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Things to do in Ithaca: 2 local trip ideas

2 ready-made day trips in Ithaca, New York: hidden gems and nature. Each one strings together a handful of stops in order.

Hidden GemsNature
Hidden Gems trip

East Hill & West End Secrets

5 stops · about 5 hr 45 min of stops · ~$57 per person

This curated, one-day itinerary takes you along an eastern-to-western route through Ithaca, exploring under-the-radar natural gems, local thrifting institutions, and neighborhood eateries that tourists usually overlook.

  1. 1

    Coal Yard Cafe

    143 Maple Ave, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
    Coal Yard Cafe, Ithaca

    A cozy cafe housed in a historic 1901 coal office. Try the 'Ranch Eggs' or the 'Flap Quacks'.

    ★ 4.5 on Google · about 1 hr · ~$15 per person · Directions
  2. 2

    Sapsucker Woods

    159 Sapsucker Woods Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
    Sapsucker Woods, Ithaca

    Skip the crowded gorges for this tranquil, 220-acre bird sanctuary operated by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

    ★ 4.9 on Google · about 1 hr 30 min · Free · Directions
  3. 3

    Gorgers

    116 W State St, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
    Gorgers, Ithaca

    A local counter-serve favorite making incredible, globally-inspired sandwiches on scratch-baked bread.

    ★ 4.6 on Google · about 45 min · ~$12 per person · Directions
  4. 4

    Mimi's Attic

    401 Elmira Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
    Mimi's Attic, Ithaca

    The ultimate local thrift and consignment institution, packed with vintage home decor, furniture, and local goods.

    ★ 4.4 on Google · about 1 hr · Directions
  5. 5

    Maxie's Supper Club & Oyster Bar

    635 W State St, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
    Maxie's Supper Club & Oyster Bar, Ithaca

    A vibrant neighborhood spot in the West End serving up fresh oysters, craft cocktails, and scratch-made Southern comfort food.

    ★ 4.5 on Google · about 1 hr 30 min · ~$30 per person · Directions
Nature trip

Waterfalls, Gardens & Gorges

5 stops · about 7 hr of stops · ~$54 per person

Immerse yourself in Ithaca's natural splendor with a non-zigzagging route that sweeps from downtown's waterfalls to the botanical trails of East Hill, anchored by fantastic local dining.

  1. 1

    The State Diner

    428 W State St, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
    The State Diner, Ithaca

    Fuel up early at this legendary, unpretentious local diner serving hearty classic breakfast plates since 1936.

    ★ 4.2 on Google · about 1 hr · ~$15 per person · Directions
  2. 2

    Ithaca Falls Natural Area

    Lake St, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
    Ithaca Falls Natural Area, Ithaca

    Take a short walk to stand at the base of this powerful, roaring 150-foot waterfall located right within city limits.

    ★ 4.8 on Google · about 45 min · Free · Directions
  3. 3

    Cornell Botanic Gardens

    124 Comstock Knoll Dr, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
    Cornell Botanic Gardens, Ithaca

    Explore manicured specialty gardens and serene, scenic trails around Beebe Lake; parking is $1.50 per hour.

    ★ 4.8 on Google · about 2 hr · ~$5 per person · Directions
  4. 4

    Moosewood

    215 N Cayuga St, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
    Moosewood, Ithaca

    Savor a fresh, farm-to-table lunch at the birthplace of modern vegetarian cuisine on the edge of the Commons.

    ★ 4.4 on Google · about 1 hr 15 min · ~$25 per person · Directions
  5. 5

    Buttermilk Falls State Park

    106 E Buttermilk Falls Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
    Buttermilk Falls State Park, Ithaca

    Hike up the stone-staircase Gorge Trail to see cascading pools, or take a dip in the natural swimming hole at the base.

    ★ 4.7 on Google · about 2 hr · ~$9 per person · Directions

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