Things to do in Lynchburg, Virginia
- During the final weeks of the American Civil War, Lynchburg served as the temporary capital of Virginia.
- The city is often referred to as the City of Seven Hills, a moniker shared with Rome and San Francisco, referencing its hilly terrain.
- Lynchburg was the site of the first major battle in the Shenandoah Valley Campaign of 1864, the Battle of Lynchburg.
- The town was founded by a ferry operator named John Lynch, who established a crossing over the James River in 1757.
- Historically, the city was a major tobacco processing center, utilizing the James River and the Kanawha Canal for transport.
About Lynchburg, Virginia
Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Lynchburg is defined by its dramatic topography along the James River and a preserved architectural history. The city serves as an educational hub anchored by major institutions and is home to the sprawling Amazement Square for interactive learning. Visitors frequently explore the somber, historic grounds of the Old City Cemetery or tour the curated grounds of The Anne Spencer House & Garden Museum. The city's landscape is punctuated by significant religious landmarks like the Thomas Road Baptist Church and the historic Diamond Hill Baptist Church.
Highlights of Lynchburg, Virginia
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Museums
This multi-story children's museum features diverse hands-on exhibits designed for sensory exploration.
Places of interest
This Victorian-era site functions as both an arboretum and a history museum detailing local burial customs.
Museums
Tour the preserved home and garden of a central figure in the Harlem Renaissance movement.
Museums
Explore a plantation site that serves as a living history museum highlighting its Civil War significance.
Historical places
Walk through this district to view an extensive collection of late 19th-century Victorian architectural styles.
Temples
Visit one of the largest religious campuses in the region known for its extensive community facilities.
Temples
This church is historically significant for its role in the African American community during the post-Civil War era.
Top things to do in Lynchburg, Virginia
The 42 highest-rated places in Lynchburg, Virginia, ranked by travellers.
1
Zoos
Virginia Safari Park is a 180-acre drive-through animal preserve located in the Shenandoah Valley. Visitors navigate a t...
2
Museums
The National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, Virginia, commemorates the Allied invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944. Bedford...
3
Historical places
Appomattox Court House National Historical Park preserves the village where General Robert E. Lee surrendered the Army o...
4
Historical places
Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest is a neoclassical octagonal retreat house built by the third U.S. President as his priv...
5
Museums
Amazement Square is a multi-story, hands-on children’s museum located in a repurposed historic warehouse in downtown Lyn...
6
Parks
Riverside Park is a 41-acre recreational space located along the banks of the James River in Lynchburg, Virginia. The pa...
7
Parks
James River State Park is defined by three miles of frontage along the James River and a diverse landscape that transiti...
8
Parks
Peaks View Park is Lynchburg's second-largest municipal park, spanning approximately 150 acres of recreational space. Th...
9
Venues
Williams Stadium is the home field for the Liberty University Flames football team located in Lynchburg, Virginia. The f...
10
Places of interest
Dinosaur Kingdom II is a unique outdoor attraction that depicts an alternate history where Union soldiers battle dinosau...
11
Temples
Thomas Road Baptist Church is a prominent mega-church in Lynchburg, Virginia, originally founded in 1956 by Jerry Falwel...
12
Museums
The Jackson House Museum is the only residence ever owned by Thomas 'Stonewall' Jackson, who lived here from 1858 until...
13
Museums
The VMI Museum, located in Memorial Hall on the Virginia Military Institute campus, serves as the primary repository for...
14
Museums
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Museums
Patrick Henry’s Red Hill is the final home and burial site of the American Revolutionary leader and orator, Patrick Henr...
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Parks
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Parks
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Venues
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Museums
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Museums
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Amusement parks
22
Places of interest
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Museums
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Museums
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Temples
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Historical places
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Museums
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Natural attractions
30
Historical places
Around Lynchburg, Virginia
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Lynchburg, Virginia on the map
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Plan your visit to Lynchburg, Virginia
Late April to early June or September to October, when the hilly terrain is temperate for outdoor walking and historic tours.
2-3 days to explore the historical districts, museums, and riverfront heritage sites.
A personal vehicle is highly recommended as the city is spread across seven hills with limited public transit coverage.
Stay in the Downtown or Rivermont areas to remain within walking distance of historic architecture and local amenities.
Mid-range; lodging and dining costs are generally more affordable than in northern Virginia or coastal tourist hubs.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 42 curated attractions in and around Lynchburg, Virginia, ranked by traveller ratings.
Virginia Safari Park is the highest-rated place to visit in Lynchburg, Virginia right now.
The largest category is museums, with 14 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Downtown Los Angeles, Bayonne, New Jersey, Washington, D.C..
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