Start Planning Your Perfect Ithaca Getaway
From waterfalls to wine tours, outdoor recreation to luxury spa getaways, farm-to-table restaurants or museum-hopping, there is so much to do and see in Ithaca. Whatever you fancy, you can find insider travel tips, suggested itineraries, and our free travel guide that will point you in the right direction to create your ideal vacation, whether you’re here for a day trip or a week-long stay. Nobody knows Ithaca and Tompkins County better than we do. Read on for some great ideas for traveling with kids and romantic date ideas in and around Ithaca!
Distance to Ithaca from Major Cities
Ithaca is in the Finger Lakes Region of New York and sits at the southern tip of Cayuga Lake. Cayuga Lake is the longest of the 11 Finger Lakes, making it the perfect place for some fun on the water during warmer weather. Due to the shallow depth at the southern tip of the lake, it also freezes in the wintertime, so brave anglers have the opportunity to enjoy ice fishing here.
The climate of Tompkins County provides for a variety of Ithaca attractions and outdoor activities ranging from boating, swimming, and hiking in summer, to cross-country skiing and ice-skating in winter. See below for average highs and lows in Ithaca by month.
Average Temperatures in Ithaca by Month
| Month | High | Low |
| January | 34° F | 20° F |
| February | 36° F | 20° F |
| March | 45° F | 28° F |
| April | 59° F | 38° F |
| May | 71° F | 49° F |
| June | 79° F | 58° F |
| July | 83° F | 62° F |
| August | 81° F | 61° F |
| September | 74° F | 54° F |
| October | 62° F | 44° F |
| November | 50° F | 35° F |
| December | 39° F | 26° F |
Ithaca and Tompkins County are a great place in New York State to enjoy with the whole family. Between the Discovery Trail, the many parks, and other kid-friendly attractions, you'll quickly fill your day with fun things to do to keep the kids happy.
Kid-Friendly Attractions in Ithaca & Tompkins County
- Ithaca Sciencenter
- Museum of the Earth
- Taughannock Falls State Park
- Robert Treman State Park
- Stewart Park
- Lansing Park/Myers Point
- Groton Municipal Park & Pool
- Cayuga Nature Center
- The Rink/The Field
- Ithaca Children's Garden
- Sagan Planet Walk
Whether you're local to the area or visiting with a special someone, you may be wondering, what are some romantic dates that we can have in Ithaca? Well, there are plenty! From enjoying the nightlife on the Commons to browsing through the Ithaca Farmers Market, or visiting a museum or state park for some exercise, Ithaca and the surrounding area has tons of great date day or night opportunities. Here's a list of some of our favorites!
Romantic Ithaca Date Ideas
- Grab drinks and dessert on the Commons
- Sample wine on the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail
- Find a new favorite beer while on a craft beer tour
- Enjoy a Saturday morning or afternoon at the Ithaca Farmers Market
- Stroll through the beautiful Cornell Botanic Gardens
- Hike the Cascadilla Gorge Trail and have a picnic
- Ice skate at Cass Park or The Rink
- Catch a flick at Cinemapolis
