25 Amazing Things to Do in Luray VA for Adventure Seekers

By / Day Trips, DC Getaways, Virginia

Updated for 2025

The little town of Luray, VA, with nearly 5,000 residents, makes the perfect weekend getaway location. Since it is only about 90 miles / 1½ hours from Washington D.C., it makes for a quick trip for a laid-back, relaxing weekend or mid-week vacation. You could even day trip to enjoy a few of the things to do in Luray when you have some spare time.

A daytime view of a historic brick house with a gray shingle roof and red shutters, alongside a smaller gray building with a red roof, likely part of the Luray Valley Museum. The buildings are situated in a rural setting with a wooden fence and distant blue mountains under a partly cloudy sky. Exploring historical sites like this museum is one of the interesting things to do in Luray VA.
credit Virginia Tourism

The Luray Caverns may be their most famous tourist attraction, but there is plenty more to keep you busy and entertained during your time in the Shenandoah region. 

An interior view of the Luray Caverns, featuring impressive geological formations such as stalactites hanging from the ceiling and stalagmites rising from the ground, illuminated with warm lighting. A winding walkway with railings allows visitors to explore the underground landscape. Visiting stunning caverns like this is one of the memorable things to do in Luray VA.
credit Virginia Tourism

Below you will find an array of things to do and see in this quaint area. So be prepared to choose between visiting local wineries, taking a tubing or canoe trip down the Shenandoah River, visiting an art gallery, taking a stroll through the Hawksbill Greenway, or journeying up to the Skyline Drive and exploring the Shenandoah National Park.

A scenic, misty view of a multi-tiered waterfall cascading over moss-covered rocks in a lush, wooded environment, possibly Doyles River Falls or Upper Doyle's River Falls. The water flows with a soft, blurred motion due to a long exposure. Exploring the natural beauty of waterfalls and surrounding trails is one of the refreshing things to do in Luray VA.

Things to do in Luray VA

Shenandoah National Park – Skyline Drive

Enter Shenandoah National Park at the Thornton Gap Entrance Station and spend the day exploring the overlooks, stunning views, beautiful waterfalls, and the visitor centers along the 110-mile Skyline Drive.  

You can even make the park your home base by camping at one of the campgrounds, staying in one of the cabins, or enjoying the luxury accommodations at the Skyland Lodge.

An interior view of Luray Caverns, showcasing a still, reflective pool of water mirroring the impressive array of stalactites and stalagmites that adorn the cave's ceiling and floor. The formations are illuminated with warm lighting, highlighting their intricate textures and shapes. Visiting the breathtaking Luray Caverns is a top choice for things to do in Luray VA.

Luray Caverns

A visit to the east coast’s largest caverns and U.S. National Landmark means an hour-long visit underground to explore about one mile of stalactites and stalagmites.

If you have never seen the formations in person, you will be amazed at their complexity and size.  

An interior view of Luray Caverns, prominently featuring the Great Stalacpipe Organ, a unique musical instrument that utilizes the cave's stalactites to produce sound. The organ is positioned on a raised platform surrounded by the cavern's impressive stalactite formations, illuminated with warm lighting. Experiencing the musical performance of the Great Stalacpipe Organ is a truly unique things to do in Luray VA.
credit Visit Virginia

The Luray Caverns are accessible without going up or down any stairs, and paved walkways offer greater accessibility.

Be sure to take a jacket with you as you venture into the caverns, as the temperature is a constant 60°F.

An indoor museum exhibit showcases a meticulously preserved 1907 International Harvester Autowagon. The vintage vehicle features a dark green body, vibrant red spoke wheels, brass lamps, and a black leather seat. Informational signage provides details about the autowagon's history. Visiting the Car and Carriage Caravan Museum, where this autowagon is likely displayed, is one of the fascinating things to do in Luray VA.

The Car and Carriage Caravan Museum

After visiting the cavern, you can also explore the Car and Carriage Caravan, Shenandoah Heritage Village, and the Toy Town Junction. They are all included in the cavern ticket.

As you explore this museum, you will be transported back in history as you see a 1897 Mercedes-Benz, a 1908 Baker Electric, a 1925 Rolls-Royce, and over 70 other historic vehicles.

The museum is self-guided, allowing car lovers to take as much time as they like exploring and to do a bit of drooling.

A daytime exterior view of the Luray Valley Museum, a long, single-story log cabin-style building with a gray shingle roof and a stone chimney. A covered porch runs along the front, decorated with patriotic bunting. A brick walkway leads to the entrance, and a rustic stone fence is visible in the foreground. Visiting the Luray Valley Museum is one of the historically enriching things to do in Luray VA.
credit Visit Virginia

Luray Valley Museum

Luray Valley Museum is home to historic items from pre-contact Native peoples through the 1920s, where you can poke through local families’ things that were left behind.

Inside what appears to be a blacksmith's workshop at Shenandoah Heritage Village, an older man wearing a blue and white hat, a blue and white checkered shirt, and brown overalls is hammering a piece of metal on a large, black anvil. A glowing forge is visible in the background, along with various tools and rustic wooden walls. Observing historical craft demonstrations like blacksmithing at Shenandoah Heritage Village is one of the engaging things to do in Luray VA.
credit Visit Virginia

Shenandoah Heritage Village

After the museum, you can stroll through the seven-acre Shenandoah Heritage Village, a recreation of a 19th-century farm community. Here you can view a Bible from the 1500s, a dog-powered butter churn, watch cooking demos, and see the blacksmith in action.

A close-up shot of a Playmobil figure dressed as a medieval archer, likely part of a display at Toy Town Junction. The figure wears a bright blue helmet, an orange and yellow tunic, blue pants, and brown boots. A crossbow is positioned in front of the figure, resting on a gray, crenelated castle wall. In the blurred background, a portion of a brown and orange timber-framed building with white windows is visible on the left, and a gray castle structure with a red banner displaying yellow symbols is on the right. Visiting Toy Town Junction could be one of the playful things to do in Luray VA.
credit Visit Virginia

Toy Town Junction

As the name suggests, Toy Town Junction is a massive collection of Dr. Richard Worden’s toys and trains from yesteryear. Worden, who is a retired Methodist minister, was once a little boy who was given a toy train just as the country was coming out of the Great Depression.

It was a big deal for his parents to purchase him this toy, which would spark a lifelong interest in the fun that can be had when you give a child (or grownup) a chance to imagine.

A walk through these toys will surely bring back memories from your

childhood as you make a few new ones with your own kids.

An expansive view of the Garden Maze at Luray Caverns, showcasing its intricate network of tall, green hedges forming pathways. In the background, a rustic wooden building on stilts and other farm structures are visible across a green field, with blue mountains on the horizon under a clear sky. Navigating the Garden Maze is one of the engaging outdoor things to do in Luray VA.
credit Visit Virginia

Luray Cavern’s Garden Maze

  • Hours: 
    • Weekdays 12:00 – 5:00 PM
    • Weekends 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM

The Garden Maze is the Mid-Atlantic’s largest hedge maze, located on the Luray Caverns campus.

Here you can weave through the one-acre, 1,500 hedge pathway, twisting and turning to find the hidden goals.

The maze is handicap and stroller accessible. On hot days, you can stop, rest, and cool down under the refreshing misters.

Note: There is an additional fee for the Garden Maze.

A close-up, slightly low-angle shot features a small, light brown and white goat with striking blue eyes, standing on a weathered, white wooden cable spool. The goat's head is tilted slightly towards the camera, giving a curious expression. The background shows a fenced outdoor enclosure with dry, patchy grass and wooden structures, consistent with a petting zoo environment at a place like Luray Zoo. Interacting with animals at the Luray Zoo is one of the engaging things to do in Luray VA.
credit Visit Virginia

Luray Zoo

  • Address: 1087 Us Highway 211 West, Luray, Virginia 22835
  • Official website for more information
  • Hours:
    • Eastern Standard Time: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
    • Daylight Savings Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

If you are traveling with children, they will enjoy this privately owned 3-acre rescue zoo. Mark and Christine Kilby have accumulated all their animals, many of whom have been abused, from animal control or families who no longer wanted their pet.

Their 80+ exhibits feature 200 primates, mammals, birds, felines, and venomous snakes. They have a petting zoo where you can feed and pet sheep, wallaby, emus and goats.

A sunny, daytime view of the Hawksbill Greenway, a paved recreational trail running alongside the Hawksbill Creek. Bare trees line both sides of the path and the creek bank. In the mid-ground, a bridge, possibly the Langhorne Road Bridge, spans the creek. Enjoying outdoor activities like walking or biking along the scenic Hawksbill Greenway is one of the relaxing things to do in Luray VA.
credit Visit Virginia

Hawksbill Greenway

The Luray-Hawksbill Greenway Trail is a fantastic multi-use path along Hawksbill Creek.  

Along the two-mile paved path are murals, wildlife, calming creek, and plenty of benches (24), restrooms (2), water fountains (4) and picnic tables (8).

A daytime view of a bridge over the Hawksbill Creek in Luray, VA. The bridge's support structure features a colorful mural depicting various fish swimming in blue water. A paved walkway with a wooden fence runs along the creek bank in the foreground. Exploring the scenic Hawksbill Greenway and admiring local artwork are some of the things to do in Luray VA.
credit Visit Virginia

The greenway is the perfect scenic spot to have a picnic, take a bike ride or walk, spend the day fishing in Hawksbill Creek, bring your birding scope and keep your eyes out for the nearly 200 birds which call this area home.

Check the Ruffner Plaza calendar to see what entertainment, festivals, or activities may be going on during your visit.

A wide, daytime shot of a landscape in Luray, VA, featuring a parking lot in the foreground with several parked cars and a yellow school bus. Beyond the parking lot, a field of dry grass leads towards a view of a town with a prominent stone tower and a water tower. Bare trees dot the landscape, and a range of blue mountains stretches across the horizon under a partly cloudy sky. Exploring the scenic views and landmarks is one of the things to do in Luray VA.

Luray Singing Tower

  • Address: Carillon Dr, Luray, VA 22835
  • Official website for more information
  • Recitals:
    • April – May: Saturday and Sundays 3:00 PM
    • June – August: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday 8:00 PM
    • September – October: Saturday and Sunday 3:00 PM

Across the street from the Luray Caverns, you will see a 117-foot stone tower. The Luray Singing Tower, which is actually named Belle Brown Northcott Memorial, is a carillon of 47 bells and is one of the country’s significant carillons.

What is a carillon? It’s a musical instrument that originated in Belgium in the early 1600s. To be a carillon, it must consist of at least 23 cast bronze bells arranged in chromatic series and played from a keyboard, similar the way an organ works. Each key activates a “clapper” inside of the bell to make a sound.

In the past, special events like summer Sunset Vespers (on specific dates) and free recitals for all to enjoy April through October are offered.

A low-angle, interior view looking up at a large carillon at the Luray Singing Tower, featuring numerous bronze bells of varying sizes suspended from a metal framework. Sunlight streams through openings, creating lens flares and illuminating the dusty air within the bell tower. Outside, a glimpse of a landscape with trees and possibly a body of water is visible. Experiencing the carillon concerts is one of the unique things to do in Luray VA.
credit Visit Virginia

If you are lucky enough to be in the area for one of the recitals, you will hear a variety of folk, hymns, patriotic, classical, and popular songs.  

At the base of the tower, watch the closed-circuit TV and see the carillonneur play. Following the recital, climb the 108 steps to see the keyboard, which costs a nominal fee to tour.

A daytime view of "Cooter's" in Luray, VA, a red building with the business's name in white script above the entrance. Parked in the asphalt parking lot in front are two iconic vehicles: a white police car with a star emblem on the door and the orange "General Lee" car with the number "01" prominently displayed on its side. This suggests a "Dukes of Hazzard" themed attraction. Visiting Cooter's is one of the nostalgic things to do in Luray VA.
credit Visit Virginia

Cooters

For anyone who grew up watching The Dukes of Hazzard, this Dukes museum is full of show memorabilia, including props, vehicles, like General Lee and Boss Hogg’s Caddy, and costumes. 

Ben Jones, who played Cooter, is there every Saturday, while other cast members visit occasionally.

A daytime, eye-level view of the historic Luray Norfolk & Western Passenger Station, a red brick building with a distinctive dark metal roof and decorative brickwork. Signage indicates "LURAY" on one end and "FREIGHT STATION" along the side. The building is situated on a brick-paved area with manicured greenery and black bollards in the foreground. Visiting historical landmarks like the Luray station is one of the interesting things to do in Luray VA.
credit Visit Virginia

Luray Depot & Railway Museum

  • Address: 18 Campbell St, Luray, VA 22835

You will find the Luray Visitor Center at the edge of town, located in the old Luray Train Depot. Here you can pick up all your brochures and inquire about all things Luray.

While here, take time to explore the Railway Museum, which has exhibits of the rail line stops, tools, the old office, a telegraph machine, and model trains. Then head out back to the tracks. They have a telescope there so you can look down the track.

A daytime view of a vineyard in its dormant winter state, possibly at Cave Ridge Winery. Rows of bare grapevines with some dried leaves stretch across a field of dormant grass. In the distance, rolling hills and a faint blue mountain range are visible under a cloudy sky with hints of blue. Visiting local wineries for tastings is one of the enjoyable things to do in Luray VA.

Wineries near Luray VA

For those who enjoy sampling local wine, the Luray area has three tasting rooms you should put on your itinerary.

Castle Vineyard

Castle Vineyard showcases the Barren Ridge Vineyards’ wine. Here you can sample some in their tasting room.  

For those who want to spend a little more time, bring a picnic lunch or dinner, and enjoy a glass of wine as you rock the afternoon away on the patio with live music, swing on the porch swing, or find a table outside with a lovely view. Afterward, enjoy a game of cornhole or pallet Tic Tac Toe.

A styled flat lay shows a bottle of River Hill 100 Proof Straight Bourbon Whiskey, a dark gray plate with three gold-colored forks, two pears (one red, one yellow), and sprigs of eucalyptus and other foliage on a dark blue surface. This arrangement suggests a focus on local Virginia products, as River Hill Distillery is located in Luray. Visiting local distilleries could be one of the things to do in Luray VA for those interested in spirits.
credit Virginia Tourism

River Hill Distillery

A visit to Fred Foley’s small River Hill Distillery is a must for those interested in some local country wine, aged bourbon, or corn whiskey.

Wisteria Farm and Vineyard

At the gorgeous Wisteria Farm and Vineyard, you can enjoy tasting some of their delicious wines on the porch of the Old Victorian house or take your glass to one of the tables around the farm and enjoy the view.

Spend some time walking through the vineyard, especially in the spring during wisteria season, to see all the intertwined wisteria in bloom.

Bring a picnic lunch and picnic creekside, around the fire pit, or during the winter months, under the heaters.

Not only do they feature their grapes in their Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Petit Verdot, and others, but they also have semi-sweet blends and the Sweet Daisy dessert wine.

If you happen to be in the area on summer Saturdays, they provide free local music from 3:00 – 5:00 PM.

Shopping in Luray, Virginia

Luray has a marvelous old-fashioned Main Street full of boutiques for you to spend hours browsing.

Hawksbill Trading Co.

  • Address: 139 Virginia Ave, Luray, VA 22835
  • Official website for more information
  • Hours:
    • Monday – Friday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
    • Saturday 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
    • Sunday 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

The Hawksbill Trading Company is a vendor-owned cooperative, so you will find various cool nooks and crannies that hold crafters, antique dealers, artisans, and resellers all under one roof.

You never know what produce, home décor, antique items, or delicious baked goods you might find.

Warehouse Art Gallery

Across the street from the Train Depot Visitors Center and just north of the Greenway is a historic warehouse converted into a beautiful art gallery.

Inside you will find over 1,000 works of art by nearly 100 regional artists. The art includes photography, jewelry, paintings, sculptures, pottery, and wooden baskets and bowls.

Be sure to check their calendar for concerts, pop-up restaurants, and other local events.

For more art, head down the road to view the Sculpture Garden’s outdoor sculptures at 3054 US HWY 211 West, Luray, VA.

A close-up shot on a wooden bar top features a tall glass filled with a vibrant orange beverage, likely orange juice or a citrus-based cocktail, garnished with a sugared rim and two black straws. To the left, a clear glass bottle with a hinged stopper stands empty. The blurred background suggests a restaurant or bar setting with dark furniture, shelves stocked with bottles, and warm lighting. Enjoying a meal or drinks at local restaurants is one of the many things to do in Luray VA.

Luray Restaurants

Like many little towns, there are various delicious mom-and-pop restaurants around town that you should check out. You can skip the chains; these Luray restaurants are worth the trip, whether you are staying in Shenandoah or in the valley.

Hawksbill Diner

This little diner along Business Route 340 serves home-cooked southern food.  As you sit down to eat, don’t be surprised if most customers are greeted by name as they walk in the door.

An interior view of a wine shop, possibly the wine section of the Hungry Moose Market & Deli. Floor-to-ceiling wooden shelves are stocked with numerous bottles of wine. In the foreground, a round wooden table made from a wine barrel base is surrounded by wooden chairs with black metal frames. Large windows show a blurred view of the street outside at night. Exploring local shops and markets is one of the things to do in Luray VA.

The Valley Cork

  • Address: 55 E Main St, Luray, VA 22835
  • Official website for more information
  • Hours:
    • Lunch Salad Bar: Wednesday – Friday 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
    • Dinner: Thursday – Saturday 4:00 – 10:00 PM

Stop in The Valley Cork for a before-dinner drink or a light supper of a charcuterie board, gourmet flatbread, or chicken tenders. If you are lucky, you will arrive on one of their bottomless breakfast nights that includes mimosas.

You can choose between a glass, a bottle, or a flight of wine. Their wines include both international and local Virginia wines, Devil’s Backbone and Dogfish beer, and 1911, Austin, and Original Sin ciders. Check the board behind the bar for cocktail specials, too.

If you are in the mood for dessert, enjoy the cookie skillet, including a warm chocolate chip cookie under ice cream, chocolate syrup, and whipped cream.

They offer a discount for those affiliated with the police, fire, rescue, or military.

Triple Crown BBQ

You will see Trip Crown’s little red trailer and smell the delicious BBQ cooking across the street from Walmart.

Triple Crown BBQ has been named the best BBQ in Shenandoah Valley and Southwest Virginia.

John & Joanne Coleman will pile your plate up with pulled pork, smoked chicken and sausage, and ribs that have been seasoned with their family’s secret recipe and slow-cooked.

Gathering Ground Patisserie and Café

In an espresso bar atmosphere, you will find a terrific place to enjoy a delicious breakfast of quiche, breakfast wraps, and avocado toast with your Frappuccino, mocha, or Chai latte.

For lunch, grab a gourmet sandwich or a fresh salad, perfect for a picnic on the go.

Save room for some of the luscious homemade desserts that are in the showcase. You will have to decide between cookies, pies, cakes, and other surprises.

A daytime view of Moonshadows Restaurant, a charming two-story building with gray siding, white trim, and an orange front door. A covered porch with white railings extends across the front, featuring a black awning with "Moonshadows Restaurant" written in white. A round, blue and yellow sign with the restaurant's name hangs near the entrance. Stone steps with a black railing lead up to the porch. Dining at local restaurants like Moonshadows is one of the enjoyable things to do in Luray VA.
credit Moonshadows Restaurant

Moon Shadows Restaurant 

  • Address: 132 E Main St, Luray, VA 22835
  • Official website for more information
  • Hours:
    • Dinner: Thursday – Sunday 4:00 – 8:00 PM
    • Brunch: Saturday and Sunday 10:30 AM – 2:00 PM
  • Reservations required

Moon Shadows Restaurant is an upscale restaurant located in downtown Luray in a historical house that offers indoor and outdoor seating.

As Chef/Owner John Moss whips up some eclectic comfort food like bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin, herb-crusted salmon, or red bell pepper relleno, his wife, Maureen, will seat you inside the renovated house or outside. It’s a sumptuous, date-night type of experience, so save room in your belly accordingly.

For brunch, you can enjoy a crab, goat cheese, and asparagus omelet, eggs Benedict, or cheddar grits.

Make sure you save room for dessert if you are a fan of bread pudding.

A daytime view of a person kayaking on a calm river, likely the Shenandoah River. The kayaker, who appears to be wearing a life vest, is paddling away from the viewer. Lush green trees line the riverbanks, and their reflections are visible in the water. Enjoying water activities like kayaking on the Shenandoah River is one of the adventurous things to do in Luray VA.

Fun on the River

During the summer, the Shenandoah River is the perfect place to relax and enjoy a day on the water canoeing, tubing, fishing or swimming.

Several businesses in town can assist you with all the rentals you will need for a fun water day.

Shenandoah River Outfitters

Shenandoah River Outfitters opens April 1st for canoeing, tubing, and kayaking trips.

 River Run Outfitters

This river outfitter offers tube, kayak, and canoe trips, and shuttle service along the South Fork of the Shenandoah River.

A daytime, eye-level view of the Mimslyn Inn, a grand, historic brick building with a prominent white portico supported by large classical columns. The inn features multiple floors with balconies and numerous windows. Manicured hedges, trees, and a stone fountain adorn the front grounds, and an asphalt driveway leads up to the entrance. Staying at the Mimslyn Inn, a notable landmark, is one of the elegant things to do in Luray VA.
credit Mimslyn Inn

Hotels in Luray VA

Mimslyn Inn

Overlooking the Shenandoah Valley, the 45-room antebellum era hotel features vintage furnishings. The inn offers historic rooms with queen-sized beds, and elegant suites with king-sized beds, electric fireplaces, and jetted tubs.

For larger parties, think about staying at the Manor House, which has six bedrooms and sleeps 16.

Within the inn, you can dine at the Speakeasy Tavern or the elegant Circa ’31.

Days Inn by Wyndham Luray Shenandoah 

The Days Inn is a perfect option for families. The hotel is pet-friendly, has a free breakfast, and has an outdoor pool.

Camping in Luray

Read our full guide to camping in Shenandoah National Park, both inside the park and just outside the gates.

An interior view of a cozy and stylishly decorated room, possibly a common area or seating lounge at Hotel Laurance in Luray, VA. The room features a large built-in bookcase filled with books and decorative items, comfortable seating including a tufted gray loveseat with ottomans and a blue velvet armchair, and small round tables. The decor includes a chandelier, artwork on the walls, and a wreath on the window. Relaxing in a charming space like this is one of the pleasant things to do in Luray VA while visiting or staying at local establishments.
credit Virginia Tourism

More Hotels and Luray Rentals

  • Hotel Laurance: 12-room boutique hotel in the heart of Luray
  • Big Meadows Lodge: Lodge right in Shenandoah National Park that can fit the whole family and pets
  • Skyland: Basic rooms and cottages in Shenandoah National Park
  • The Widow Kip’s: Adorable B&B, pets, and kids are allowed
  • The Inn of the Shenandoah: remodeled Victorian home, with a cottage you can rent with a kitchenette if you need more space

Pin it and Start Planning!

Things to do in Luray Virginia- photo credit Keryn Means publisher of DCTravelMag.com and Washington DC travel expert
Amazing and Fun things to do in Luray VA- photo credit Keryn Means publisher of DCTravelMag.com and Washington DC travel expert
Best of Luray Virginia with Kids- photo credit Keryn Means publisher of DCTravelMag.com and Washington DC travel expert

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