Set in opposition to the gorgeous backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, Aurora, CO, is understood for its stunning parks, various eating scene, and quick access to out of doors adventures. However past the same old sights, this metropolis is stuffed with surprising surprises that make it actually 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 desirous about an residence to hire, or have your eye on a rental dwelling within the metropolis, this information will take you past the odd. Let’s dive in and uncover probably the most distinctive issues to do in Aurora, CO.
1. See the great thing about nature at Aurora Reservoir
For an ideal mixture of leisure 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 really perfect spot for every little thing from swimming and sunbathing to kayaking and fishing.
Native photographer Jamie Herrera of Jamie Herrera Pictures recommends the reservoir as top-of-the-line 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 good for out of doors lovers. The park contains expansive trails for mountain climbing and biking, a reservoir for boating and fishing, and loads of open areas for picnicking. It’s additionally a great place for wildlife watching, the place guests can spot deer, foxes, and quite a lot of chicken species.
After a day of exploring, Golden Flame Scorching Wings is the proper spot to refuel. Only a quick drive from the park, this native favourite has been serving up a few of Aurora’s finest wings for over 30 years. With quite a lot of signature sauces, dry rubs, crispy fries, and delectable aspect dishes, it’s a go-to spot for locals and vacationers. The ambiance makes it the perfect place to catch a recreation, and luxuriate in a real Aurora staple.
3. Pedal by way of 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 reworked into a significant hall for nature exploration, out of doors actions, and biodiversity.
With the assist of the Excessive Line Canal Conservancy and the local people, the canal is being revitalized as inexperienced infrastructure, whereas instructional applications and volunteer occasions assist strengthen connections alongside its whole size.
Pedal by way of 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, carry loads of water, and luxuriate in one of the vital scenic bike rides in Aurora.
4. Try the humanities scene that Aurora is understood for
Aurora is dwelling to a fascinating arts scene, mixing native creativity with cultural influences from world wide. From public artwork shows and galleries to reside theater performances, town affords infinite methods to expertise its inventive power. As well as, the Aurora Cultural Arts District (ACAD) serves as the guts of the scene, that includes distinctive galleries, studios, and efficiency areas that showcase native expertise.
Whilst 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. If you happen to’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 vigorous music, it’s the proper place to lace up your skates and hit the ground. Regardless of for those who’re a seasoned skater or simply getting began, the power there’s contagious.
Skate Metropolis isn’t nearly open skate periods—it’s additionally a go-to spot for birthday events, discipline journeys, and sports activities applications, making it a hub for neighborhood enjoyable. Glide throughout the rink, problem your pals to a race, or just benefit from the nostalgic thrill of curler skating.
6. Unwind with craft beer at Second Daybreak Brewing
Begin the perfect a part of your day at Second Daybreak Brewing, a comfortable and inclusive taproom serving award-winning craft beer and regionally roasted Mishap Espresso. Whether or not you’re in search of a laid-back spot to work, meet up with mates, or simply get pleasure from a top quality brew, this neighborhood gem has you coated.
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 in search of an awesome neighborhood hangout, that is one Aurora brewery you received’t wish to miss.
7. Keep lively
For many who love to maneuver, Aurora is stuffed with alternatives to remain lively. Whether or not you’re looking for health courses, sports activities instruction, or some enjoyable recreation, town has quite a lot of spots that can assist you keep match and energized.
Unleash your internal athlete
When you’ve got children or are nonetheless a child at coronary heart, Obtain Sports activities Heart affords an award-winning leisure expertise for all ages. This privately owned, all-in-one sports activities hub in Southeast Aurora options every little thing from gymnastics and Ninja coaching to baseball, soccer, golf, lacrosse, volleyball, basketball, pickleball, dance, e-sports, Jiu-Jitsu, and extra. It’s the proper spot to remain lively, be taught new abilities, and have a blast.
Take a health class
For many 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 firstclass is barely quarter-hour, and it’s the proper introduction to the exercise and the welcoming neighborhood.
8. Go to the Arapahoe County Truthful within the Summers
If you happen to’re new to Aurora, be sure that to mark your calendar for the Arapahoe County Truthful, held each July on the Arapahoe County Fairgrounds. A staple of summer time in Aurora, the honest affords a full day of laughter and good healthful enjoyable, all at an unbeatable worth.
Rejoice the realm’s wealthy agricultural and western heritage by way of 4-H applications, interactive actions, and reside leisure. Moreover, your admission covers limitless carnival rides, day by 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 Truthful Friday. So, seize your cowboy boots and expertise one of many extra distinctive issues to do in Aurora on the Arapahoe County Truthful.
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 mild and wholesome or wealthy and indulgent, town’s cafes and juice bars have you ever coated.
Juices and smoothies
Be sure to start out your morning with a refreshing increase 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 combos 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 among 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 number of wines from California, France, Australia, and Georgia. With an ever-evolving menu and a heat ambiance, Wake & Take is a must-visit spot for those who’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 good mix of recent and conventional Mexican dishes made with high quality elements. From mouthwatering tacos to flavorful enchiladas, each dish is crafted with nice consideration to element.
Pair your meal with one in all their craft cocktails or margaritas, and luxuriate in an reasonably priced but scrumptious meal. Furthermore, as a spot that’s pleasant for all ages, this institution welcomes everybody to get pleasure from nice meals and drinks, and wonderful service in a enjoyable and alluring ambiance.
Exploring the distinctive issues to do in Aurora
If you happen to’re deciding if Aurora is an effective place to reside, strive exploring the pure fantastic thing about its parks, indulging in native flavors, or discovering its arts scene. The Gateway to the Rockies is stuffed with surprises, even after you’ve checked every little thing off your Aurora bucket checklist. Whether or not it’s a hidden gem you neglected 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.
