Most Instagram-able locations in Aurora

If you're looking for your next great photo spot, you don't have to head into the mountains. Aurora is full of colorful murals, wide-open landscapes, unique art, beautiful water views, and seriously photogenic food.

Art in the Park at Aurora Highlands | Directions

For a colorful and creative photo backdrop, head to Art in the Park at The Aurora Highlands. The neighborhood's parks and public spaces feature a collection of eye-catching public art installations, making this a great spot to explore with your camera.

One of the most recognizable pieces is Umi, a towering sculpture by internationally acclaimed artist Daniel Popper. You'll also find other playful and colorful installations throughout the area, giving you plenty of options for different photo styles and perspectives.

Stanley Marketplace | Directions

Industrial architecture, colorful storefronts, local food, drinks, and plenty of little details to discover? Stanley Marketplace checks a lot of boxes. Housed in a former aviation manufacturing facility, Stanley Marketplace is now home to dozens of locally owned businesses. It's an easy place to spend an afternoon exploring while filling your camera roll. Look for interesting architectural details, colorful storefronts, food and drink shots, and candid moments throughout the marketplace. There's even a photo booth on the second floor, perfect for getting some prints to share.

Aurora Reservoir | Directions

For that Colorado summer feeling, head to Aurora Reservoir. The blue water, sandy shoreline, trails, and wide-open skies create plenty of opportunities for beautiful photos. Get out on the water for a paddleboarding shot (open all summer through Labor Day), capture a lakeside picnic, or simply find a good viewpoint as the sun starts to set.

Nick's Garden Center | Directions

For a colorful and seasonal backdrop, stop by Nick's Garden Center. The garden center changes its displays throughout the year, creating new photo opportunities with every season. From vibrant flowers and plants in the warmer months to festive fall décor and holiday displays, there’s always something new to see.

Colfax Murals | Directions

For bold colors and unmistakably local character, take a stroll along East Colfax. The corridor is home to a variety of murals and colorful public art that make for fun, unexpected backdrops for photos. From large-scale walls to smaller details tucked along the avenue, there's plenty to explore. The mix of artwork, businesses and classic Colfax character gives your photos a distinctly Aurora feel. Start at the People's Building and follow this map to find all the murals!

Cherry Creek State Park | Directions

For wide-open Colorado landscapes without the mountain drive, Cherry Creek State Park is an easy choice. The park offers water, trails, prairie landscapes and plenty of opportunities to catch a beautiful sunset. It's especially good for outdoor photos. Think bikes, picnics, paddleboarding, dogs, friends, and those golden-hour moments to end every day.

Southlands | Directions

For a more polished, colorful and urban vibe, don't overlook Southlands. Aurora's outdoor shopping and entertainment destination has restaurants, storefronts, public spaces and seasonal activities that can make fun backdrops for lifestyle and food photography. It's also an easy place to combine photography with an afternoon of shopping, dining and entertainment.

In the summer, you'll find a splash pad, and in the winter, you'll find an ice rink at the end of their main street, making every season photogenic.

There's also an Aurora Mosaic (pictured here), which is a colorful public art installation that makes a fun and eye-catching backdrop for photos. Its vibrant design is especially great for colorful portraits, group shots and social content.

Windler 1881 Park | Directions

For a photo spot that's a little more historical, head to Windler's 1881 Park. This newer Aurora park features an eye-catching owl sculpture that makes for a fun and memorable backdrop. The park's open spaces and distinctive public art give you plenty of room to experiment with different compositions, whether you're snapping a portrait, a family photo, or simply capturing one of Aurora's newest places to explore.

On Havana Street Art

Havana Street is full of colorful murals and public art representing the area's diverse cultures. Some notable spots include the flower mural behind Tous Les Jours and the murals at Leezakaya, painted by local artist Eric Weatherford of Oddwall Painting.

At Leezakaya, look for the striking artwork behind the sushi bar, accented with copper metal leaf, as well as Japanese watercolor-inspired designs that blend traditional pub themes with modern touches.

With vibrant colors, cultural influences and unique details, Havana Street offers plenty of eye-catching backdrops for photos, especially when paired with the area's diverse food scene.

Aurora's Local Food Scene

And finally, don’t underestimate the power of a good food photo. Aurora’s diverse culinary scene means you’ll find everything from colorful desserts and beautifully plated dishes to burgers, tacos, pastries and craft drinks.

Start at Mango House, a refugee and immigrant community center home to a variety of food vendors, including Urban Burma, one of the only Burmese restaurants in Colorado. At Snowl, try taiyaki ice cream served in a fish-shaped, edible cone (don’t worry, there’s no seafood here!). Or head to Monsoon Cuisine of India in Southlands for vibrant, flavorful Indian dishes that are as colorful as they are delicious.

Sometimes the most Instagrammable moment of your Aurora adventure is what’s sitting on the table right in front of you. Explore our restaurant page to find your next delicious photo op.

Visit Aurora Office | Directions

Stop by the Visit Aurora office to say hello and snap a photo in front of our VISIT AURORA sign, surrounded by a wall of lush green faux plants. It’s a fun, colorful spot for a quick photo, and a great way to mark the start of your Aurora adventure.

Most importantly, we love welcoming visitors into our office! Our team is happy to share recommendations, help you discover things to do, and point you toward local experiences, dining, attractions and more. We’re open during normal business hours and always happy to help you make the most of your time in Aurora.