Day Trip Ideas: Ithaca to Syracuse

Day Trip Ideas: Ithaca to Syracuse

The Finger Lakes region is a beautiful slice of New York known for glacial lakes, cascading waterfalls, rolling hills, and charming towns. When you plan a trip to beautiful Ithaca, you will be a short drive away from several Finger Lakes communities. Approximately one hour from La Tourelle, you will arrive in historic Syracuse, NY. Make the most out of your Finger Lakes getaway by planning a day trip from Ithaca to Syracuse. Whether you want to spend the day exploring the museums, learning local history, or hiking scenic trails, Syracuse has something for everyone!

5 Things to Do in Syracuse, NY

Your day trip to Syracuse is highly customizable based on your interests. Known for hosting the New York State Fair and having the largest shopping mall in the state, there is much more than meets the eye in Syracuse. The historic downtown is bustling with popular restaurants, theatres, and museums. In contrast, the nearby parks are favorite spots for hiking, biking, kayaking, and more. Without further ado, here are some of the top things to do in Syracuse:

  1. Explore Local Museums

One of the most popular things to do during your Ithaca to Syracuse day trip is to explore the museums in the city. Whether you want to discover history or see an impressive collection of local art, there is sure to be a museum to pique your interest. The most-visited museums include the Erie Canal Museum, Everson Museum of Art, and Salt Museum.

  1. Outdoor Activities at Onondaga Lake Park

If you want to spend some time outside in Syracuse, visit Onondaga Lake Park. There are several amenities here, such as archery, bocce ball, BMX ramps, a skatepark, picnic areas, and playgrounds. Some of the most popular activities are biking, hiking, kayaking, boating, and fishing.

  1. Visit Armory Square

Downtown Syracuse, also known as Armory Square, is the shopping, restaurant, and entertainment hub in the city. Walk down the streets lined with historic buildings dating back to the 19th century as you shop for a unique gift or stop for a bite to eat.

  1. Family-Friendly Fun

If you are visiting Syracuse with your family, there are several ways to spend your day trip. Spend an afternoon at Rosamond Gifford Zoo and see over 700 exciting animals together. Or visit the Museum of Science and Technology for an educational day trip.

  1. Syracuse Tours

Since you only have a day in Syracuse, we recommend one of the tours to get acquainted with this historic city. Sample local food and drinks with a Syracuse Food Tour or Sip on Syracuse. Learn all about the unique architecture in the city with Syracuse Pedal Tours

Visit the Finger Lakes Today!

Plan a trip to the Finger Lakes and explore the charming communities nearby during vacation. A day trip from Ithaca to Syracuse is just over an hour away and an excellent way to spend an afternoon. Experience the best of the Finger Lakes when you choose our Ithaca hotel to host your getaway. Our 54 rooms and suites at La Tourelle inspire every sense and are some of the coziest accommodations in the Finger Lakes region.