Aurora Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

A lakeside residential area with autumn foliage, houses, and docks.
A lakeside village with autumn foliage, houses, and a dock.
A lakeside view with a bench, a wooden fence, and a sign for Aurora Inn.
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.

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 £189 per night from 10 Dec to 11 Dec
£189
10 Dec - 11 Dec
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Aurora. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
Inns of Aurora Resort & Spa
del Lago Resort & Casino

del Lago Resort & Casino

4 out of 5
1133 Route 414 Waterloo NY
The price is £90 per night from 17 Nov to 18 Nov
£90
17 Nov - 18 Nov
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! (2,042 reviews)
"Everything about my stay was excellent. I never have any complaints."

Reviewed on 11 Nov 2026

del Lago Resort & Casino
Hotel Ithaca

Hotel Ithaca

3 out of 5
222 South Cayuga Street Ithaca NY
The price is £100 per night from 7 Dec to 8 Dec
£100
7 Dec - 8 Dec
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Ithaca. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
Hotel Ithaca
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.
Cayuga Lake | Dock | Sleeps 10 | Near Wineries

Cayuga Lake | Dock | Sleeps 10 | Near Wineries

Aurora NY
Stay at this holiday home in Aurora. Enjoy patios, in-room jetted baths and an in-room coffee maker. Popular attractions Cayuga Lake and Long Point Winery are ...
10/10 Exceptional! (8 reviews)
Great location on the lake, close to wineries and brewery
"Our family spent a weekend here in mid October. It is right on the lake with a great view of the sunset. The house was clean and well appointed. It's close to Aurora, a few wineries and the Aurora brewery. It's not too far from Ithaca. We had a great stay."

Reviewed on 1 Nov 2026

Cayuga Lake | Dock | Sleeps 10 | Near Wineries
Cozy & Private Solar Powered 3BR Family Cabin Near Seneca Lake Wine Trail

Cozy & Private Solar Powered 3BR Family Cabin Near Seneca Lake Wine Trail

Ovid NY
Stay at this cabin in Ovid. Enjoy laundry facilities, patios and air conditioning. Popular attractions Seneca Lake and Dick Van Dyke Addiction Treatment Center ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (9 reviews)
"Nice cabin in the woods, quiet and relaxing, very comfortable, will definitely go back again!"

Reviewed on 9 Nov 2026

Cozy & Private Solar Powered 3BR Family Cabin Near Seneca Lake Wine Trail
Luxurious Owasco Lakefront Home with Level Lakeshore Beachfront 200 Feet +\-

Luxurious Owasco Lakefront Home with Level Lakeshore Beachfront 200 Feet +\-

Auburn NY
Stay at this beach holiday home in Auburn. Enjoy a beach locale, laundry facilities and a pool table. Popular attractions Owasco Lake and Merry-Go-Round Playhouse ...
Luxurious Owasco Lakefront Home with Level Lakeshore Beachfront 200 Feet +\-
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