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 NZ$683 per night from 23 Sept to 24 Sept
NZ$683
23 Sept - 24 Sept
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 ...
Inns of Aurora Resort & Spa
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
The price is NZ$1,524 per night from 23 Sept to 24 Sept
NZ$1,524
23 Sept - 24 Sept
includes taxes & fees
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 ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (47 reviews)
"Myself and some friends had a wonderful weekend here! We cooked a lot so the well stocked kitchen and dishwasher were great. We walked to Lake Glass Beach down the road, sat out back and grilled out, and played pool in the main room. The house next door (north) was just purchased by a group of Wells ..."

Reviewed on 26 Aug 2026

Enjoy vacationing in a gorgeous renovated 1890's Church in beautiful Aurora!
del Lago Resort & Casino

del Lago Resort & Casino

4 out of 5
1133 Route 414 Waterloo NY
The price is NZ$212 per night from 13 Oct to 14 Oct
NZ$212
13 Oct - 14 Oct
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! (1,971 reviews)
"We had a great stay overall. I thought it was a good value for the money. My only complaint would be that the coffee and bakery items in the cafe were not good. The restaurant had good food though."

Reviewed on 22 Sept 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 ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (47 reviews)
"Myself and some friends had a wonderful weekend here! We cooked a lot so the well stocked kitchen and dishwasher were great. We walked to Lake Glass Beach down the road, sat out back and grilled out, and played pool in the main room. The house next door (north) was just purchased by a group of Wells ..."

Reviewed on 26 Aug 2026

Enjoy vacationing in a gorgeous renovated 1890's Church in beautiful Aurora!
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 ...
Cayuga Lake | Dock | Sleeps 10 | Near Wineries
Seneca Gorge Glamping

Seneca Gorge Glamping

2 out of 5
3655 Lake St Hector NY
Stay at this cabin in Hector. Enjoy free parking, a garden and a picnic area. Popular attractions Standing Stone Vineyards and Penguin Bay Winery are located ...
8/10 Very good! (4 reviews)
"Was told there was swimming holes within walking distance, creek was pretty dry, no waterfalls either. Camp ground was nice but don’t believe it was worth 300 dollars a night"

Reviewed on 30 Aug 2026

Seneca Gorge Glamping
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

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