Set towards the beautiful backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, Aurora, CO, is understood for its lovely parks, numerous eating scene, and quick access to out of doors adventures. However past the standard sights, this metropolis is filled with sudden surprises that make it really distinctive. From quirky native spots to unfrequented actions, there’s a lot extra to Aurora than meets the attention.
Whether or not you’re trying to buy a house in Aurora, are excited by an residence to hire, or have your eye on a rental residence within the metropolis, this information will take you past the unusual. Let’s dive in and uncover essentially the most distinctive issues to do in Aurora, CO.
1. See the great thing about nature at Aurora Reservoir
For an ideal mixture of rest and out of doors journey, Aurora Reservoir is the place to go. With 800 acres of water, sandy seashores, and scenic trails, it’s a super spot for every thing from swimming and sunbathing to kayaking and fishing.
Native photographer Jamie Herrera of Jamie Herrera Pictures recommends the reservoir as probably the greatest locations to expertise the great thing about Aurora. “It’s a great spot to enjoy the outdoors and have some fun, whether you’re wanting to bike the trail around the reservoir, relax by the water, or enjoy some water sports like fishing, kayaking, boating, swimming, or paddle boarding,” she shares. “So, grab a loved one and experience all that Aurora has to offer.”
For a particular contact, take into account capturing your day with a household pictures session by Jamie. Specializing in new child, child, household, and highschool senior pictures, she affords out of doors periods that mix posed and life-style photographs, serving to you seize your unforgettable day on the reservoir.
2. Spend the day at Cherry Creek State Park
Cherry Creek State Park is among the distinctive issues to do in Aurora that’s excellent for out of doors fans. The park contains expansive trails for climbing and biking, a reservoir for boating and fishing, and loads of open areas for picnicking. It’s additionally a great spot for wildlife watching, the place guests can spot deer, foxes, and a wide range of chook species.
After a day of exploring, Golden Flame Sizzling Wings is the right spot to refuel. Only a brief drive from the park, this native favourite has been serving up a few of Aurora’s finest wings for over 30 years. With a wide range of signature sauces, dry rubs, crispy fries, and delectable aspect dishes, it’s a go-to spot for locals and vacationers. The environment makes it the best place to catch a sport, and revel in a real Aurora staple.
3. Pedal via the Excessive Line Canal
Stretching 71 miles from Waterton Canyon to Northeast Aurora, the Excessive Line Canal affords a novel alternative to attach with Colorado’s wealthy historical past whereas having fun with out of doors recreation. As soon as an irrigation channel that helped form the West, it has now remodeled into a significant hall for nature exploration, out of doors actions, and biodiversity.
With the assist of the Excessive Line Canal Conservancy and the area people, the canal is being revitalized as inexperienced infrastructure, whereas academic packages and volunteer occasions assist strengthen connections alongside its complete size.
Pedal via tree-lined sections close to Murphy Creek or the scenic stretches close to Sand Creek, the place the panorama shifts from open meadows to shaded trails. Pack a picnic, convey loads of water, and revel in some of the scenic bike rides in Aurora.
4. Take a look at the humanities scene that Aurora is understood for
Aurora is residence to a charming arts scene, mixing native creativity with cultural influences from around the globe. From public artwork shows and galleries to dwell theater performances, the town affords limitless methods to expertise its inventive power. As well as, the Aurora Cultural Arts District (ACAD) serves as the center of the scene, that includes distinctive galleries, studios, and efficiency areas that showcase native expertise.
When you’re there, head to The Individuals’s Constructing, situated on East Colfax. This metropolis of Aurora venue affords native performing artists the chance to showcase their work to artwork adventurers of their furnishings retailer turned multi-use artwork area. Should you’re somebody who enjoys discovering that subsequent group “before they’re cool,” that is the spot for you.
5. Seize your curler skates
For a fun-filled day everybody will love, head to Skate Metropolis, Colorado’s premier vacation spot for curler skating. With clean rinks and energetic music, it’s the right place to lace up your skates and hit the ground. Irrespective of should you’re a seasoned skater or simply getting began, the power there may be contagious.
Skate Metropolis isn’t nearly open skate periods—it’s additionally a go-to spot for birthday events, discipline journeys, and sports activities packages, making it a hub for neighborhood enjoyable. Glide throughout the rink, problem your mates to a race, or just benefit from the nostalgic thrill of curler skating.
6. Unwind with craft beer at Second Daybreak Brewing
Begin one of the best a part of your day at Second Daybreak Brewing, a comfy and inclusive taproom serving award-winning craft beer and domestically roasted Mishap Espresso. Whether or not you’re on the lookout for a laid-back spot to work, meet up with buddies, or simply take pleasure in a high quality brew, this neighborhood gem has you lined.
Past nice drinks, Second Daybreak retains issues enjoyable with trivia nights, a run membership, and hands-on craft nights. When the climate’s good, seize a seat on the dog-friendly patio with a chilly pint in hand. Whether or not you’re a craft beer fanatic or simply on the lookout for a terrific neighborhood hangout, that is one Aurora brewery you gained’t need to miss.
7. Keep lively
For individuals who love to maneuver, Aurora is filled with alternatives to remain lively. Whether or not you’re searching for health lessons, sports activities instruction, or some enjoyable recreation, the town has a wide range of spots that will help you keep match and energized.
Unleash your internal athlete
In case you have children or are nonetheless a child at coronary heart, Obtain Sports activities Middle affords an award-winning leisure expertise for all ages. This privately owned, all-in-one sports activities hub in Southeast Aurora options every thing from gymnastics and Ninja coaching to baseball, soccer, golf, lacrosse, volleyball, basketball, pickleball, dance, e-sports, Jiu-Jitsu, and extra. It’s the right spot to remain lively, be taught new expertise, and have a blast.
Take a health class
For individuals who love boutique health, TWST Health is the place to be. Positioned only a mile from Stanley Market, this women-owned studio affords distinctive exercises like Lagree, a low-impact muscular endurance routine, and the VersaClimber, a 30 minute high-intensity cardio exercise. Your top quality is barely quarter-hour, and it’s the right introduction to the exercise and the welcoming neighborhood.
8. Go to the Arapahoe County Honest within the Summers
Should you’re new to Aurora, ensure to mark your calendar for the Arapahoe County Honest, held each July on the Arapahoe County Fairgrounds. A staple of summer season in Aurora, the honest affords a full day of laughter and good healthful enjoyable, all at an unbeatable worth.
Have a good time the realm’s wealthy agricultural and western heritage via 4-H packages, interactive actions, and dwell leisure. Moreover, your admission covers limitless carnival rides, each day motor sports activities, stage performances, and even a petting farm. For the craft beer lovers on the market, don’t miss Pours on the Plains, a particular ticketed occasion held on Honest Friday. So, seize your cowboy boots and expertise one of many extra distinctive issues to do in Aurora on the Arapahoe County Honest.
9. Have a refreshing beverage
Kickstart your day in Aurora with a refreshing drink, from nutrient-packed smoothies to expertly brewed espresso. Whether or not you’re within the temper for one thing gentle and wholesome or wealthy and indulgent, the town’s cafes and juice bars have you ever lined.
Juices and smoothies
Be certain that to begin your morning with a refreshing enhance from Coco Loco, a family-owned gem in Aurora. Specializing in made-to-order smoothies filled with superfoods, Coco Loco additionally serves up scrumptious açaí bowls, rice bowls, and nutrient-dense salads. This juice bar prides itself on providing mouthwatering taste mixtures at reasonably priced costs, making certain each go to is a nourishing expertise.
Espresso and pastries
Wake & Take isn’t only a espresso store—it’s a European-inspired café serving a number of the finest espresso in Aurora. Alongside expertly brewed espresso and a various tea choice, you’ll additionally discover a menu brimming with worldwide flavors. Whether or not it’s freshly baked pastries crafted from French and Italian recipes or hearty breakfasts like Ukrainian pancakes, Polish pierogi, Armenian khachapuri, and Mexican burritos, there’s one thing for each craving.
For these trying to unwind, the café additionally affords Czech and German craft beers, plus a curated collection of wines from California, France, Australia, and Georgia. With an ever-evolving menu and a heat environment, Wake & Take is a must-visit spot should you’re new to Aurora.
10. Take pleasure in genuine Mexican delicacies
Craving genuine Mexican flavors? Head to Yo Momma’s Cantina, the place you’ll discover a excellent mix of recent and conventional Mexican dishes made with high quality substances. From mouthwatering tacos to flavorful enchiladas, each dish is crafted with nice consideration to element.
Pair your meal with one among their craft cocktails or margaritas, and revel in an reasonably priced but scrumptious meal. Furthermore, as a spot that’s pleasant for all ages, this institution welcomes everybody to take pleasure in nice meals and drinks, and glorious service in a enjoyable and alluring environment.
Exploring the distinctive issues to do in Aurora
Should you’re deciding if Aurora is an effective place to dwell, strive exploring the pure fantastic thing about its parks, indulging in native flavors, or discovering its arts scene. The Gateway to the Rockies is filled with surprises, even after you’ve checked every thing off your Aurora bucket listing. Whether or not it’s a hidden gem you missed or a seasonal occasion bringing recent pleasure, there’s all the time extra to expertise. With so many distinctive issues to do in Aurora, you’ll by no means run out of causes to maintain exploring.
