Discover local things to do
Aurora is one big city! Discover local eats and things to do near your neighborhood.
Eastern Aurora sits close to Denver International Airport which led rise to a variety of places to stay and visit. Commonly referred to as “Gateway Park” or “Tower Road,” the Airport Neighborhood is home to some of our excellent hotels, unique dining options, and some of the best sunsets Colorado has to offer. Follow the guide below for our hand-picked neighborhood itinerary, all within a 10-15 minute drive.
Good news! If you’re staying at the Cambria Hotel Denver International Airport, Woolley's Classic Suites, or Hyatt Place Denver Airport, they offer a complimentary shuttle within 3.0 – 3.5 miles! Ask about these at check-in to begin your itinerary planning.
Nestled in the vibrant heart of Aurora, CO, the Airport neighborhood offers a perfect blend of convenience and breathtaking scenery. At its core is the Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center, the largest hotel in Colorado, offering luxurious accommodations and a world-class experience. With easy access to downtown Denver, the pulse of Aurora, and Denver International Airport (DIA), it's an ideal spot for both leisure and business travelers. Plus, guests can enjoy stunning views of the majestic Colorado Rockies, making it a destination worth exploring. Whether you're here for a getaway, a business trip, or a stopover, the Airport neighborhood in Aurora is the perfect starting point for your Colorado adventure.
Don't miss out on learning more about their incredible summer festivities and holiday fun! Learn more here!
If you have some time during a layover in Denver and want to stretch your legs or are looking to explore more of Aurora’s hidden gems, be sure to check out the Art in the Park series along Hogan Park at Highlands Creek. With the locals’ inside scoop, you can discover even more captivating art installations, murals, and unique spots throughout the area. Check out Daniel Popper's towering 21-foot art installation. Representing "Gaia," the Earth goddess, Umi symbolizes the harmonious blend of woman and tree. This striking piece is the newest addition to Aurora’s vibrant arts and culture scene. Dive into the inspiration behind Umi's design, and be sure to visit her at Aurora Highlands! Don’t miss out on uncovering additional treasures by visiting The Aurora Highlands in the airport district!
Learn more about the Art in the Park series and discover more of its upcoming art installations!
If you want to get active in Aurora, check out the exciting pickleball scene! Whether you're a seasoned player or just starting, you'll find top-notch courts like those at Mile Hi Pickleball. This popular venue offers a fantastic space to enjoy the fast-paced sport and a great way to stay active while exploring the area. So grab your paddle and head over for some friendly competition and fun! Aurora is a perfect place to get your game on!
Head north to discover more than 15,000 acres of Colorado landscape. Native animals, like bison, deer, and foxes roam miles of untouched plains. Park the car and head out on a nature hike with the family, you may even spot some active wildlife along the way. There’s also a nine-mile nature drive that’s perfect for catching an uninterrupted sunset. For a quick breakfast, you can walk over to Coffee & Bagels before heading out to the Wildlife Refuge.
Test your golf game at one of Aurora's most walkable courses. Common Grounds Golf Course is located southwest of the Airport Neighborhood and is just a quick drive away. This 18-hole course is designed to challenge the everyday golfer with rolling greens and expansive fairways. Competitive pricing makes this place perfect for locals and even better for travelers. We suggest heading out during a weekday for optimal tee times.
This place is sure to impress your friends and family. Haykin Family Cider is the Denver Metro’s leader in small-batch hard cider. Staying true to the stem-to-glass concept, discover a cidery like no other with modern-décor and an exposed production facility. Owners, Daniel and Talia, captured the essence of the Colorado climate by growing their apples in state and have created cider flavors that are 100% unique to the city. Check their hours for tasting and sipping. Like what you taste? Order their cider online and have it delivered! Nothing says welcome home quite like cider at your doorstep.
Get your fix of Colorado craft beer at the Green Valley Ranch Beer Garden. Located directly east of the Airport Neighborhood, you’re less than a 10-minute ride away from more than two dozen craft beers on tap. They also offer a counter-style restaurant along with wines and mixed drinks for everyone to enjoy. With relaxing outdoor seating, board games, and large flat screens – you’ll feel right at home. For something walkable, Applebee’s Grill + Bar and Urban Sombrero are just a short distance away from major hotel clusters.
Located near the Gaylord Rockies, Danico Brewing Co. offers some of the best brews in northeast Denver! For the ultimate beer enthusiast looking to explore Colorado's beer scene, Danico Brewing is providing exceptional sips with creative flavors like its Pard' N My Pickle pilsner, Mountain Meadows German-style lager with authentic German ingredients, and pistachio cream ale Lost Hills with nutty and crisp notes. Besides its delicious taps, Danico is a community hub where you can hang out with friends in its abundant indoor and outdoor space.
Whatever you’re looking for, you’ll probably find it On Havana Street. A local cluster of ethnic eateries, shops, restaurants, small businesses and more are what’s known to the locals as On Havana. Take a food tour of some of Aurora’s best Korean eats or enjoy Japanese ice cream and boba tea on a hot day. With big box stores and local businesses offering a variety of shopping options, you’ll certainly be set for a day of shopping. While On Havana is a little bit outside the Airport Neighborhood, setting aside a few hours to spend roaming the area will make your travel well worth it! Don't panic; you can still get there in under 30 minutes!
It’s easy to explore the things to do in the Airport Neighborhood. Between hitting the trails and uniquely-Colorado dining experiences, you’ll find plenty of things to do. Spending more than a few days in Aurora? Check out our latest Visitor Guide, your ultimate Aurora resource.