do regardless of what catches your interest. For those looking for a bustling atmosphere with plenty of shopping opportunities and delicious food options, you can take advantage of the local farmer’s market. No matter what type of activity you’re into or how much time you can spend in Ithaca, this charming city has something that’ll leave you with lasting memories!
Sarah Knapp is a Brooklyn based entrepreneur whose love for the outdoors and community building led her to the October 2013 creation of OutdoorFest. She has a BA in History, is a Wilderness First Responder and a NY state hiking, camp and boating guide. Her proudest achievement to date is reading the Aeneid in Latin. 
Allison was one of our first top writers and Chief Editor but is no longer working with offMetro. Allison is a native New Yorker, who has lived in Rome, Tuscany, Melbourne, Toronto and Los Angeles. She frequently contributed travel pieces to Family Travel Forum, using her own children as guinea pigs as they travel the globe. She never missed a chance to sample local delicacies, as her love for travel goes hand-in-hand with her love for food and wine. 
Josh Laskin is a freelance travel writer and photographer based in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. When he is not at work or on the road, you can find him in the mountains snowboarding, climbing, hiking, fly fishing, mountain biking, and eating bagel bites.
Annie is a travel writer, environmentalist, and surfer based in Venice, CA. She heads up our West Coast team, keeps our grammatical errors in check, and makes sure our California writers always have a plan for their next adventure. Follow Annie’s travels @annelisemcb.
Carly Pifer is a freelance writer who has been known to follow whims inspired by romantic movie scenes or colorful street style shots to India, Japan, Tunisia and Argentina. After stints living in Seoul, Boston, Paris and Los Angeles, writing and searching for something intangible, she landed somewhat steadily in Brooklyn and has begun to find inspiration in her more immediate surroundings. 
Kate E. O’Hara is a New York based freelance writer and photographer who loves all things food—especially the people who make it and market it. Her writing aims to capture the essence of the food experience; the stories that go well beyond a plate of ingredients. In addition to her love of food, Kate is also known to have a hankering for red wine and craft beer. You can also find Kate on Instagram