Aurora Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Aurora showing a lake or waterhole, a park and a bay or harbour
Aurora
Aurora which includes a city
Aurora featuring a small town or village
Aurora showing a lake or waterhole and a garden

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 £320 per night from 25 Jun to 26 Jun
£320
25 Jun - 26 Jun
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star 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 ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (393 reviews)
"Very clean green grounds, beautiful buildings, nicely decorated rooms. Mattress and pillows in the room were softer to our liking."

Reviewed on 25 May 2025

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 £201 per night from 7 Jul to 8 Jul
£201
7 Jul - 8 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Ithaca. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 4 restaurants and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,007 reviews)
Mostly Good Stay
"Excellent food and service. However, couch in room was poorly designed and very uncomfortable. Comforter on the bed was too heavy for warmer weather unless A/C was on full blast."

Reviewed on 15 Jun 2025

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 £86 per night from 14 Jul to 15 Jul
£86
14 Jul - 15 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Waterloo. Enjoy a full-service spa, 7 restaurants and a casino. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,454 reviews)
"Convenient location, right off thruway"

Reviewed on 18 Jun 2025

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.
Cozy lakeside escape with screened porch, deck, pets, & AC
Cozy lakeside escape with screened porch, deck, pets, & 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 ...
Cozy lakeside escape with screened porch, deck, pets, & AC
Sunset Retreat Cayuga Cottage w/ hot tub - Cayuga Lake- Panoramic views & Yard. Pet Friendly!
Sunset Retreat Cayuga Cottage w/ hot tub - Cayuga Lake- Panoramic views & Yard. Pet Friendly!
2 out of 5
Aurora, NY
Stay at this holiday home in Aurora. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a garden and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Cayuga Lake and King Ferry Golf Course are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (19 reviews)
Loved the Views, the Space, and the Vibes
"We came from Rochester to spend a relaxing weekend with another couple from Philly, and this property was perfect for it. The home was beautiful and fully stocked with all the essentials. The open floor plan made it easy for all of us to hang out together while enjoying stunning views of the lake.Having ..."

Reviewed on 19 May 2025

Sunset Retreat Cayuga Cottage w/ hot tub - Cayuga Lake- Panoramic views & Yard. Pet Friendly!
The Flatts at North Shore
The Flatts at North Shore
3.5 out of 5
414 Exchange St, Geneva, NY
Stay at this 3.5-star spa condo in Geneva. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Smith Center for the Arts and Finger Lakes ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (86 reviews)
Clean, convenient, modern!
"This condo is perfect for 2 couples or a friends trip. It is exceptionally clean (and I am a germaphobe). The location is right in the middle of the bar and restaurant district. It is a 5 minute walk to the lake. Karen was very helpful and responsive throughout our stay. I highly recommend and my ..."

Reviewed on 14 Jun 2025

The Flatts at North Shore
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.

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