Set towards 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 points of interest, this metropolis is stuffed 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 dwelling in Aurora, are occupied with an condominium to lease, or have your eye on a rental dwelling within the metropolis, this information will take you past the bizarre. Let’s dive in and uncover essentially the most distinctive issues to do in Aurora, CO.
1. See the fantastic 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 part from swimming and sunbathing to kayaking and fishing.
Native photographer Jamie Herrera of Jamie Herrera Images recommends the reservoir as among the finest locations to expertise the fantastic thing about Aurora. “It’s an amazing spot to benefit from the open air and have some enjoyable, whether or not you’re eager to bike the path across the reservoir, calm down by the water, or get pleasure from some water sports activities like fishing, kayaking, boating, swimming, or paddle boarding,” she shares. “So, seize a liked one and expertise all that Aurora has to supply.”
For a particular contact, take into account capturing your day with a household images session by Jamie. Specializing in new child, child, household, and highschool senior images, she provides out of doors periods that mix posed and way of life pictures, serving to you seize your unforgettable day on the reservoir.
2. Spend the day at Cherry Creek State Park
Cherry Creek State Park is without doubt one of the distinctive issues to do in Aurora that’s good for out of doors fanatics. The park consists of expansive trails for mountaineering 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 a wide range of hen species.
After a day of exploring, Golden Flame Sizzling Wings is the proper 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 ambiance makes it the perfect place to catch a sport, and revel in a real Aurora staple.
3. Pedal by the Excessive Line Canal
Stretching 71 miles from Waterton Canyon to Northeast Aurora, the Excessive Line Canal provides 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 an important 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 instructional packages and volunteer occasions assist strengthen connections alongside its total size.
Pedal by 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 one of the vital scenic bike rides in Aurora.
4. Try the humanities scene that Aurora is understood for
Aurora is dwelling to a charming arts scene, mixing native creativity with cultural influences from all over the world. From public artwork shows and galleries to stay theater performances, town provides countless methods to expertise its creative 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.
Whilst you’re there, head to The Individuals’s Constructing, situated on East Colfax. This metropolis of Aurora venue provides native performing artists the chance to showcase their work to artwork adventurers of their furnishings retailer turned multi-use artwork area. For those who’re somebody who enjoys discovering that subsequent group “earlier than 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 full of life music, it’s the proper 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’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 packages, making it a hub for neighborhood enjoyable. Glide throughout the rink, problem your folks to a race, or just benefit from the nostalgic thrill of curler skating.
6. Unwind with craft beer at Second Daybreak Brewing
Begin the very best a part of your day at Second Daybreak Brewing, a comfy and inclusive taproom serving award-winning craft beer and regionally roasted Mishap Espresso. Whether or not you’re searching for a laid-back spot to work, meet up with associates, or simply get pleasure from 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 searching for an amazing neighborhood hangout, that is one Aurora brewery you received’t need to miss.
7. Keep lively
For individuals who love to maneuver, Aurora is stuffed with alternatives to remain lively. Whether or not you’re searching for health lessons, sports activities instruction, or some enjoyable recreation, town has a wide range of spots that will help you keep match and energized.
Unleash your inside athlete
When you’ve got youngsters or are nonetheless a child at coronary heart, Obtain Sports activities Heart provides an award-winning leisure expertise for all ages. This privately owned, all-in-one sports activities hub in Southeast Aurora options every part 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, study new abilities, and have a blast.
Take a health class
For individuals who love boutique health, TWST Health is the place to be. Situated only a mile from Stanley Market, this women-owned studio provides distinctive exercises like Lagree, a low-impact muscular endurance routine, and the VersaClimber, a 30 minute high-intensity cardio exercise. Your firstclass is just 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
For those who’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 season in Aurora, the truthful provides 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 by 4-H packages, interactive actions, and stay 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 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 lined.
Juices and smoothies
Ensure to begin your morning with a refreshing increase from Coco Loco, a family-owned gem in Aurora. Specializing in made-to-order smoothies full of 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, guaranteeing 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 provides 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 should you’re new to Aurora.
10. Bask in genuine Mexican delicacies
Craving genuine Mexican flavors? Head to Yo Momma’s Cantina, the place you’ll discover a good mix of latest 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 certainly one of 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 get pleasure from nice meals and drinks, and wonderful service in a enjoyable and alluring ambiance.
Exploring the distinctive issues to do in Aurora
For those who’re deciding if Aurora is an efficient place to stay, attempt 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 part off your Aurora bucket record. Whether or not it’s a hidden gem you neglected or a seasonal occasion bringing contemporary 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.