Things to do & places to visit in Staunton, Virginia, United States

The city planners in Staunton, Virginia, were very careful to preserve the town's heritage, keeping power lines and cell towers out of view in the historic districts, allowing nothing to interrupt the charm of local restaurants and shops operating out of original Victorian storefronts. Staunton is also the home to the Frontier Culture Museum, The Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and the American Shakespeare Center, staging plays at the world's only replica of the Blackfriars Playhouse.

Staunton city in Virginia, United States. Timezone: America/New_York, current date and time: Thursday, May 09, 2024, 15:40.

Top things to do (18)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 American Shakespeare Center (915 reviews)
- We went to see Charles Dickens “A Christmas Carol” – young and old enjoyed it!
Thursday: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM, 7:30 PM - 10:00 PM Theaters

The Blackfriars Playhouse is the world's only re-creation of Shakespeare's indoor theatre. "Stunning", says Frommer's. Located in historic downtown Staunton, VA, this 300-seat Renaissance theatre offers productions of Shakespeare and classic plays year round that the Washington Post says are "shamelessly entertaining" and the Boston Globe says are "phenomenal...bursting with energy”. See more..
5.0 Crack The Code Escape Room (361 reviews)
- Amazing Escape Room!
Thursday: Spent < 1 hour Escape Games

What is an escape room? It's an interactive real life escape game in which you must solve the puzzles in order to escape the room. You have 60 minutes to find the clues, solve the puzzles and make your way to freedom. Are you up to the challenge? See more..
5.0 Trinity Episcopal Church (119 reviews)
- Beautiful and historic
Churches & Cathedrals

This is worth seeing for the stained glass windows alone, of which 7 are gorgeous Tiffany windows. But the church is very historic with a fascinating story, so highly recommend picking up the brochure in the vestibule which tells you about everything. Right now the church is open 1-4 M-F, but check their website first. See more..
5.0 Star B Stables (49 reviews)
- Great place to go horseback riding!
Equestrian Trails

We went on an hour long ride on a Friday afternoon and it was lovely. Cowboy Carl was patient and friendly with my youngest child and I as he told us how to hold the reins and sit in the saddle. The cost ($50 per person-cash or check only) was in line with other rides we have been on. We rode over grassy fields, up and down hills, and across a large creek-twice. Highly recommend Star B Stables for horseback riding! See more..
5.0 Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church (15 reviews)
- A walk up a big hill in Staunton was worth it!!!
Spent < 1 hour Churches & Cathedrals

During a recent visit to Staunton, Va. we attended Mass at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. We were staying in a local hotel so we walked up a big hill to get to the church but it was very worth it. The church community was warm and welcoming. A visitor felt very welcome attending Mass at this church. See more..
5.0 Thornrose Cemetery (7 reviews)
- Such beautiful Fall colors. So peaceful and lovely
Spent 1-2 hours Cemeteries

On a chilly evening with an overcast above. We stumbled into paradise. Suddenly the air didn’t feel so unfriendly anymore. Parked the vehicle and visited the residents of this lovely community. They have a view worth looking upon for the rest of their eternal life. See more..
5.0 The Gypsy Express (5 reviews)
- Fourth of July Tradition in Staunton, VA
Thursday: Parks

Our family has been visiting Staunton, VA for their annual Happy Birthday USA celebration since the 70's. Riding the train was a highlight for many generations of kids in our family. Several years ago, the community raised funds for a major renovation on the train area and it is really lovely. Such a nice job and clean, fun activity for kids (and young-at-heart adults - see the pictures!) Be sure to scream when you go through the tunnel!!! It's a great photo op! See more..
5.0 Sma-vwil Museum (2 reviews)
- Nicely Curated Collection
Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums
This is a nicely curated collection of Staunton Military Academy photos and memorabilia from the 20th and 21st century. The 21st century material is from the Virginia Women's Institute for Leadership's Corps of Cadets at Mary Baldwin College. A graduate of the SMA and a former teacher was our docent. He was very knowledgeable and interesting. The attraction is free and accepts donations. It's best to make an appointment to be certain that a guide will be available as the museum relies on volunteer help. A small store offers t-shirts, polo shirts,mugs and the like. See more..
5.0 Statler Brothers Tribute Statue (1 review)
- Great monument honoring local/national musicians
Monuments & Statues

This monument is located inside Gypsy Hill Park but is a great thing to see if you are a Statler Brothers fan or a fan of country music. See more..
5.0 Staunton-parkersburg Turnpike (1 review)
- A critical objective during the Civil War
Scenic Drives
The Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike was built in what is now the states of Virginia and West Virginia during the mid-1800s to provide a roadway from Staunton, Virginia, and the upper Shenandoah Valley to the Ohio River at present-day Parkersburg, West Virginia. Control of the road became crucial during some of the earliest campaigns of the Civil War. For example, the Union Victory at Rich Mountain on July 11, 1861, gave the Union Army control of the turnpike, Tygart's Valley, the covered bridge at Philippi and all the territory of western Virginia to the north and west, including the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. Today, the turnpike can be traversed by following West Virginia Route 47 east from Parkersburg to Linn, then U.S. Route 33 east through Weston and Buckhannon to Elkins, then U.S. Route 250 southeast through Beverly and Huttonsville, finally crossing the West Virginia/Virginia state line to Staunton, Virginia, and the Shenandoah Valley. The 180-mile trip features pristine Civil War sites, historic towns, beautiful mountain vistas, vast forests and secluded lakes. French-born civil engineer Claudius Crozet, who served in the French military forces under Napoleon, emigrated to the United States and helped found Virginia Military Institute (VMI) in Lexington, Virginia, was the chief figure in the planning and construction of the turnpike. The original planning was done in 1826 but funding wasn't authorized until 1838. By the end of the 19th century, the importance of the turnpike to transport lumber and coal began to wane with the coming of the railroads. In the 1920s, the states paved many highways, reducing the turnpike's through-traffic. But it remained an important thoroughfare for locals. The turnpike was designated a National Scenic Byway in 2005. See more..
4.5 Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum (729 reviews)
- Learned more about Wilson's beginnings
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • Historic Sites

As the official Presidential Library for Woodrow Wilson, we are an educational institution dedicated to the study of both his life and the times in which he lived - from pre-Civil War to post World War I. Come and learn about Wilson, take a stroll through our historic gardens, immerse yourself in a WWI trench exhibit, and view his Pierce-Arrow Presidential limousine that still runs to this day! See more..
4.5 Frontier Culture Museum (723 reviews)
- Interesting and informative
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours History Museums

The Frontier Culture Museum is the biggest open-air living history museum in the Shenandoah Valley, as well as one of the highest rated family-friendly attractions and one of the top tourist destinations in Virginia. Costumed historical interpreters show the life and customs of the indigenous Native American tribes in Virginia, the arrival of the German, English and Irish settlers along the Great Wagon Road, and the painful journey of the enslaved Africans to the first permanent British colony in North America. Visitors also get to interact with a blacksmith at an Irish Forge, woodworkers, tailors, and yarn spinners, and learn how the early settlers of America cooked and worked the land. The American journey starts here, with these early pioneers that inhabited America's First Frontier, the Blue Ridge Mountains, prior to the Westward Expansion of the 19th Century. The outdoor museum is located on 200 acres of land in Staunton, Virginia, one of the South's Best Mountain Towns. See more..
4.5 Sunspots Studios Glassblowing (266 reviews)
- Worth 30 minutes of your time!
Thursday: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM Factory Tours

Sunspots offers visitors the chance to make your own ornament, but I didn't pursue scheduling an appointment. They have live glassblowing demonstrations where you can watch one of their employees, Jason, work with other visitors to create their ornaments. He walks them through the process, and they have small bleachers for people to sit and watch. I watched for about 20-30 minutes, and it was very cool. They also have an assortment of glassblown items for sale, including glow in the dark creations! I definitely recommend stopping in to see the live action! See more..
4.5 Gypsy Hill Park (206 reviews)
- Gorgeous Town Park Steeped in History
Thursday: 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM Parks

Park has a long history and a beautiful creek running through. The hills, baseball fields, playgrounds, pond, and water foul make it a pleasant park to visit. The road makes it great walking, jogging, or cycling. Staunton has made improvements over the years, making this a nice outdoor concert or recreation space. It has some nice additions for families which include a train, tennis courts, and a recreation center. For locals, the park is the center of the town for family activities and relaxation. See more..
4.5 Camera Heritage Museum (153 reviews)
- Cameras galore!!
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums

Tours are available: $5.00 self guided, $7.50 audio tour, Curator guided (add'l): 20.00 We have a vast collection of cameras that show the evolution of photography. See more..
4.5 Staunton Visitor Center (74 reviews)
- Gloria is all knowing!
Thursday: 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM Spent < 1 hour Visitor Centers

The Downtown Staunton Visitor Center is a place where visitors can get information and directions, make reservations and find suggestions on things to see and do in Staunton, Virginia. See more..
4.5 R.R. Smith Center for History & Art (32 reviews)
- Bite-sized and delicious!
Thursday: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM Art Museums

This is a nice visit for art lovers and art fearers alike. It's not the NY Met, overwhelming and intimidating. It's a beautiful, small, well-located, and free museum in the center of Staunton. Yet, it has accessible and changing historical exhibits -- when we visited there was an early American silver exhibit along with historical wine-growing maps of France -- and also features local artists.You'll be in and out within less than an hour. Go! See more..
4.5 Staunton Public Library (26 reviews)
- Excellent library
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Libraries

The mission of the Staunton Public Library is to acquire, organize, and provide access and guidance to a wide variety of information and materials which help to fulfill the intellectual, educational, social and recreational needs of all the people in the city. If you have reference questions, need help with digital collections, or just need ideas for what to read next, please reach out to us. We want to connect you with the resources you need! See more..
4.5 Montgomery Hall Park (19 reviews)
- Hiding in Plain Sight
Parks

A large, sprawling wonderfully diverse public space with a community center, play area for tots, numerous near professionally maintained ball parks of all sorts, well maintained pool for seasonal swimming, numerous hiking trails. My personal favorite: the disc golf course--challenging and very well designed. One of Staunton's gems is this park. See more..
4.5 Staunton Farmers Market (2 reviews)
- Parking Lot Market
Farmers Markets

A nice variety of stands for a local farmers market, ranging from alpaca products to bakery goods to local veggies. The market is seasonal on Wednesday and Saturday. Worth a stop if you’re in the area. See more..
4.5 17 E Beverley Antiques (2 reviews)
- 6 shops in one building
Antique Shops

17 Beverley Antiques contains 6 individual shops on 2 floors. The only shops I could really see a name on was Retro & Me and Bill's Toy Room (I loved Retro & Me and bought several pairs of sunglasses. Between all the shops you will find vintage clothes, vintage jewelry, vintage/antique collectibles, quilts, lights, garden items, art, vintage toys, furniture, pin-up posters, and much much more. See more..
4.0 Bruce A. Elder Antique and Classic Automobiles Museum (35 reviews)
- Really cool cars!
Thursday: Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

Located in the downtown historic district of Staunton, VA, Bruce A. Elder Antique And Classic Automobiles displays important automobiles from the dawn of motoring through the muscle car era. Housed in the famous Beverley Garage Building, constructed in 1911 as "The Finest Garage In The South", visitors can tour an ever-changing collection of rare and exciting vehicles spanning nearly 100 years. Professionally guided tours are scheduled on Friday's and Saturday's only. Tour times are 10:30, 1:30, 3:00 and 5:00 both days. Tour cost is $5 per person, age 16 and over. Attended children are free. Club and special tours at other times can sometimes be accommodated for a minimum of 20 guests. Please call us if you are coming a significant distance, as we are sometimes called away. See more..
4.0 Redbeard Brewing Company (21 reviews)
- Great small brewery with big flavors
Thursday: 12:00 PM - 12:00 AM Spent 1-2 hours Breweries

We are back to our normal business hours!! Noon-Midnight, CLOSED Wednesdays. Nanobrewery in the heart of downtown Staunton. Our brewhouse size is ~3 barrels and we have a total fermentation capability of ~20 barrels. Each batch is hand crafted by one person from beginning to end, using ancient techniques, but (moderately) modern equipment. Beers are brewed with high quality Belgian grown malts, American hops, and Staunton municipal tap water. Typically American, English, and/or Belgian styles are available, on 10-14 taps. We have snacks available to purchase from our Vending Machine or you are welcome to bring in your own food. Please no outside beverages. See more..
4.0 First Presbyterian Church (3 reviews)
- Welcome to First Presbyterian Church
Spent 1-2 hours Churches & Cathedrals

The Session and congregation of the First Presbyterian Church invite one and all to join us on any given Sunday to worship at 11:00. See more..
4.0 Oak Grove Theater (2 reviews)
- Spot-light missing
Theaters
The sitting, the sound, the lights and the open space was great! We really did enjoy the AC/DC and Air Supply venue...great shows. But each time the performers stepped forward, they simply disappeared under the background lights. There was no spot-lights for them, so it was hard to see (other than a silhouette) of the main performer. Please add a SPOT-LIGHT, as in the Ascent Amphitheater in Nashville. See more..
4.0 Queen City Marketplace (2 reviews)
- a very nice place
Antique Shops

Our first good impression was how the people in the front greeted us as we walked in. Our second good impression was how organized the place was. They offer a little bit of everything from antique furniture right down to the smallest of vintage toys. I walked out with a few things I didn't even know I needed until I saw it. This is a must stop if you are passing through Staunton. It's even worth driving out of your way. See more..
3.5 Eavers Classic Cars (11 reviews)
- Worth the time.
Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

If you want to take a break from driving this is a good stop. Cars are from 50's and 60's and are a private collection of a local driver. Be sure to visit the antique shop that is attached. Prices very resonable. See more..
3.5 Wilson Park (6 reviews)
- View one of Staunton's Gems!
Parks

A wonderful setting to sit on a grassy knoll and enjoy "The Queen City of the Shenandoah Valley"! Enjoy Staunton's historic Architecture, walk across the Sears Hill Bridge, and you may also see the Train go by-all within 5 minutes or an Hour-as long as you would like to spend. Beautiful any time of year. The 100 year old Sears Hill Bridge (near the Sears Hill neighborhood) was completely refurbished two years ago due to the efforts of a "grass roots" organization and people of the community. You can also experience Staunton's Train Station and the Depot Grill-a fine restaurant anytime! See more..
3.0 Betsy Bell Wilderness Park (15 reviews)
- Unknown sanctuary in Staunton
Parks

Betsy Bell and Mary Gray are the names of the two small mountains within the Staunton city limits. You can drive to the top of Betsy Bell where there is are overlooks and picnic tables. There is also a hiking/mountain biking trail circuit. Mary Gray has a hiking only circuit but not much in the way of views. You can make a figure 8 circuit if you do both. There are no bells and whistles here as it is a wilderness area and is not kept up as well as it should be but the great thing is there is rarely anyone there so if you want to walk or mountain bike ride away from everyone but don't have time to travel to the mountains, this is a great little getaway. See more..
Nanny June Vintage (0 review)
Antique Shops

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