Aurora Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

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

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 NZ$542 per night from 1 Jan to 2 Jan
NZ$542
1 Jan - 2 Jan 2026
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 ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (434 reviews)
Very clean and spacious room

Reviewed on 23 Dec 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 NZ$421 per night from 5 Jan to 6 Jan
NZ$421
5 Jan - 6 Jan 2026
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)
Very nice hitel located inside Cornell University. Large room. Clean. Restsurants on the premises.

Reviewed on 18 Dec 2025

The Statler Hotel at Cornell University
del Lago Resort & Casino

del Lago Resort & Casino

4 out of 5
1133 Route 414 Waterloo NY
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! (1,669 reviews)
Wonder stay... coming back for Christmas!

Reviewed on 22 Dec 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.
Million-dollar view of Seneca lake Pet friendly3 bedroom  ON water

Million-dollar view of Seneca lake Pet friendly3 bedroom ON water

Geneva NY
Stay at this cottage in Geneva. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a garden and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Zugibe Vineyards and Three Brothers Wineries and Estates ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (82 reviews)
Great location. Wonderful space for 5 of us.

Reviewed on 7 Dec 2025

Million-dollar view of Seneca lake Pet friendly3 bedroom ON water
Rustic, Cozy Cottage with Backyard Waterfall and Cayuga Lake Views!

Rustic, Cozy Cottage with Backyard Waterfall and Cayuga Lake Views!

Ithaca NY
Stay at this family-friendly cottage in Ithaca. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a garden and patios. Popular attractions Hangar Theatre and Allan H. Treman State Marine Park ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (92 reviews)
We were met by the owner as we entered the area. The house was charming, exceptionally clean, and provided everything we would need for a comfortable visit. Very cozy!

Reviewed on 21 Nov 2025

Rustic, Cozy Cottage with Backyard Waterfall and Cayuga Lake Views!
Cozy secluded villa-hot tub, panoramic view, waterfalls, gorge-south skaneateles

Cozy secluded villa-hot tub, panoramic view, waterfalls, gorge-south skaneateles

Homer NY
Stay at this family-friendly villa in Moravia. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, private pools and a garden. Popular attractions Bahar Nature Preserve and Carpenter Falls are ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (25 reviews)
Cannot say enough great things about our stay. Zach was an amazing host. He was very attentive when we contacted him. His hospitality was absolutely perfect. The house is better than the photos on the listing. We were blown away with the gorgeous views. The house is perfect for hosting a big family ...

Reviewed on 1 Dec 2025

Cozy secluded villa-hot tub, panoramic view, waterfalls, gorge-south skaneateles
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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