Looking for some fun things to do near Luray Caverns?
Nestled in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, Luray Caverns is one of Virginia’s most impressive natural wonders, bringing in tourists from all over the world.
I’m a Northern Virginia local, and I’ve visited Luray Caverns many times. While the caverns themselves are a must-see, the surrounding area is equally rich in history, natural beauty, and unique attractions to make your visit memorable!
In this guide, I’ll cover beautiful hiking trails, interactive museums, and so much more you can do in the area! Here’s my list of the top 15 things to do near Luray Caverns, Virginia.
Short on time?
There’s plenty to do near Luray Caverns if you want to make the most of your visit. Here are a few of my favorite nearby activities:
- Explore Shenandoah National Park. Tip: Take this scenic self-guided driving audio tour.
- Visit the Shenandoah Heritage Village
- Check out the Car and Carriage Caravan Museum
- Stop by the Luray Zoo
- See other nearby caverns like Grand Caverns and Shenandoah Caverns
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15 Incredible Things to Do Near Luray Caverns
There’s so much to see and do in the area near Luray Caverns. Here are just a few of my favorite things to do near the caverns. I highly recommend checking these out before your next visit!
1. Visit the Car and Carriage Caravan Museum
I wasn’t sure what to expect at first, but I ended up loving this place. It’s right next to Luray Caverns, so it’s super easy to swing by right after exploring the caves.
The museum has a huge collection of antique cars and carriages, everything from horse-drawn buggies to some of the earliest automobiles. I couldn’t believe how well-preserved everything was!
The Car and Carriage Caravan museum is included in your Luray Caverns ticket. I spent a good chunk of time wandering through the exhibits, taking in the details and imagining what life was like when these vehicles were the cutting-edge technology (I wish we still made cars like the ones they had in the 50s!).
If you’re into history or just enjoy quirky little museums, I definitely recommend making a stop here.
2. Explore Shenandoah National Park
Just a short drive away, Shenandoah National Park is a must-see for anyone visiting Virginia. With over 200,000 acres of protected wilderness, the park offers endless opportunities for hiking, wildlife photography, and breathtaking panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
There are cascading waterfalls, campgrounds, and rocky peaks like Hawksbill and Old Rag Mountains to hike through. You are required to pay an entrance fee to visit the park (around $15), but the views are well worth it. It makes a great Virginia road trip picnic stop and is one of my favorite hiking spots in the state!
Tip: Take this Shenandoah National Park self-guided driving audio tour for an informative and scenic road trip experience.
➡️ Click this for an educational Shenandoah National Park self-guided driving audio tour!
3. Check out the Shenandoah Heritage Village
The Shenandoah Heritage Village is a living history museum set on seven acres, and it’s like stepping into a 19th-century farming community. I spent some time walking around the restored buildings, and it’s amazing how much attention to detail they’ve put into recreating the past.
The cottage-style gardens are super charming, and there’s even a small vineyard that gives the place this cozy, rustic vibe.
If you’re into history, this is a fun spot to explore for an hour or so. The Gem Stone mining area is definitely a highlight. You can dig around and find some cool little gems! It’s a great spot for families or anyone who’s interested in a little bit of history.
4. Visit the Luray Zoo
The Luray Zoo has a nice collection of rescued exotic animals, and you can tell they’re dedicated to giving these animals a good home. I loved walking through the outdoor exhibits and seeing all the different animals—there’s everything from big cats to birds.
They’ve also got a reptile house that’s super interesting if you’re into snakes and lizards. One of the highlights for me was the petting zoo! It’s a great spot for both kids and adults, and it’s nice knowing that your visit helps support a local rescue organization.
5. Try the Garden Maze at Luray Caverns
Don’t miss out on the stunning Garden Maze near Luray Caverns. This 5,000-square-foot maze provides a fun challenge with 8-ft tall hedges. There are fountains, tunnels, and a lookout tower throughout the maze, and it makes for a fun activity that both kids and adults can enjoy.
It’s the largest hedge maze in the Mid-Atlantic states! I definitely got lost in there a few times during our visit…
6. Grab a Drink at River Hill Distillery
After a day of exploring, head over to River Hill Distillery for a fun whiskey-tasting experience. Page County has a long history of whiskey-making, and the owners of River Hill Distillery wanted to bring back that tradition to the area.
The distillery is family-owned and operated, and all ingredients in the whiskey are raised on the farm (fields to bottle), or come from nearby, local sources. You can buy their bourbons and whiskeys by the bottle at their local shop, River Hill Wine and Spirits.
7. Shop at Hawksbill Trading Company
I’m all about picking up unique souvenirs whenever I travel to new places (I have an extensive keychain collection I’m working on!), so I had to check out Hawksbill Trading Company.
It’s such a cute little shop! They’ve got everything from handmade crafts to local foods. I ended up grabbing some homemade jams and some local honey. They’ve also got some cool antiques and a great selection of grass-fed beef!
8. Go Horseback Riding at Skyland Stables
If you’re looking for a scenic experience, horseback riding at Skyland Stables is a must. I had an amazing time riding through Shenandoah National Park. It’s a beautiful way to explore the area!
The views of the mountains and rolling hills are beautiful, and there’s something so peaceful about being on horseback while taking in the surroundings.
If you’re interested in horseback riding, I recommend visiting GoShenandoah’s website for more information on the guided horseback rides. These tours are only available from May to October, so make sure to plan accordingly. It was definitely a highlight of my trip!
9. Visit the Luray Singing Tower
The Luray Singing Tower, part of the Luray Caverns complex, offers a one-of-a-kind sound experience. The tower, built in 1937, plays a beautiful melody every hour on its 47 bells, with the largest bell weighing 7,640 pounds!
You can walk up to the tower and snap a photo with it, or settle down for a picnic so you can listen to the bell recital up close. It’s a fun way to spend an afternoon after your morning visit to Luray Caverns!
10. Go Ziplining at Bear Mountain Ziplines
If you’re into adventure, you have to check out Bear Mountain Ziplines. Flying over the Shenandoah Valley is such a beautiful experience, and the views are incredible from up there.
The zipline and high ropes course are well-organized, and you feel really safe the whole time. The tour guides were also awesome! They made sure everyone felt comfortable before taking off.
11. Visit other Caverns like Grand Caverns + Shenandoah Caverns
If you want some more underground adventures like Luray Caverns, be sure to check out nearby Grand Caverns and Shenandoah Caverns. While Luray Caverns is the largest cavern system in the area, Shenandoah Caverns and Grand Caverns are still worth a visit.
Grand Caverns is America’s oldest continuously operated show cave, operating since 1806, and Shenandoah Caverns has some beautiful formations, like the Rainbow Lake, which is a must-see!
For more information, check out my article comparing Shenandoah Caverns and Luray Caverns!
12. Walk around Hawksbill Greenway
I couldn’t resist checking out the Hawksbill Greenway. It’s such a lovely trail that winds along Hawksbill Creek, and the whole walk is super easy—perfect if you’re just looking to relax and take in the scenery.
I found myself stopping every few minutes to snap photos of the nature around me because the views are just that beautiful. If you’re planning to go, definitely grab a free map of the Greenway (it helps to have a little guide). It’s a great way to enjoy the outdoors and get some fresh air!
13. Try Luray Caverns’ Rope Adventure Park
If you’re seeking a bit of outdoor adventure, Luray Caverns’ Rope Adventure Park offers a thrilling ropes course that’s fun for all ages. It’s an exciting way to test your balance and agility and soak in the surrounding views.
It’s conveniently located next to Luray Caverns, but you have to pay extra for admission. The ropes course isn’t included in the Luray Caverns general admission ticket.
I’m not usually a fan of activities like ropes courses, ziplines, and skydiving, but we had a lot of fun at this ropes course! It makes for a fun couples activity too – makes you feel like you’re a kid again.
14. Grab a Beer at the Hawksbill Brewing Co.
Hawksbill Brewing Co. has a great selection of beers. I highly recommend trying their Farmhouse ale, and they brew a really tasty root beer!
They have a nice outdoor patio where you can enjoy some local beer and snacks, and you can soak in the views. Definitely plan a stop at Hawksbill if you’re heading down Skyline Drive.
15. Visit the Raptor Hill Falconry
I had the chance to get up close with some amazing birds of prey at Raptor Hill Falconry! The falconers are super knowledgeable, and they make the whole thing feel informative and interactive.
I even got to try handling a bird myself, which was definitely the highlight of my day. If you’re visiting the falconry, I highly recommend doing a guided tour where you can hold the birds themselves! It’s a great way to get an up-close look at these beautiful creatures.
Getting Around
Luray is a small town, but there’s plenty to explore, so getting around is fairly easy. Most attractions, including Luray Caverns, are within a short driving distance of each other.
Renting a car is the best option if you want the flexibility to explore the surrounding parks, caverns, and other attractions at your own pace. If you’re staying in the downtown area, you can also walk or bike along the scenic Hawksbill Greenway, and that will get you to most places.
➡️ Visiting from out of town? I recommend this car rental company to help you see more of Virginia!
Where to Stay
There are a variety of accommodations in and around Luray, ranging from budget-friendly motels to cozy inns and upscale resorts:
Budget option
For an affordable option, check out the Hawksbill House. It’s a cozy and romantic space that will make you feel like you’re part of the town. It’s also just a 4-minute drive from Luray Caverns.
Mid-range option
If you’re looking for a unique, mid-range stay, the Mimslyn Inn offers historic charm with modern amenities. Located near the town center, it provides easy access to both Luray Caverns and Shenandoah National Park, making it a great base for exploring nearby attractions.
Luxury option
For a more luxurious experience, consider staying at Hotel Laurance, which is also only a 2-minute drive from Luray Caverns! It’s an elegant, charming stay with a beautiful library and reading room.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about visiting Luray Caverns and the surrounding area:
How much time should I spend at Luray Caverns?
You’ll want to dedicate about 1-2 hours to fully explore the caverns. This includes the guided tour, time for photos, and a visit to the adjacent Garden Maze and Car Museum.
Which caverns are better, Luray or Shenandoah?
Both caverns are stunning, but Luray Caverns is the largest and most popular. If you’re looking for a more intimate experience, Shenandoah Caverns is less crowded and equally beautiful.
How much money is Luray Caverns?
Ticket prices for Luray Caverns range from $30-$35 for adults, with discounts available for children, seniors, and military personnel. Be sure to check their website for special offers or group rates.
What is the biggest cave in Virginia?
Luray Caverns is the biggest cave in Virginia. It’s the largest cave system on the East Coast, and is 4 million centuries in the making. Its immense size and unique formations make it one of the most remarkable caves in the U.S.
Final Thoughts about visiting Luray, Virginia
The area around Luray Caverns is packed with fun things to do. After you’ve explored the underground wonders of the caverns, you’re free to go ziplining, relax, enjoy a beer, and hike in Shenandoah National Park!
I hope you have a great time visiting the scenic area near Luray Caverns. Happy travels!
About the Author
Sasha is the founder of Little Happy Travels, a blog with tips and inspiration for combining work + travel and living the digital nomad lifestyle. As a business coach and remote worker, she’s spent the last few years traveling the world while helping others do the same. Follow for guides, tips, and personal stories on working from anywhere!
