Location: Ithaca
Top Things to do in Ithaca
What to do and see in Ithaca, New York (NY): The Best Outdoor Activities
"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. School's Out Charters
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 66 reviews
School's Out Charters offers small group and exclusive boat tours on Cayuga Lake. All Tours are PRIVATE! We specialize in Winery Tours! This is the ultimate way to enjoy the wineries. No crowded cattle buses, no traffic, just a leisurely cruise on the lake combined with tastings at some of the best wineries in the Finger Lakes. Book us for an intimate customized sunset cruise or a party. Our boat accommodates from 2-6 people. School's Out Charters - the anti-limo.Established in 2009, the owners of School's Out Charters took the burgeoning winery tourism market on the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail and combined it with boat cruises to produce the ultimate vehicle to conduct wine tours. Our love for the lake and it's surrounding areas allow us the opportunity to share this passion for the natural beauty of the finger lakes with all of our customers.
2. Boxy Bikes
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
We offer bike rentals: electric bikes, road bikes, mountain bikes, folders, tandem, and more! - 10 attractions within 2 miles of our store, located in downtown Ithaca - Our ebikes are perfect for hilly Ithaca - Fun for families and couples - for bikers of all sizes and abilities PRICING $10/hour $29/day (return the same day) $39 overnight (return the next day) - rental price includes helmet, lock, basket, biking map, and lights if needed - ask about delivery to your hotel, Airbnb, or B&B - week-long, month-long, and semester-long rates available too HOURS Open 9am to 4pm every day during June, July & August The rest of the year, we are open 9am to 4pm on Mon, Wed and Fri; open Sat 11am to 4pm, closed on Tue, Thu and Sun.
3. Southern Tier Balloon Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 261 reviews
Offering daily hot air balloon rides in the Ithaca, NY region of Tompkins county, Southern Tier Balloon Tours is the perfect way to see the entire finger lakes region of Ithaca, NY from the air. Flights are 45-70 minutes in duration with the whole experience being around 3 hrs from start to finish and conclude with a celebratory Champagne toast for all guests.
4. Ithaca Bike Rental
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
5. Cayuga Excursions
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Join one of our captains for a half or full day sail on the largest of the Finger Lakes. Set off from Ithaca early in the morning and enjoy breakfast on the lake, or spend a gorgeous afternoon tacking up to Taughannock State Park and back. For the adventurous, join us for an overnight cruise up the lake, sleeping and eating aboard the boat.
6. In-Depth Fishing Adventures
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 28 reviews
We provide fishing charters, boat tours, and sightseeing tours on Lake Cayuga. We fish for Salmon, Brown Trout, Lake Trout and Rainbow Trout. The boat we use is a 30 Foot Proline equipped with a cabin, restroom, and the best fishing electronics. Captain Mark is a a United States Coast Guard licensed Captain, and is also licensed as a New York State Fishing Guide. Max 6 people/trip. ** No Skunk Guarantee** See Website for details
7. Finger Lakes Sailing Charter
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 16 reviews
Operating out of Cayuga Lake in the Southern Inlet in Ithaca, we are the premiere provider of private customizable sailing charters and sailing instruction in the Finger Lakes. In addition to providing daily sailboat charters, wine tours, sunset cruises, and sailing instruction, we are passionate about improving the Ithaca waterfront and revitalizing Ithaca's lakeside community.
8. Cascadilla Gorge Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 216 reviews
Reviewed By Andy05255 - Manchester, United States
We decided to hike the Cacadilla Trail in Ithaca, NY it starts out pretty easy but there are some spots where the stairs are steep and challenging for older folks and small children. Plus going up is one type of challenge while coming down presents another if you are afraid of heights, you may not want to attempt this hike. Other wise we all met the challenges from my 4 year old Grandson to myself at 66. Enjoy the outdoors and try this hike or just do part of it and enjoy the wonders of nature!
9. Ithaca Boat Tours
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 36 reviews
Ithaca Boat Tours offers a wide variety of daytime and evening narrated boat tours and cruises that departing from 2 locations in Ithaca, New York. Enjoy the sunset, learn about the history of the area, or enjoy a glass wine with friends or family during any of our cruise option. Pay-as-you-board 1hr narrated tours are available Saturdays and Sundays departing from the Ithaca Farmer's Market at 11a, 12:30p, 2p May - October. We offer late afternoon matinee and a 1hr sunset cruise departing from the Thursday Evening Ithaca Farmers' Market. Additionally, we offer 2-hr Summer Sunset, 2-Hr Picnic lunch Cruises, and a Wine on the Water Cruise by reservation most every day of the week departing from our home dock. Be sure to check the schedule for special events !
10. Discover Cayuga Lake
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 reviews
We offer group charters and public cruises aboard the majestic MV Teal. Our friendly staff offers a range of experiences, from family expeditions to sunset cruises, that put you in touch with the landscape and people that make the Finger Lakes worth visiting. Join us for a great experience on Cayuga Lake! Your fare supports our non-profit mission of education and lake access for young people.
