VISITING THE AURORA AREA

Welcome to the Aurora Area of Illinois, a destination of ten communities that offers an astonishing variety of attractions to visit, sights to see, and things to do. In these pages you'll encounter hundreds of unique options for shopping, dining, and fun times. Whether you're traveling with family, friends, or a couples getaway, there's an opportunity here for you to find activities your whole party will enjoy, from outdoor adventure and all-ages entertainment to nightlife, live music, casino gaming, and the best Broadway Series in the Midwest. 

Downtown Aurora brings you First Fridays, Wednesdays at the Plaza, Food Truck Festival, and more exciting downtown events. From amazing architecture, world class theatre, museums, one-of-a-kind shops, art galleries and delectable eateries downtown Aurora invites you to come explore!

Bike, hike, ski, snowshoe and marvel at some best trails in the Midwest that intersect here. Paddle the scenic Fox River via kayak or canoe. Play golf on lush green courses and boat, fish or hunt at our state wildlife area. 

Back-to-school, holiday gifting, brand new wardrobe or just because: visit the shopping destinations of the Aurora Area. Chicago Premium Outlets offers exclusive deals on designer goods at one of the Midwest's largest outdoor outlet malls.

The Aurora Area's rise to prominence as an arts & culture hub is thanks in large part to the success of the "Jeff" award-winning Paramount Theatre, where you can witness breathtaking Broadway productions and one-night-only entertainment.

Tune out distractions and tune into family time as you indulge your kids with weekends brimming with fun. Spend days diving into our water parks (we have the largest in the state - Raging Waves Waterpark in Yorkville!), aquatic centers and pools (indoors and out).

From interactive science museums to public displays dedicated to the area's rich natural, agricultural, and Civil War histories, you can visit fascinating artifacts and amazing collections at historic settings that include centuries old fire stations, opera houses, county buildings, train…

What do a coffee roaster, candlemaker, confectioner, sustainable gastropub, and purveyor of encased meats have in common? If it's handmade, homemade, and locally made, it's Illinois Made. Read our guide and you can discover eight Illinois Made destinations right here in the Aurora Area of…

Trip Ideas & Itineraries

Whether you're traveling with family, friends, grandkids, or for a couples getaway, you'll find fun things to do in the Aurora Area of…

El Jefe Tacos El Jefe - Leña y Mar.

Restaurants

The dining destinations of the Aurora Area are perfect for pairing with a night out at a show or simply to enjoy reconnecting with friends…