Ithaca, NY is a beautiful town at the southern tip of Cayuga Lake, right in the heart of the Finger Lakes. The area is known for its waterfalls and gorges, but it’s also a place where lake views, forest trails, and small-town energy all come together. Fall is especially stunning — the hills around the city light up with color, and crisp weather makes it a perfect time to explore.

CNN even named it one of America’s best towns to visit in 2025, and once you’re here it’s easy to see why. It’s got the mix of nature, culture, and food people travel for, but without the stress of a big city.

And for travelers with disabilities, the good news is that the area has great accessibility. You don’t have to wonder what will or won’t work for many of the things to do because they were mapped by experts, so you can see the information before going.

Where to Stay in Ithaca

Picking the right base matters here. Downtown puts you on the pedestrian-only Commons. The lakefront is quieter with big sky and easy paths. Up on the hills, you’re closer to campus and trailheads but you’ll deal with steeper grades. Here’s how it breaks down.

Downtown & The Commons

If you want to step out your door and be in the middle of things, stay downtown. The brick-paved Downtown Ithaca Commons is flat, car-free, and ringed by cafés, bookstores, and venues like the State Theatre of Ithaca. Sidewalks are wide with curb cuts, and crossings are short. You can roll to the Tompkins Center for History & Culture, peek inside Dewitt Mall, grab a cone at Purity Ice Cream, then loop back without needing the car.

For a modern stay right on the Commons, look at Canopy by Hilton Ithaca Downtown. You’re steps from restaurants and a short roll to TCAT bus stops if you want transit. If you like museums, Sciencenter and the Museum of the Earth are quick drives from here.

Waterfront & West End

Prefer lake views and long, smooth paths? Base near the north end of Cayuga Lake. The Cayuga Waterfront Trail is paved and mostly level, connecting marinas, the Ithaca Farmers Market area, and Stewart Park. It is an easy place to roll, stop for photos, and just sit by the water. Breweries like Liquid State Brewing anchor this side of town, and you can pair a trail outing with a relaxed lunch without fighting downtown traffic. If your days are going to be trail-heavy and low-key, this is a calm base.

South Hill & Buttermilk Area

South of downtown, grades get steeper as you approach state parks. The payoff is access to waterfalls and shady picnic spots. You’ll be closest to Buttermilk Falls trailheads and still within a short drive of the Commons for dinner. This area works if you want nature first and nightlife second. Use it as a base for half-day outings to Taughannock Falls State Park or the Museum of the Earth, then cruise back before the evening rush.

Cornell/Collegetown

Up the hill, streets are busier and the slopes are real. The tradeoff is quick access to campus museums, gardens, and performances. If you are visiting students or attending an event, this is practical. For daily rolling, plan routes ahead, since some sidewalks climb fast. TCAT buses serve this area and can take pressure off those hills. When you want a break from campus energy, drop down to the lake for level paths at Stewart Park.

Trumansburg & Near Taughannock

If the falls are your must-see, consider staying northwest of town. You’ll be close to the roadside overlook and the mostly level Gorge Trail at Taughannock Falls State Park. It is quieter out here. You’ll drive into Ithaca for the Commons or to visit spots like Odyssey Bookstore or State of the Art Gallery, but day-to-day it feels relaxed and scenic.

Quick choosing tips:

• If you want to walk or roll to dinner and shows, pick downtown, and anchor at Canopy by Hilton Ithaca Downtown.
• If you want flat lakeside time, base by the Cayuga Waterfront Trail and Stewart Park.
• If your itinerary centers on waterfalls and parks, stay south or out toward Trumansburg for easy access to Taughannock Falls.

Getting Around Ithaca

Ithaca is small enough that you won’t be stuck in traffic all day, but big enough that having a plan helps. The way you move around will depend on where you’re staying and what’s on your list.

By Bus (TCAT)

The local system here is TCAT – Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit. Buses are low-floor, with ramps, securement areas, and priority seating. Routes reach most of the key spots: the Commons, Cornell, Ithaca College, and even out to Taughannock Falls State Park. Fares are inexpensive, and service is frequent enough that you don’t need to build your day around a timetable.

If you’re staying right downtown, TCAT can be a stress-free way to head uphill toward campus without battling the grades. Families with strollers or travelers using mobility devices will find it easier than tackling those hills on foot.

Driving Yourself

Most visitors still find a car easiest. Distances to parks and attractions add up quickly, and parking is generally straightforward. Downtown has garages with elevators as well as metered street parking. At popular spots like Stewart Park or the Farmers Market area, accessible spaces are right near the entrance.

The only real challenge is terrain. Streets can be narrow and hilly, especially up by Cornell and in Collegetown. If you’re driving an adapted van, downtown and waterfront areas will feel easier to navigate.

Rideshare & Taxis

Uber and Lyft operate here, but wheelchair-accessible vehicles (WAVs) aren’t always guaranteed. If you need a WAV, it’s best to call ahead with a local taxi company or confirm availability through the app before you count on it. For quick hops within the city — say from the Commons to the lakefront — rideshare can be convenient.

Walking & Rolling

In the heart of Ithaca, especially on the Commons, it’s easy to just move around on your own wheels. Sidewalks are wide, crossings are short, and surfaces are smooth. The waterfront trail system is also one of the best places to roll without much incline.

Head uphill and things change quickly — sidewalks tilt, and blocks stretch longer. For many visitors, that’s when TCAT or driving makes more sense.

Accessible Things to Do in Ithaca

For a small city, Ithaca really packs it in. Waterfalls cut through the landscape, local arts keep downtown lively, and family-friendly attractions make it easy to fill a weekend. Here are some of the highlights worth putting on your list.

Taughannock Falls State Park

Let’s start big. Taughannock Falls drops 215 feet — taller than Niagara Falls — and it’s the kind of sight that makes you pause. The main overlook is right off the parking lot with a wide, paved path leading to a step-free viewing platform. You don’t need to hike for miles to get that postcard view.

If you want to explore more, the park also has level picnic areas and lakefront access along Cayuga Lake. It’s an easy place to spend a few hours, whether you’re just stopping for the falls or making a day of it.

Ithaca Falls Natural Area

Right inside the city limits, Ithaca Falls shows off another dramatic cascade. It’s smaller than Taughannock but still powerful. The path from the street to the viewing area is flat and short, so it’s one of the simplest waterfall stops you can make. Locals swing by after work just to catch the mist on a hot day.

Stewart Park

When the weather’s nice, Stewart Park is where the city gathers. It sits at the southern tip of Cayuga Lake, with wide lawns, shaded picnic tables, and paved trails that follow the shoreline. Families love it for the playgrounds and easy space to spread out, while travelers with mobility needs appreciate how straightforward the layout is. No steep hills, no tricky surfaces — just room to breathe by the water.

The Downtown Ithaca Commons

The Commons is Ithaca’s car-free downtown core, and it’s as much about the atmosphere as the shops. Street performers, outdoor patios, and small boutiques all share the space, with wide brick walkways and plenty of spots to sit and people-watch. It’s one of the best areas to roll around without worrying about traffic.

Sciencenter

If you’re traveling with kids (or just curious yourself), Sciencenter makes science fun without being overwhelming. Exhibits are spread out across ramps and wide halls, and there’s even an outdoor science park with accessible paths. Think of it as part museum, part playground, where hands-on learning is the whole point.

Museum of the Earth

The Museum of the Earth takes you through millions of years of natural history — fossils, dinosaurs, glaciers, the works. Pathways are wide, the layout is open, and it’s easy to move through at your own pace. The highlight? The Hyde Park mastodon skeleton, towering overhead in a way that makes you feel small (in a good way).

State Theatre of Ithaca

Downtown’s historic State Theatre has been around since the 1920s, and it still draws crowds for concerts, comedy, and film screenings. The interior has been restored, and accessible seating areas give everyone a clear view of the stage. It’s one of those places that feels like a real community hub — small enough to be intimate, but big enough to get major acts.

Tompkins Center for History and Culture

If you want to dig into local stories, stop at the Tompkins Center for History and Culture. Exhibits cover everything from Haudenosaunee heritage to the city’s role in abolition and women’s rights. The space is designed with accessibility in mind, so it’s easy to roll through without missing details.

Cayuga Waterfront Trail

For something low-key, the Cayuga Waterfront Trail connects the city to the lake. The paved path runs about 8 miles, linking Stewart Park, the Ithaca Farmers Market, and Cass Park. It’s flat, smooth, and perfect for rolling, walking, or just sitting by the water.

Accessible Food and Drink in Ithaca

Ithaca is small, but the food scene punches way above its weight. You’ll find global flavors, comfort food, and a couple of spots that are just plain institutions. And yes, plenty of these places are easy to roll into.

Purity Ice Cream

You can’t talk about food in Ithaca without mentioning Purity Ice Cream. This place has been around since 1936 and still feels like the local hangout. Inside, it’s bright and roomy with step-free entry, so grabbing a cone is no hassle. The ice cream itself leans classic — think black raspberry, cookie dough, and rich chocolate — but it’s done really well. Locals will tell you it’s the taste of Ithaca summers.

Asempe Kitchen

Looking for something different? Asempe Kitchen serves up Ghanaian food, and it’s as warm and welcoming as the owner who runs it. Jollof rice, stews, fried plantains — it’s comfort food, just from another part of the world. The setup is casual and accessible, making it an easy stop for lunch or dinner.

Liquid State Brewing

Breweries are kind of a thing in Ithaca, and Liquid State Brewing is one of the go-tos. The space is industrial but inviting, with wide-open seating and step-free entry. There’s always something new on tap — hazy IPAs, lagers, sours — and food trucks often park outside, so you get a rotating mix of eats. It’s relaxed, social, and a good spot to wind down.

Personal Best Brewing

For something more low-key, Personal Best Brewing has a cozy feel. The tap list is smaller, but that’s part of the charm — each beer feels carefully made. It’s also one of the spots where locals actually hang out, so it’s a good place to strike up a conversation if you’re curious about what else to do in town.

Dewitt Mall & Local Eats

The Dewitt Mall isn’t a typical food hall, but it’s worth mentioning. The historic building houses a handful of restaurants, cafés, and shops in an accessible layout. It’s one of those places where you can duck in, grab something quick, and get a feel for Ithaca’s eclectic side.

Annual Events in Ithaca

Ithaca has the kind of events that pull in both locals and visitors. Some are quirky, some are rooted in tradition, but all of them show off the community’s personality. If you’re planning a trip, it’s worth checking what’s happening during your stay.

• Ithaca Loves Teachers (February): Every winter, the city throws a week-long appreciation festival for educators. Expect discounts at hotels, dining specials, and family-friendly activities across town. It’s a nice, slower-paced time to visit before the spring crowds pick up.
• Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festival of Music & Dance (July): This is Ithaca’s signature summer event — four days of live music ranging from bluegrass and folk to reggae and world sounds. The festival grounds are sprawling but thoughtfully laid out, and you’ll find food vendors, craft stalls, and plenty of open-air stages.
• Downtown Ithaca Apple Harvest Festival (September): If you’re here in the fall, this one’s a must. Streets in and around the Commons fill with apple growers, cider makers, local food, and craft vendors. It’s part harvest fair, part downtown street party, and it feels very “Ithaca.”

On top of those big ones, you’ll find rotating theater performances at the State Theatre, science events at the Sciencenter, and seasonal programs at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

Plan Your Accessible Ithaca Visit

Ithaca is the kind of place where you can move at your own pace. What makes Ithaca even easier is that so many hotels, restaurants, and attractions here are verified for accessibility. Instead of guessing, you can check detailed information ahead of time — everything from entrance width to bathroom setups to parking. It takes away the stress and lets you focus on the fun parts of planning.

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