Aurora, Colorado stands out with its vast High Line Canal Trail system weaving through over 100 parks, offering urban hikers a route rivaling national parks—right inside the city. Unlike any other in Colorado, it hosts the Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum’s second campus at Centennial Airport, blending aviation history with active runways just minutes from residential neighborhoods.
Notable points about Aurora
- Aurora, Colorado is uniquely defined by its international flair—home to over 160 languages spoken and vibrant cultural enclaves like the Havana Street Global District.
- Unlike Denver, Aurora leans into its spacious suburban feel with massive prairie views and access to both wild open spaces and top-tier healthcare hubs like Anschutz Medical Campus.
- The best time to visit is late spring (May–June) when wildflowers bloom at Cherry Creek State Park and the weather is ideal for lakeside picnics and kayaking.
- Aurora is slightly more affordable than Denver, offering cheaper accommodations and dining while maintaining proximity to major metro attractions and nature spots.
- Catch an authentic performance at The People's Building or attend Global Fest in August, where you can experience music, food, and dance from over 25 cultures.
- Don’t miss trying Ethiopian cuisine along Havana Street—Lucy’s Ethiopian Restaurant and Nile Ethiopian serve injera platters that locals rave about.
- Renting a car is most practical, but the RTD light rail connects key neighborhoods and provides easy access to Denver and the airport.
- Explore the Sand Creek Greenway—a quiet, locals-only trail perfect for biking or birdwatching that winds past wetlands and hidden parks.
- Aurora is generally safe, especially in family-friendly areas like Southlands, but keep aware at night around Colfax Avenue; English is spoken everywhere, but you'll often hear Amharic, Korean, and Spanish.
- Paddleboarding at Aurora Reservoir at sunset, with the Rockies silhouetted in the distance, is a surreal, peaceful moment you’ll never forget.