Aurora Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Aurora which includes a garden, a bay or harbour and a lake or waterhole
Aurora
Aurora showing a city
Aurora which includes a small town or village
Aurora showing a lake or waterhole and a park

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 AU$592 per night from 23 Sept to 24 Sept
AU$592
23 Sept - 24 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Aurora. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (410 reviews)
"The property is absolutely stunning, property like a presidential get-a-way on the lake. Quiet, serene, recharge your batteries there. Only problem - and it was a big one - the bed was too small for 2 average size people. It should not be rented as a 2 adults room. And the bed itself, once we were ..."

Reviewed on 17 Sept 2025

Inns of Aurora Resort & Spa
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 free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,580 reviews)
"First time coming here-nice casino, clean rooms and good dining options. Will be back!"

Reviewed on 19 Sept 2025

del Lago Resort & Casino
The Gould Hotel

The Gould Hotel

3.5 out of 5
108 Falls Street, Seneca Falls, NY
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Seneca Falls. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and the bar ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,014 reviews)
"Convenient location with free parking. Was once a gem. Could use a renovation but, we had no issues as others have suggested. It’s a shame the restaurant and bar are not operational."

Reviewed on 19 Sept 2025

The Gould Hotel
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.
NEW! Peaceful Lakefront Getaway on Cayuga Lake

NEW! Peaceful Lakefront Getaway on Cayuga Lake

Aurora
Stay at this cottage in Aurora. Enjoy patios, an in-room coffeemaker, and in-room fireplaces. Popular attractions Cayuga Lake and Long Point Winery are located ...
"This property has many things that could have been better - no tv downstairs, garbage full outside, fire pit rusted thru, dock very poorly constructed and others -"

Reviewed on 26 July 2025

NEW! Peaceful Lakefront Getaway on Cayuga Lake
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
Book a stay at this beach vacation home in Penn Yan. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Fox Run Vineyards and Sampson ...
10/10 Exceptional! (194 reviews)
"Memorable First Visit to the Finger Lakes – Even Better Than Expected!We had an absolutely wonderful stay at this property! The location was perfect—close to everything we wanted to explore, including Seneca and Keuka Lakes, Watkins Glen, Geneva, and even an Amish Flea Market. We visited four wineries, ..."

Reviewed on 12 Sept 2025

Cozy Cabin With 165 Ft Beach and wood-fired hot tub! Center of FLX wine country!
Lake Dreamin-Seneca Lake-Waterfront-Hot Tub-Wine Trail, 100ft Private Level Beach-Pets OK

Lake Dreamin-Seneca Lake-Waterfront-Hot Tub-Wine Trail, 100ft Private Level Beach-Pets OK

Dresden
Stay at this vacation home in Dresden. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and tennis courts. Popular attractions Keuka Lake Outlet Trail and Prejean Winery ...
9/10 Wonderful! (271 reviews)
"We had a nice stay. Nice view overlooking the lake. Nice fire pit near the water. A little disappointed with the accuracy of the photos. Bedrooms were very small. The photos looked like they were from years ago. Brush was overgrown and less open feel then what the photos showed. Oven needs to be ..."

Reviewed on 16 Sept 2025

Lake Dreamin-Seneca Lake-Waterfront-Hot Tub-Wine Trail, 100ft Private Level Beach-Pets OK
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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