Things To Do
in Cortland
Cortland, New York is a small, friendly college town in central New York state known for its tree-lined streets, a compact historic downtown, and the SUNY Cortland campus. It sits in rolling hills just south of the Finger Lakes region, providing easy access to outdoor recreation, ski areas and scenic drives. The local economy combines education, small manufacturing, and an active community calendar of seasonal events and farmers' markets.
Visitors will find approachable restaurants, craft beverages, and a laid-back upstate atmosphere with clear four-season changes.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Cortland and check into your cozy accommodation. Take a leisurely stroll around the picturesque downtown area, soaking in the local architecture and quaint shops. Enjoy a hearty breakfast at a local diner to kickstart your adventure.
Explore the Cortland County Historical Society, where you can learn about the fascinating history of the region. Afterward, visit the nearby Dwyer Memorial Park for a scenic walk or a peaceful afternoon by the lake. Grab a coffee at a local café and relax while chatting with friendly locals.
Dine at one of Cortland's popular restaurants, where you can savor delicious regional cuisine. After dinner, enjoy a live performance or local music at a nearby venue. Wind down the evening with a sunset walk along the Cortland Parks Trail.
Start your day with a visit to the beautiful Lime Hollow Nature Center, where you can hike among the serene trails and observe local wildlife. Participate in a guided nature walk for an interactive experience. After hiking, pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the scenic rest areas.
Spend your afternoon kayaking or canoeing on nearby Lake Otisco, embracing the tranquility of the water. You can rent equipment from local vendors who will help you find the best spots. Take breaks to capture photos of the stunning landscape.
Return to Cortland and visit a brewery for a tasting of locally crafted beers. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and meet fellow travelers. Indulge in light bites from a food truck or casual eatery nearby for dinner.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $2.50-4 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (restaurant) | $5-7 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $90-150 |
| ⛽Gasoline (per gallon) | $3.00-4.00 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Easy access to outdoor recreation and nearby Finger Lakes attractions
- Friendly small-town atmosphere with a lively college presence
- Lower prices and less crowds compared with larger cities
- Good seasonal variety—fall foliage and winter sports are highlights
- Limited nightlife and fine-dining options compared with metropolitan areas
- Public transportation and direct airport links are limited
- Winter weather can disrupt travel plans and outdoor activities
Places to Visit in Cortland
Visit one of these nice places.
Historic brick storefronts, murals and seasonal decorations make for charming street photography, especially golden-hour shots.
Tree-lined paths, classic college buildings and campus green spaces are attractive year-round, particularly in fall foliage.
Riverside views, small bridges and reflections in the water are ideal for nature and landscape photos close to town.
Elevated viewpoints offer panoramas of the surrounding hills and valleys—great for sunrise or sunset shots and winter snow scenes.
Seasonal color from apple orchards and fields provide classic rural New York photography, especially in autumn.
Food in Cortland
Cortland Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Local orchards and sugarhouses produce apple pies, cider donuts and maple syrup desserts—try them at farmers' stands and bakeries in season.
Must-Try!
Hearty soups, skillet meals and Italian-American classics are common—pasta dishes, meatballs and local-style pizzas can be found in family-run restaurants.
Small regional breweries and cideries produce seasonal ales and crisp hard ciders—visit taprooms or restaurants that rotate local drafts.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A seasonal market offering local produce, baked goods, maple products and prepared foods—good for breakfast items, cider donuts and sampling local specialties.
During warmer months local food trucks or pop-up vendors appear at events and near the campus, serving BBQ, tacos, sandwiches and desserts.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Residents are generally polite and reserved—greet with a simple 'hello' and engage casually. Small talk about local sports or weather is common.
Be mindful of campus rules and student life; areas near SUNY Cortland are lively during the academic year and quieter during breaks.
When roads are snowy or icy, allow extra travel time and yield to snowplows—local drivers expect winter driving etiquette.
Safety
Tipping in Cortland
Ensure a smooth experience
As in the rest of the United States, tipping is expected in restaurants (15–20% of the pre-tax bill for table service), $1–2 per drink at bars, and a few dollars for taxi or delivery drivers. Tip service workers and tour guides appropriately.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are common. Small vendors and some market stalls may prefer cash—carry some small bills. ATMs are available but can be sparse outside the downtown area.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Temperatures cool to mild, with muddy trails early in the season. Blooming trees and budding fields make it a good time for farmers' markets and quiet hikes; layer clothing for variable weather.
Warm and humid at times, with long daylight hours—ideal for outdoor events, swimming at nearby lakes and visiting orchards. Expect more tourists on weekends and comfortable evenings for patio dining.
Peak foliage draws visitors for scenic drives and hikes—temperatures are crisp and comfortable. Book accommodations early for leaf-peeping weekends and bring layers for chilly mornings.
Cold with regular snow and ice—great for skiing at Greek Peak, snowshoeing and cozy indoor dining. Road conditions can be challenging; check forecasts and winterize vehicles if driving.
Cortland at Night
Hiking in Cortland
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A nearby conservation area with trails through forest, wetlands and viewpoints—good for spring-to-fall hiking and birding.
Trails around Greek Peak offer hiking and scenic overlooks; in winter the area is used for downhill activities but summer trails provide ridge views.
Local park with short walking trails along the river and picnic areas—convenient for short outings and family hikes.
A network of country roads and informal trails providing scenic vistas and farmland views—best for experienced hikers and cyclists who enjoy varied terrain.
Airports
How to reach Cortland by plane.
About a 35–45 minute drive north of Cortland, SYR offers the largest selection of domestic flights and car rental options.
Roughly 35–50 minutes to the west/southwest, Ithaca's regional airport provides limited commercial flights and is convenient for smaller connections.
About 45–60 minutes to the south, BGM offers regional flights and can be an alternative depending on schedules.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
SUNY Cortland students contribute to a youthful population and seasonal bustle during the academic calendar.
Many multi-generational families and working professionals form the backbone of the community; local civic organizations are active.
Surrounding Cortland County includes small towns and farms that contribute agricultural produce and agritourism.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
SUNY Cortland athletics draw local crowds—football, lacrosse, soccer and baseball are community highlights with seasonal events.
Winter sports such as downhill skiing and snowboarding at Greek Peak are popular among residents and visitors.
High school football and basketball games are community focal points during their seasons.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Cortland.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available in cafés and bistros—look for salads, pasta dishes and market-fresh sides. Call ahead if you need dedicated vegetarian or vegan entrées in smaller restaurants.
Vegan offerings are more limited but growing; specialty cafés or larger restaurants often list a few vegan choices, and farmers' market vendors can provide snacks and fresh produce.
Many places can accommodate gluten-free requests, but cross-contamination is possible—inform servers of strict allergies and consider bakeries or stores that explicitly label gluten-free items.