Ithaca's Your Gateway to an Awe-Inspiring Eclipse Experience.

Are you ready to witness the cosmic spectacle of the 2024 solar eclipse? While Ithaca, NY may not be in the path of totality, we are a perfect home base within the Finger Lakes for an extraordinary experience

Note: You must wear certified eclipse glasses, there is NO totality in Ithaca. NEVER look at the sun with just your eyes outside of totality. Visit Ithaca's Downtown Visitor Center has free glasses available while supplies last. The Cornell Astronomical Society has provided other safety tips.

Ithaca will be in the path of a deep partial eclipse (98.8%). A partial eclipse will be visible in Ithaca beginning at 2:08 p.m. and ending at 4:34 p.m. on April 8. The partial eclipse will reach its maximum at 3:23 p.m. The next total solar eclipse in New York State will be in 2079 and 2144! 

Why Choose Ithaca, NY as your base?

Not in the Path of Totality, but Total in Experience!

Ithaca, surrounded by natural beauty, is your perfect base for the eclipse. Experience the charm of this vibrant town, with a celebrated history of art and science offerings. From waterfalls to botanical gardens, Ithaca offers a unique setting for eclipse enthusiasts and curious travelers alike. Our community is home to Cornell University along with many experts in their fields who will provide a meaningful context for your Eclipse experience.

Rooms are Available for April 8

Update: Most Ithaca-area accommodations are sold out for Sunday, April 7th. There's still time to a book an overnight stay for this once in a lifetime event. Stay in one of downtown Ithaca's modern hotels, or opt for a boutique inn experience. You can experience an eclipse without the crowds, and take advantage of our natural spaces and acclaimed food and drink scene. You will find special packages and activities planned at: The Hotel Ithaca and The Statler Hotel at Cornell.

Convenient location to the Path of Totality

Ithaca is located less than 70 miles from Fair Haven Beach State Park on Lake Ontario in the path of totality, and less than 90 miles from Rochester, NY. The Eclipse Buses departing from downtown Ithaca are now sold out.

Special Eclipse-Related Events

Join us for unforgettable days of eclipse-related festivities! From special offers at wineries to family-friendly activities, many events are happening leading up the the eclipse. Expert astronomers, interactive exhibits, and more await you.

Sasha Sagan returns to Ithaca on the Eve of the Eclipse

Let’s connect with a shared sense of awe and wonder on  April 7th at The Hangar Theatre. Sasha Sagan is the author of the internationally critically acclaimed book For Small Creatures Such As We: Rituals for Finding Meaning in Our Unlikely World. On her podcast, Strange Customs, Sasha explores the idiosyncrasies and history of human culture with celebrities and scholars alike. Inspired by the work of her parents, Carl Sagan and Ann Druyan, Sasha speaks about the ways science can inform our traditions and expand our sense of wonder. Originally from Ithaca, Sasha lives in Massachusetts with her husband and two children. Tickets now available $10-$30.

Family friendly Eclipse Activities

Ithaca's hand-on Sciencenter is gearing up for the eclipse with special programs designed for families and youngsters to learn and experience the eclipse together. Spark the curiosity of your little ones and let them discover the magic of science through engaging and interactive eclipse activities.

Explore the Observatory 

The Fuertes Observatory at Cornell will have an observatory night open to the public on April 6 offering visual engagement in advance of viewing the eclipse.

Ithaca invites you to be a part of a celestial celebration like never before. Book your stay, secure your seat on the bus, and get ready to witness the 2024 solar eclipse in a way that only Ithaca can offer. Join us as we turn the ordinary into the extraordinary, and together, let's chase the shadows in Ithaca!

Finger Lakes hub of culture & art Stay in Ithaca for the Eclipse

La Tourelle Hotel & Spa

  • 1150 Danby Rd. (96B)
  • (607) 273-2734

At La Tourelle we consider ourselves a warm, cozy home where we welcome friends we haven’t met yet! From the moment you…

The Hotel Ithaca

  • 222 S. Cayuga St.
  • (607) 272-1000

Located only one block from the historic Ithaca Commons, great for shopping and dining. One mile from Ithaca College and…