Vacation in a valley of great beauty where there are mountains, national parks, wineries, old towns and year-round outdoor adventures.
Visit Shenandoah Valley to find historic towns, wineries, and cultural and outdoor attractions amid awesome landscapes. Explore underground grottoes, go hiking and rock climbing and learn about the area's pioneer past.
Get a feel for the valley's natural beauty by hitting the open road on one of the scenic drives, such as the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Wilderness Road follows routes taken by pioneer families migrating west in the 18th century. On the way, stop at historic towns to discover more about this part of American history. Visit the Frontier Culture Museum in Staunton or delve into all things military at the Virginia Military Institute and the George C. Marshall Museum in Lexington.
Take advantage of the wild scenery for year-round outdoor pursuits. Go horseback riding along trails that pass through the Shenandoah National Forest and hike forests and wilderness areas such as Shenandoah River State Park.
Try kayaking and rafting on the Shenandoah River and enjoy rock climbing and rappelling at Seneca Rocks. For skiing, snowboarding and other winter adventures plan a stay at Bryce Resort.
Discover natural wonders beneath your feet in the valley's caves and caverns. Venture underground for the grottoes of Grand Caverns, explore the cathedral-sized rooms of Luray Caverns beneath the Blue Ridge Mountains and study anthodite crystal formations, underground streams and a 37-foot (11-meter) waterfall at Skyline Caverns.
During your Shenandoah tour sample the produce from local wineries, craft breweries and cideries. These include Devils Backbone Brewing Company and Star in the Valley located high up on the foothills of Little North Mountain.
If there are children in your party, visit attractions aimed squarely at them. See giant dinosaur models at Dinosaur Land, get close to free-roaming animals at Virginia Safari Park and spend a day at Massanutten Waterpark, an indoor and outdoor waterpark.
Travel to the picturesque Shenandoah Valley by road, rail or air. Nearby airports include Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport and Washington Dulles International Airport, respectively 18 miles (29 kilometers) and 118 miles (189 kilometers) away.