One Day in Aurora, Colorado: A Perfect Blend of Nature, Culture, and Adventure

Aurora, Colorado, often overshadowed by its more famous neighbor Denver, is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. This vibrant city, nestled at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and urban delights. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a food lover, or a history buff, Aurora has something special in store for you. Join us as we embark on an action-packed journey through this captivating city, making the most of just one day.

Morning: Embrace the Great Outdoors

As the sun rises over the Colorado plains, there’s no better way to start your day in Aurora than by immersing yourself in its natural beauty. Head to Cherry Creek State Park, a sprawling oasis that serves as the crown jewel of Aurora’s outdoor spaces. This 4,000-acre park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and offers a myriad of activities to kick-start your day.

Begin with a refreshing morning walk or jog along the park’s extensive trail system. The crisp mountain air and the gentle rustling of leaves will invigorate your senses and set a positive tone for the day ahead. If you’re feeling more adventurous, rent a bicycle from the park’s facilities and explore the 35 miles of multi-use trails that wind through diverse landscapes, from open meadows to dense forests.

For water lovers, the park’s centerpiece is the 880-acre Cherry Creek Reservoir. Early mornings are perfect for kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding on the calm waters. Keep an eye out for the abundant wildlife that calls the park home – you might spot deer, coyotes, or even a bald eagle soaring overhead.

If you’re visiting during the warmer months, don’t miss the opportunity to take a refreshing dip at the park’s swim beach. The cool water and sandy shores provide a perfect spot to relax and soak in the Colorado sunshine.

Before leaving Cherry Creek State Park, take a moment to visit the Model Airplane Field. Even if you’re not a hobbyist, watching the intricate remote-controlled planes soar through the sky is a unique and entertaining experience.

Late Morning: A Journey Through Time

After your outdoor adventures, it’s time to delve into Aurora’s rich history. Make your way to the Aurora History Museum, a free community-based center that offers fascinating insights into the city’s past and present. The museum’s exhibits cover a wide range of topics, from Aurora’s early days as a frontier town to its modern-day status as a diverse, thriving community.

One of the museum’s highlights is the restored 1913 trolley car, which offers a glimpse into Aurora’s early public transportation system. As you explore the exhibits, you’ll learn about the city’s agricultural roots, its role in World War II, and the diverse cultures that have shaped Aurora into the vibrant city it is today.

For a deeper dive into local history, take a short drive to the Plains Conservation Center. This unique attraction transports visitors back to the 19th century, offering a glimpse of life on the Colorado prairie. Walk through recreated tipis and sod houses, and imagine what life was like for both Native Americans and early settlers in this challenging environment.

The center also serves as a nature preserve, protecting native grassland ecosystems. Take a short hike on one of the trails and keep an eye out for pronghorn antelope, coyotes, and a variety of bird species. The contrast between the historical reenactments and the preserved natural landscape provides a thought-provoking perspective on the relationship between human development and environmental conservation.

Midday: Culinary Delights and Local Flavors

All that exploring is sure to work up an appetite, and Aurora’s diverse food scene is ready to satisfy your cravings. For lunch, head to the Stanley Marketplace, a community-focused urban market housed in a former aviation factory. This bustling hub is home to over 50 independent Colorado businesses, offering everything from artisanal coffee shops to gourmet restaurants.

Take your time exploring the marketplace, sampling dishes from various eateries. You might try some authentic Mexican street tacos, indulge in a gourmet burger, or opt for a fresh, healthy salad bowl. Don’t forget to grab a locally brewed craft beer or a handcrafted cocktail to complement your meal.

While at Stanley Marketplace, browse the unique shops and boutiques. You’ll find everything from handmade jewelry and artisanal soaps to vintage clothing and locally designed home decor. It’s the perfect place to pick up a souvenir or gift that captures the spirit of Aurora.

Afternoon: Art and Culture

After lunch, immerse yourself in Aurora’s vibrant arts scene. Start with a visit to the Aurora Cultural Arts District, a vibrant neighborhood that’s home to numerous galleries, studios, and performance spaces. Take a leisurely stroll down East Colfax Avenue, popping into galleries to admire works by local artists.

One must-visit spot is the People’s Building, a community-focused arts center that hosts a variety of events and exhibitions. Check their schedule – you might be lucky enough to catch a live performance, an art workshop, or a thought-provoking lecture.

For a unique artistic experience, head to the Art in Public Places program sites scattered throughout the city. Aurora boasts an impressive collection of public art, from large-scale sculptures to intricate murals. Some notable pieces include the “Aspire” sculpture at the Aurora Municipal Center and the colorful murals along the Colfax corridor.

If you’re interested in performing arts, consider catching a matinee show at the Aurora Fox Arts Center. This intimate theater, housed in a historic 1940s movie house, offers a diverse range of productions, from classic plays to contemporary works by local playwrights.

Late Afternoon: Retail Therapy and Urban Exploration

As the afternoon progresses, it’s time for some retail therapy. Make your way to the Southlands, an open-air lifestyle center that offers a mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. With its charming main street design and wide variety of stores, Southlands provides a pleasant environment for window shopping or finding that perfect purchase.

Take a break from shopping to enjoy the center’s unique features. In warmer months, children (and the young at heart) can cool off in the pop-jet fountain, while in winter, the fountain area transforms into an ice skating rink. The center also features a state-of-the-art movie theater, perfect for catching the latest blockbuster if you need a break from the Colorado sun.

For a different shopping experience, venture to the Havana Street corridor. This diverse neighborhood is home to a variety of international markets and shops. Explore Asian supermarkets, Middle Eastern bakeries, and Latin American specialty stores. It’s a fantastic opportunity to discover unique ingredients and products from around the world.

Evening: Sunset and Stargazing

As the day winds down, it’s time to experience one of Colorado’s most spectacular natural phenomena – the sunset over the Rocky Mountains. For the best views, head to the Aurora Reservoir. This 800-acre reservoir not only offers stunning vistas but also provides a tranquil environment to reflect on your day’s adventures.

Take a gentle stroll along the shoreline as the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky in a breathtaking array of colors. The reservoir’s calm waters perfectly mirror the colorful sky, creating a mesmerizing double image of the sunset.

If you’re visiting during the warmer months and have planned ahead, consider participating in one of the Aurora Reservoir’s sunset pontoon boat tours. These guided excursions offer a unique perspective on the reservoir’s ecosystem and provide unparalleled views of the sunset from the water.

As darkness falls, Aurora’s location away from the bright lights of Denver makes it an excellent spot for stargazing. On clear nights, you can often see an impressive array of stars and constellations with the naked eye. For a more in-depth astronomical experience, check if the Aurora Astronomy Club is hosting a public viewing event at one of their designated dark sky sites.

Night: Dining and Entertainment

Cap off your day with a memorable dining experience. Aurora’s culinary scene is as diverse as its population, offering flavors from around the world. For a truly special meal, consider Annette, located in the Stanley Marketplace. This James Beard Award-nominated restaurant serves seasonally inspired, wood-fired cuisine in a warm, inviting atmosphere.

If you’re in the mood for international flavors, head to Havana Street, often referred to as Aurora’s “Ethnic Restaurant Row.” Here, you can sample authentic dishes from Korea, Ethiopia, Vietnam, and beyond. Try Angry Chicken for crispy Korean fried chicken, or Addis Ababa for a traditional Ethiopian feast served on injera bread.

After dinner, if you still have energy, experience Aurora’s nightlife. Visit Dry Dock Brewing Company, one of Colorado’s premier craft breweries, for a flight of locally brewed beers. Their tasting room offers a relaxed atmosphere to unwind and reflect on your day in Aurora.

For live entertainment, check out Stampede, a massive country western nightclub that offers line dancing lessons and live music. Even if country isn’t your usual style, the lively atmosphere and friendly crowd make for a fun and uniquely Colorado experience.

Alternatively, for a more low-key evening, visit The Infinite Monkey Theorem, an urban winery located in Stanley Marketplace. Enjoy a glass of locally produced wine while relaxing on their patio, the perfect way to toast to a day well spent in Aurora.

Conclusion: Aurora’s Hidden Charms

As your day in Aurora comes to a close, you’ll likely find yourself surprised by the city’s diverse offerings and hidden charms. From the natural beauty of Cherry Creek State Park to the cultural richness of the arts district, from the international flavors of Havana Street to the stunning Rocky Mountain sunset, Aurora offers a microcosm of Colorado’s best features.

This often-overlooked city proves that it’s more than just a suburb of Denver – it’s a destination in its own right, filled with unique experiences and warm, welcoming communities. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a culture vulture, a foodie, or simply a curious traveler, Aurora has something special to offer.

While one day only scratches the surface of what Aurora has to offer, it’s enough to leave you with lasting memories and a desire to return. So next time you’re planning a trip to Colorado, don’t just pass through Aurora – stay awhile and discover the unexpected delights of this Rocky Mountain gem.