Are you looking for fun things to do in Luray? We’ve got you covered!
After several visits to the Shenandoah Valley, we can confidently say this is one of our favorite places.
With mountains, museums, and caves, there is always something to do that will keep everyone excited and interested.
We share some of the best things to do in Luray below, including some fantastic places to eat and other fun things to do outside of town. So, let’s dive in!
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, we may receive a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
The Best Things to Do in Luray, Virginia
1. Luray Caverns
Of course, the first thing on this list is the Luray Caverns! They are the main reason people are visiting Luray in the first place.
These caverns are known worldwide, and for good reason. At around 64 acres, the Luray Caverns are the most extensive cave system in the eastern United States. They are one of the best caves to visit in the Shenandoah Valley.
You’ll see fun formations like the Fried Eggs, Dream Lake, and Titania’s Veil when you take your self-guided tour of the caverns. And also the famous Stalacpipe Organ.
Luray Caverns is open 365 days a year. Your ticket includes admission to some other fun things to do in Luray, like the Car and Carriage Museum and the Shenandoah Heritage Village.
2. Car and Carriage Caravan Museum
The Car and Carriage Caravan Museum is one of the attractions included with your ticket to Luray Caverns.
The collection showcases over 140 transportation-related items. That includes 50 motorized vehicles, from simple wagons and coaches to the luxurious cars of the 1940s. They even have an 1898 Benz Vis-a-via, the oldest auto on display in America that is still operating!
Like the caverns, the Car and Carriage Museum is open every day of the year.
3. Shenandoah Heritage Village
The Shenandoah Heritage Village is situated on seven acres and shows what life was like for a small, 19th-century farming community. The village comprises restored historic buildings that were rebuilt or relocated from the Shenandoah Valley.
There is also the Luray Valley Museum, with artifacts from Native Americans before the arrival of European settlers up until the 1920s. And kids can participate in gem mining for a small fee.
The Shenandoah Heritage Village is open every day from 10 am until dusk.
4. Rope Adventure Park at Luray Caverns
If you love ropes courses, you have a few options in and near Luray.
First, the Rope Adventure Park at Luray Caverns is a freestanding ropes challenge course featuring two difficulty levels.
The Little Adventurer course is closest to the ground and is perfect for young children. The high ropes course is where you’ll find more challenging obstacles.
The Rope Adventure Park at Luray Caverns requires separate admission from the cavern tour.
5. Bear Mountain Ziplines
One of the best things to do in the Shenandoah Valley is Bear Mountain Ziplines, which offers a little more excitement than the Ropes Adventure Park.
Encompassing more than 50 acres, there are two levels of ziplining: the Mama Bear and the Baby Bear. The Mama Bear course features eight ziplines totaling over 2700 feet at speeds up to 35 miles per hour.
The Baby Bear High Ropes course has ten obstacles, including a cargo net, a zig-zag bridge, and a small zipline.
There is also a three-story climbing wall!
6. Luray Zoo
Luray Zoo is a small rescue zoo that is privately owned and operated by Mark and Christine Kilby. The zoo receives animals that are retired animal ambassadors, unwanted pets, confiscations, and abused animals. The zoo aims to provide these animals with a loving and caring home.
Luray Zoo has 20 exhibits that showcase primates, felines, birds, and mammals. The zoo also has a petting zoo where you can interact with the animals. Feed is available for purchase.
The Luray Zoo is open every day, from mid-March until the end of October, and then select days from November through February.
7. Luray Singing Tower
Come hear the bells sing at the Luray Singing Tower. Officially known as the Belle Brown Northcott Memorial, the tower contains a carillon of 47 cast bells.
To make the bells sing, a player sits at the keyboard console with a double row of wooden keys for the hands and a pedalboard for the feet, similar to an organ.
You can hear the bells on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the summer.
8. Massanutten Storybook Trail
You’ll want to visit the Massanutten Storybook Trail for a gorgeous view with an easy walk.
The easy trail is less than a mile, leading to a gorgeous overlook of the Page Valley and Shenandoah National Park in the distance.
The Massanutten Storybook Trail is a flat, paved trail (with a boardwalk in some sections), making it accessible for strollers and wheelchairs to navigate.
Access to the trail is limited in February and March due to the closure of Crisman Hollow Road.
9. Luray-Hawksbill Greenway
Get outside and enjoy a beautiful walk along the Luray-Hawksbill Greenway. This two-mile trail follows Hawksbill Creek and is paved, making it accessible to strollers, wheelchairs, and bicycles.
Along the trail you’ll find two bathrooms, multiple benches for resting and bird-watching, and four water fountains along the trail. It’s also a perfect place to picnic at one of the many tables available.
10. Cooter’s Place
If you’re a fan of the Dukes of the Hazard, you’ll want to stop by Cooter’s Place in Luray.
Ben Jones, who played the “Cooter” in the Dukes of Hazard, has built a museum to honor the show. The free museum features Dukes of Hazzard memorabilia and a replica of Cooter’s Garage with General Lee, Cooter’s Tow Truck, and Boss Hogg Caddy.
If you’re visiting on the weekend, check out one of the free concerts. “Cooter” plays Saturday from 1 pm-3 pm, and a bluegrass band plays every Sunday from 2 pm-4 pm.
11. Chinkapin Oak
Luray is home to the second-largest Chinkapin Oak in Virginia. It’s estimated to be over 250 years old, which makes it older than Luray itself by 50 years. The tree is over 62 feet tall and spread over 132 feet.
From the Luray-Hawksbill Greenway, about .2 miles south of Main Street, you can catch a glimpse of the tree. Look for a marker along the fence describing the tree.
For the best view of the Chinkapin Oak, head over to S. Court Street, just past the Page County Government Center. There is a bench next to the sidewalk with “Chinquapin Oak” carved into it. The tree is visible from this spot, especially during the early morning or late afternoon when the sunlight enhances its grandeur.
12. Page County Railway Museum
When visiting Luray, you should check out the Page Valley Visitor Center. It’s in a restored train depot and has a lot of information about the area. They even have a Vigrinia LOVEworks sign for the perfect photo op.
While you’re there, explore the Page County Railway Museum. The displays showcase the history of railroading in Page County, highlighting a variety of artifacts like tickets, dining car mementos, and timetables.
Several photographs are also provided by the Norfolk & Western Historical Society’s collection. Additionally, there is a scaled representation of the N&W’s route through Page County within the refurbished station.
Best Places to Eat in Luray
Il Vesuvio Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria
Located at 402 W Main Street, Il Vesuvio is a casual restaurant serving traditional Italian fare, like chicken parmesan and marsala. They also serve pizza, calzones, and sandwiches.
Ollie Cat Cafe
A small-town cafe with craft beers on tap, the Ollie Cat Cafe is an easy and casual restaurant. They have a varied menu with offerings like burgers, pulled pork sandwiches, and entrees like a country-fried steak and shrimp scampi. They also have a friendly kid’s menu.
Jess’ Main Street Bar and Grill
Come in for the famous Jess’ Hotdog, and stay for everything else. This casual eatery is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. With easy eats like hot dogs, hamburgers, grilled cheese, and homemade soups, they have something for everyone to enjoy.
West Main Market
West Main Market is a full-service deli meets beer garden. They have sandwiches made to order, which include Reubens, veggie wraps, and fresh mozzarella paninis. They even have yummy salads and soups. And a great kid’s menu as well. Their primary seating is a large covered area outdoors. However, they have a small amount of seating inside.
Other Things to Do Near Luray
There are so many other amazing things to do near Luray and the Shenandoah Valley.
Caverns
If you want to compare the caves in the Shenandoah Valley, there are many close to the Luray Caverns, including the Shenandoah Caverns and Skyline Caverns. Both are less than 30 minutes away
Hiking
Luray is next to the Shenandoah National Park’s Thornton Gap Entrance, with several fun hiking trails. We loved the Dark Hollow Falls hike, about 45 minutes from Luray.
You can also quickly head into West Virginia to complete some fun hikes there, like the hike to Big Schloss and Cranny Crow (where you’ll find an Almost Heaven Swing). Both of those trails are about an hour from Luray.
Massanutten Indoor Waterpark
Less than 40 minutes from Luray is a fantastic indoor waterpark at the Massanutten Resort. It’s open year-round and has many slides, a lazy river, and more.
There is even more to do at the Massanutten Resort. During the winter, they have skiing and snow tubing. They offer mountain biking in the summer, and their outdoor waterpark is open. They also have escape rooms and other fun activities.
Where to Stay Near Luray
For a small town, there are still plenty of lodging options in and near Luray.
If you’re looking for a hotel stay, The Legacy Inn is within walking distance of many of the listed activities. And the Luray Caverns Motel is right next to the caverns.
If you’d like to spread out, consider one of the cottages at the Luray RV Resort or a home rental like this mountain home with gorgeous views.
Wrapping Up Things to Do in Luray
We love Luray and the Shenandoah Valley! It’s one of our favorite places in Virginia to visit. Whether you’re stopping on a road trip through Virginia or planning a fun getaway to the area, there are plenty of things to do to keep you busy.
Read It Now. Pin It For Later!
