Luray, VA

Travel Guide

A hiker on a rocky outcrop overlooking a mountainous landscape.
A winding road through a forest with autumn-colored leaves.
A mountainous landscape with autumn foliage.
Two hikers on a mountain trail with a view of a valley and distant mountains.
A winding mountain road with a stone wall on the right and a view of distant mountains.

Delve into eerie limestone caves, take a trip down Shenandoah River or discover the magnificent vistas on the Blue Ridge Mountains from this Virginian town.

Luray is a quaint town on the banks of Hawksbill Creek in Page County, Virginia. This Shenandoah Valley town features a charming historic downtown area and a range of exciting outdoor adventure opportunities, such as caving, whitewater rafting, fishing, boating and hunting. Use Luray as a base for your visit to Shenandoah National Park, Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains or the Luray Caverns.

Explore Luray’s downtown district to see residential, commercial and institutional buildings from the 19th and 20th centuries. Visit the Luray Singing Tower, also known as the Belle Brown Northcott Memorial, to see the impressive 1930s bell tower. Bell recitals are played on the tower’s carillon throughout the spring, summer and fall.

Opposite the bell tower, find the Luray Caverns. This awe-inspiring cave is the largest in the east United States and features natural formations. Join a tour and explore the depths of the eerie underground caves to see stalactites, stalagmites, spectacular rock draperies and alabaster columns. Experience the Great Stalacpipe Organ, a remarkable formation that can be used as a musical instrument. Nearby, find the Garden Maze, a half-mile (800-meter) hedge maze.

Experience the stunning Shenandoah Valley sights. Begin a river trip on the south fork of the Shenandoah River or Lake Arrowhead and go boating, whitewater rafting or fishing.

Discover the lush, forested landscape of Shenandoah National Park on a scenic trip along Skyline Drive. This mountain-ridge road offers Blue Ridge Mountain views and is particularly beautiful in the fall, when the color in the leaves begins to turn. Reach hiking trails from the road, including a section of the Appalachian Trail. Keep watch for black bears, deer and other wildlife when hiking.

Luray is located in Shenandoah Valley, Virginia. The nearest airport is Dulles International Airport, 78.4 miles (126.1 kilometers) away. Use Luray as a base for adventures in the outdoors during warm summers and snowy winters or as a scenic stopover on your Virginia road trip.

Skyland

Skyland

2 out of 5
Skyline Dr Mile 41.7 & 42.5 Luray VA
Fully refundable
$170 nightly
The price is $196 total per night from Sep 30 to Oct 1
$196 total
Sep 30 - Oct 1
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this hotel in Luray. Enjoy free parking, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,004 reviews)
"The views are so amazing, both from our room and the restaurant dining room. Enjoyed the serenity of the area, very beautiful!"

Reviewed on Sep 21, 2026

Skyland
Big Meadows Lodge

Big Meadows Lodge

3 out of 5
Mile 51.2 Skyline Drive Luray VA
$142 nightly
The price is $157 total per night from Sep 28 to Sep 29
$157 total
Sep 28 - Sep 29
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this hotel in Luray. Enjoy free parking, breakfast (surcharge), and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
7.8/10 Good! (930 reviews)
"Very comfortable room, good food and entertainment plus hiking trails - loved it!"

Reviewed on Sep 21, 2026

Big Meadows Lodge
Mimslyn Inn Historic Hotels Of America

Mimslyn Inn Historic Hotels Of America

3 out of 5
401 W Main St Luray VA
$163 nightly
The price is $188 total per night from Sep 29 to Sep 30
$188 total
Sep 29 - Sep 30
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Luray. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,003 reviews)
"We enjoyed the stay at Mimslyn very much! It is walking distance to town if you don’t mind walking up the hill which we did not. The rooms were a bit small and I would recommend removing a piece of furniture or two to give guests a bit more space but the rooms seemed clean. We traveled with an infant ..."

Reviewed on Sep 21, 2026

Mimslyn Inn Historic Hotels Of America
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Luray RV Resort on Shenandoah River

Luray RV Resort on Shenandoah River

2 out of 5
4253 U.S. 211 Luray VA
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Luray. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Luray Caverns and Dukes of ...
Luray RV Resort on Shenandoah River
Beautiful Romantic River front cabin with mountain views,fantastic location!

Beautiful Romantic River front cabin with mountain views,fantastic location!

Luray VA
Stay at this cabin in Luray. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Luray Caverns and Dukes of Hazzard Museum are located nearby.
9.8/10 Exceptional! (276 reviews)
"This was a very clean cabin. We had everything we needed. Hot tub was great, the view of the river was nice. Very peaceful , beautiful piece of property."

Reviewed on Sep 20, 2026

Beautiful Romantic River front cabin with mountain views,fantastic location!
Beautiful River Front Cabin with Mountain views

Beautiful River Front Cabin with Mountain views

Luray VA
Stay at this cabin in Luray. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Luray Caverns and Dukes of Hazzard Museum are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (285 reviews)
"I couldn’t ask for a better place to relax and enjoy quality time with family. The place is beautiful, exceptionally clean, and the host is incredibly responsive and attentive. We absolutely love coming here and look forward to every visit!"

Reviewed on Sep 13, 2026

Beautiful River Front Cabin with Mountain views
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Luray attractions

Things to do

Frequently asked questions

Is Luray worth visiting?
Luray is worth visiting for its unique natural wonders, such as the impressive Luray Caverns, and family-friendly fun at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park. Travelers can also enjoy diverse dining experiences, with options ranging from classic North American dishes to flavorful Italian cuisine, including pasta and pizza.
When is the best time to visit Luray?
The best time to visit Luray is from May through September, when the weather is generally pleasant for exploring. For fewer crowds and better value, the quieter months of November through February are a good option, with cooler weather and potential for snow.
What is Luray known for?
Luray is known for Luray Caverns, a major natural attraction. Travelers can also enjoy family activities at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park and access the nearby Thorton Gap Entrance to Shenandoah. The destination also offers a variety of North American food culture experiences.
What is a good itinerary length for Luray?
A good itinerary length for Luray is two to three days to experience highlights like Luray Caverns and explore the Thorton Gap Entrance of Shenandoah National Park. For an extended stay of four to five days, travelers can enjoy more time in Shenandoah National Park, take a private tour of Luray Caverns, or visit Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park. See Luray Activities.
What are the top things to do in and around Luray?
Luray offers natural wonders, family fun, and unique cultural attractions for travelers:


How do I plan a trip to Luray?
To plan your trip to Luray, search for places to stay on Expedia and book flights and rental cars in advance. Explore activities like a Luray Caverns Private Tour or the Shenandoah National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour. Remember to pair outdoor plans with indoor backups for weather flexibility, especially when visiting nature spots.
What cuisines can you find in Luray?
In Luray you can find Italian cuisine, with classic dishes like pasta, pizza, and lasagna. Travelers can also enjoy North American comfort food, Mexican specialties such as tacos, and other European and Asian options. There are also coffee shops for a quick bite or drink.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Luray?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Luray by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Luray with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Luray trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Luray?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Luray can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Luray trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Luray trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Luray trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Luray trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Luray?
If it's your first trip to Luray, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Luray hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Luray hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

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