As you approach Ithaca, you travel along rolling hillsides with beautiful views carved into the landscape by our gorges. Churning waterfalls, vibrant culture and cuisine, in a place founded in education create an electric and eclectic energy that recharges the soul and offers opportunities for connections with nature, learning and exploration.
More than a quarter of a million visitors come to Ithaca and Tompkins County each year, and Visit Ithaca is grateful for the opportunity to share all that our region has to offer. Our partners are an integral part of the economy, and create a place that people want to visit and that enhances the quality of life for our year-round residents. We are happy to see – and support – our friends and neighbors bring their unique vision to our communities, and that we get to share the waterfalls, colleges, restaurants and art installations we have for people to visit!
A division of Tompkins Chamber, the Tompkins County Convention & Visitors Bureau is the official destination management organization for Tompkins County. We work with the Strategic Tourism Planning Board, an advisory board to the Tompkins County Legislature, to support the county’s strategic tourism plan goals in fostering a healthy economy and a vibrant destination and improving the quality of life in Tompkins County.
We strive to be an inclusive organization in an inclusive community. Visit Ithaca is a trusted resource for visitors, tourism partners and local officials. Relationship building is central to our work, whether we are connecting with a visitor or a partner, or promoting our destination through outreach to media, and tour and conference groups.
A small town with a big-city feel, Ithaca has something for people of all ages to enjoy, no matter the season. And that energy is something you have to be here to feel, so come visit to let us show you why “Ithaca is Gorges.”
Favorite hidden gem: The relatively new waterfront trail near Allen H. Treman State Marine Park. There is an opening with a bench where I can escape the hustle and bustle of daily life, find some solitude, and listen to the waves softly lap the shoreline. It’s different every time I visit because of the color of the sky, the wind speed and the seasonality that affects the flora and fauna, but gives me serenity every time I’m there.
Favorite hidden gem: The Dewitt Mall especially feels like a hidden gem in the winter, there’s something cozy and charming about stepping into the former school building to shop small. Just a block from the Commons, it continues to hold some of Ithaca’s iconic shops and co-ops.
Favorite hidden gem: Cascadilla Creek Gorge Trail. This beautiful natural area is tucked right into the heart of downtown Ithaca, and it surprises you with its waterfalls along the ¾-mile walk. It’s closed during the winter, but once the snow melts, it offers a nice way to go from downtown to Cornell University.
Favorite hidden gem: Lick Brook Falls is my go-to! The trails are well maintained and rigorous enough to be exciting, but it’s an easy walk from South Hill and the lower entrance is less than 10 minutes from town!
