Things to do in Shenandoah Valley, VA
A little piece of Appalachian paradise, Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley is the perfect place to get away this summer. An incredible national park, adorable small towns, natural wonders, amazing wineries and historical landmarks, there are simply so many things to do in Shenandoah Valley.
After multiple visits, we’re sharing some of the favorites we’ve discovered with our families. The Shenandoah Valley encompasses some 200 miles in the Appalachian Mountains region of Virginia. We’re sharing things to do from the entire region. Your choices may depend greatly on which area you’re staying in, so do some mapping to make your choices, as you may want to limit your time in the car and maximize your time in nature.
This really is an area that offers excuses to make a return trip, so let’s talk about the many things to do in Shenandoah Valley, VA (with or without kids!).
Shenandoah National Park
The biggest draw to this area may very well be the beautiful and quite popular national park. Drive Skyline Drive (the only public road within the park), take in the beautiful views of the Blue Ridge mountains, get out and hike. There are so many options for hiking, so find the right fit for you and your family here.
If you’re visiting in the summer, take along swim suits, towels and water shoes so you can stop for a dip in one of the many swimming holes in mountain streams, a popular and perfect summer activity. It can get really warm, but if you’re visiting in the heat of the day, there are plenty of shaded hikes through the forest.
This park can be busy in the summer months, so do your best to arrive early to beat some of the crowds. If you want to hike Old Rag, you will have to secure a day use ticket in addition to your park pass. Pack plenty of water and snacks – it’s a national park after all.
CC Favorite: I love everything that Danner makes, so if you’re looking for a good pair of hiking boots, I’d suggest these. They will do you right on the trail!
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Luray Caverns
A natural wonder, these caverns are a bit on the pricey side, but, in our opinion, worth it. The self-guided tour through the incredible caverns takes about an hour (it’s big!) and includes an easy-to-follow map that shares the background of the discovery of the caverns and the naming of the features.
My kids were fascinated with the massive underground formations and lakes. We also learned a lot about the geological processes that formed the caverns.
In addition to the tour through the caverns, the site features a ropes course, and a couple of museums, including an extensive collection of antique automobiles.
Quick-tip: Read on for reasons to make a stop in the town of Luray instead of eating at the on-site restaurant.
Try a Virginia Winery
Wineries in the Shenandoah Valley are plentiful and wonderful. On the East Coast, many of us look to this region as a more casual, more affordable version of Napa. It would take time to try them all out (not to mention breweries and distilleries in the area), but we’ll share our favorites thus far.
You may not think of a winery as a place to hang with kids, but all of these spots are located in some seriously beautiful country side with lots of room for running around outside. Family friendly is a description I’d use for many of these spots. Find an outside table, order some truly great wine and food and enjoy.
Early Mountain Vineyards
At Early Mountain Vineyards, I’d go with the Rosé and the Petit Verdot. Add the charcuterie board to make the evening.
Veritas
At Veritas, don’t miss the back porch sitting with spinning ceiling fans cooling you down in the summer heat – a lovely way to sip some wine on a date night or with kids in tow.
PippinHill Farm
Beautiful grounds and our favorite wines can be found at PippinHill. The Viognier won the entire trip the last time we visited. Be sure to book a table in advance on weekends!
Afton Mountain Vineyards
Afton Mountain Vineyards is at the top of my list for our next trip to Shenandoah.
Explore Small Towns
There is an endless list of small towns that are worth a quick stop, whether to enjoy some good food or browse unique mountain shops.
Staunton
Home of the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library, Staunton has more of a college town vibe with southern charm. If you’re interested in history, the Presidential Library is worth a stop and explores World War I and suffrage.
Remedy Burger is walking distance from the Presidential Library and serves a great lunch.
Luray
A quick walk or drive from the Luray Caverns, this small town has a great coffee shop, cafe and park in quick succession.
Broad Porch Coffee & Cafe has delightful coffee, breakfast & toast options. It’s located in a historic building in downtown Luray on a lot that was a Carriage, Wagon & Blacksmith shop in the mid-1800s.
Gathering Grounds makes for a charming lunch stop with delicious breads. The Ralph H. Dean Recreation Area has a great playground and green space for blowing off some after lunch energy if you’re traveling with kids.
The Chop House Bistro is a wonderful farm-to-table option for a nicer lunch or dinner – even with kids! The duck fat fries and mac and cheese were amazing, and my girls tried to steal every bit of my steak from my salad because it was all so tasty.
Front Royal
Close to Shenandoah National Park, this small town is convenient for exploring the many hiking trails of the park.
Learn about American history
There is SO MUCH American history to sort through in Virginia in general, and the Shenandoah Valley is no exception. From presidential homes to battlefields, this is a popular stop for history lovers.
U.S. Presidents
There are a host of presidential sites in the Shenandoah region that could probably comprise an entire trip. Choose the ones closest to you or the ones you’re most interested in.
Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello
Monticello is the famous home of the 3rd president. The grounds are lovely and worthy of a half day stop. Be sure to book in advance in the summer time.
Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest
The president’s retreat home is less extensive than Monticello, but offers many summer time events.
James Madison’s Montpelier
At Montpelier, the grounds and visitor center are free to visit. You’ll need to pay to tour the house, but if you’re happy with seeing the rest of the grounds, it’s a bargain.
James Monroe’s Highland
Located a short 10 minute drive away from Monticello, Highland would be a great place to walk with the kids on a nice day.
Civil War Sites
New Market Battlefield State Historical Park
Interactive exhibits for kids and many miles of walking trails make this a more interesting way to delve into the extensive civil war history of the area. I’d start with the museum when the kids are fresh and then burn off energy on the trails once they start to get restless.
Visit the University of Virgnia
This university campus, located in Charlottesville, is truly special. Walk through the East & West Gardens, spot statues of Thomas Jefferson, enjoy the laid back nature of the campus in the summer. Kids will love to run through the columns and campus green spaces.
The surrounding area is the perfect college town, with a plethora of restaurants selling local wines and drafts.
If you’re on the east coast (or even if you’re not), consider spending some time this summer with this list of things to do in the Shenandoah Valley. We think you’ll love it. Did we miss something? Let us know!
Looking for other East Coast spots to explore? Check out these posts…
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