Beaches in Ithaca are better thought of as waterfront parks and a pool outing: Stewart Park is on Cayuga Lake, but lake swimming is not allowed in the city.
Cass Park has a pool, where swimming is allowed only during posted times when lifeguards are on duty. If your plans also include time in town, a two-star inn in Ithaca offers lodging in the same destination.
- Lakefront: Stewart Park sits on the Cayuga Lake waterfront.
- Swimming: Swimming is not allowed in Cayuga Lake within the City of Ithaca; Cass Park has a pool.
- Pool access: Swimming is permitted only when lifeguards are on duty during posted swimming times.
- Boats: Canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards may be launched at Stewart Park and Cass Park.
Where to find waterfront access in Ithaca
Ithaca’s waterfront options include Cayuga Lake views at Stewart Park and a pool and boat launch at Cass Park. The City of Ithaca does not allow swimming in the lake at either park or anywhere else within city limits.
That makes the choice straightforward: head to Stewart Park for the lakefront, or choose Cass Park if swimming is the priority.
Both parks allow launches for human-powered boats, including canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards; sailboats and motorboats may not be launched there. If you are combining the waterfront with downtown and campus, an Ithaca one-day itinerary can help you plan the stops.
Stewart Park beach and lakefront
Stewart Park is on Cayuga Lake, but it is not a place for swimming. The City prohibits lake swimming at Stewart Park and throughout Ithaca, so plan on enjoying the shoreline without entering the water.
The park does allow launches for canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. Sailboats and motorboats are not permitted to launch there. For a group picnic, pavilion reservations at Stewart Park are handled by the Ithaca Youth Bureau; the reservation details appear in the FAQs.
Cass Park pool and waterfront
Cass Park is the swimming option among these waterfront spots, with pool access limited to posted swimming times when lifeguards are on duty. The pool closes for swimming outside those times.
Admission is charged to enter the pool area, not as a separate swimming fee, and everyone entering must pay. If you leave and want to re-enter that day, keep your ticket or hand stamp.
There’s more at Cass Park than the pool: the park has an ice rink, four tennis courts, 20 athletic fields, four of them lighted, playground equipment, an exercise trail and a large picnic pavilion. Pool access can be affected by poor or expected inclement weather, health-department compliance or mechanical failure.
Swimming safety and seasonal facilities
Cass Park pool has age and swim-test rules, and its hours and operations can change. Children under 12 must be accompanied by someone aged 16 or older. Anyone under 12 who wants to use the deep end, diving board or slide must pass a swim test.
Glass, alcoholic beverages, pets other than active service animals and smoking are prohibited in the pool area. Before making pool plans, check the official site before you go; the City of Ithaca is the operator.
FAQs
Can you launch a kayak at Stewart Park or Cass Park?
Yes. Both parks allow launches for canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. Sailboats and motorboats may not be launched there.
Who handles pavilion reservations at Stewart Park and Cass Park?
The Ithaca Youth Bureau handles reservations. They are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis after January 1 each year; the City lists the phone number as 607-273-8364.
What else can you do at Cass Park?
Along with the pool, Cass Park has an ice rink, tennis courts, athletic fields, playground equipment, an exercise trail and a picnic pavilion.
What should you know about the Ithaca Farmers Market?
The Ithaca Farmers Market guide covers its location, season and visitor tips.