Coming to Charlottesville? Here’s a list of what to do in Charlottesville during a stay, from outdoorsy activities to wineries to sightseeing.
As a longtime resident (14 years!) of Charlottesville, VA, it is fair to assume I love living here. The list of why I like it is extensive; there are so many fantastic activities to take part in no matter what your preferences!
From a ton of historical sites and former presidential homes, the many parks boasting natural wonders, and the hidden-gem restaurants, you can find plenty of fun ways to stay busy here. Today I’m sharing a roundup of things you’ll want to do while you are in Charlottesville.
What to Do in Charlottesville
Fun Things to Do in Charlottesville, VA
The Charlottesville Ale Trail
One thing you will quickly notice about Charlottesville is there is no shortage of breweries. Chances are you’ve had a beer from Charlottesville – it’s where Starr Hill, Devil’s Backbone, and Three Notch’d all got their start. Charlottesville continues to play a big role in the craft beer scene, with more great breweries continuing to open in the area, including several spots within walking distance of one another, and several located near the pedestrian Downtown Mall.
Given the proximity of the breweries to one another, it was inevitable an Ale Trail would one day be created! This is a fun way to take a walking tour of the area, as you can select ones within walking distance of one another.
It’s easy to participate – you’ll simply visit their website and download your passport. Every time you visit a spot on the tour, get a stamp. It’s a great way to explore all the great locations while earning a free gift.
Pizza at Blue Mountain Brewery
The Downtown Mall
Sometimes, it can be fun to simply walk around and explore, and the Downtown Mall is perfect for just that. A pedestrian walking mall, there are 120 shops and 30 restaurants to choose from around the area. You can find consignment shops for sustainable shopping, art galleries, and great places to grab a drink and a bite to eat. If you grab a seat outside, you can count on some good people watching, and many of the restaurants are dog friendly on their patios.
Additionally, there are usually activities taking place downtown, from live music to events at restaurants. Take a look at the events calendar when planning your visit.
C-ville Bites Food Tour
If you are going to be downtown anyway, why not consider taking a walking food tour? After all, one of the best ways to explore an area is through its local food scene. This locally owned and operated food tour is a great chance to try restaurants and make new friends!
Currently, the Downtown Walking Food Crawl consists of savory and sweet treats at a variety of restaurants – and even includes around two drinks per person, plus taxes and gratuity. If you are looking for even more to do, C-Ville Bites plans on adding more guided tours and specialty tours to the mix.
Be sure to arrive hungry and wearing comfortable shoes, as you’ll be walking all around the Downtown Mall!
Unique Things to Do in Charlottesville, VA
Academical Village and Fralin Museum of Art
When visiting Cville, you definitely want to pencil in a visit to the University of Virginia, starting with the Academical Village. Opened in 1825, it is a unique look at the vision Thomas Jefferson had regarding education in the United States, and the architecture is beautiful. It is easy to see the Roman-Greco influence.
Take a stroll around the village – and maybe even stop by Edgar Allan Poe’s room at the section known as The Range. It makes for a lovely walk, and a great way to get to know about the history of the University.
If you are an art lover, it is an easy walk from here over to the Fralin Museum of Art. The collection comprises over 14,000 objects ranging from European and American paintings, photography, African art, Asian art, Native American art, and more.
The museum is free to visit, though you are welcome to leave a donation. It is open every day except Monday, though the hours vary by day. Be sure and check out the hours before visiting.
IX Art Park and The Looking Glass
IX Art Park is a 24-hour mural and sculpture art park free to the public to roam and explore. Take a stroll through and find all of the art on display, followed up by lunch at one of the restaurants, like Three Notch’d Brewery.
There always seems to be something happening at IX, whether it be the Saturday morning farmer’s market or a specialty fair. A listing of events can be found here.
Additionally, you’ll find The Looking Glass at IX. This immersive art space is a truly unique way to experience Charlottesville. Created by local artists, this enchanted forest allows you to escape the everyday in a magical way. Tickets can be purchased online and are $15 for ages 14 and up, $12 for ages 4 – 13, and free for those 3 and under.
Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection of the University of Virginia
A unique fact about Charlottesville is it is home to a museum dedicated to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art. The Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection is the perfect way to get a taste for Australia without the long flight.
The museum is open Tuesday – Sunday from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM. While it is part of the University of Virginia, you will not find it on the UVA Grounds. Instead, it is housed in a historic house located on the eastern side of Charlottesville at 400 Worrell Drive. Though it is free to visit, reservations are still highly recommended and can be made online.
Romantic Things to Do in Charlottesville, VA
Wineries
There is a long history of wine in Virginia – it is referred to as the birthplace of American wine – so it is not surprising you’ll find around 40 wineries within a 25 mile radius. With views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and beautiful settings, wineries are a must for a romantic outing.
Wineries are actually one of my favorite options when it comes to summer activities in Charlottesville. You can check out my ideas for vineyard picnics in my 20 Summer Activities in Charlottesville post.
Be sure to check out the Monticello Wine Trail (some are award winning!) for a list of the wineries. They all have something unique to offer.
Hot Air Ballooning
For a more dramatic romantic statement, why not try a hot air balloon ride? It is a unique way to literally sweep your partner off their feet.
This 45 minute journey up in the clouds will take you soaring over the city of Charlottesville. The event even includes pictures and a traditional champagne (or celebratory NA drink) toast.
Dinner and a Show at the Paramount Theater
Fully restored and reopened in 2004, the historic Paramount Theater in the heart of the Downtown Mall is a great option when planning a romantic night out. Hosting concerts, the ballet, the opera, comedy shows, and more, you are sure to find the perfect fit for your interests. Check out their events here.
While out on the town, why not add on dinner or an after theater drink at one of the many great restaurants?
Things to Do with Kids in Charlottesville, VA
Dairy Market
Do you have picky eaters in your midst, making dinner out a bit of a struggle? The Dairy Market is a fantastic food destination for families because there are a ton of options available.
For vegetarians/vegans, you’ll find GRN Burger, as well as Citizen Burger Bar for you carnivores. You can enjoy a cocktail with a twist at Milk Man’s Bar while your kiddos enjoy ice cream from Moo Thru, located in the same area of the food hall. If you are looking for a sit down meal, South and Central is a great choice for Latin cuisine.
For fans of live music, head over to Starr Hill Brewery and enjoy a pint while supporting local musicians. They also have outdoor seating if you don’t want to be inside.
Dairy Market is also always hosting fun events, so be sure and check them out here.
Discovery Museum
What could be more perfect for kids than an interactive and educational museum just for them? The Discovery Museum is one of the top places in Charlottesville to take kids.
Located on the Downtown Mall, they have two main galleries; you can check out their exhibits here. You can also check out their programs here, but note that many of these are paid or require registration.
Open Monday – Saturday from 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM, it’s a flat rate of $10/person whether child or adult (only kids under 1 get in free).
Carter Mountain Orchard & Country Store
For some wholesome family fun (with plenty of instagrammable photo ops), Carter Mountain Orchard is a perfect choice. With beautiful mountain views and seasonal produce, it truly is picturesque. My personal favorite is to follow up apple picking with hot apple cider donuts – it is the perfect way to celebrate the fall season!
Fans of hard cider will be happy to know there is also a Bold Rock Cider outpost located here. Their hours are seasonal, so be sure to check out the website first (this is also a great way to see which fruits are in season for picking).
You can even make a whole day out of your visit by adding Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello to the schedule. This Unesco World Heritage Site is located right next to the orchard, making it super convenient. If you haven’t visited Monticello before, it is worth seeing.
Outdoor Things to Do in Charlottesville, VA
Hiking
Charlottesville is ideal for fans of hiking. From lowkey to challenging, there is something for every skill level, and you couldn’t ask for a better setting!
If you want stunning views, why not take the thirty minute drive outside of Charlottesville to Shenandoah National Park? You can take advantage of the many trails they have to offer (over 500 miles!). Read more about the different hiking itineraries in my Best Day Trips from Charlottesville post.
Farmer’s Markets
I’m always a big fan of supporting local vendors, and hitting up the Farmer’s Markets are the perfect way to do just that. Plus, it allows you to get a true taste for the area, from locally sourced produce to jewelry from local artisans and more.
Gathering almost every Saturday morning of the year, these are held just off the Downtown Mall and in the nearby IX Park (though there are other offerings throughout the county as well).
Explore Monticello Gardens
If you’ve already toured Monticello itself, why not consider doing just the garden tour?
The gardens at Monticello are an interesting sight to see. From flowers to edible plants, it shows you what a huge operation was (and remains) in place at this historic site.
The Gardens & Grounds all day pass is $22 for adults, $8 for youths 12 – 18, and free to those under 12. It does not include admittance into the house. You can purchase your tickets here.
Fridays after Five
Fridays After Five is a Charlottesville institution. Held from mid-April to early September and held in the Ting Pavilion in downtown Charlottesville, you can enjoy a free outdoor concert experience.
On every Friday from 5:30 – 8:30 PM, you can enjoy free music, with plenty of onsite food and drink vendors to purchase from as well. Enjoy a drink while people watching, as they can get a big crowd.
You can make a whole night of it and head off to dinner afterwards. As you’ll be right downtown, it makes it nice and convenient.
That finishes out my round-up of some of my favorite things to do when visiting Charlottesville! If you add these items to your itinerary, you are sure to get a true feel of the town.