Things to do in Staunton, Virginia
- Staunton served as the capital of Virginia for a brief period in 1781 after the Virginia General Assembly fled from the British in Richmond and Charlottesville.
- The city has been a major site for Shakespearean performance since 2001, housing an exact recreation of the Blackfriars Playhouse.
- Staunton was one of the first municipalities in the United States to adopt the city manager form of government in 1908.
- The city's downtown is situated at a higher elevation than most of the surrounding Shenandoah Valley, leading to its historic nickname as 'The Queen City'.
- Its original town plat, surveyed in 1748, remains largely intact, preserving the layout of the colonial-era county seat.
About Staunton, Virginia
Staunton is a historically preserved city in the Shenandoah Valley known for its Victorian architecture and status as the birthplace of President Woodrow Wilson. Visitors can explore regional heritage at the Frontier Culture Museum or stroll through the Wharf Area Historic District to experience its 19th-century railway legacy. The community maintains large recreational spaces like Gypsy Hill Park and Montgomery Hall Park, which anchor the city's outdoor activity. Military history is highlighted at The 29th Division Museum, while the Temple House of Israel showcases the city's enduring religious architecture.
Highlights of Staunton, Virginia
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Museums
See authentic, relocated farm buildings representing the historical origins of early American settlers.
Parks
Enjoy expansive green space featuring a duck pond, formal gardens, and a historic bandstand.
Parks
Access extensive forested trails and modern sports facilities located on the city's western edge.
Museums
Examine a specialized collection dedicated to the combat history and soldiers of the 29th Infantry Division.
Historical places
Walk through a preserved collection of late 19th-century commercial buildings that once served as a regional rail hub.
Temples
Observe the architecture of one of the oldest synagogues in Virginia still standing in its original location.
Top things to do in Staunton, Virginia
The 48 highest-rated places in Staunton, Virginia, ranked by travellers.
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Parks
The Massanutten Indoor WaterPark is a climate-controlled aquatic facility located within the Massanutten Resort in the B...
2
Places of interest
Grand Caverns is a natural limestone cave system located in Grottoes, Virginia, notable for being the oldest show cave i...
3
Museums
The Frontier Culture Museum is an open-air living history museum that traces the migration of people from the Old World...
4
Parks
Gypsy Hill Park is a 214-acre public facility in Staunton, Virginia, featuring an iconic miniature train that operates o...
5
Parks
The Edith J. Carrier Arboretum is a 125-acre botanical garden and forest located on the campus of James Madison Universi...
6
Parks
Ridgeview Park is a 35-acre recreational space located along the banks of the South River in Waynesboro, Virginia. The p...
7
Parks
Purcell Park is a 67-acre municipal recreational area located in Harrisonburg, Virginia. The park features a diverse ran...
8
Museums
Explore More Discovery Museum is a hands-on, educational facility in downtown Harrisonburg designed primarily for childr...
9
Venues
Bridgeforth Stadium is the home field for the James Madison University Dukes football team, located on the university's...
10
Parks
Montgomery Hall Park serves as the primary municipal outdoor recreation hub in Staunton, Virginia, spanning over 148 acr...
11
Parks
Hillandale Park is the largest municipal park in Harrisonburg, Virginia, encompassing over 70 acres of recreational land...
12
Museums
The Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum is centered around the Greek Revival manse where the 28th U.S. Presiden...
13
Parks
St. Mary’s Wilderness is a 9,835-acre protected area in the George Washington National Forest, characterized by rugged t...
14
Venues
The Blackfriars Playhouse is the world's only re-creation of William Shakespeare’s indoor theatre, the original Blackfri...
15
Places of interest
Rock Point Overlook is located at Milepost 10.5 on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia. It provides a distinct vantage po...
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Places of interest
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Venues
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Venues
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Natural attractions
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Places of interest
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Parks
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Museums
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Museums
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Parks
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Museums
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Natural attractions
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Historical places
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Temples
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Temples
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Staunton, Virginia on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Staunton, Virginia
Late spring to early autumn, as the temperate mountain climate is ideal for outdoor activities in the surrounding Shenandoah Valley.
2-3 days, providing sufficient time to explore the historic downtown district and nearby cultural museums.
The historic downtown area is highly walkable, though a car is necessary for visiting regional parks and reaching the city from major highways.
Stay in the downtown area near the Wharf or the historic business district to remain within walking distance of local restaurants and galleries.
Staunton is considered a mid-range destination with a wide variety of affordable guesthouses and local dining options.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 48 curated attractions in and around Staunton, Virginia, ranked by traveller ratings.
Massanutten Indoor WaterPark is the highest-rated place to visit in Staunton, Virginia right now.
The largest category is museums, with 11 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Downtown Los Angeles, Bayonne, New Jersey, Washington, D.C..
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