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 RM1,524 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
RM1,524
RM1,874 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 ...
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 RM1,127 per night from 26 Jul to 27 Jul
RM1,127
RM1,330 total
26 Jul - 27 Jul
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 ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,000 reviews)
"Very professional, warm and attentive"

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2026

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 RM586 per night from 23 Jul to 24 Jul
RM586
RM665 total
23 Jul - 24 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! (1,151 reviews)
"Good."

Reviewed on 21 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.
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 Falls Natural Area and Ithaca Commons are located ...
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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