Need a Colorado escape with lakes, global eats, and easy access to the Rockies? Head to Aurora! As one of the fastest-growing cities in Colorado, Aurora offers a mix of outdoor adventure, cultural diversity, and laid-back suburban charm. Whether you're kayaking on a reservoir, dining on international cuisine, or exploring nearby Denver, Aurora is a gateway to both nature and urban energy.

Aurora, CO Highlights:

  • For Adventurous Travelers: Paddle and hike at Cherry Creek State Park – Enjoy swimming, trails, boating, and scenic lake views just minutes from downtown Aurora.
  • For History Buffs: Visit the Aurora History Museum – Learn about the city’s frontier roots, military legacy, and cultural growth through engaging exhibits.
  • For Shoppers: Browse Southlands Lifestyle Center – An open-air shopping village with boutiques, name brands, dining, and a seasonal ice rink or splash pad.
  • For Couples: Stroll through the Plains Conservation Center – Take in sweeping prairie views, rustic charm, and sunset walks on this preserved 19th-century homestead.
  • For Families: Explore the Stanley Marketplace – A vibrant indoor market with food stalls, shops, a brewery, kids’ spaces, and creative events all under one roof.

Best Time to Visit Aurora, CO

The best time to visit Aurora is from May through October for warm days, hiking, and outdoor festivals. Summer is perfect for lake and trail adventures, while fall brings crisp air and colorful foliage. Winter is quieter but ideal for snow sports nearby and festive indoor fun.

How to Get to Aurora, CO

  • By Car: Aurora is easily accessible via I-225, I-70, and E-470, about 20–30 minutes east of downtown Denver.
  • By Plane: Denver International Airport (DIA) is just 20–25 minutes from Aurora, with easy access via Peña Boulevard and transit services.
  • By Light Rail: RTD’s R and A Lines connect Aurora to downtown Denver and the airport, with multiple stops throughout the city.

Where to Stay in Aurora, CO

  • Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center – Luxury resort with mountain views, a water park, spa, restaurants, and grand design near the airport.
  • Aloft Denver Airport at Gateway Park – Trendy boutique-style hotel close to transit, dining, and shopping.
  • Hyatt Regency Aurora-Denver Conference Center – Comfortable, modern hotel near Anschutz Medical Campus with great business and family-friendly amenities.

Best Things to Do in Aurora, CO

Have a picnic in Cherry Creek State Park

Have a picnic in Cherry Creek State Park

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Enjoy fresh air in the beautiful outdoors at Cherry Creek State Park also known as “Denver’s spacious backyard playground”. There’s so much to see and enjoy in the park which surrounds an 880-acre reservoir. The natural prairie environment is action packed in the summer and laid back and quiet in the fall. During your visit there you can enjoy in activities such as hiking, camping, picnicking, horseback riding, model airplane flying, or having fun at the family shooting range. Other features and amenities include a designated picnic area, a boat ramp, walking trails, and campgrounds.

Address: 4201 S Parker Rd, Aurora, CO 80014, Phone: 800-244-5613

Go shopping at Southlands

Go shopping at Southlands

© Southlands

A modern Main Street in the heart of southeast Aurora, Southlands is a hub for fashion, dining, and entertainment. It’s a wonderful place to gather with friends and family as the atmosphere is charming, comfortable, and convenient. The centerpiece of the area is the Southlands outdoor lifestyle center and it’s surrounded by a community plaza, Main Street, a state-of-the-art health club facility, a theatre, restaurants, entertainment venues, and retail stores.

Address: 6155 South Main Street, Aurora, CO 80016, Phone: 303-627-5000

Go swimming in Aurora Reservoir

Go swimming in Aurora Reservoir

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The Aurora Reservoir spans over 31,000 acres and has three coves: Senac, Lone Tree, and Marina.

In addition to being a recreational area and stunning green space, the reservoir and its surroundings also provides drinking water to the city of Aurora.

There are many things that you can do while you’re there such as jogging, hiking, biking, boating, and, fishing - anglers often head there to catch catfish, trout, or walleye. Visitors are invited to go swimming in the small seasonal swim beach or enjoy scuba diving in the designated diving area. Other features and amenities include a boat dock and a rental equipment shack.

Address: 5800 South Powhaton Road, Aurora, CO 80016, Phone: 303-690-1286

Learn about local history at the Aurora History Museum

Learn about local history at the Aurora History Museum

© Aurora History Museum

A part of the Library and Cultural Services Department, the Aurora History Museum was established in 1979. Though it has moved out of the original building it was housed in, the museum continues to display a large collection of artifacts and documents. These exhibits showcase the people and events that shaped the history of Aurora and Colorado.

There are several rotating exhibits which highlight different aspects of the city such as Drink Local: Aurora’s Craft Beer Scene which is an exhibition that showcases the history of craft beer in the area whilst inviting current companies from the brewing industry to participate. Admission is FREE.

Address: 15051 E Alameda Pkwy, Aurora, CO 80012, Phone: 303-739-6660

See a performance at the Vintage Theatre

See a performance at the Vintage Theatre

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The Vintage Theatre came to be as a group of friends discussed their love for the arts over martinis in 2002. Within a few years they bought a lovely theater and their company grew, providing a haven for the community to enjoy cutting-edge theatre, improv, staged readings, workshops, classes, and more. The theatre has three performance spaces: the 145-seat Jeffrey Nickelson Auditorium, the 67-seat Bond Trimble Theatre, and the 60-seat lobby-raised stage. All of the areas provide a full bar service and are sound proofed and temperature controlled. Visitors can enjoy performances throughout the year.

Address: 1468 Dayton St, Aurora, CO 80010, Phone: 303-856-7830

What to do if you are traveling with kids:

Visit the blacksmith shop at Plains Conservation Center

Visit the blacksmith shop at Plains Conservation Center

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The Plains Conservation Center is a state-designated natural area and outdoor education facility that was created in 1949. With the goal of conserving the state’s prairies, the center is also a wonderful place for people to learn about conservation efforts and Colorado’s eco-history. There are two sites of significance there: the Aurora site and the West Bijou site. The Aurora site includes a historic barn, blacksmith shop, and schoolhouse in addition to a recreated Cheyenne camp with tipis. The West Bijou site is the place of the Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction event which led to the extinction of dinosaurs. You can see all this and more as you explore the center.

Address: 21901 E Hampden Ave, Aurora, CO 80013, Phone: 303-326-8380

Watch a horse race at Arapahoe Park

Watch a horse race at Arapahoe Park

© Arapahoe Park

Arapahoe Park is a horse-racing track that is known to host Arabian horse, Paint Horse, Quarter Horse, and Thoroughbred horse racing. The racing season usually goes between mid-May into mid-August. The track is home to famed races such as the Mile High Derby and the Mile High Futurity. It’s a fun place to spend the day even if you don’t gamble on horse races as the atmosphere is so exciting and lively.

As you watch the horses, you can sit, talk with friends, have a drink, and enjoy a delicious meal. Amenities include plenty of free parking, bars and concessions stands on the Grandstand level and third and fourth floor.

Address: 26000 East Quincy Avenue, Aurora, CO 80016, Phone: 303-690-2400

Visit the The Colorado Freedom Memorial

Visit the The Colorado Freedom Memorial

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The Colorado Freedom Memorial is the very first memorial in the United States that is dedicated to Coloradans who have lost their lives in any and all branches of service and in all wars. The glass and granite structure is 12 feet high and spans 95 feet across.

The glass panels are placed in a manner which reflects the blue skies and towering mountains which surround it.

The memorial holds the names of over 6,000 people who were killed or missing in action. You can see the names grouped by war but not in alphabetical order - a reflection of the true chaos of war.

Address: 756 Telluride St, Aurora, CO 80011, Phone: 303-248-3990

Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:

See a performance at the Aurora Fox Arts Center

See a performance at the Aurora Fox Arts Center

© Aurora Fox Arts Center

Situated amidst the Aurora Cultural Arts District, the Aurora Fox Arts Center is the place to go when you’re in the mood to enjoy a professional, Broadway-quality production.

The 245-seat performing arts facility opened in 1985; it is housed in a completely renovated former movie theatre that was originally built in 1946. The intimate performance space is a fun and lively way to spend the evening and makes for a great date night with your significant other. In addition to the performance space, the arts center also has an attached rehearsal space and scenery shop facilities.

Address: 9900 E Colfax Ave, Aurora, CO 80010, Phone: 303-739-1970

Spend an afternoon in On Havana Street

Spend an afternoon in On Havana Street

© Havana Business Improvement District

On Havana Street is a unique and culturally diverse district in Aurora, Colorado, originally created as a neighborhood initiative in 2007 to enrich the lives of area residents with lively events and businesses and draw in regional visitors. More than 20 events are showcased within the district throughout the year, including barbecue festivals, car shows, art showcases, and live music performances.

Over 500 businesses line the district, which spans approximately four miles along Havana Street between 6th and Dartmouth Avenues. Visitors can enjoy karaoke fun at Family Karaoke, see art gallery exhibits at East End Applied Arts, or rent bikes at Bicycle Village for exploration of the region's other attractions. A wide variety of global cuisine options are also showcased, along with retail stores ranging from thrift stores and boutiques to national chains such as Ulta and Target.

Where to Eat in Aurora, CO

  • Annette – A James Beard–nominated restaurant at Stanley Marketplace serving seasonal New American fare with warmth and creativity.
  • Seoul Korean BBQ – Classic all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ experience with grills at the table and friendly service.
  • Mondo Market – Deli and gourmet food shop known for sandwiches, charcuterie, and specialty grocery items.

If you are interested in local events:

  • Global Fest (August) – Celebrate Aurora’s international communities with food, dance, music, and world culture exhibits.
  • Fourth of July Spectacular at Aurora Municipal Center – Enjoy fireworks, food trucks, and live music on Independence Day.
  • Punkin’ Chunkin’ Colorado (October) – Watch catapults launch pumpkins across the plains with contests, crafts, and fall family fun.

If you are looking for unique day trips within 30–60 Minutes of Aurora, Colorado:

  • Denver (20–30 min) – Explore the Denver Art Museum, Union Station, RiNo street art, and pro sports in the capital city.
  • Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre (50–60 min) – Hike the trails or catch a concert at this stunning natural amphitheater.
  • Golden (45–50 min) – Visit the Coors Brewery, walk Clear Creek, or tour the Colorado School of Mines geology museum.
  • Castlewood Canyon State Park (45 min) – Enjoy hiking through dramatic canyon scenery and historic homestead ruins.
  • Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge (30 min) – Spot bison, bald eagles, and prairie dogs in a serene natural setting just outside the city.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • Q: What makes Aurora a vibrant city?
  • A: Aurora is one of Colorado’s most vibrant and energetic cities as the destination is filled with unique attractions and one-of-a-kind activities.
  • Q: What kind of adventures can you enjoy in Aurora?
  • A: As a gateway to the Rockies, you can enjoy several laid-back adventures and day trips during your visit.

At a Glance:


Best Time to Visit Places to Stay Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures and blooming wildflowers. Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center – A luxurious resort with a spa and water park. Explore Cherry Creek State Park – Hike, bike, or picnic in this scenic outdoor area.
Summer (June-August) – Warm and ideal for outdoor adventures. Hyatt Regency Aurora-Denver Conference Center – A modern stay with easy access to downtown Denver. Visit the Plains Conservation Center – Learn about Colorado’s prairie ecosystem and history.
Fall (September-November) – Crisp air, fall foliage, and fewer tourists. Marriott Denver Airport at Gateway Park – A comfortable stay near the airport. Drive the Lariat Loop Scenic Byway – Enjoy stunning mountain views and autumn colors.
Winter (December-February) – Cool temperatures with access to winter activities. Woolley’s Classic Suites – A boutique hotel with spacious rooms and great service. Go ice skating at The Pond at Southlands – A fun winter activity in Aurora’s outdoor shopping district.

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