What To Do Near Gaylord Rockies

Shopping & Dining

Aurora is home to a variety of shopping and dining locations that make it easy to spend an afternoon in the city. From locally-owned restaurants to big-box stores, explore the best places to shop, dine, or grab a drink.

Stanley Marketplace
Where: 2501 DALLAS ST.

This aviation factory turned indoor marketplace is one of Colorado’s largest indoor spaces for dining, shopping, craft beverages, and more. Stanley Marketplace is home to 50+ businesses ranging from the award-winning restaurant Annette to cozy coffee shop Logan House Coffee and everything in between. Enjoy boutique shopping from Sterre and Aktiv, or pour your own pint at the Stanley Beer Hall.

Southlands Lifestyle Center
Where: 200 Inverness Dr.

Discover Aurora’s “Main Street” at Southlands Lifestyle Center. Complete with AMC Movie Theatre, name-brand shopping, and a variety of local and national dining locations – Southlands has a variety of things to do. During the warmer months, step outside to enjoy their summer concert series. Grab a drink at Bent Barley Brewing Company and watch the sunset or have a dining experience at the World Café & Wine Cellar.

Town Center at Aurora
Where: 14200 E ALAMEDA AVE.

Aurora's town center is a bustling hub of activity, with something for everyone. The shops and restaurants offer a variety of options, and the central plaza is perfect for people-watching. The library and museum are also great places to spend an afternoon, and the theater hosts a variety of performances throughout the year. Aurora's town center is the perfect place to spend a day, whether you're looking for some retail therapy or just want to explore everything the town has to offer.

Outdoors

With 300 days of sunshine a year, explore Colorado’s outdoor scene. From hiking and biking to wildlife viewing and paddle boarding, discover the Rocky Mountain views.

Cherry Creek State Park
Where: 4201 S Parker Rd.

Located in Arapahoe County, Cherry Creek State Park features an 880-acre reservoir, sandy beaches, dozens of hiking trails, and Rocky Mountain views. Perfect for an afternoon, Cherry Creek State Park is also home to 12 Mile Stables, an Aurora-based horse stable available for rides through the park. Visitors are welcome to paddleboard on the open water, explore the wilderness for animals, bike the trails, and so much more.

Aurora Reservoir
Where: 5800 S. POWHATON RD.

With white sand beaches, clear blue water, and paved walkways, the Aurora Reservoir is a must-visit for warm spring and summer days. Visitors are welcome to rent bikes, paddleboards, kayaks, and other recreation items to enjoy a day soaking up the summer sun. If you’re not up for swimming, enjoy the nearly eight-mile paved walkway around the water.

Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge
Where: 6550 Gateway Rd.

View Colorado wildlife in their natural habitat at this 15,900+ acre refuge. Walk or drive around designated paths to discover bison, mule deer, snapping turtles, coyotes, and more than 280 different species of birds. Different than a zoo, the Rocky Mountain Arsenal is an open-space area for wildlife to roam. First designated as a space for nesting Bald Eagles, the space has now become home to thousands of animals.

Golf

Nothing’s better than a day on the course. Discover golf courses bound to challenge your game while showcasing some of Colorado’s most beautiful views.

Murphy Creek Golf Course
Where: 1700 S OLD TOM MORRIS RD.

The homestead is calling at this seemingly untouched golfing oasis known as Murphy Creek. It’s the ideal combination of taking a step back in time but bringing along all the modern amenities we’ve come to love. Discover this 18-hole course complete with lake features and tall prairie grasses, which rings true of “links-style” golfing. Uniquely designed with a pioneer spirit, golfers looking to partake in the driving range can retrieve their balls from a converted grain silo – which adds to the distinct rustic charm only found at Murphy Creek Golf Course.

Saddle Rock Golf Course
Where: 21705 E ARAPAHOE RD.

Gear up for the ultimate golf experience at Saddle Rock Golf Course. Its outstanding reputation in the metro area goes far beyond its beautiful fairways, expansive driving range, and top-notch pro shop. Saddle Rock Golf Course has been home to several amateur and professional events, including the Colorado Open, and it continues to inspire golfers from around the state. This challenging 18-hole course rewards its dedicated players with mountain views, native landscapes, and extraordinary summer sunsets.

Heritage Eagle Bend Golf Course
WHERE: 23155 E HERITAGE PKWY

Nestled in Aurora’s southeastern corner, golfers can breathe in and relax from the hustle and bustle of city life as they enter the grounds. Surrounded by fields of prairie grass, native habitat, and open spaces, you can enjoy the large fairways as you tee up. Filled with panoramic views, exceptionally maintained greens and an expansive clubhouse with exceptional dining options, Heritage Eagle Bend Golf Course is ideal for the all-around golfer experience.

Breweries & Craft Beverages

As the unofficial craft beer capital of America, Colorado is home to some of the best craft beer in the world. In Aurora, discover more than 15 craft beer, wine, and cider locations.

Dry Dock Brewing Company – North Dock
Where: 2801 TOWER RD.

Tour the production facility of Aurora’s flagship brewing company, Dry Dock. Free tours of their production facility are available on Saturdays. Throughout the week, stop by their taproom, otherwise known as the “Canoe Room,” in the afternoons and evenings for a wide selection of in-house craft beers. Did we mention their nationally and internationally recognized winners?

Cheluna Brewing Company
Where: 2501 DALLAS ST. #148

If you’re looking for a relaxed-while-drinking craft beer vibe, we have a place for you. Cheluna Brewing Company, located inside Stanley Marketplace, brews and serves award-winning craft beer with a Mexican flare. Enjoy their Low Rider Mexican Lager, or go for a seasonal brew you can’t get anywhere else. Cheluna also allows outside food in their facility – making dinner and drinks a breeze.

Haykin Family Cider
Where: 12001 E 33RD AVE UNIT D.

Beer isn’t the only craft beverage in Aurora. Stop by Haykin Family Cider Thursday through Sunday to enjoy a drink that’s pressed, fermented, and bottled right in Aurora. Their intimate taproom and rotating cider menu make this place a must-see for anyone who’s looking for something a little different. Each and every glass of cider is made from only two ingredients – Colorado apples and yeast.

Must-see Attractions

If you're looking for things to do in Aurora, Colorado, you won't be disappointed. There are plenty of great attractions to check out, including the Plains Conservation Center, the Aurora History Museum, and the Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum.

Plains Conservation Center
WHERE: 21901 E HAMPDEN AVE.

Plains Conservation Center is an outdoor education center and state-designated natural area in Aurora, Colorado. The center offers classes and tours on topics such as wetlands ecology, native plants, and prairie restoration. Visitors can also enjoy hiking and bird watching on the property's nature trails.

Wings Over The Rockies
WHERE: 7711 E ACADEMY BLVD.

The museum features interactive exhibits, historical aircraft, and a planetarium. Visitors can explore the history of flight, discover the science of space travel, and experience the thrill of aviation.

Aurora History Museum
WHERE: 15051 E Alameda Pkwy.

The Aurora History Museum is a museum in Aurora, Colorado. It is dedicated to the history of Aurora and the surrounding area. The museum has exhibits on topics such as local businesses, transportation, schools, and churches. It also has a research library that is open to the public.