Choose Your Adventure

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in Shenandoah National Park

GETTING STARTED

Shenandoah National Park is just one of the treasures of our region. Stay a little longer, and take in river rafting, caverns, vineyards, horseback riding, farmer’s markets, museums, entertainment and more. Choose your adventure!

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Outdoor Recreation

In the valley you can enjoy four seasons of adventure. Spring through fall several outfitters offer a variety of guided trips and rentals for canoeing, rafting, tubing, kayaking and fresh water fishing. Winter sports on the slopes include skiing and snowtubing at Massanutten Resort and Bryce Resort.

Attractions and Entertainment

You can experience a wide variety of attractions and entertainment venues in the communities surrounding the park.  From plays and concerts at the historic Wayne Theatre, Shenandoah Summer Music Festival, and American Shakespeare Center to live music at Cooter’s in the Valley, the choices are endless.

Family Fun

The Shenandoah Valley offers many opportunities to get the kids moving. Favorites include the Capon Springs & Farms, Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum, and Dinosaur Land.  And they can go for a walk on the wild side at Virginia Safari Park.

Caverns and Rock Formations

Naturally formed landmarks are part of the incredible landscape found in the Valley. The limestone throughout the Valley is honeycombed with caves. Special underground attractions include Luray Caverns , Shenandoah Caverns, Skyline Caverns and Grand Caverns. Virginia’s Natural Bridge is 30 stories of solid rock.

History, Culture and Museums

The beautiful and historic Shenandoah Valley is bounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains to the east and the Allegheny Mountains to the west. In the Valley, stories of pioneer settlement, farming, and culture are told in many ways at the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley.  Virginia’s Civil War Trails are located throughout the valley, as well as many Civil War battlefields, local museums and historic societies. 

Horseback Riding

The Shenandoah Valley offers miles of trails for horseback riding. From guided rides in national forests and national parks to the quiet rolling waters of a tranquil creek.

Farms, Markets and Orchards

The Shenandoah Valley’s pastoral beauty is renowned. With a rich farming legacy, the valley is home to four of the top five agricultural producing counties in Virginia. Around here, farming is still a family affair.

Vineyards, Breweries and Distillery

About an hour’s drive west of Washington, D.C. lies the Shenandoah Valley and some of Virginia’s best wineries, breweries, distilleries, and cideries. The Valley is emerging as one of the country’s most exciting wine, beer, spirits, and cider-producing regions today, with a unique growing climate and exciting varietals.

Charming, Historic Downtowns

Don’t miss the historic downtown communities in the Shenandoah Valley, which delight visitors with old-fashioned hospitality and charm, not to mention a lively arts and dining scene. Many of the area’s downtowns are listed as state and national historic districts. Historic architecture lines the streets and looking inside you’ll probably find modern delights: coffee shops, bakeries and wine bars.

Festivals and Events

With a variety of festivals throughout the year, the Shenandoah Valley is a place of music, fun, and celebration.  For more information about what’s happening in the Shenandoah Valley, visit the websites of nearby towns and cities.

There’s so much to see!

So,  what should I do first?

We know there is a lot to see and do in the Park.  So we decided to create a seasonal top 10 lists for those who have only limited time. We asked park rangers to give us their best recommendations. Learn more about what they suggested: the Top 10 Things to Do in Shenandoah National Park.