Waterfront vacation rentals in Tompkins County

Find and book unique waterfront rentals on Airbnb

Top-rated waterfront rentals in Tompkins County

Guests agree: these waterfront rentals are highly rated for location, cleanliness, and more.

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Top guest favorite
Home in Ithaca
4.93 out of 5 average rating, 265 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.

Guest favorite
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
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 258 reviews

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.

Guest favorite
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
4.92 out of 5 average rating, 198 reviews

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!

Top guest favorite
Home in Ithaca
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 117 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!

Guest favorite
A bright window provides a serene view of Cayuga Lake and surrounding greenery. On the windowsill, a collection of books sits beside a decorative lantern, complementing the tranquil atmosphere of the space.
Apartment in Ithaca
5 out of 5 average rating, 14 reviews

Lakeside Suite Retreat w/ King Minutes from Town

Welcome to our Lakefront Studio! This extremely popular unit with an unbeatable sunrise view is back on Airbnb after a 2-year break for a major exterior remodel. The convenient location allows easy access to downtown Ithaca, Cornell, and IC in minutes. Walkable to the famous Cass Park and a short drive from Taughannock Park. Make use of the lakefront dock to swim and enjoy the provided kayaks. We are located at the base of the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail, so you can get the full FLX experience!

Guest favorite
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
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 109 reviews

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.

Guest favorite
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
4.87 out of 5 average rating, 143 reviews

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.

Top guest favorite
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.
Home in Ithaca
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 163 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.

Top guest favorite
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.
Home in Ithaca
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!

Guest favorite
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
4.92 out of 5 average rating, 204 reviews

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.

Guest favorite
The lakeside dock features a spacious wooden deck adorned with string lights, creating a serene ambiance at twilight. A picnic table and several lounge chairs invite relaxation, while the calm waters of Cayuga Lake reflect the sky's soft hues. Gentle waves can be seen lapping against the shore.
Cottage in Ithaca
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 86 reviews

Enjoy Cottage Life on Cayuga Lake

Beautiful Cayuga Lake location, featuring docks, seasonal floating bouncer, 2 kayaks, a canoe, and a row boat, perfect for a leisurely paddle. Outdoor grill and beautiful new deck added to the side yard. Just 1 mile to town. Views of Ithaca and Cornell University. Newly renovated kitchen, bedrooms and bath. Close to walking, cycling trails (aka Ithaca's Black Diamond Trail) and Ithaca restaurants. Just a five minute drive to Taughannock Falls State Park.

Top guest favorite
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.
Home in Ithaca
4.92 out of 5 average rating, 117 reviews

Charming Cayuga Lake Front Cottage

We rent only Sunday-Sunday in summer so if the dates are grayed out, please change your check-in and check-out dates to Sunday. Less than 2 miles from downtown Ithaca, This charming 2 bedroom Lake House on the West Shore of Cayuga Lake has off street parking for 2 cars and its own adorable Waterfalls with spectacular views. * Our Pet Policy* We will consider up to 2 Dogs each weighing 20 Lbs or less to accompany our guests, please inquire if needed.

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