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 ฿10,175 per night from 8 Sept to 9 Sept
฿10,175
฿12,692 total
8 Sept - 9 Sept
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! (401 reviews)
"Absolutely beautiful! Will definitely be back."

Reviewed on 2 Aug 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 ฿7,276 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
฿7,276
฿8,585 total
1 Sept - 2 Sept
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! (1,001 reviews)
"right on the campus.."

Reviewed on 5 Aug 2025

The Statler Hotel at Cornell University
Hotel Ithaca

Hotel Ithaca

3 out of 5
222 South Cayuga Street, Ithaca, NY
The price is ฿3,682 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
฿3,682
฿4,344 total
1 Sept - 2 Sept
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 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
"Friendly hotel staff, knowledgeable and willing to share information."

Reviewed on 7 Aug 2025

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.
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! (90 reviews)
"The property itself is absolutely stunning and pristinely clean, great location to experience everything the city has to offer, however directly behind the property is a sketchy bus stop, we watched a bunch of shady things happen, cops and ambulances etc. the host was kind but this is definitely ..."

Reviewed on 4 Aug 2025

The Flatts at North Shore
Ithaca Boat House

Ithaca Boat House

2 out of 5
1180 East Shore Drive, Ithaca, NY
Stay at this apartment in Ithaca. Enjoy free parking and a private beach. Popular attractions Buttermilk Falls State Park and Regal Ithaca Mall are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (16 reviews)
"We loved the location!"

Reviewed on 29 Jul 2025

Ithaca Boat House
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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