Top Attractions for First-Timers
With a lively arts scene, diverse neighborhoods, and an array of family-friendly activities, narrowing down what to do in Aurora can be tricky. To help you prioritize, here are some of the top attractions first-time visitors should have on their Aurora itinerary:
Cherry Creek State Park
Situated just a 15 minute drive from downtown Aurora, Cherry Creek State Park is an oasis right in the city. Spanning over 4,000 acres, it’s one of the largest urban parks in the country. Outdoor enthusiasts will love hiking and biking on the park’s 32 miles of trails. The 880-acre Cherry Creek Reservoir offers boating, paddleboarding, and fishing opportunities. Pack a picnic lunch or drop a line at the marina café and enjoy the great outdoors.
Aurora History Museum
You can’t visit Aurora without getting a crash course in local history! The Aurora History Museum tells the story of how this once-small agricultural town developed into a thriving, diverse city of over 380,000 residents. Historic homes, a pioneer cemetery, and heritage gardens allow guests to experience what life was like for early settlers. The museum also hosts fun seasonal events for the whole family to enjoy.
Aurora Fox Arts Center
Part of the city’s vibrant performing arts scene, the Aurora Fox Arts Center stages an eclectic lineup of plays and musicals in its intimate 200-seat theater. Support local talent or catch a renowned show during its national tour. With reasonably priced tickets, it’s a great option for an evening’s entertainment during your Aurora visit.
Aurora Reservoir
Love the water? Head just northeast of the city to access 32 miles of shoreline and over 900 surface acres of water. Boat rentals are available if you want to spend the day fishing or cruising around the reservoir. Visitors can also swim, kayak, and stand up paddleboard. Pack a picnic and relax on the sandy beaches for an easy summer day trip.
Stanley Marketplace
This historic aviation manufacturing complex turned urban market is one of Aurora’s newest attractions. Stanley Marketplace now houses a collection of Colorado-based retailers, restaurants, and craft breweries. Stop in for a bite, browse handmade goods, and take a peek at the historic aircraft still hanging in the rafters. It’s a great place to support local businesses.
Glow at the Gardens
For a truly memorable experience, visit the Denver Botanic Gardens’ York Street location from November through January to see it transformed by over a million dazzling lights. Nightly live music, interactive light displays, and opportunities for family photos make this a highlight of the holiday season. Be sure to bring your camera!
Aurora Sports Park
Home to facilities for softball, football, rugby, baseball, and more, the Aurora Sports Park is centrally located for easy access. Multi-field complexes host tournaments and events year-round. When games aren’t scheduled, the park’s walking trails, playground, and open space provide the perfect spot for a neighborhood hangout or family picnic.
How to Get Around Aurora?
Now that you have a handle on what to see and do in Aurora, let’s talk logistics. Here are your main options for getting around town during your visit:
Public Transportation
The Regional Transportation District (RTD) operates bus and light rail routes across the Denver metro area, including Aurora. The A Line commuter rail runs east-west through Aurora, connecting downtown Denver to the airport. Most major attractions and districts are accessible by public transit, though you may need to drive or take a rideshare to more suburban locations.
Taxis and Rideshares
While less used than public transit, taxis and rideshares like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Aurora. This is often the most convenient option for shorter point-to-point trips and for traveling to neighborhoods not directly served by bus or rail routes. With rideshares, you can get fare estimates and wait times right on your phone. Just be aware that rates may be higher during peak times.
Charter Buses
For group travel or events, charter bus rentals can be a smart transportation choice in Aurora. Rather than coordinating multiple cars or transit trips, charter a private bus to keep your group or guests together. Aurora Party Bus Company provides charter bus rentals for outings like nights out, weddings, corporate events, church functions, and more. Our fleet includes mini coaches for smaller groups and full sized buses for up to 56 passengers. All vehicles are outfitted with comfortable seats, A/C, luggage storage, and entertainment. Leave the driving to us and make transportation part of the fun!
Ready to Get Started?
We hope this guide gets you excited to explore Aurora for the first time! With so many attractions, activities, and dining options, you’ll want to come back again and again to experience everything this dynamic city has to offer. And when you’re ready to book transportation for your group’s Aurora visit, Aurora Party Bus Company is here to help. Our team handles all the logistics – from vehicle selection to routing and more – so you can focus on the fun parts of your trip. Give us a call at 303-214-4282 to get a personalized quote for your ideal bus rental. We look forward to helping you arrange smooth travels across Aurora!