The Best Activities In Charlottesville VA
Charlottesville, VA is known for its historic sites, great restaurants, and outstanding vineyards, but there are plenty of other hidden gems that most locals don’t even know about.
Whether you're just visiting, or you're a local looking for something exciting to do, this is a list of the best things to do in Charlottesville, VA.
#1: Enjoy a Mini Horse Photography Experience
While there are plenty of things to do in Charlottesville, I wanted to create a truly unique experience that would not only fill your day with fun but also allow you to walk away with lasting memories.
So I created Unbridled Visions – a photography experience with miniature horses.
It’s available to both kids and adults, boys and girls, and my vision is to deliver a fairytale experience.
To complete the vision, we offer various princess dresses ranging from sizes 2-12, though you’re more than welcome to bring your own gowns and costumes as well!
The photoshoot takes place at my miniature horse farm near Charlottesville, VA, and in addition to the numerous outdoor shooting locations on the property, I also have a “mini” indoor studio (though it is not heated).
The two miniature horses you’ll likely have your photos with are Shadowfax and Midnight, though after the photoshoot, you’ll be able to do a meet and greet with the other ten miniature horses.
Here are a few pictures of shoots I’ve done in the past:
Book your session today as sessions fill up quickly!
#2: Take a Cooking Class
Cooking Class at Pippin Hill
Whether you’re a Charlottesville local or just visiting, there are some truly outstanding cooking classes here.
I’ve personally attended cooking classes at Pippin Hill, though Culinary Concepts AB and The Happy Cook also have cooking classes. These experiences tend to be at a higher price point (over $150), but they’re excellent date night ideas.
Note that these classes do sell out, so book your class in advance.
If those classes have sold out, you can also do a food tour.
The Food Tours by Charlottesville Guide are excellent daytime activities, and they range from one to three hours and $49 to $109.
Here’s a breakdown of the tours offered:
Downtown Food Options
If you want a more exclusive experience, you can also book a private tour of any of these locations.
These are great for tourists visiting Charlottesville, though it’s also a great activity for Charlottesville locals who want to meet new people and discover hidden gems.
#3: Book a Wine Tasting Tour
Wine tasting tour offered by Monticello Wine Tours
Charlottesville is known for its wineries and there is no shortage of wine tastings and tours.
Some of the most popular wineries around Charlottesville include:
Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards: Located in North Garden, VA (about 10 miles south of Charlottesville), Pippin Hill is a fairly high end winery with beautiful views. It offers plenty of wine tasting opportunities as well as an on-site farm-to-table restaurant. This is an excellent place to celebrate a special occasion.
King Family Vineyards: Located in Crozet, VA (approximately 15 miles west of Charlottesville), King Family Vineyards is slightly more family-friendly environment than Pippin Hill and is known for its Meritage blends and Viognier. It offers tastings at moderate prices and hosts polo matches on Sundays during warmer months.
Jefferson Vineyards: Located just a few miles from downtown Charlottesville, Jefferson Vineyards is great if you really want to immerse yourself in the history of Charlottesville. The vineyard’s land was once cultivated by Thomas Jefferson himself. They offer a range of wines, including Cabernet Franc and Viognier, and tasting prices are average for the area.
Blenheim Vineyards: This vineyard was once owned by musician Dave Matthews, and it’s located about 20 minutes southeast of downtown Charlottesville. The winery offers tastings of its small-batch wines at reasonable prices, often accompanied by live music events. This is great if you want a more laid back environment.
If you can’t choose a single vineyard, consider taking a wine tasting tour.
The Monticello Wine Tour is particularly popular. It’s a five hour luxury experience where you’ll be chartered around in one of the company’s luxury shuttles.
If you’re looking for something a little more laid back, consider Hop On Cville. It’s a customizable experience and they go to all of the major wineries and breweries in Charlottesville.
#4: Visit Historical Sites (Monticello, Montpelier, and James Monroe’s Highland)
Monticello Museum
Charlottesville, VA, is home to several significant historical sites, including Monticello, Montpelier, and James Monroe's Highland. Here's information on the tours and activities available at each of these three museums.
1. Monticello
Monticello was the home of Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States. This is probably the most popular tourist attraction in Charlottesville. In addition to the tours, I also recommend that you check out the Saunders Monticello walking trail.
Here’s some information about the tours offered at Monticello:
Monticello Day Pass and House Tour: Includes a guided tour of the first floor of the house, access to exhibits, gardens, and the cemetery.
Behind the Scenes House Tour and Day Pass: Offers an extended tour, including the upstairs rooms.
Hemings Family Tour: Focuses on the lives of the enslaved Hemings family.
Gardens and Grounds Tour: A guided exploration of Monticello's extensive gardens.
You can view prices and book your tour of Monticello on their website.
2. Montpelier
Montpelier was the home of James Madison, the fourth President of the United States. It’s located about 25 miles northeast of Charlottesville, but it’s still a great place to visit if you’re in the area.
Here are some details about the tours and experiences offered at Montpelier:
Signature Tour: A guided tour of the Madisons' home, focusing on their lives and the Constitution.
Enslaved Community Tour: Highlights the lives of the enslaved people at Montpelier.
Archaeology Tour: Showcases ongoing archaeological work on the property.
You can learn more about these experiences and book them on Montpelier's website.
3. James Monroe's Highland
James Monroe's Highland is the historic home of James Monroe, the fifth President of the United States. It’s located just a few miles from Monticello in Charlottesville, Virginia.
So you could visit both Monticello and Highland in a single day if you want to.
Here’s some information about the tours offered:
General Admission: Includes self-guided exploration of the exhibits and grounds.
Guided Tour: A 20-minute narrated tour providing insights into the estate's history.
Highland Rustic Trails: Offers scenic walking paths through the property.
These are great tours for history buffs, but each museum is also located in a scenic setting. So even if you don’t love history and museums, there is something for everyone.
#5: Explore Hiking Trails
Crabtree Falls Charlottesville
Hiking is one of my favorite activities in Charlottesville, and here are a few of my favorite hiking trails in the area.
Whether you’re an advanced, active hiker, or just want an easy stroll through nature, there’s something for everyone.
1. Rivanna Trail
Rivanna Trail is a 20 miles loop that encircles Charlottesville. It’s an excellent mix of urban and natural landscapes with forests, streams, and city views.
The loop itself is quite simple with plenty of level terrain and is great for beginners and family.
The trail is dog friendly, though because parts of it cross through private property, be sure to keep your dog on a leash.
It’s also a running friendly trail.
There are plenty of places to park across Charlottesville, though the best locations are:
Riverview Park at the eastern end of Chesapeake Street
Azalea Park off Old Lynchburg
Jordan Park at 1607 6th Street SE
Quarry Park at 427 Quarry Road.
2. Saunders-Monticello Trail (Kemper Park)
The Saunders-Monticello Trail at Kemper Park is about four miles in total and is one of my personal favorites. It’s a scenic yet well maintained trail that passes through hardwood forests and parts of it also provide excellent views of Monticello Mountain.
It’s a mix of gravel paths and boardwalk bridges that are suitable for running or walking.
It’s family friendly and parts of the trail are also dog friendly.
There are a variety of small parking lots, though the best place to leave your vehicle is at the trailhead near the Monticello Visitor Center. The exact address is 1050 Monticello Loop
Charlottesville, VA 22902.
3. Humpback Rocks
Humpback Rocks is excellent if you want a real hike in the wilderness. While the trail is just a two mile loop, it’s a steep ascent that leads to panoramic 360-degree views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Shenandoah Valley.
This is better suited for more experienced hikers due to the elevation gain, but it’s a great workout and the views are certainly rewarding!
It’s about 25 minutes from the center of Charlottesville, but it’s definitely worth the trip if you’re looking for an authentic hiking trail.
4. Crabtree Falls
If you like waterfalls, Crabtree Falls should be at the top of your list. It is about three miles and is home to one of the tallest cascading waterfalls east of the Mississippi River, with multiple viewing platforms along the trail.
The trail itself is well-marked but can be slippery near the falls, so be cautious if you plan to bring children. You can bring your dog, though they must stay on a leash.
There's a designated parking area available at the trailhead.
Those are my favorite trails, though you can also check out Blackrock Summit near the Shenandoah Valley, Ragged Mountain Natural Area, encompasses a reservoir, dense forests, and diverse wildlife, as well as Biscuit Run Park, which is close to the city and beginner friendly.
#6: Visit The Downtown Mall
Downtown Mall Charlottesville
If you’re looking for things to do in Charlottesville, the Downtown Mall is a must-see.
It’s pedestrian-only and has plenty of unique and historic shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues along its charming brick walkway. Stretching nearly eight blocks along Main Street, it is one of the longest pedestrian malls in the country and a hub for both locals and visitors.
There’s often live music and the Jefferson Theater and The Paramount Theater host regular film screenings and performances year-round.
Also located in the downtown mall is The Virginia Discovery Museum, which is a fun and interactive children's museum.
Convenient parking is available at nearby garages and lots, with the Water Street Garage and Market Street Garage offering central access to the area.
#7: Try an Escape Room Experience
Escape Room in Charlottesville
Another great activity to add to your list is visiting an escape room. These are great for both families and adult groups.
The two most popular locations are the Cville Escape Room and Unlocked History Escape Room.
The Cville Escape Room is located on the Downtown Mall and has family-friendly rooms such as Captain's Challenge, Dungeon of Fire, and Mad Scientist's Laboratory.
Each experience has a storyline and puzzle suitable for various age groups.
Another popular escape room is Unlocked History Escape Rooms, situated on Allied Lane. It’s excellent for history buffs as it combines historical storytelling with interactive gameplay. For example, The Allied Spy room is set in World War II-era Paris, and Da Vinci’s Discovery room leads players to unravel secrets about Leonardo da Vinci.
#8: Visit The Farmers Market
Charlottesville Farmers Market
The Charlottesville City Market is an open-air market held at 100 E. Water Street. It’s open from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM every Saturday from April through November.
With over 100 vendors, the market offers fresh produce, baked goods, meats, coffee, flowers, crafts, and more.
There are also plenty of local food vendors and food trucks if you want a bite to eat.
The market is located near the Downtown Mall and there is plenty of parking available at nearby garages, including the Water Street Parking Garage.
The Charlottesville City Market is the largest in the area, but you can also visit the Farmers In The Park market on Pen Park Road. This one is located on grass rather than the downtown mall and is open on Wednesdays from 3:00 to 6:00pm from May through September.
If you’re visiting during the holiday season, don’t miss the Holiday Market. It’s located on Water Street and is open from 9:00am to 1:00pm daily from November 22 to December 20th.
You can check the Charlottesville Farmers Market page for more information.
#9: Attend a Concert or Enjoy Live Music
Outdoor music in Charlottesville
Charlottesville has an impressive music scene, from traditional concerts to exceptional live music at cafes.
Perhaps the most well-known venue is the John Paul Jones Arena, and they feature international artists like the Zac Brown Band, Dave Matthews Band, Lady Gaga, and other celebrities. It’s definitely the type of venue that you’ll need to book in advance, but it could definitely be a highlight of your trip to Charlottesville.
The Jefferson Theater is a traditional concert venue and regularly hosts national and local acts from various genres. It’s located in the Downtown Mall and I recommend you buy your tickets in advance.
The Ting Pavilion is also situated in the Downtown Mall and is an outdoor venue that runs from mid April through September. They offer a free concert series, Fridays After Five, though they also have traditional ticketed events year round. It’s laid back, casual, and a great place to hang out with friends.
If you want to have dinner and a show, The Southern Café and Music Hall is a great option. They serve Southern-inspired cuisine and offer live performances from a range of artists across various genres. They also host some open mic nights making it a great spot for a casual date night.
Some other spots that offer live music include The Front Porch, which is a non-profit music education group, Miller’s Downtown, which is a bar with live music, and Starr Hill Brewery, which is great if you want a beer and live music.
#10: Take an Arts and Crafts Class
Charlottesville Arts Class
Taking an arts in crafts class might sound like an activity you’d take your toddler to – and there are plenty of classes for toddlers and families.
However, the Scrappy Elephant also hosts classes that are perfect for adults, like:
Crochet and Slay
Sit and Knit
Stitch and Bit*&
These adult classes take place on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays during lunchtime, though there are also classes in the evenings.
These classes are great for both Cville locals and tourists that want a unique experience.
Classes are affordable ranging from about $10 to $20.
Make The Most of Your Stay in Charlottesville
There are plenty of activities in Charlottesville that most locals don’t even know about.
If you are interested in booking a mini horse photoshoot at my farm, reach out today as sessions fill up quickly.
I look forward to meeting you!
