Ithaca, New York, recently earned CNN Travel’s Number 1 spot on America’s Best Towns to Visit in 2025. What a runaway success story this quaint little city has been! This vibrant college town, with a relatively small population for a city of its amenities, is known for the richness of its cultural scene. Ithaca is located in the beautiful Finger Lakes region. With breathtaking gorges and dramatic waterfalls, it is a go-to destination for residents and visitors to the region.
These choices represent communities of all sizes, from around 15,000 to 115,000 people. Ithaca charms with its incredible gorges and waterfalls. It’s especially known for its strong community spirit and lively arts and culture scene.
The Cultural Landscape of Ithaca
Ithaca continues to prosper as a cultural center, thanks in part to its location next to major employer Cornell University and Ithaca College. These lively spaces foster a vigorous arts community, from Broadway level theater productions to vibrant music festivals to a bustling contemporary art local scene among countless others. The town hosts numerous events throughout the year that attract visitors and foster community engagement.
Additionally, Ithaca’s charming downtown is home to this town’s colorful assortment of locally-owned shops, eateries, and cafes. Local artisans and entrepreneurs further enhance the eclectic atmosphere of the bustling shopping experience, providing unique handmade goods, art and specialty foods. This combination of scholarly fervor and entrepreneurial spirit makes Ithaca a truly dynamic community to live in, work in, and learn in.
Natural Beauty and Outdoor Activities
Ithaca’s natural beauty only adds to its desirability as a travel destination. The region is renowned for its beautiful gorges and waterfalls, such as the iconic Taughannock Falls, which is one of the tallest waterfalls in the eastern United States. Trekking paths crisscross their sprawling emerald estates, ensuring plenty of room for adventurers of all kinds to find habitat.
Along with its natural splendor perfect for hiking, the Finger Lakes region is internationally known for its wineries and cider houses. Today, visitors can attend wine tastings and vineyard tours that emphasize the heritage of the region’s agricultural landscape. The park’s sweeping landscapes of rolling hills and sparkling lakes make it a dreamy backdrop for this one-of-a-kind destination.
Diverse Attractions in America’s Best Towns
CNN Travel’s acknowledgement of Ithaca is part of a larger movement towards showcasing towns that best represent the beautiful, multicultural tapestry that is America. The list includes various communities across the nation, each contributing unique attributes that reflect regional identities. From vibrant cities to peaceful countrysides, these communities have experiences for every kind of visitor.
Unlike picturesque Ithaca, many of these overtourism-embroiled destinations aren’t so lucky. Venice, Italy, could be the most famous example right now, where residents are protesting the corrosive effects of mass tourism on the city’s historic and architectural treasures. At the same time, luminaries like Amazon founder Jeff Bezos are scheming to build major projects in these heavily trafficked tourist traps.
North Korea began welcoming tourists to its first new beach resort in the country’s history. The Kalma beachside resort features waterparks and accommodations for approximately 20,000 guests, reflecting the country’s efforts to boost its tourism sector.
Global Trends in Travel
Though Ithaca continues to win accolades as one of the best places to visit in the United States, the growth of international travelers is noteworthy. Rural towns in Italy are revitalizing local economies by selling homes for just one euro, attracting adventurous buyers looking for a change of scenery. Sicily’s Sambuca di Sicilia has recently earned international praise for doing just that.
This Californian took the internet by storm when she used her money to live full-time on a cruise ship. This decision is symbolic of an increasing trend toward supporting somewhat alternative dwellings for people seeking unconventional ways of life.
