Aurora Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

A dock with a gazebo, a boat, and a forested hillside.
A wooden pier extending over a calm river, surrounded by lush green trees and a stone building.
A brick building with large windows and a sign that reads "Village Market."
A quaint village scene with a yellow building labeled "Bet the Farm," a white picket fence, and lush greenery.
A serene lakeside park with lush green grass, a stone wall, and a small white gazebo.

Walk for miles through a picturesque state park and make a trip to the vineyards facing the sparkling blue Cayuga Lake.

Aurora is a delightful village in the Finger Lakes area, with water views, a state park and an intriguing Native American history. Visit its quaint shops and several vineyards. The community on the shore of Cayuga Lake is home to the 19th-century Wells College.

Earlier on this site was a Cayuga Indian community of Deawendote, which means “Village of Constant Dawn.” Watch a prolonged sunrise over a low ridge east of the village.

Many of the area vineyards are perched on the sides of hills overlooking the lake to receive the most sunshine. Learn about the development of wineries that began gradually in the 1970s. Explore some of the 23 vineyards that now exist around Cayuga Lake.

Make your way across vast acres of scenic terrain at lakeside wineries. Sip wine from tasting rooms with spectacular views of rolling hills and the long, narrow lake. Enjoy the charming atmosphere, as you explore fields, production facilities and gift shops at family-run wineries.

Aside from the lake and vineyards, Aurora is known as a university town. Stroll leisurely across the campus of Wells College and embrace the feeling of academia in the scenic region with river views. Admire student art exhibits in the String Room Gallery. Famous American businessman Henry Wells founded the college in 1868.

A little southwest of the village, visit Long Point State Park. Go cross-country skiing in winter. The water in the Fingers Lakes region helps to keep the weather mild in winter, which is beneficial for growing wine grapes.

Aurora is on the eastern shore of Cayuga Lake in the Finger Lakes region of New York State. The nearest large town is Syracuse, about 50 miles (80 kilometres) northeast. To reach Aurora from New York City, drive northwest 250 miles (400 kilometres).

Enjoy a college town with a sparkling lake, scenic vineyards and parks in Aurora, a relaxing and historic holiday spot.

Inns of Aurora Resort & Spa

Inns of Aurora Resort & Spa

4.5 out of 5
391 Main Street Aurora NY
The price is £326 per night from 6 Jul to 7 Jul
£326
6 Jul - 7 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Aurora. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (464 reviews)
"Simply perfect in every respect."

Reviewed on 24 Jun 2026

Inns of Aurora Resort & Spa
The Statler Hotel at Cornell University

The Statler Hotel at Cornell University

4 out of 5
130 Statler Dr Ithaca NY
The price is £211 per night from 5 Jul to 6 Jul
£211
5 Jul - 6 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Ithaca. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 4 restaurants and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,002 reviews)
"Great hotel on Cornell campus. Run by Cornell Hospitality students. Nicely appointed rooms, helpful staff, comfy beds."

Reviewed on 26 Jun 2026

The Statler Hotel at Cornell University
del Lago Resort & Casino

del Lago Resort & Casino

4 out of 5
1133 Route 414 Waterloo NY
The price is £92 per night from 6 Jul to 7 Jul
£92
6 Jul - 7 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa hotel in Waterloo. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,829 reviews)
"This was a great property and very pleasantly surprised. Other than an errant fire alarm going off that caused an evacuation at 8 am, no complaints!"

Reviewed on 27 Jun 2026

del Lago Resort & Casino
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Enjoy vacationing in a gorgeous renovated 1890's Church in beautiful Aurora!

Enjoy vacationing in a gorgeous renovated 1890's Church in beautiful Aurora!

Aurora NY
Stay at this holiday home in Aurora. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a garden and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Cayuga Lake and Long Point State Park - Finger Lakes ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (42 reviews)
"Our stay was perfect. What an amazing and beautiful property, with surprising details throughout. We look forward to staying again."

Reviewed on 17 Oct 2025

Enjoy vacationing in a gorgeous renovated 1890's Church in beautiful Aurora!
2BR Lakeside Home w/ Patio, Porch & AC

2BR Lakeside Home w/ Patio, Porch & AC

Aurora NY
Stay at this holiday home in Aurora. Enjoy a garden, patios and an in-room coffee maker. Popular attractions Cayuga Lake and Long Point Winery are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (3 reviews)
"We loved how close to the water we were! It was underneath us while sitting on the deck or in the screened in porch! The bedrooms, kitchen, and living room were nicely cleaned. We had some cold weather and the heaters were very attractive and worked quickly and easily. I gave a 4 instead of a 5 because ..."

Reviewed on 12 Jun 2026

2BR Lakeside Home w/ Patio, Porch & AC
1 bed/ba lakeside cottage, large deck, west side of Seneca Lake. Pet Friendly!

1 bed/ba lakeside cottage, large deck, west side of Seneca Lake. Pet Friendly!

Penn Yan NY
Stay at this cottage in Penn Yan. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a garden and patios. Popular attractions Seneca Lake and Fox Run Vineyards are located nearby.
9.8/10 Exceptional! (84 reviews)
"Beautiful place inside and out!"

Reviewed on 8 Jun 2026

1 bed/ba lakeside cottage, large deck, west side of Seneca Lake. Pet Friendly!
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Aurora attractions