Aurora

Travel Guide

Aurora showing a lake or waterhole, a bay or harbor and a park
Aurora
Aurora showing a city
Aurora showing a small town or village
Aurora showing a garden and a lake or waterhole

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 RM1,149 per night from 26 Oct to 27 Oct
RM1,149
RM1,454 total
26 Oct - 27 Oct
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! (411 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! (1,584 reviews)
"The hotel was clean & quiet. Staff was friendly. Very convenient location for our trip to the finger lakes."

Reviewed on 21 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! (1,020 reviews)
"Excellent service and lovely room"

Reviewed on 22 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.
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 WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Smith Center for the Arts and Finger Lakes ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (93 reviews)
"This place was fantastic! Great location & a great space. So glad we booked here instead of a traditional hotel!"

Reviewed on 15 Sept 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! (17 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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