Aurora, NY

Travel Guide

Aurora which includes a lake or waterhole, a garden and a bay or harbor
Aurora which includes a lake or waterhole and a garden
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 kilometers) northeast. To reach Aurora from New York City, drive northwest 250 miles (400 kilometers).

Enjoy a college town with a sparkling lake, scenic vineyards and parks in Aurora, a relaxing and historic vacation spot.

Inns of Aurora Resort & Spa

Inns of Aurora Resort & Spa

4.5 out of 5
391 Main Street, Aurora, NY
$410 nightly
The price is $458 total per night from Jul 21 to Jul 22
$458 total
Jul 21 - Jul 22
Total includes taxes and 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! (397 reviews)
"The property was beautiful and quiet. Besides being in a beautiful location there were many activies available to do such as winery tours, paddle biarding, spa etc. If there were any questions or needs we simply sent a text and within a couple minutes we received an answer. Attention to detail was ..."

Reviewed on Jun 30, 2025

Inns of Aurora Resort & Spa
NEW! Peaceful Lakefront Getaway on Cayuga Lake

NEW! Peaceful Lakefront Getaway on Cayuga Lake

1506 Honoco Road, Aurora, NY
Stay at this cottage in Aurora. Enjoy laundry facilities, patios, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Cayuga Lake and Long Point Winery are located ...
NEW! Peaceful Lakefront Getaway on Cayuga Lake
41 Lakefront Hotel, Trademark Collection By Wyndham

41 Lakefront Hotel, Trademark Collection By Wyndham

3 out of 5
41 Lake Front Blvd, Geneva, NY
$145 nightly
The price is $165 total per night from Aug 11 to Aug 12
$165 total
Aug 11 - Aug 12
Total includes taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Geneva. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,011 reviews)
"Great location"

Reviewed on Jul 11, 2025

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.
NEW! Peaceful Lakefront Getaway on Cayuga Lake

NEW! Peaceful Lakefront Getaway on Cayuga Lake

1506 Honoco Road, Aurora, NY
Stay at this cottage in Aurora. Enjoy laundry facilities, patios, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Cayuga Lake and Long Point Winery are located ...
NEW! Peaceful Lakefront Getaway on Cayuga Lake
Cozy lakeside escape with screened porch, deck, pets, & AC

Cozy lakeside escape with screened porch, deck, pets, & AC

Aurora
Stay at this vacation home in Aurora. Enjoy a garden, patios, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Cayuga Lake and Long Point Winery are located ...
Cozy lakeside escape with screened porch, deck, pets, & AC
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! (89 reviews)
"The property was in a great location and had everything we needed. The bedrooms and bathrooms are spacious and the owners were great !"

Reviewed on Jul 11, 2025

The Flatts at North Shore
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.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Aurora

4.9
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
7
5 - Excellent 88%
4 - Good
1
4 - Good 13%
3 - Okay
0
3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

DeborahK

Since we traveled during COVID-19, we could not experience all that the Aurora area has to offer. We look forward to returning to not just relax & enjoy, but to explore other venues of the area.

5/5 - Excellent

LGEC

Perfect for a quiet, romantic weekend away. We highly recommend the cooking classes offered by the Inn.

Cities near Aurora