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 ฿11,394 per night from 24 Jun to 25 Jun
฿11,394
฿14,089 total
24 Jun - 25 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! (394 reviews)
"Our day at the spa was fantastic. The plunge pools, sauna and steam were top notch. The masseuse was outstanding. Every single staff member was friendly and welcoming. In particular our breakfast server Ellie, our hike guide Mike, the woman who checked us in …,"

Reviewed on 20 Jun 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 ฿8,361 per night from 10 Jul to 11 Jul
฿8,361
฿9,866 total
10 Jul - 11 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! (1,001 reviews)
"Went for a university tour and was really impressed by the Statler. Must visit"

Reviewed on 19 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
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! (1,462 reviews)
"Was very nice!!"

Reviewed on 20 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.
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
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 Ithaca Commons and Buttermilk Falls State Park are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (14 reviews)
"Fabulous location in Ithaca for Cornell events. Loved being close but also having the relaxing and quiet area. Great host!!"

Reviewed on 27 May 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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do