10 Amazing Things To Do Near Charlottesville, Virginia
Looking for fun things to do in
Charlottesville, Virginia? Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, a family road trip, or a couples’ escape, this charming college town in
Central Virginia has a little bit of everything: history, wine, mountain views, and great food.
Below you’ll find 10 of the best things to do in and around Charlottesville, all within an easy drive of downtown. Grab a coffee on the
Downtown Mall, lace up your walking shoes, and let’s explore.
1. Tour Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello
If you only do one thing in Charlottesville, make it
Monticello.
Just a short drive (about 10 minutes) from downtown,
Thomas Jefferson’s mountaintop home is one of the most famous historic sites in the USA. The house sits on a hill with sweeping views of the
Blue Ridge Mountains.
What to expect:
- Guided tours of the house and grounds
- Beautiful flower and vegetable gardens
- Slavery at Monticello exhibits that tell the stories of the enslaved families who lived and worked there
- A short film and visitor center with a gift shop and café
Plan at least 2–3 hours. Wear comfortable shoes—there’s a bit of walking, and some paths are on a slope.
Tip: Mornings are usually less crowded, especially on weekends and during peak travel seasons like spring and fall.
2. Stroll and Dine on the Charlottesville Downtown Mall
Right in the heart of Charlottesville, the
Downtown Mall is one of the longest pedestrian malls in the country. Think brick walkways, shade trees, and a mix of historic buildings and modern storefronts.
You’ll find:
- Locally owned restaurants and cafés with outdoor seating
- Bookstores, gift shops, and art galleries
- Street performers on busy evenings and weekends
- Ice cream shops and bakeries for a sweet treat
If you like people-watching, this is your spot. I once sat at an outdoor table here for over an hour, just sipping coffee and watching everything from college students juggling to a man walking his parrot (yes, really).
Don’t miss: The free-to-enter
Jefferson-Madison Regional Library building on the mall if you want a quiet break or some local history displays.
3. Sip Wine Along the Monticello Wine Trail
Charlottesville is wine country. The
Monticello Wine Trail includes dozens of wineries within about a 30-minute drive of town. Many offer mountain views, live music on weekends, and picnic-friendly lawns.
A few popular wineries near Charlottesville:
You don’t have to be a wine expert to enjoy it. Most tasting rooms are happy to explain the difference between a light white and a full-bodied red in plain English.
Tip: Bring a designated driver or look into local wine tour companies if you plan to try multiple vineyards.
4. Visit James Monroe’s Highland
Just down the road from Monticello is
Highland, the home of
James Monroe, the fifth president of the United States. It’s an easy add-on if you’re already in the area touring historic sites.
Why go?
- Learn about Monroe’s life and presidency in a more intimate setting than Monticello.
- Walk peaceful grounds with big, old trees and mountain views.
- See ongoing archaeological work as historians uncover more of the property’s past.
Highland feels quieter and less crowded, which is nice if you’re looking for a slower-paced stop. It’s also a good option for kids who may get tired of long indoor tours—there’s room to roam outside.
5. Hike the Blue Ridge Mountains in Shenandoah National Park
One of the best things about Charlottesville is how close it is to the
Blue Ridge Mountains. In about 30–45 minutes, you can be at an overlook in
Shenandoah National Park, breathing in fresh mountain air.
Popular hikes near Charlottesville:
- Humpback Rocks – A steep but fairly short hike (about 1 mile up) with a big payoff: wide-open views across the valley.
- Rivanna Trail – Circles Charlottesville itself, offering smaller, easier segments if you want something close to town.
Want something lower key? Just drive a stretch of
Skyline Drive and stop at a few overlooks. Pack a jacket—even in summer, it can be cooler at higher elevations.
Tip: Check weather and park alerts before you go. Fog can roll in fast in the mountains, and some trails can get muddy after rain.
6. Experience History at the University of Virginia
The
University of Virginia (UVA), founded by Thomas Jefferson, is not just a college campus—it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the signature attractions in Charlottesville.
Highlights:
- The Rotunda – The iconic domed building inspired by the Roman Pantheon.
- The Lawn – Long, grassy central area surrounded by historic student rooms.
- Free self-guided walking tours with informational signs.
On a sunny day, you’ll see students studying on the grass, kids tossing footballs, and visitors snapping photos in front of the Rotunda.
If you enjoy architecture, pay attention to the brick walkways and colonnades—Jefferson’s design details are everywhere.
7. Explore Carter Mountain Orchard
For a classic Virginia experience with a killer view, head up to
Carter Mountain Orchard, just a quick drive from downtown Charlottesville.
Depending on the season, you can:
- Pick your own apples or peaches
- Try fresh apple cider doughnuts (worth the trip by themselves)
- Buy jams, sauces, and local goodies in the country store
- Enjoy live music and hard cider on some evenings
When the weather is clear, you can see Charlottesville spread out below and the Blue Ridge Mountains in the distance. Fall weekends can be busy, but the atmosphere is fun—like a small festival on a hilltop.
Tip: Bring a light jacket in spring or fall; it can be breezy up there.
8. Discover Local Flavor on the Brew Ridge & Craft Beer Scene
If you’re more of a beer fan, Charlottesville won’t let you down. The area has a booming
craft beer scene, with breweries both in town and out toward the mountains.
Around Charlottesville you’ll find:
- Three Notch’d Brewing – Popular taproom with a wide range of styles.
- Random Row Brewing – Laid-back space, great for hanging out with friends.
- Several other local spots offering IPAs, lagers, sours, and more.
Drive a bit farther, and you’ll hit the so-called “
Brew Ridge” area stretching toward Nelson County, with mountain views and outdoor seating. Many places are dog-friendly and family-friendly during the day.
Always plan transportation if you’re sampling—Uber, Lyft, or a designated driver will keep the fun stress-free.
9. Bike, Walk, or Paddle Along the Rivanna River
Looking for something outdoorsy but not too intense? The
Rivanna River and nearby trails are perfect for a relaxed day outside.
Options include:
- Rivanna Trail – Walking, running, or biking on paths that loop around the city.
- Kayaking, tubing, or canoeing on the Rivanna River in season (local outfitters can help with rentals and shuttles).
- Picnics along the riverbank in designated areas.
On hot summer days, floating down the river feels like nature’s lazy river ride. Just don’t forget sunscreen, water shoes, and a dry bag for your phone.
10. Catch a Show at the Paramount Theater or Ting Pavilion
Charlottesville has a surprisingly strong live music and arts scene for a smaller city.
Two main spots:
- The Paramount Theater – A beautifully restored historic theater on the Downtown Mall. You’ll find concerts, comedy shows, movies, and special events.
- Ting Pavilion – An outdoor venue at the end of the Downtown Mall that hosts concerts and seasonal events, including free summer shows at times.
I once saw a midweek show here and was struck by how easy it was: park nearby, grab a quick meal on the mall, catch the show, and be back at the hotel in minutes. No big-city hassle.
Tip: Check event calendars before your trip. You might be able to plan your visit around a favorite band or a festival.
Where to Stay and How Long to Visit Charlottesville
For most visitors,
2–3 days in Charlottesville is a sweet spot. That gives you enough time to:
- Spend a day with Monticello, Highland, and Carter Mountain
- Enjoy the Downtown Mall and UVA campus
- Take a half- or full-day trip to the mountains, wineries, or breweries
Places to stay:
- Downtown for easy walking access to restaurants and nightlife
- Near UVA for a college-town feel
- Just outside town or at a countryside inn if you prefer peace and quiet
Final Thoughts: Why Charlottesville Belongs on Your USA Travel List
Charlottesville, Virginia might not be as famous as New York or Washington, D.C., but that’s part of its charm. It blends:
- Deep American history
- Beautiful mountain scenery
- Local food, wine, and beer
- A relaxed, small-city feel
It’s the kind of place where you can tour a president’s home in the morning, hike to a mountaintop in the afternoon, and be sipping local wine or craft beer as the sun sets.
Share Your Charlottesville Experience
Have you been to Charlottesville or planning a trip soon?
- Which of these 10 things to do are you most excited to try?
- Do you have a favorite winery, hike, or restaurant in the area?
Drop your thoughts, tips, and questions in the comments below—your experience can help other travelers plan their own Charlottesville getaway.
And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends or family who are looking for fun weekend trips in Virginia or the Mid-Atlantic. Safe travels!
Comments
Post a Comment