Parks & Trails for Adventurers
If marveling at local wildlife, gazing at serene landscapes and ambling along scenic trails sounds like your kind of thing, then the Aurora Reservoir Trail is for you. This paved loop surrounds the reservoir, offering unparalleled views and plenty of birding opportunities.
The High Line Canal Trail is another great option, stretching 71 miles and divided into 27 unique segments. Keep things easy on paved paths, gravel trails and wooden bridges while catching a glimpse of Aurora’s lively neighborhoods and natural landscapes.
With activities such camping, cycling and fishing, Cherry Creek State Park draws both locals and visitors alike. This park’s Wetland & Cherry Creek Trail Loop blends two trails into one scenic journey, leading you through grassy meadows, pristine wetlands and a picturesque creek — all framed by distant vistas of the Rocky Mountains.
At nearby Jewell Wetlands Park, you’ll find a peaceful boardwalk trail curving over a quiet waterway that leads to a butterfly garden filled with colorful flowers. Take the kids for a family picnic or immerse yourself in rejuvenating natural wonders.
Districts & Displays for Artsy Types
Tucked into parks or brightening unexpected corners of the city, nine art districts are filled with hundreds of public installations. At Hogan Park at Highlands Creek, it’s hard to miss Umi a 21-foot-tall sculpture. Meaning “ocean” in Japanese, Umi evokes a sense of nature and almost feels otherworldly. But that’s just the start. Check out Steel Stampede or the Whispering Wind sculptures. You can also check out Liberty a 58-foot-tall, 37,000-pound stainless steel piece from Burning Man 2024, installed at Hogan Park.
A theatrical gem in the ever-popular theater district, the Aurora Fox Arts Center presents Broadway-style plays and musicals in an intimate theater that once operated as a classic cinema. Across the street, The People’s Building brings extra creative energy with a gallery of local art, live performances and community events.
Sites & Exhibits for History Buffs
Step into the city’s rich past at the Aurora History Museum, where exhibits spotlight local culture and creativity. The permanent Growing Home exhibit features more than 100 historical photos, personal stories and a fully restored trolley trailer.
The Colorado Freedom Memorial honors those who've given the ultimate sacrifice for the nation. Located near Buckley Air Force Base, its glass panels house the names of nearly 6,000 Coloradans killed in action since Colorado first became a state.
Top-Rated Restaurants for Foodies
Aurora is where global cuisine meets local flavor. Thanks to On Havana Street, you can taste dishes from six different continents all in one 5-mile stretch. And that’s just for starters.
Wander over to Annette, where James Beard-award-winning chef Caroline Glover will serve you wood-fired American cuisine and craft cocktails in a dreamy, atmospheric setting. You’ll quickly taste and see why it’s been lauded by every major epicurean publication.
At Aki Asian Hot Pot, build-your-own soup bowls start with a bubbling broth and end with a custom creation. Choose beef or pork, toss in squid or clams for a seafood twist, or keep it vegetarian with a colorful mix of fresh add-ins.
If warm spices and rich sauces are calling your name, head to Haldi Indian Cuisine & Bar for butter chicken or herb-packed goat curry. The aloo gobi, made with spiced potatoes and cauliflower, is a go-to for vegetarians.
Over at Aroma do Brazil, the menu leans cozy, offering hearty Brazilian beef stew and tacos filled with savory sirloin. Or, if you’re craving Mediterranean, The Athenian Restaurant serves classics like gyros alongside refreshing Greek salads.
La Morena Restaurant is home to traditional Mexican flavors and sustainably sourced ingredients. The menu is stacked with favorites like melt-in-your-mouth shredded-chicken quesadillas, seafood fajitas with scallops and breaded-shrimp tacos. You can also try the nation's largest Hispanic food hall.
Relaxation & Rejuvenation for Wellness Seekers
From traditional Korean day spas to skilled nail salons and stone massages to soothing saunas, Aurora will take good care of you.
Find your wellness retreat at Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center, where mornings start with sunrise yoga. Inside the resort, Relâche Spa welcomes both guests and the general public with aromatherapy, body massages and essential treatments.
Then sink into the steamy calm of Havana Health Spa, where hot and cold tubs, Korean-style body scrubs and Thai massages are designed to revive both skin and spirit. Or, over at Simply Amazing Spa, feel the tension fade with massages and cryo-facials.
Wellness takes a holistic turn at Yogi Colorado, where the focus goes beyond the physical. Massage therapy, assisted stretching and nutrition coaching all come together with Reiki: a Japanese technique rooted in relaxation and balance.
Attractions for Kids & Families
With trampoline parks, splash pads and interactive game rooms, you can let kids roar in Aurora. This city plays well with others.
All located inside Stanley Marketplace, Friend Assembly invites kids to paint pre-made pottery in their open studio, while MindCraft Makerspace keeps their brains occupied with STEM kits or educational games and Bounce Gymnastics hosts open-gym sessions for a fun way to flip and tumble.
There’s always a plethora of outdoor spots to enjoy with the whole family. LuBird’s Light Playground offers a fully inclusive space designed for all abilities, including kids in wheelchairs. And 12 Mile Stables at Cherry Creek State Park offers guided horseback adventures across 3,000 acres of open space.
For even more action-packed fun, Urban Air Adventure Park features go-karts, dodgeball, rope courses, trampolines and more.
