Day Trips & Weekend Getaways
Best Day Trips & Weekend Getaways from Aurora, CO
Aurora spans Denver's East Metro with access to Cherry Creek State Park, the Plains conservation areas, and the mountains beyond.
Cherry Creek State Park and the High Line Canal offer nature within the metro.
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or browse all12 destinations near Aurora
Lantern Tour
Manitou Springs, CO 80829
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Adventure destination · highly rated (5.0 by 0.3k+ visitors) · 1 hr 13 min from Aurora · fits $15 - $50 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Garden of the Gods
CO 80904, USA
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.9 by 57.3k+ visitors) · 1 hr 5 min from Aurora · fits Free - $20 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.
High Point Overlook
Colorado Springs, CO 80904
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Adventure destination · highly rated (4.9 by 1.4k+ visitors) · 1 hr 11 min from Aurora · fits $15 - $50 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Mesa Overlook
Colorado Springs, CO 80904
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Adventure destination · highly rated (4.9 by 1.5k+ visitors) · 1 hr 4 min from Aurora · fits $15 - $50 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Rocky Mountain National Park
USA
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.9 by 27.2k+ visitors) · 1 hr 29 min from Aurora · fits Free - $20 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.
Kissing Camels
Colorado Springs, CO 80904
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Adventure destination · highly rated (4.8 by 0.3k+ visitors) · 1 hr 9 min from Aurora · fits $15 - $50 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Balanced Rock
Colorado Springs, CO 80904
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Adventure destination · highly rated (4.8 by 3.5k+ visitors) · 1 hr 14 min from Aurora · fits $15 - $50 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Fairy Caves
Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Adventure destination · highly rated (4.8 by 0.3k+ visitors) · 2 hrs 49 min from Aurora · fits $15 - $50 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun
Colorado Springs, CO 80906
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.8 by 0.6k+ visitors) · 1 hr 24 min from Aurora · fits Free - $20 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.
Twin Silo Park
Fort Collins, CO 80528
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.8 by 2.5k+ visitors) · 1 hr 2 min from Aurora · fits Free - $20 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.
Cave of the Winds Mountain Park
Manitou Springs, CO 80829
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Family destination · highly rated (4.7 by 17.9k+ visitors) · 1 hr 13 min from Aurora · fits $20 - $60 budget
Best time to visit: Summer and school breaks are busiest. Weekdays offer shorter lines and lower prices.
Fort Collins Museum of Discovery
Fort Collins, CO 80524
Why this destination?
Recommended because: History destination · highly rated (4.7 by 2.1k+ visitors) · 1 hr 11 min from Aurora · fits $10 - $25 budget
Best time to visit: Year-round. Indoor museums and historic sites are great rainy-day options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best day trips from Aurora, CO?
The best day trips from Aurora include state parks, historic towns, scenic drives, wineries, and outdoor recreation. Our page shows top-rated destinations with real drive times, Google ratings, and budget estimates so you can pick the right trip for your schedule and interests.
How far should I drive for a day trip from Aurora?
Most great day trips from Aurora are between 1 and 3 hours away. Under an hour gets you local parks and nearby towns. Two to three hours opens up state parks, lakefront destinations, and small cities worth a full day of exploring.
What are cheap things to do near Aurora?
Many of the best day trips near Aurora are free or low-cost. State parks, hiking trails, scenic drives, and small-town Main Streets are all great options. Check the budget estimates on each destination card above to plan a trip that fits your wallet.
What is the best time of year for day trips from Aurora?
Spring and fall are ideal for most destinations near Aurora, with mild weather and smaller crowds. Summer is great for beaches and water activities. Winter works well for indoor attractions like museums, historic sites, and food-focused trips. Check the seasonal notes on each card for specific timing tips.
Are there weekend getaways near Aurora?
Yes. Many destinations within 2-4 hours of Aurora make excellent overnight trips. Look for spots with multiple activities, good dining, and nearby lodging. Use the "Plan This Trip" button on any card to start building an itinerary, or check our drive-time pages for destinations at specific distances. If you need a car, compare rental options to find the best deal.
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