Things to Do in Luray, Virginia

A 4.6-mile hike with six stunning waterfalls along the way. Best in spring when water flow is strongest. Moderate difficulty with some rocky sections.

Best in spring (Apr–May) when water flow is strongest

Easy 1.6-mile loop to Shenandoah's second-highest peak. Stunning 360-degree views of the valley. Perfect for families and beginners.

The most popular and challenging hike in Virginia. Famous rock scramble section near the summit. Start early to avoid crowds.

Peak fall foliage mid-October. Start before 8 AM in summer to beat crowds.

Short but rewarding 1.4-mile out-and-back to a beautiful 70-foot waterfall. Steep descent means a challenging return climb.

Most impressive after spring rain or in winter when frozen

4-mile loop through old-growth forest with multiple waterfalls. Less crowded than Whiteoak Canyon with similar scenery.

Spring wildflowers bloom April–May. Fall color peaks mid-October.

3.3-mile moderate hike to an 81-foot waterfall. Best views in spring and after rainfall. Connects to Appalachian Trail.

Best views in spring and after heavy rainfall

Paved trail along Hawksbill Creek right in downtown Luray. Perfect for morning walks, jogging, or casual bike rides.

The largest caverns in the Eastern US, featuring the world's only Great Stalacpipe Organ. Self-guided tours daily 9 AM - 5 PM. Allow 1-2 hours.

Year-round 54°F underground — bring a light jacket. Less crowded on weekday mornings.

105-mile scenic drive along the Blue Ridge crest with 75+ overlooks. Best during fall foliage (mid-October) or spring wildflowers. $30 vehicle entrance fee.

Peak fall colors mid-October. Wildflowers bloom April–May. Sections may close in ice/snow.

Seven-acre open-air museum with restored 18th and 19th-century buildings. Blacksmith shop, schoolhouse, and period gardens. Included with Luray Caverns ticket.

Swift Run Overlook

One of Skyline Drive's best viewpoints for photography. Unparalleled views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and valleys below. Ideal at sunrise or sunset.

Range View Overlook

Located at mile marker 62.5 on Skyline Drive. Panoramic mountain views with picnic area. Popular with nature photographers.

Meems Bottom Covered Bridge

Virginia's longest covered bridge, built in 1892. Beautiful photo opportunity and a piece of Shenandoah Valley history.

A rescue zoo and petting farm with exotic and domestic animals. Family-friendly with hands-on experiences. Great for kids of all ages.

A large ornamental garden hedge maze on the Luray Caverns grounds. Fun challenge for families. Included with caverns admission.

Quirky roadside attraction featuring over 50 life-size dinosaur replicas in a forest setting. A kitschy Virginia classic since 1969.

Full-service outfitter offering canoe, kayak, tube, and raft rentals. Beginner-friendly rapids and scenic floats. Family-friendly trips available.

Open April–October. Book summer weekends in advance.

Kayaking the South Fork

Peaceful paddling through farmland and forest. Class I-II rapids suitable for beginners. Multiple put-in points for different trip lengths.

Best water levels spring through early fall. River may be too low in late summer.

Tubing Adventures

Lazy float down the Shenandoah River. Perfect for hot summer days. Outfitters provide tubes and shuttle service back to your car.

Season runs Memorial Day through Labor Day

Luray Reservoir

Local fishing spot with bass, catfish, and panfish. Peaceful setting with mountain views. Virginia fishing license required.

5.5 miles of river frontage with swimming, fishing, and kayak launches. Hiking trails and riverside camping available.

Named for seven dramatic bends in the Shenandoah River. Hiking, fishing, and stunning overlooks of the river valley.

Farm winery near Stanley, started in 2009, with about three acres of vines. The wines are made on site, from dry to sweet, and the farm keeps a small flock of Romney sheep.

Tasting room north of Luray in Page County, pouring wines aged and bottled by Barren Ridge Vineyards. Open weekends, with Fridays added seasonally — check current hours before you go.

McGaheysville winery whose Viognier — the first wine made for it — won a gold medal at the Virginia Governor's Cup competition.

Harvest season (Sep–Oct) is ideal for vineyard visits

Family-owned and operated vineyard and winery in the foothills above Mount Jackson, overlooking the Shenandoah Valley. Wine flights, charcuterie and seasonal events.

Woodstock winery with a full food menu Friday through Sunday and a lighter menu on other days.

Founded in 1976, the oldest winery in the Shenandoah Valley and the second-oldest active winery in Virginia. The Edinburg tasting room is about two miles off I-81.

Nano distillery on West Main Street in Luray, making small-batch spirits from local grains, with craft cocktails and spirits tastings.

Family-owned farm brewery near Stanley, set in a barn that once housed racehorses. Small-batch beers brewed on site.

Brewery in the center of Elkton at the foot of the Blue Ridge. Food trucks on weekends, and you're welcome to bring your own food.

Brewery and restaurant just off Main Street in historic Woodstock, in a renovated former work-clothes factory. Beers are brewed on site.

Farm brewery in Rappahannock County making wood-fired, barrel-fermented native beer, plus natural cider and wine. The tasting room has outdoor seating only.

Meadery on Main Street in Front Royal, run by two brothers from Alaska. Small-batch mead made in the Shenandoah Valley.

Gathering Grounds Patisserie & Cafe

Patisserie and cafe on East Main Street serving coffee, fresh pastries and sandwiches.

Steaks, seafood and burgers built around locally sourced ingredients, served at lunch and dinner. Reservations are recommended for dinner, and there is a kids' menu.

Full-service deli with hot and cold sandwiches, paninis, soups and salads, plus an outdoor beer and wine garden next door.

The dining room of the historic Mimslyn Inn, serving breakfast, a Sunday brunch buffet and dinner, with local ingredients and seasonal produce. Reservations recommended for dinner.

Mexican grill and cantina: enchiladas, tacos, burritos, chimichangas and combination plates, with lunch specials.

Food truck at Blue Shepherd Spirits, keeping its own hours. Smash burgers made with beef, chicken or black bean patties, all-beef hot dogs, fries and tots, including loaded cheese fries.

Asian Station

Asian restaurant on East Main Street in downtown Luray.

Cafe from a local coffee roaster, serving coffee and espresso drinks, pastries and breakfast.

Home-style American cooking: burgers, sandwiches, salads, entrees and daily specials, with a full bar and kids' items on the menu.

Contemporary American fine dining in a historic Main Street home, serving dinner and weekend brunch. Everything is made from scratch, from the breads to the desserts.

Families with young children are encouraged to choose The Garden. No high chairs, booster seats or dedicated children’s menu are provided; check the restaurant’s guest guide before booking.

Main Street Bakery & Catering

Long-running downtown bakery with breads, pastries, cakes and pies, plus quiche and soup at lunch.

Site of the famous 1864 battle where VMI cadets charged into combat. Museum, walking trails, and the historic Bushong farmhouse.

Located at New Market Battlefield. Comprehensive exhibits on the Valley Campaigns. Operated by Virginia Military Institute.

National Historic District encompassing sites from Stonewall Jackson's 1862 campaign through Sheridan's 1864 campaign.

Stonewall Jackson Museum

Dedicated to the Confederate general's famous Valley Campaign. Maps, artifacts, and detailed battle histories.

1797 limestone mansion and working farm. Site of the 1864 Battle of Cedar Creek. Tours, events, and living history programs.

Living history events in spring and fall. Holiday candlelight tours in December.

Massanutten Caverns

Smaller, less crowded alternative to Luray Caverns. More intimate tour experience with unique formations. Family owned since 1892.

117-foot tall carillon at Luray Caverns with 47 bells. Free concerts on the hour. Beautiful surrounding gardens.

Antique automobile and carriage collection at Luray Caverns. Classic cars, carriages, and Americana memorabilia.

Family water park and camping resort. Day passes available for the water park. Mini golf, gem mining, and activities.

Water park open Memorial Day through Labor Day

Hawksbill Creek Swimming Hole

Local swimming spot where Luray residents cool off in summer. Ask locals for directions - it's not well marked.

Summer only — best on hot afternoons June through August

Page Valley Fish Hatchery

Working state fish hatchery open to visitors. See trout at various life stages. Free admission, educational for kids.

Four-season resort with skiing, golf, water park, and zip lines. Great day trip option with activities for all ages.

Skiing Dec–Mar. Water park and zip lines spring through fall.

Switz-Mix Records

Old school vinyl record shop with a curated selection of classic and rare records. A must-visit for music lovers and collectors.