We asked admissions ambassadors to share their top picks for warm-weather activities on and off campus. Whether you like to hike, take it easy, shop locally, or enjoy the scenery, there's something for you! If your summer college visit plans bring you to Ithaca, we encourage you to experience Cornell as Cornellians do. You can also experience some locations from the comfort of your home via a Virtual Tour.   

Active Options

When it comes to hiking and enjoying nature, you can either stay on-campus or venture to the surrounding areas. Students appreciate the proximity of Beebe Lake, and enjoy local parks for an adventure. 

• Hiking Buttermilk Falls. — Sally M. ‘28
• Going on a hike around the waterfalls, Ithaca is GORGES! — Kimberly Z. ‘30
• I love exploring all of the waterfalls here and hiking different trails to see the hidden treasures Ithaca has to offer! — Adison D. ‘30
• Swimming at Cayuga Lake! — Emilie S. ‘26
• Going to the lakes with friends. — Eskyla C. ‘28
• Take a walk around Beebe Lake. — Ethan O. ‘27
• Walking the gorge trails! There are a lot of cute little waterfalls and trees in the area, and a bunch of bridges with high elevations that let you see Ithaca from a new angle. It's a great place to walk with a friend, and super accessible with maps everywhere to make sure you don't get lost. — Emily F. ‘27
• Going for walks around Beebe Lake with my friends. — Sophia A. ‘28
• Going for walks at Beebe Lake! It's so relaxing to walk around the water with my friends and talk about our days as we are surrounded by the beautiful nature in Ithaca. — Raya S. ‘29
• Hiking! Ithaca has so many waterfalls and trails to explore. — Niran R. ‘28

Finding a quiet moment

Students seeking an area to work or relax often take to Libe Slope or an academic quad. The Cornell Botanic Gardens are also particularly spectacular during the warmer months.  

• Sitting on the slope and watching the gorgeous sunset! We always get such pretty sunsets in Ithaca, and it is so important to take advantage of the warm weather. —Sarina M. ‘29
• I enjoy sitting on the arts quad and reading books when the weather gets warm in Ithaca. There’s something unmatched about spreading out a blanket on the lawn of the Arts Quad, opening a book, and feeling the first real warm sun after months of cold. The whole campus shifts. People are playing music, tossing frisbees, catching up with friends, or just lying in the grass like it’s a collective celebration that winter is over. — Tati R. ‘27
• Lawn homework by the Big Red Barn. — Charlotte H. ‘29
• One of my favorite places to go while the weather is nice is the botanic gardens. Seeing all the beautiful plants and flowers is a great way to brighten up my day and appreciate the Ithaca nature. — Ava G. ‘29
• I love spending time in the Cornell Botanic Gardens; the array of plants and greenery there is beautiful and the atmosphere is deeply tranquil.— Annelise D.G. ‘29
• Grabbing halal cart or poke lava from college town and sitting on the slope with friends right before sunset and talking. —  Bintou M.D. ‘26
• Lounging on the slope with friends and a fun drink. It seems so simple, but the view on the slope, especially at sunset, is one of the prettiest views at Cornell. — Julie K. ‘28
• Having picnics and looking at the sunset on the slope with friends. — Fatia O. ‘27

A Perfect Balance

Ithaca is a picturesque college town nestled in the Finger Lakes. With a vibrant local food, art, and music scene, there's something for everyone to see or experience. 

• For quiet days, I like lying on the slope. Otherwise, I enjoy hiking. There’s so much to take advantage of with trails, hikes, and views. — Ines H. ‘28
• I have several warm-weather favorites: long walks, the Farmers Market, Cornell Botanic Gardens, and Slope sunsets. — Maeve B. ‘29
• Enjoying Flatrock and going to Frosty Cow. — Hannah R. ‘28

Exploring  

The Ithaca Farmers Market is enjoyed by locals, visitors, and students! Weekends are a great time to check out the waterfront location, shop, and grab a bite to eat. There are also a variety of unique shops and restaurants to enjoy.

• I love the Ithaca Farmer's Market. It’s really nice to see all of the local vendors and small businesses showcase their goods.— Samantha S. ‘29
• I like exploring the campus and the nearby hikes. — Mackenzie L. ‘28
• The Ithaca Farmers Market. — Jake Q. ‘29
• I love to go hiking at the state parks around Ithaca and see the gorges and waterfalls. It is beautiful to do in warm weather, and you can bring friends or family, talk, and enjoy nature.— Sofia S. ‘28
• Walking around the commons and shopping. — Rachel E. ‘27
• The Ithaca Farmers Market! — Katie W. ‘27