Waterfront vacation rentals in Tompkins County

4.93 out of 5 average rating, 269 reviews

2 BR/2B Lake house Minutes from Town and Campus!

-Beautiful lake views -Amazing location -Cozy -Modern -Comfortable -Peaceful & Private These are the most common remarks from our guests. The perfect lake living on the water while still minutes from town! Treat yourself to coffee/tea every day while watching the sunrise over the lake from dual balconies/the dock. This is a two-story home w/ 2 bedrooms & 2 full baths. Accessible to Ithaca's finest restaurants, Cornell University & Ithaca College, wineries & all the Finger Lakes have to offer.

4.95 out of 5 average rating, 258 reviews

A private deck features a rocking chair and a small table, positioned to offer stunning views of the lake at sunset. A large tree is visible in the foreground, silhouetted against the colorful sky reflecting on the water.

Guest suite in Ithaca

The Lakeview Nook – Midcentury Modern Stay

Enjoy this mid-century modern guest house in a spectacular site, with a lake view, waterfall, and forest all in one place. The house was just fully renovated. This house is just 2 miles from Ithaca downtown and 3 miles from Cornell University. The location is super close to everything Ithaca has to offer—Ithaca falls, downtown, restaurants, the farmer's market, wineries, all within a few minutes drive of your rental. This unit is fully private, with no shared areas/entrance with the other unit.

A cozy living area is highlighted by large windows framing serene lake views. Comfortable seating includes two sofas, with a small coffee table in the center. A television is positioned nearby, and soft light fills the space from the windows.

4.83 out of 5 average rating, 114 reviews

Scenic 3B/2BA Lakehome Near Cornell, Town and More

Welcome to this cozy 3 bedroom/2 bathroom lake home with stunning views from every level. The perfect combination of lake living on the water while still minutes from town! Treat yourself to coffee/tea every day while watching the sunrise over the lake from dual balconies/the dock. This is a two-story home w/ 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, and a large, well stocked kitchen. Accessible to Ithaca's finest restaurants, Cornell University & Ithaca College, wineries & all the Finger Lakes have to offer.

4.92 out of 5 average rating, 198 reviews

A wooden dock extends over calm waters, featuring two adirondack chairs positioned for lake views. A flower pot adds a touch of greenery, while distant hills create a serene backdrop. Sunlight reflects off the water under a partly cloudy sky, enhancing the tranquil environment.

Apartment in Ithaca

Cayuga Lakefront Getaway

Enjoy waterfront living in this charming, comfortable apartment on spectacular Cayuga Lake in Ithaca. This private apartment is upstairs in a home that is directly on the east shore of the lake, only 1.5 miles from downtown Ithaca. Enjoy everything Ithaca has to offer-- hiking, Ithaca Commons, Cornell U, Ithaca College, movies and theater, restaurants, the farmer's market, the waterfront trail, wineries-- all within a few minutes' drive of your rental. Or, relax at home and live the lake life!

4.99 out of 5 average rating, 120 reviews

Modern Retreat-Hiking, waterfalls, hottub, kingbed

Enjoy your next Finger Lakes vacation at the Rustic Red Retreat! Located just outside of Ithaca, and a short drive to Cornell, this home is nestled next to a peaceful pond and provides modern amenities with rustic charm. The beautiful hand-hewn beams, reclaimed materials, and fireplace offer a warm, cozy stay after a busy day exploring the area. Enjoy numerous state parks, incredible waterfalls, wineries, breweries, restaurants, and all the seasonal events that the Finger Lakes have to offer!

A serene lakeside dock is visible with boats moored beside it. A soft rainbow arcs over the calm water, reflecting a blend of pastel colors. Lush green trees line the opposite shore, complementing the tranquil atmosphere.

4.96 out of 5 average rating, 137 reviews

Beautiful Lake Front Living!

Lake front living! Enjoy coffee on the expansive deck, jump off the dock for a swim, or take the paddleboard for a ride. Watch the stunning sunset every night. Convenient Ithaca location, directly on Cayuga Lake. This 3-bedroom, 1.5 bathroom home is minutes from downtown Ithaca, Cornell, and Ithaca College. AC mini-splits in each of the 3 bedrooms (no AC downstairs). Kayaks and paddleboard available for use. Explore all that the Finger Lakes Region has to offer. We look forward to your stay!

4.96 out of 5 average rating, 109 reviews

A warm living area features a leather sofa, accompanied by wooden chairs and a low table. A large natural wood dining table enhances the space, while a ceiling fan provides comfort. Light enters through a window dressed with simple curtains, revealing greenery outside.

Guesthouse in Ithaca

Bespoke Casita Downtown filled with Natural Light

A true oasis downtown, nestled conveniently in the heart of Ithaca's fall creek. This charming space was designed with meticulous attention to detail to make for an unforgettable stay. If you are looking for that “in the neighborhood” feel, this is the place for you! Located on a quaint tree-lined street, surrounded by the best parks, dining, entertainment, and Ithaca's famous Farmers Market on Cayuga Lake. You'll enjoy the vibrancy of downtown living while coming home to a charming abode.

4.88 out of 5 average rating, 144 reviews

A spacious bedroom is illuminated by natural light from large floor-to-ceiling windows. The bed is adorned with a navy blue coverlet and features a patterned headboard. Nightstands on either side hold a lamp, and a closet is visible in the adjacent room.

Loft in Ithaca

Tranquil cozy wellness getaway

Perfect wellness retreat with sauna and pond for polar plunge/skating or swim. Cozy,private, light filled, spacious loft. Floor-to-ceiling windows, overlooking woods and private pond, a sauna for use anytime, large garden, towering trees -open, uncluttered loft. Hiking/biking/running/ski trails out front door. Brewery, vineyard, golf course nearby. Safe, quiet, surrounded by nature for a recharge. Alice H Cook’s house previously. New photos - art mostly gone- projects in drive.

Aerial view of a lakeside property featuring a red dock with a picnic table and green umbrella. A fire pit and seating areas are visible on the shore, surrounded by lush greenery. The house, with multiple decks, is nestled among the trees in the background.

4.96 out of 5 average rating, 167 reviews

Magical lakefront treehouse, minutes to downtown

A magical treehouse perched over its own gorge on Cayuga Lake. This place is special! There’s a giant porch wrapped around a 300-year oak tree and a lakeside tea house that can serve as an extra bedroom. There’s a dock, fire pit, room for yard games by the water, plenty of outdoor seating on the porch, by the lake, or on the dock. All of this is minutes from downtown Ithaca, Cornell, and Taughannock Falls state park. It’s also a great base to explore the Finger Lakes wine region.

A rustic red barn stands against a backdrop of lush green grass and colorful foliage. A cupola sits atop the structure, while billowing clouds drift in the sky. A vehicle is parked nearby, enhancing the rural setting.

4.96 out of 5 average rating, 227 reviews

Ithaca Music-lovers Barn

The barn is a cozy and unique space, situated on 27 acres of meadow and forest with a pond for swimming, fishing, and ice skating, depending on the season. There is no highway noise on the dirt road, and the stars shine brightly on clear nights, giving the place a true country feel, yet it’s still only a five minute drive from downtown Ithaca, Ithaca College, and Cornell University. Feel free to enjoy and play our piano, any stringed instruments, and extensive record collection!

4.92 out of 5 average rating, 207 reviews

A serene view of Cayuga Lake is visible through large sliding glass doors. A spacious deck with a dining area and grill is accessible, surrounded by trees. Natural light brightens the room, highlighting the warmth of the wooden floor.

Vacation home in Ithaca

Modern Cayuga Lake House in Ithaca Kayak Fireplace

Clean, quiet, well-maintained , modern, comfortable house directly on Cayuga Lake but only minutes from downtown Ithaca, Finger Lakes wineries, Cornell, Ithaca College and gorge hikes. Our house has spectacular lake views, a modern floor plan and beautiful construction and details. New gas fireplace added in 2025. Pet Friendly, Kayaks, Canoe provided. There is an easy path with stairs from the lower parking to the house. See pictures of the steps to the lake.

An outdoor deck features a large red umbrella providing shade over a dining table with six chairs. Surrounding the area are potted plants, enhancing the lakeside view of Cayuga Lake and distant hills under a clear blue sky.