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
The price is HK$2,921 per night from 18 Aug to 19 Aug
HK$2,921
HK$3,591 total
18 Aug - 19 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! (474 reviews)
"Spa is amazing with excellent staff. Would highly recommend everyone visit and have a relaxing day at the spa. However, the restaurants connected with the hotel are okay at best. The fine dining restaurant was okay & had decent food, yet nothing wowed me it really missed the mark for excellent food ..."

Reviewed on 28 Jul 2026

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 HK$2,186 per night from 25 Aug to 26 Aug
HK$2,186
HK$2,580 total
25 Aug - 26 Aug
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 ...
The Statler Hotel at Cornell University
41 Lakefront Hotel, Trademark Collection By Wyndham

41 Lakefront Hotel, Trademark Collection By Wyndham

3 out of 5
41 Lake Front Blvd Geneva NY
The price is HK$1,122 per night from 30 Jul to 31 Jul
HK$1,122
HK$1,274 total
30 Jul - 31 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Geneva. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
8.2/10 Very good! (1,169 reviews)
"Parking was no issue, the staff was very few, looking like there cutting back on help, it was advertised that the restaurant and bar was open on Expedia but it was closed the 2 days we were there, the worst part was the dirty mattress and comforter…. It had blood stains on the mattress and pee stains ..."

Reviewed on 28 Jul 2026

41 Lakefront Hotel, Trademark Collection By Wyndham
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
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 ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
"Was an amazing experience. My first time camping everything about this location was great . No hassle no stress exactly what I want. The small gorge and the trail was a plus very happy. Coming back definitely."

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2026

Seneca Gorge Glamping
Cozy Cabin With 165 Ft Beach and wood-fired hot tub! Center of FLX wine country!

Cozy Cabin With 165 Ft Beach and wood-fired hot tub! Center of FLX wine country!

Penn Yan NY
Stay at this beach holiday home in Penn Yan. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a beach locale and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Seneca Lake and Fox Run Vineyards are ...
10/10 Exceptional! (268 reviews)
"The property location is right on the water and the view is wonderful. There are steps to go down to the dock. The cottage is just right for 2 people. The railroad tracks in the back of the property is of no concern. The train passed through once a day, in the morning. I would recommend this place ..."

Reviewed on 22 Jul 2026

Cozy Cabin With 165 Ft Beach and wood-fired hot tub! Center of FLX wine country!
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