Aurora

Travel 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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is HK$2,920 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
HK$2,920
HK$3,589 total
3 Aug - 4 Aug
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 ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (469 reviews)
"Beautifully restored properties and grounds. Loved our stay! So relaxing! The only downside was our meal at the restaurant where the food was decent but not great."

Reviewed on 9 Jul 2026

Inns of Aurora Resort & Spa
2BR Lakeside Home w/ Patio, Porch & AC

2BR Lakeside Home w/ Patio, Porch & AC

Aurora NY
Stay at this holiday home in Aurora. Enjoy a garden, patios and an in-room coffee maker. Popular attractions Cayuga Lake and Long Point Winery are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (4 reviews)
"We enjoyed this beautiful cottage on the lake, it is quiet and the views are spectacular. The cottage was stocked with essentials and very clean. During our stay we hiked to several waterfalls and enjoyed the many wineries and quaint towns. Although this side of the lake is more remote, the journey ..."

Reviewed on 26 Jun 2026

2BR Lakeside Home w/ Patio, Porch & AC
del Lago Resort & Casino

del Lago Resort & Casino

4 out of 5
1133 Route 414 Waterloo NY
The price is HK$858 per night from 11 Aug to 12 Aug
HK$858
HK$952 total
11 Aug - 12 Aug
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! (1,845 reviews)
"clean, neat, convenient access. Needs a new fresh floor carpet but minor inconenince"

Reviewed on 16 Jul 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.
2BR Lakeside Home w/ Patio, Porch & AC

2BR Lakeside Home w/ Patio, Porch & AC

Aurora NY
Stay at this holiday home in Aurora. Enjoy a garden, patios and an in-room coffee maker. Popular attractions Cayuga Lake and Long Point Winery are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (4 reviews)
"We enjoyed this beautiful cottage on the lake, it is quiet and the views are spectacular. The cottage was stocked with essentials and very clean. During our stay we hiked to several waterfalls and enjoyed the many wineries and quaint towns. Although this side of the lake is more remote, the journey ..."

Reviewed on 26 Jun 2026

2BR Lakeside Home w/ Patio, Porch & AC
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 ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (44 reviews)
"Beautiful unique property - couldn’t have asked for a better atmosphere for the perfect relaxing girl’s trip getaway!"

Reviewed on 12 Jul 2026

Enjoy vacationing in a gorgeous renovated 1890's Church in beautiful Aurora!
1 bed/ba lakeside cottage, large deck, west side of Seneca Lake. Pet Friendly!

1 bed/ba lakeside cottage, large deck, west side of Seneca Lake. Pet Friendly!

Penn Yan NY
Stay at this cottage in Penn Yan. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a garden and patios. Popular attractions Seneca Lake and Fox Run Vineyards are located nearby.
9.8/10 Exceptional! (87 reviews)
"Great place with beautiful view of the lake!"

Reviewed on 5 Jul 2026

1 bed/ba lakeside cottage, large deck, west side of Seneca Lake. Pet Friendly!
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